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Anybody have a 1988 that can help me with VIN plate issue?

Discussion in '1st Gen 4Runners (1984-1989)' started by ri$e*above, Jan 23, 2018.

  1. Jan 23, 2018 at 8:53 AM
    #1
    ri$e*above

    ri$e*above [OP] New Member

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    Firstly, thanks for the add and hey to everyone in the forum!
    I've been looking for a nice 1st gen for a while, and I think that i found the one that I want. It's a 1988. Everything looks good, but I noticed that the firewall VIN plate is missing the actual VIN number that should be on the upper part of the tag...the 'Model Number' and the 'C/TR/A/TM' numbers are in the bottom of the plate, but they look to have been crudely scratched on. It does have VIN stickers on the doors, and a VIN plate on the bottom corner of the windshield that all match each other and match the title. Here's a photo of the actual VIN plate on the firewall and a picture of what info I found about how the plate should look...should I have concerns? Does anybody else have an 1988 that is like this?

    Capture+_2018-01-23-11-03-46.jpg
    ToyotaVIN-1.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2018
  2. Jan 23, 2018 at 9:35 AM
    #2
    Joey_B

    Joey_B New Member

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    check with the DMV and/or cops. does kinda look suspicious ?
     
    ri$e*above[OP] likes this.
  3. Jan 23, 2018 at 9:45 AM
    #3
    ri$e*above

    ri$e*above [OP] New Member

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    Not sure how i'd go about that...technically the VIN is there on the stickers and the VIN plate on the window.
     
  4. Jan 23, 2018 at 10:58 AM
    #4
    ri$e*above

    ri$e*above [OP] New Member

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    **UPDATE**
    I came across a couple of guys discussing a 1988 Minicruiser (RN7y5 series) and they showed these pictures of VIN plates that look the same as the one i mentioned above in that they're missing the VIN in the top corner. Does anybody have a 1988 that can confirm that the fN plate should look like this?

    1988 Mini Cruiser VIN plate 1.jpg
    1988 Mini Cruiser VIN plate 2.jpg
     
  5. Jan 23, 2018 at 11:14 AM
    #5
    OvrlandNoob

    OvrlandNoob New Member

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    Bilstein 6112 and 5160 with Bilstein rear coils. SPC UCA s, TRD Pro wheels, Shrockworks sliders, Nitto Ridge Grapplers 265/70/17
    If you are in California take it to the CHP and have them verify the vin or I guess Highway Patrol or State Police in other states. They have info on where else the vin should appear on the vehicle on plates and parts. This vin looks like it has been messed with because the rivets are not clean and all the numbers are scratched or obscured. If you get stopped you may be scrutinized. Best of luck.
     
  6. Jan 23, 2018 at 1:05 PM
    #6
    ri$e*above

    ri$e*above [OP] New Member

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    I'm in NJ. Not sure what to think. It has stickers on the doors and the window plate and they all match and the same as on title...maybe the firewall plate just came like that with no VIN and just the model and trim numbers? Be good if a '88 owner could verify.
     
  7. Jun 20, 2018 at 7:03 AM
    #7
    P50Runn

    P50Runn New Member

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    Starting Bilstein level to 1.75 front, Bilstein no lift rear. Upsize tires to Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx 275/70 R17 on original Alloys.
    I know this is way late, but we just got our 88 for my son and this is how the firewall plate is as well. image.jpg
     
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