factory VIN frame stamp correction?

[FJ in WY]

I was checking the frame VIN stamp on my 75 FJ40 and noticed the third number of the six number VIN had an 'x' stamped over it. Another number (5) was stamped immediately above the 'x' which is the appropriate number for my VIN (195505).

I've searched for VIN photos online but haven't found anything stamped like mine. All others look normal. I'm assuming that it was a factory correction from a weak stamp possibly but that's pure speculation. It also appears that a zero or 'o' was added prior to the 5 and possibly an 8 is lightly stamped inside that zero.

This VIN matches the plate on the driver door frame and all indications are the vehicle was manufactured in March 1975. That would rule out the 05 being a month of manufacture.

This is my first post and hopefully the photo is uploaded correctly.

Any insight?

 

[Simcoe]

Picture doesn't work. Says it's PDF. Did you use the upload file button?

 

[FJ in WY]

Picture doesn't work. Says it's PDF. Did you use the upload file button?

I was checking the frame VIN stamp on my 75 FJ40 and noticed the third number of the six number VIN had an 'x' stamped over it. Another number (5) was stamped immediately above the 'x' which is the appropriate number for my VIN (195505).

I've searched for VIN photos online but haven't found anything stamped like mine. All others look normal. I'm assuming that it was a factory correction from a weak stamp possibly but that's pure speculation. It also appears that a zero or 'o' was added prior to the 5 and possibly an 8 is lightly stamped inside that zero.

This VIN matches the plate on the driver door frame and all indications are the vehicle was manufactured in March 1975. That would rule out the 05 being a month of manufacture.

This is my first post and hopefully the photo is uploaded correctly.

Any insight?

 

[Rustynutz]

Along the same lines. I have paperwork that also has the right numbers on the tags but not the frame.
but i know why. Orig frame was rusted out and replaced.
Now what?
Well your guy just "changed his on his own"
Me- I carry my cut out numbers that match the title in the FJ.

 

[ToyotaMatt]

I can add one possible side ways supporting facts , I have a Serial Number-LESS 2F engine block , after some research here on MUD , Its been suggested it was a Factory Warranty Long block , installed at the dealer or prior to sale at the dealer

this is in a 1/79 FJ55 USA Spec

the installer / mechanic or technician was supposed to Hand Punch the Old engine ID serial # on the new block , witch does not make any sense what so-ever

so if they were hand stamping engine blocks at the dealer or port of call off the ship , then maybe this was a warranty or accident damage replaced / cosmetic blemish in the finish etc ...........frame of some kind ?

 

[-MaTTi-]

I'm assuming that it was a factory correction from a weak stamp possibly but that's pure speculation.

I’m assuming too. I have seen sometimes manufacturer’s correction in VIN numbers.

It also appears that a zero or 'o' was added prior to the 5 and possibly an 8 is lightly stamped inside that zero.

Might be TEQ-mark stamped as a proof of the correction.

 

[Rustynutz]

My opinion would be that if the factory had changed the numbers the letters would be the same shape. The O is not a flat bottom 0 and the 5 is oversized. I know you can buy factory correct punches on EB to match the size and style on an older Harley.
I could cut out the numbers oversized and weld in the plate and smooth it out.

 

[FJ in WY]

After really zooming in on the photo it appears that under the 'x' is a four. That four looks similar to the four in FJ40. Also the fives look the same as the fives in the pic posted by raging Matt.

If someone punched the number after it left the factory it sure looks like they used a punch with the factory font.

I'm leaning towards the possibility that it was on the assembly line at 0700 hrs on Monday morning or 1650 hours on Friday.

I appreciate the assistance and additional resources.

Also could you explain TEQ-mark, MaTTi. I've got a good hunch what TEQ-mark is but formal knowledge would also be appreciated.

 

[Simcoe]

I’m assuming too. I have seen sometimes manufacturer’s correction in VIN numbers.

Might be TEQ-mark stamped as a proof of the correction.

It does look like a sort of correction mark doesn't it

 

[wscbill]

The number under the 'x' appears to be an '8'. The 'O' with the 8 inside identifies the obscured value. The '5' following identifies the
replacement number.

Example 8's in the following image.

 

[togntime1]

Along similar lines - my frame doesn't have any numbers at all. I was originally made to believe that meant it was sold outside U.S., but have recently been told otherwise. If it is a border hopper, it's gotta be from Canada - tons of rust!