Ishinc

Hey all,

I read the sticky with the buying guide and it was good. Does anybody know if the front and rear bumpers have vin stickers? I can't seem to find them. Also, my guess is that both front fenders should have vin stickers but I don't see the driver side on there. I have a good feeling it was in a minor fender bender on the driver front but would like to make sure.

Lastly, the rear passenger tire is completely chewed up on the inside edge to the point where I can see the metal but the wear looks pretty even. The stock run flats were replaced with some standard Kuhmos. Has there been know suspension problems on this model and year? I'm hoping it is just a tire defect and nothing major.


Thanks for any help!

VVTiBob

The tire wear problem is well documented. Brand is not relevant.

Beginning in 1997 the Feds required car manufacturers to mark major parts with car's VIN as an anti-theft measure. Those parts are:

(1) Engine.
(2) Transmission.
(3) Right front fender.
(4) Left front fender.
(5) Hood.
(6) Right front door.
(7) Left front door.
(8) Right rear door.
(9) Left rear door.
(10) Sliding or cargo door(s).
(11) Front bumper.
(12) Rear bumper.
(13) Right rear quarter panel (passenger cars).
(14) Left rear quarter panel (passenger cars).
(15) Right-side assembly (MPVs).
(16) Left-side assembly (MPVs).
(17) Pickup box, and/or cargo box (LDTs).
(18) Rear door(s) (both doors in case of double doors), decklid, tailgate, or hatchback (whichever is present).

If you can't fiad the label, it may be a replaced part or some more nefarious.

Ishinc

Thanks vvtibob! That is good info to know.

Normally i see the vin on the top of the bumpers hidden by a closed hood or closed trunk. Is this the case for the SC?

VVTiBob

FYI if the front fenders have their labels they should be near the front, in the channel under the seam between the hood and fender. The hood sticker should be near the centerline a few inches back from the leading edge.

VVTiBob

Since the bumper is actually a bumper cover, I suspect it's on the inside somewhere. Never looked for one. While the statute says front and rear "bumper" I wonder if that covers the plastic bumper cover, the actual steel bumper underneath, one or both????