[davis584]

Okay here's the story. I run a small repair shop in Iowa, A guy brought me an atv he had bought and the vin number has been scratched off. He would like me to find out if we can figure out what the vin was using the engine code or something else. The engine code is TE34E-8100501 and it is said to be an 09 rancher 420 2wd. Can anyone help? Is their another vin location besides the front frame cross member? Thanks, Jason

 

[SamUK]

There are usually stickers with the year on, I'm assuming these are also missing...? Usually found under the seat and somewhere under the front femder on the frame down tubes.

Some guys on here know how to identify the year by the engine code, unfortunately I don't. Somebody will be along shortly to help you I'm sure.

 

[Black0ut]

It would probably require chemical restoration to "raise" the numbers. I would look into "Nital." Sounds like a shady deal he got. I always get a bill of sale with all vin numbers recorded and signed off on.

 

[SamUK]

Blackouts is correct, you can get some traces of any stamped number back by using Hydrochloric acid on swabs and a 12 or 24 volt feed to the swabs. This will ONLY work If the number HASNT been welded over though. Might be worth a shot.

 

[Melatv]

Hi: The best advice is to tell him to demand his money back -- if the seller doesn't pay back, go to the police department.

 

[shadetree]

I agree, don't touch it, tell the man to take it back, and get his money back !. anytime I see a vin number missing ?..THIS IS A RED FLAG TELLING ME IT'S STOLEN !!!!. I won't touch an atv if the vin number is not on the frame !. as for finding out by the engine serial number ?, I don't know how that's done ?. and even if I did or do learn this ?, this still does not make it right for the vin number not being on the frame like it should !..lol.