Locating Original Owner - Any Suggestions?

[mrjordann]

About 4 years ago, I bought my 1973 FJ40 from someone who I knew was at least the 3rd owner. He doesn't have the contact of who he bought it from.

I posted in the 40 series section because I believe this problem is much more relevant with pre-1980s vehicles, since this was before the 17-digit VIN number was standardized. Now damn near every website tries to convince you that "FJ40148291" is not a valid VIN. (Although I love the short VIN because I can remember it at the department of licensing LOL)

Anybody got tips? Dealerships any help? Anybody found a private investigator that specializes in this kind of stuff? I know the DOL is very secretive about that kind of info. The only thing I know is which state it was probably sold new in.

Any and all idea appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Cruiser804]

You want to find the original owner? Why, if i may ask?

 

[1969FJ]

States are where titles originate. Depends on states integrity. ( Which I would not count on). So, if the title has a record from state A , they SHOULD record when and where it was titled. Then on to state B. You can try, but, states are pretty much losers these days.

 

[mrjordann]

You want to find the original owner? Why, if i may ask?

Sheer curiosity. I want to know the story of my Land Cruiser. It was my first car, and I never intend to sell it. I'm 19 now, and I bought it about 4 years ago after it had already lived a season 45 years on the road.

 

[Splangy]

You want to find the original owner? Why, if i may ask?

X2. How is this worth any amount of effort?

 

[brian]

hey look i have your old truck...

 

[firemanj92]

About 4 years ago, I bought my 1973 FJ40 from someone who I knew was at least the 3rd owner. He doesn't have the contact of who he bought it from.

I posted in the 40 series section because I believe this problem is much more relevant with pre-1980s vehicles, since this was before the 17-digit VIN number was standardized. Now damn near every website tries to convince you that "FJ40148291" is not a valid VIN. (Although I love the short VIN because I can remember it at the department of licensing LOL)

Anybody got tips? Dealerships any help? Anybody found a private investigator that specializes in this kind of stuff? I know the DOL is very secretive about that kind of info. The only thing I know is which state it was probably sold new in.

Any and all idea appreciated! Thanks!

I too just did the short trip of trying to re-affirm the history 6/1970 LC. Websites are useless for vehicles before 1982. The original stealership that sold the LC was a GMC/Olds/Caddy dealership but went defunct in the 2008 recession. I also found hints at one time it may have been a Toyo dealership but nothing solid. Our 6/1970 LC has equipment that is not found on pre-6/1970's so when I buy parts from Ccorps, SOR, CityRacer, etc I have to specify post 6/70-73. Nothing has been retrofitted except front disc's and I can't see why any of the previous owners would replace or add stuff like a speed generator but it's original to the truck. I have the service papers from when it was purchased in 2/1971 including it's 1st oil change through 20k miles (we only have 35k miles on it now). The original purchaser recorded the F-motor & frame numbers and they all still match!

I have no reason to doubt the PO with the story but just want to re-affirm it's history it with my own eyes. -J

 

[Steamer]

The owner of Papa John’s pizza attempted to locate and buy his long-gone Camaro that he sold when he was quite young.

He simply offered a $250,000 reward and soon got results.

 

[Living in the Past]

States are where titles originate. Depends on states integrity. ( Which I would not count on). So, if the title has a record from state A , they SHOULD record when and where it was titled. Then on to state B. You can try, but, states are pretty much losers these days.

I can tell you in AZ a early VINs and possibly later VINs are worthless. What matters is the Title number. 2002 I gave my 79 FJ40 to my daughter and her husband. Few years later when they got divorced the soon to be ex husband wanted it fine because he was keeping the house. Guessing it was about 2010. Title had never been transferred to their name. Ex claimed he couldn't find the title which was still in my name. Vehicle hadn't been registered for the road in over five years so title was title was purged from the system. I was told I would need to do a hand search at the MVD warehouse. Never did that. Few years later found a photo copy made title. Five minutes at a MVD office I walked out with a replacement title based on the title number not the VIN.

 

[Cruiser804]

Sheer curiosity. I want to know the story of my Land Cruiser. It was my first car, and I never intend to sell it. I'm 19 now, and I bought it about 4 years ago after it had already lived a season 45 years on the road.

Yeah I could see wanting to do that but I think it would require an exorbitant amount of time, money and luck.

 

[1MOA]

I know the original owner of my 77. He's dead but his daughter remembered getting rides in it with her brother back 21 years ago when it was parked. I go by every now and then since they are local.

 

[1969FJ]

The FJ40 and perhaps some muscle cars can really command a new owner seeking history. Very understandable. These vehicles continue to timeless. Not to many vehicles actually have museums for them.

 

[1966toylet]

I bought my ‘66 a couple years ago on eBay. In my efforts to register it here in California I had to take it to CHP to have a new VIN plate put on the fire wall. While at the CHP office they let me know it spent its entire life in Colorado. Maybe your state highway patrol can help with a lead - obviously won’t give a name but it’s a start.

 

[cbmontgo]

I’ve always wanted to find the original owner of my Australian HJ47 and see pics of its native days. I totally get it.

 

[sahelzer]

I want the find the original owner of my FJ 55 to ask why they thought installing carpet kit with 400 self tapping sheet metal screws was good idea.

 

[bikersmurf]

It could be useful to know what’s been changed.

My son’s first car was an ‘86 Nissan Pulsar NX. We bought it from the first family that bought it new.

I was able to answer a number of things for him:

1) Why the CV half shafts weren’t quite right... Because we had to replace the transmission with one from a Nissan Sentra.

2) Why electric pump and mechanical... the mechanical pump didn’t move enough fuel at idle due to a worn cam lobe. He thought it might explain his current random stall issue.

who knows.

If anyone ever bought my 40 long after I died, they might need help to figure out what brake parts or other bits were needed on my ‘74 with 4 wheel discs, FF axles, a ‘76 frame, 1981 hardtop, 1971 +/- hood, ‘72 350, ‘89 alternator... etc, etc.

 

[joevg3]

I purchased my first 40 in Parker CO in 1993 The original owner pulled me over (a Denver police officer). I was 21 and will never forget that. He had recently had a divorce and had to sell his car.

 

[mrjordann]

X2. How is this worth any amount of effort?

Sheer curiosity. I want to know the story of my Land Cruiser. It was my first car, and I never intend to sell it. I'm 19 now, and I bought it about 4 years ago after it had already lived a season 45 years on the road.

 

[mrjordann]

I purchased my first 40 in Parker CO in 1993 The original owner pulled me over (a Denver police officer). I was 21 and will never forget that. He had recently had a divorce and had to sell his car.

That's neat. Stories like this are why I want to contact the original owner!

 

[mrjordann]

It could be useful to know what’s been changed.

My son’s first car was an ‘86 Nissan Pulsar NX. We bought it from the first family that bought it new.

I was able to answer a number of things for him:

1) Why the CV half shafts weren’t quite right... Because we had to replace the transmission with one from a Nissan Sentra.

2) Why electric pump and mechanical... the mechanical pump didn’t move enough fuel at idle due to a worn cam lobe. He thought it might explain his current random stall issue.

who knows.

If anyone ever bought my 40 long after I died, they might need help to figure out what brake parts or other bits were needed on my ‘74 with 4 wheel discs, FF axles, a ‘76 frame, 1981 hardtop, 1971 +/- hood, ‘72 350, ‘89 alternator... etc, etc.

that's exactly what I mean. My rig is a s*** show, electrically... I want to know what's been done to it lol