Why would I have different VIN numbers?

[Reign_Maker]

The VIN plate on my dash and doors are the same, however, my vin plate in the engine bay is different...

And the wierd part: the inside has a MA71 vin and the engine bay has a MA70 vin...

wtf? Is this an f'up from Toyota? *the car is an 87*

wierd huh?

 

[Dirgle]

According to a post by Jeff Lang over on supraforums, the VIN# MA71 denotes a Turbo and MA70 denote an N/A. However the one on the firewall is the chassis code. The MA70 is the North American chassis, and the MA71 is everywhere else(supposedly)

If you have an account with Supraforums here is the thread: http://www.supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262345&highlight=MA70+MA71+turbo+N/A

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

ALL engine bay chassis stamps are MA70. All of them. Turbos are MA71 VIN, but still say MA70 blah blah. I have personally seen an MA70 VIN stock turbo

 

[Justin727]

maybe its time for you to sell your car perhaps jake??

 

[Reign_Maker]

No no no, you guys misunderstand, Im sorry... Yeah, I know the stamp on the body is going to say MA70... What Im talking about is the vin "plate" on the driver's side firewall in the engine bay... Not the vin stamp on the passenger fire wall...

Justin: no... I havent even broken it... yet, LOL!

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

Same thing. It'll say something that'll let you know its turbo (whether its the R154, 7M-GTE, or whatever) but chassis will be MA70

 

[Jeff Lange]

Same thing. It'll say something that'll let you know its turbo (whether its the R154, 7M-GTE, or whatever) but chassis will be MA70

No, all the VIN numbers should match, if the one on that data tag doesn't match the rest of the car, it was probably changed so that the insurance would think it's an N/A, that's my guess.

The chassis stamp and VIN are 2 completely different things, and the VIN numbers on all parts of a car should be 100% exactly identical, no variations.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

No, all the VIN numbers should match, if the one on that data tag doesn't match the rest of the car, it was probably changed so that the insurance would think it's an N/A, that's my guess.

The chassis stamp and VIN are 2 completely different things, and the VIN numbers on all parts of a car should be 100% exactly identical, no variations.

Yes, I said that. The chassis stamp will always be MA70. I'm agreeing with you here, Jeff I'm saying the chassis badge will tell you your tranny, rear diff, etc.

 

[Jeff Lange]

Yeah, I'm just saying that the data tag with all that information, tranny code, diff code, color code, has your VIN on it, which should definitely read MA71 if you have a Turbo. I believe it also has the model code on it, which will have MA70 IIRC.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

correct, mine has MA70 chassis code and MA71 vin

 

[kwnate]

basically your car is a wreck, so get the sawzall out, cut off the front clip and ship it to me... I need more HP! JK

Sorry I can't help on the VIN, unless the car was pieced together after a hurricane or something?

 

[bryanintexas]

are you sure you`re not reading the "model no." on the aluminum plate on the firewall?! all toyota`s had the info plate on the firewall until 89. all u.s destination models are "ma70-xxxxx"... you will also find your color code there and axle code etc.

 

[bryanintexas]

...if this is what you`re looking at, there is no vin....
model: ma70l-xxxxxxx

c/tr/ac/tm: (color code) (trim code) (axle code) (transmission)

example (042) (fd82) (g315) (r154)

before dealers used "vin" #`s, you had to get these #`s for them to identify parts on the old microfiche. now, you give them the vin and "whola" the epc filters it all!

 

[mcpcola]

Justin: no... I havent even broken it... yet, LOL!

NO you broke it

 

[Adjuster]

I've seen a few cars put together from parts of others. That mixes up the VIN numbers pretty well.

Any signs of non factory welds, or seam sealer anywhere under the hood? Could be they did a simple front clip, or used some parts off another car, and if the job was done right, your fine. (Does not weaken the car. If anything, it's stronger if the job is done right.)

Most insurance companies will not replace the cowl or "firewall" of a vehicle. (Where the main VIN plate is attached and in many cases, stamped into the metal too.) There are hidden VIN's all over the car. They don't even let me know where many of them are, but experianced body men know where most are since they see them while replacing parts of the car. Hidden VIN's are often on the inside of panels you can't see w/o knowing exactly where to look, and it takes a mirror in some cases.)


I'd get more information, and make sure you looking at VIN numbers, and not some other information. If the numbers really don't match, your car/chassis is likely a prior total loss. (Or really more than one of them.)