Missing VIN from 1989 MKIII

[SupraSleuth]

I recently discovered that the VIN attached to the dash and visible through the windshield is missing from my Supra. My first thought was that somehow it had come loose, but I did not find it following careful inspection along the top of the entire dash. Now I am beginning to think that my VIN was stolen. I am curious to know if anyone has had a similar experience and whether it's possible to determined if there's another Supra out there that's registered under my VIN.

[supra_91]

its very possible that you have a stolen car on your hands. did you buy it from someone else or have you had it for awhile. if you've had it for awhile just check your registration card....if your registered that is

[SupraSleuth]

I purchased this car new so I have the VIN among my records. I just think it's very odd that my VIN is now gone and was curious if anyone has had a similar experience. I am also curious to know if anyone is aware of a way that I can check to see if another Supra is registered under my VIN number.

[supra_91]

i've never heard of the VIN plate just fall off. i wonder if you cant go to your local DMV and check

[bills1988]

Your question got me curious so I went and looked at my 1988 MKiii. My windshield is original and there is a 4-inch gap in the black edging just over the steering column that reveals the VIN plate. When I first looked (in the garage) all I could see was a plate fastened with 2 rivets and overwritten many times with "Toyota". The plate was there, but I could not see the VIN. I got a flashlight and at the right angle, I could see the VIN finely etched in what looked like a piece of glass or plastic. Sort of like a watermark? Look again, and if you want, I can upload a picture.

[Bill UK]

Lots of pic`s on HERE showing the vin plate fixed to the bulkhead on the drivers side.

[bills1988]

In addition to the location on the dash which is visible in the lower windshield, there are at least 3 other places on my 88 Supra. The most permanent is a plate on the driver's side door post (by the latch). This plate has the date of manufacture as well as the VIN. There are two other stickers in the engine compartment on either side attached to the right and left fenders which also have the VIN.
The plate on the bulkhead has some numbers but does not contain the VIN.

[Busted Knuckles]

I've been told that the VIN number is really hard to read on these Supras. My emissions guy tried to read it, but settled for the VIN on the inside of the door. It also had a barcode, so the scanner read it right in. My car also has VIN numbers on the windows (etched for anti-theft). I understand there are two more locations on the car for it, one of them being hidden by the manufacturer and known only to law enforcement.

[SupraSleuth]

The VIN plate on the dash, just below the windshield was quite easy to read; I remember looking at it on several occasions when I needed to get my VIN for insurance and other purposes. But now that plate is definitely gone. Either if fell off, or someone removed it. In addition, I now see 2 rivits with "Toyota" overwritten in the rectangular area where the VIN plate was once affixed. This was described in an early post so I must assume that this vehicle also has a missing VIN plate.