Corvette history based on VIN

[John H.]

Re: Can Polk do VIN and Horsepower?

Lyle -

They can only put horsepower with a VIN where the VIN did that originally, and that didn't start until 1972 - there's no "magic" involved.

[Chris Patrick]

Re: Corvette history based on VIN - not really

Many states long ago had very little information on the titles and/or registrations. The usual name, address, year, make, VIN are common. Some actually included exterior color but not all. Many used taxable horsepower, which can be used to determine displacement, but not horsepower. A 390 hp and an L88 have the same taxable hp. Many states that used the weight field used it only for trucks or trailers, or in some states, second division vehicles (commercial or non-passenger in some states).

Cylinders --- don't you already know?
Model Year --- ditto and as part of taxable hp
Engine Code --- I've never seen this, except as the VIN coding
Displacement (CID/CC) --- ditto
Performance / Supercharged -- truck, maybe, never passenger
Fuel Type/ Turbocharged -- some states have fuel type, i.e., gas or diesel
Fuel Delivery System -- only if it is in the VIN
Trim Level -- again, in the VIN
Gross Vehicular Weight -- many states do this, but half are inaccurate. They can be shipping weight, advertised weight, actual weight, or even the 1500, 2500, and 3500 on the side of a Chevy truck.
Drive Wheels --- never seen this except in VIN
Body Style --- In VIN
Body Family --- In VIN

Half of the Corvettes I had were registered as "Chev 2dr" or "Chev conv" on the title or registration, even though I had filled out Chevrolet Corvette 2dr coupe etc or Chevrolet Corvette 2dr convertible.

Most of these things we can find from a VIN search. I think the only valuable information you will get from Polk are previous owners names and addresses for the requested year, in this case, 1980. But since they can't give names and addresses, I dont think you will get anything at all.

I think you need to send them a couple of numbers and ask for a sample to see if the information is worth pursuing. To avoid them thinking they are being conned into giving you your information, you need to give them something that would do you no good, like a well-known vehicle that is already known, or one that you owned in 1980, so the information can be verified and it will give you no gain.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Can Polk do VIN and Horsepower?

John

The information above says they have an engine code that is what I was refering to and I have no idea what it is Polk is saying. No need to ask Polk about a 72 up as you said one would allready have the information.

Lyle

[Terry F.]

Re: Corvette history based on VIN

I would be interested. Thanks, Terry

[Dino L.]

Re: Corvette history based on VIN

RL Polk is running a search for me on a known C2 Corvette VIN where the multi-state and year whereabouts are known, which will verify accuracy of the database. I will update everyone if the results ping positive, I have to agree the data pre 1972 will yield very little VIN info, but I am hopeful that the data could shed light on previous state locations providing new leads for us searching previous owners, etc.

[Stan E.]

Re: Corvette history based on VIN YEA Right

Dino, Would a Polk state vehicle registration search be limited to 1980 only? stan#19259

[Jim R.]

Re: Corvette history based on VIN YEA Right

If they ever have this info available the 427 /435hp guys will be sweating!