engine number

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syncro4us
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engine number

Post by syncro4us »

I wanted the engine number on our LHD 1986 Syncro Joker 2.1 DJ for insurance purposes.
Now normally its a 6 figure number starting in our case with DJ as its this engine and its usually located on the base casting of the oil cooling tower eg DJ 035648.

However on ours it has only a VW logo stamp with three digits 179 IE: VW179 stamped on the casting. We know the engine was rebuilt by VW themselves in 1998 and the previous owner ( which was the German Embassy ) spent 30,000 euros on the VW in Bonn, Germany at the time . Does anyone know about these VW stampings or is there an alternative place for the serial number?

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Re: engine number

Post by silverbullet »

That's it. A recon serial number. Why are your insurers so twitchy about the engine number? Have you spoken to Christian Gauter at Classicline?

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syncro4us
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Re: engine number

Post by syncro4us »

Sadly my insurers Carol Nash like a lot of companies pay so little to their staff that they employ it seems school leavers who have failed their o levels and don't now an engine number from a vin number that the guy had to keep going to a manager when I queried things instead of experienced staff that can look forward to a company pension that actually stay for 20-30 years and actually KNOW things!
Its a sad reflection on society that I spent the best part of an hour trying to convince them a VIN number is better as so many vehicles of this age have engine chnges anyway so the bozo just couldn't decide so said put in the engine number and VIN number, I really really dispare with the logic and capabilities of the human race sometimes hence coming onto this site to get some good advice so will try the company you suggest and see what they say.

We also want to go on extended travels but with Brexit looming how do people get insurance to drive abroad other than the usual 30 day Green card etc?

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Re: engine number

Post by Syncrobaz »

We use Academy (ex Glynwood) for both our Syncros Never asked for a vin no or engine no, just the reg.
Syncronaut no 152
92 RHD mv panel van
94 RHD jx doka 16"

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Splurt
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Re: engine number

Post by Splurt »

I can highly recommend Classicline for service and openness to non-original modifications. They were competitive on price and include a very good breakdown package.

They didn't bat an eyelid when I talked through the long list of non standard/original bits on my van, engine, suspension, bodywork, etc. They can also certify an agreed valuation (the form for this required VIN/Engine number).

Touch wood I will never require their services but its nice to have piece of mind that all has been declared without issue and that they wont be trying to wiggle out of a claim on a technicality.
Ryan

89 - 1.8T AGU - SA Syncro - Hightop Camper 

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Aidan
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Re: engine number

Post by Aidan »

recon engine 179 would I believe be from week 17 1999, and the actual date may be stamped on the heads along with the initials of the guy who built it, bit it maybe they changed the numbering system from time to time and only those from the early 2000s that were built in Poland have the week and year numbering or that it's actually a sequential number and the year and I've misinterpreted it, VW couldn't or wouldn't tell me when I bought a number of these engines back in 2004/5, but theu had a date and initials on the heads but that was very small and unlikely to be readable now, but it was a nice touch and visible when they were fresh out of the crate.

since you have a UK address it will be possible to get travelling insurance but it'll be a pain, the system doesn't readily cope with people doing their own thing. I guess you didn't bother with such niceties when you travelled for extended times before ? My friends from NZ had difficulty getting 3 months cover for Europe when they were leaving the UK as they no longer had a UK address, but they did manage it.

Most insurance isn't worth the paper it's printed on in my opinion, if they can wriggle out of paying out or doing right by you they will; it's just a scam to prop up capitalism which is why so many people feel no guilt about scamming the insurers for new carpets and other accidental damage. If it was really meant to be fair scheme to cover accidents on the road it would be operated nationally through a tax on fuel like in New Zealand and you wouldn't have to have a policy of your own, so those who drive the most miles pay the most into the scheme; if you wanted extra protection for fire and theft then you'd pay a separate premium on top. Most people are paying most insurance to protect some one else's risk, just like paying for parcel protection to insure against the parcel companies not doing their job right, and then they make the conditions onerous or limited to value on many things like musical instruments. IMHO of course :lol:

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Re: engine number

Post by scotttie »

I have just got a quote with Brentacre for next year and they will provide 365 days of European cover. So far I've been quite happy with the customer service as I've been able to speak to the same person on separate occasions meaning they are familiar with my quote. Can't comment on how good they are but it was the only insurer that would provide this length of european cover, and I did try pretty much everyone! Having a London postcode didn't do me any favours though... They haven't asked for a VIN or engine number.

Scott
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syncro4us
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Re: engine number

Post by syncro4us »

Aidens suggestion of the engine number seems about right as we know it was rebuilt in 1999.

Regarding insurance I went to classic line and was quoted £300-£400 for a year insurance agreed value £25,000 restricted to 5000 miles which is pretty useless for travel. Also a valuation by Christian Gauter is £24 on top.
As I am currently paying just £143 agreed value 10,000 but have since had loads of restoration work of at least £15,000 for welding, paint spraying and new components so intend to up it but still cant seem to convince insurers that we use the 33 year old vehicle to travel not as a show piece at rallies sdo they quibble about mileage and draw in breath when you mention you like Europe and plan trips around.
Why is this country so isolationist and blinkered to the rest of the world

One final point Aiden made and that when we went to New Zealand we also learnt that insurance is government controlled so in an accident they arbitrate so they don't end up with legal expenses of millions for scratching someone's car etc as in America as insurance has got all out of hand and as Aiden said not worth the paper its printed on. Its a great system but the bozo's in the UK government would not be able to cope with something so scientifically simple!

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Re: engine number

Post by silverbullet »

Mine are covered by Footman James on a Classic Collector's policy which includes the daily runabout Berlingo, unlimited mileage, salvage rights etc
You need three vehicles to qualify, of which one can be a "modern" car or van.
Works out at about £200 per vehicle.

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syncro4us
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Re: engine number

Post by syncro4us »

The latest reply about a valuation from my insurers after a delay of about a week. concerning our restored 1986 VW Westfalia Joker 2.1 LHD with Diff locks back and front
£15,000 spent in the last 2 years on welding and a new paint job, new windscreen, internal components eg sink parts batteries Instrumment cluster, new Pop top etc inside and out to bring it to a very good condition as original with including an LPG conversion that we had done 10 years ago and is superb.

Having completed the valuation form, supplied about 15 photos, given evidence from adverts on Mike Plompens site (Busman) one being for E35,000 I requested a re valuation of £25,000 based on this and the fact that we have spent £15,000 on the vehicle (Original cost in 2005 was £7500 so thought it was reasonable.
After weeks of hassles with the firm called Carole Nash who are impossible to phone we are at the end of our tether so can anyone suggest a person to give a formal value

Carole Nash wrote
"Our specialist team have looked at your request and would need a club valuation to consider an agreed value of £25k please bare in mind this won’t guarantee the amount being agreed and we may have to find you cover with another insurer if this is applicable."

Kind Regards,

Classic Car Agreed Value
Carole Nash


So anyone in the 80-90 club do club valuations as my firm cant seem to cope with simple requests or otherwise help
Thanks
Kevin and Han

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