truckerger wrote:
I don't know much about VIN numbers and the dates making a difference in the length of them, but mine is 1973 Monaco and it has a three digit VIN.
Dannbo wrote:
I think eleven number vins are pre 1973. My 1973 manual for Dodge motorhome chassis refers to a thirteen number vin. Who knows?? I have spent many hours on the search for things. Try to google VIN search and go from there narrowing down as you go.
Quite often I'm told that the chassis were purchased from the manufactures one or two years ahead of the actual build. You could check with some of the experts on this site, but I think vin numbers changed from whatever??? to thirteen numbers around this time. Good luck in your search.
I think eleven number vins are pre 1973. My 1973 manual for Dodge motorhome chassis refers to a thirteen number vin. Who knows?? I have spent many hours on the search for things. Try to google VIN search and go from there narrowing down as you go.
Quite often I'm told that the chassis were purchased from the manufactures one or two years ahead of the actual build. You could check with some of the experts on this site, but I think vin numbers changed from whatever??? to thirteen numbers around this time. Good luck in your search.
I don't know much about VIN numbers and the dates making a difference in the length of them, but mine is 1973 Monaco and it has a three digit VIN.
Mine is a 1970 Explorer on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis and the serial number (VIN) is ten digits.
Serial numbers (or VIN) changed several times, ending with a federally mandated format sometime in the 70's.
Encoded is the VIN is the place of manufacture, date, original engine size, etc.; usually the last five or six digits are an actual serial number and the preceding is encoded information.
The serial number is what actually told me I had a "split year" motorhome, in which the vehicle model year differs from the chassis manufacture date. (Mopar changed format between 1969 and 1970.)
In short, the serial number is assigned by the chassis manufacturer but the model year for registration purposes is assigned by the final manufacturer.
(In the older Mopars, part numbers also contained an encoded date that indicates when that particular part was put into service ... although a given part might be used for many years, it does indicate some of the history.)
Griff
Griff's Custom Classic Motorhome Projects (www.riffgan.com/motorhome/)
A forum containing a section just for Do........torhomes (www.wildmopartruckcountry.com)
* This post was edited 03/06/06 07:19pm by Griff in Fairbanks *
1970 Explorer Class A on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis with 318 cu. in. (split year)
1972 Executive Class A on a Dodge M375 chassis with 413 cu. in.
1973 Explorer Class A on a Dodge RM350 (R4) chassis with 318 engine & tranny from 1970 Explorer Class A
Dannbo wrote:
Sounds to me a bit more investigation is needed. A three number vin would not allow for much information to be delivered to the customer. Post a pick of your info plate and see if anyone can help you out. Or just type out exactly what it says.
Sounds to me a bit more investigation is needed. A three number vin would not allow for much information to be delivered to the customer. Post a pick of your info plate and see if anyone can help you out. Or just type out exactly what it says.
I'm not worried about the VIN being only three digits. It was first registered in CA. with this VIN # and still is. I was only letting you all know that there are some weird numbers out there.
Relax...Were almost there!
Regarding your LOT in Life: Build something on it ... or park your Dodge on it.">
Bill & Laurie
1976 Dodge Sportsman Midas Mini 226
I know it's going to need some new steering parts to pass the state safety inspection. Are parts like that still pretty readily available from NAPA or other auto parts stores?
Mark & Joyce Noeltner
and our Chihuahuas Chico and Cricket
Mark & Joyce Noeltner
2005 Fleetwood Fiesta 26Y
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport
mnoeltne wrote:
I know it's going to need some new steering parts to pass the state safety inspection. Are parts like that still pretty readily available from NAPA or other auto parts stores?
I know it's going to need some new steering parts to pass the state safety inspection. Are parts like that still pretty readily available from NAPA or other auto parts stores?
My '76 Midas needed the work done as well. We did not have difficulty in getting parts. Don't skimp on the steering. Ours is nice and tight and we appreciate it each time the wind blows on the freeway or when a Semi passes. Air bags on the rear are the next add to the rig.
Welcome to the Forum.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/cool.gif "cool")
new v'er wrote:
My '76 Midas needed the work done as well. We did not have difficulty in getting parts. Don't skimp on the steering. Ours is nice and tight and we appreciate it each time the wind blows on the freeway or when a Semi passes. Air bags on the rear are the next add to the rig.
Welcome to the Forum.
My '76 Midas needed the work done as well. We did not have difficulty in getting parts. Don't skimp on the steering. Ours is nice and tight and we appreciate it each time the wind blows on the freeway or when a Semi passes. Air bags on the rear are the next add to the rig.
Welcome to the Forum.
Thanks! I plan on replacing every steering component that needs it, as I like going the direction I point the wheel. I drove this one home, about 300 miles. It did OK, and wasn't much worse than some of the old farm trucks I've driven, but I know tight steering will make it safer and more comfortable to drive.
Anything beyond needed essentials will have to wait. I suspect that we won't keep it real long if we like RVing. The sleeping positions in this model leave a lot to be desired. My DW has already picked out a couple of possible replacements. And I learned long ago that what DW wants, DW gets! It makes life so much more pleasant!
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Mark & Joyce
along with Chico & Cricket the Chihuahuas