VIN # 1960 Cadillac Eldorado

[Whit]

I hate to ask what will likely be viewed as a naïve question, but is the engine number the same as the VIN # in todays vernacular? I find references to the engine number, which is stamped on the frame and the engine, but I find no reference to a VIN #. Are they one in the same?

Thanks   Whit

[David Greenburg]

Whit:

Technically, there was no VIN for these cars, but the "serial number" on the door tag, the frame and the engine (left side of block, just above oil pan) will all be the same on a " matching numbers" car.  There is also an engine unit number stamped on the upper rear block (forget which side), which will be different.  Check the shop manual for location details.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

The trouble with the modern connotation of a VIN Number, is that it has to involve something like 17 numerals and letters and when filling out a form, if all the "boxes" aren't filled in, then they will be rejected.

The term VIN came in at the end of the '60's, when the Automotive Industry became more Federally Mandated, and each and every State, Territory, and most Countries adopted the similar system.   This "standardisation" allowed for interdepartmental cross-referencing for all brands, makes, etc.

The old method of Engine Number and Frame/chassis/body Number was soon forgotten by the Registration and Licencing Authorities as vehicles weren't supposed to last much belong a few years.

It is us "Oldies", and lovers of old cars that still "annoy" them.   The younger "keyboard" operators at these registration areas aren't trained sufficiently in the older vehicle requirements.

One only has to mention VIN, and everyone is supposed to recognise it as the 17 Number/Letter code.   BUT, Technically, A Serial Number is still a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)   But, as there are letters included, the Number word is actually incorrect.   As it should be referred to as a Vehicle Identification Code (VIC).

Bruce.

[Whit]

Thanks David and Bruce...the numbers on the engine and frame match...I'll check the door tag when I go to my other location where the body is on the rotisserie. I am assuming that the number (60E-028804) is in essence the VIN number in todays vernacular.

Can anything be found out about this car's history from this number?

Whit

[76eldo]

The VIN number for legal purposes is the one on the left front part of the frame.
It's a stamped number in between two * marks.

For registration purposes its the number that should be on the title too.
On an Eldorado, its an added bonus value wise if the number on the engine matches the VIN.

If you ever export a car, they will use the door  jamb plate if its there. If not you need to have the frame number cleaned off and clearly visible and it needs to match the paperwork exactly.

The 17 digit format started sometime in the early to mid 70's.

If you have a matching numbers Eldo that's a great thing!

Brian

[Roger Zimmermann]

The 17 digit format started sometime in the early to mid 70's.

Brian, the 17 digit format began in 1981. 1980 and some years earlier, there were 13 digits.

[76eldo]

I stand corrected.
I was thinking my 76 had the longer vin but I didn't check.

Brian

[936CD69]

Starting in 71 they used a 13 digit VIN, changed in 72 and used the same until the 17 digit started. This was done to add an engine code to the VIN. For example, a 72 coupe deVille would have a VIN starting with 6D47R2Qxxxxxx. The 17 digit VIN had codes for restraint system, ETC

[Whit]

Checked my 'numbers' yesterday and they all match...a good thing I think. Thanks to all for the educational input on VIN#s and how they relate to the earlier designations.

Whit