VIN locations on '00 Formula?

**StuntmanMike** · 08-30-2007, 10:11 AM

Just picked up a '00 Formula the other night.

Stupid RI requires a VIN check to be performed at a police station before title/registration can be issued.

So I go to the police station today, but the guy could only find it at the base of the windshield. Apparently they have to see it twice on the car to pass. For some reason the sticker wasn't on the driver's door (maybe hit? Thanks Carfax!!).

So now I can't register it. Does anyone know any other locations where I can find the VIN?

Thanks!

**2001NBMZ28** · 08-30-2007, 10:57 AM

Don't know if this helps, but here's what my Helms says: "The last 5 digits of the assembly plant sequential number are stamped onto the rear side of the front sill (tie bar). This number is the same as the last 5 digits on the VIN plate." There is also a VIN "derivitive" location on the engine at the right front or left rear on the block - couldn't find it on the front of mine. Don't know if a partial VIN is good enough for them?

**98formy** · 08-31-2007, 04:46 AM

If you take loose the passenger side weatherstripping along the windshield only and then take out the four screws that hold that brown/black weatherstripping retainer on, underneath that is what I would call a "secret" VIN location. I have seen it on three different 93+ f bods when I do a t-top conversion.

**StuntmanMike** · 08-31-2007, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the info!

The guy said he needed to see a 17digit number, or a 6 digit number. Not sure which part of the vin the 6 digits are.

As far as pulling back the windshield weatherstrip, can I just pull it aside and put it right back, or is it more involved than that? Also, is the number located more toward the base or top of the windshield?

And where is the front sill, or tie bar? I'm not sure what part of the car that is.

Thanks!

**StuntmanMike** · 09-03-2007, 06:55 PM

I just wanted to bump this, I'm hoping I can get some more info.

Just got back from FL tonight, hopefully I can look at the car tomorrow and find it.

**98formy** · 09-04-2007, 05:12 AM

You can just give it a careful little tug and it will come out of there. You do need a phillips screwdriver to take out the top screw and the retainer, then use a flat screwdriver to put the stripping back in the retainer carefully. Should only take about five minutes total.

**StuntmanMike** · 09-04-2007, 01:52 PM

You wouldn't happen to have any pics, would you? I took off the retainer, at least I think I did, it's the part with 4 screws in each side that sits between the t-tops right? The t's fit under it? So I took that off, the number wasn't under there. Now is the number located right at the top of the windshield UNDER the weatherstripping?

To pull the weatherstripping (the windshield gasket, right?) off, do I have to start at the base of the windshield and pull all the way around? And does it pull out by hand, or do I need to pry it out? And when I put it back in, does it go back in the way it came out, or do I need to get a new gasket?

And at first I thought you meant under the wiper cover on the cowl, I pulled that piece off this morning but it wasn't there.

This is driving me crazy..... If I can't find it, I can't register the car.

**StuntmanMike** · 09-11-2007, 10:33 AM

I'm all set....FINALLY.

Just got back from the registry, I got my registration and plates after passing the VIN inspection at the state garage.

They put it on the lift, turns out a partial VIN is stamped into the driver's side of the tranny right above the pan. I could have sworn I looked there myself, but then again, what a difference a lift makes as opposed to lying on your back on the ground.