Reg/Tagging Vintage Metzger Machine & Engineer Sportsman Trailer

[obxway]

I have yet to find the VIN number for my Metzger Sportsman Trailer; I hope to float the boat this weekend and take another look at the trailer - in the tongue or flip it upside down.

I did find a sticker on the trailer that listed the model number, serial number and the manufacturer wmi; which all add up to 15 - if I include the length of the trailer that would be 17.
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I was told ​​that the VIN should be 17 - Question: Would the model, serial, wmi & length constitute a 1960/70 boat trailer VIN number?

 

[GA_Boater]

There were no rules about VIN standardization until 1981. '81 is when the 17 character VIN began and prior to '81 ID numbering was determined by the manufacturer and totally random.

With an older trailer, the serial number is the identifier. You're inventing a non-existant VIN. :smile:

Did you get paperwork with the trailer? Who told you to look for a 17 character VIN - The state?

 

[obxway]

Thanks for your reply ... No paperwork came with the trailer; Va DMV said that the VIN number would be 17 characters. I could not find any Va DMV documentation that specified that prior to 81 a serial number would be considered the VIN.

DMV also suggested that I could bring the trailer to an authorized DMV site for a $120 trailer inspection; in turn they would issue a VIN.

Somewhat confusing...

 

[jbcurt00]

....
DMV also suggested that I could bring the trailer to an authorized DMV site for a $120 trailer inspection; in turn they would issue a VIN.

Somewhat confusing...

The states 120 inspection gets you a state issued VIN (listing it as a home built) which will work. They might also give you 2 VIN plates w that # on them to rivet (permanently adhere [ie: not screwed on]) one onto the trailer and 1 to keep, or at least WV does......

Is the 120 all on? Inspection, VIN and title/registration in your name and a license plate?

If so, not too bad. I think it was 85 or 90 all in for the last 1 I did here in WV as a home built w 2yr tags for a little 14ft semi-V trailer......

 

[GA_Boater]

Nothing confusing at all. Your trailer has no VIN because they weren't required before 1981.

The state will issue a VIN to bring the trailer up to 2019 standards, then you can do whatever is required for registration.

Or scrap the trailer and buy one already registered with the legal paperwork.

 

[obxway]

Thanks to all who posted - I'm going to get it inspected, reg. and tagged. It's a good trailer and it fits my 1960 wellcraft runabout. Thanks Again!