Sample V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number)
| Typical VIN Position Number |  |
| Position 1-3 | World Manufacturer Identifier |
| Position 4 | Restraint System Type Brake Type and GVWR Class (Trucks and Vans Only) |
| Position 5-7 | Line, Series, Body Type |
| Position 8 | Engine Type |
| Position 9 | Check Digit |
| Position 10 | Model Year |
| Position 11 | Assembly Plant |
| Position 12-17 | Production Sequence Number |
I once bought a 1968 Mercury Monterey sedan, very used, I was the third or
fourth owner. The guy who sold it too me bragged how powerful the 390 in it was,
how it would pull his trailer up Bondad Hill without downshifting, a very steep
hill for an automatic to pull in high gear. But when going through all the
paperwork in the glove box, going all the way back to the original owner, it
seems it had an engine code listed on the VIN “refer to maker.” Also enclosed
was a letter from Ford stating this had been an experimental engine, and when
ordering parts for it have the parts man refer to a certain code. All I knew was
that it ran pretty good, could haul a 4 wheeler in the trunk, and do incredible
burnouts. But I always wondered how that motor got into that production vehicle.
Years earlier I had bought a 1981 KZ750 brand new. When on a trip and the
head gasket leaked, I had it repaired under warranty. When they pulled off the
valve cover, inside was Japanese writing on it, stating this was an early
production motor and had been pulled for testing. Ridden hard, put away wet, I
guess Kawasaki was happy with it, and shipped it to me. When I complained that I
may have bought a used new bike, they gave me an additional 2 years warranty on
the entire bike, claiming the head gasket failure had nothing to do with the
testing, but would stand behind their motorcycle. Again a case of what is really
new, and when was it not new anymore.
Watching The Rockford Files the other day, it was about a friend of Jimmy’s
who had embezzled money on a Friday, say the 15th. Waiting for the statute of
limitations on the crime to expire, three years after he committed the crime
came out of hiding with the money. While celebrating with Rocky and Jim, the
police bust in and arrest him. He was in the clear by two days he thought, 3
years and two days to the day after he embezzled it. The police saw it
differently, stolen on Friday the 15th, the crime was reported on Monday the
18th, the day the case began for them, making the statute of limitations expire
three years from the 18th, not the 15th. Busted by his own stupidity and greed,
only a few days longer and he was clear, guilty but clear, now he was guilty and
would do time. The clock began running the day it was reported, not committed,
and only the real thief knew when it was embezzled.
Back to buying parts, no such thing as a 1965 1/2 Mustang, they are 1965’s,
but some early ones by VIN can be referred to as such. We had an early 1989 Ford
Probe, advertised as a 1988 1/2, again it was titled as a 1989. Go figure.
Federal law pays no heed creative advertising, and anything built after July 1st
is titled the next year, for example a car built on June 30th, 2014 is a 2014,
but built on July 1st, 2014 is a 2015. No matter how close they are, one is a
year newer for all practical purposes, why so many parts guys need the VIN,
whereas we used to need the build date. One day, one VIN number can make all the
difference. Honda for years titled their motorcycles by when they were sold,
not manufactured. So a bike built in 1971, advertised as a 1972, but sold in
1973 could be a 1973. Confused, again go by the VIN, and hope for the best.
Packard for their entire existence sold their cars identified as series. A
series could run for many years, until they brought out a new chassis or model,
then the series would change. True Packard fans know the series, then the year.
If in doubt, like their ad says “Ask the man who owns one.”
As a Christian I am a target many times of someone just wanting to start an
argument over Jesus. To prove that the Bible is wrong, Jesus didn’t exist, and
they can live on in their sin worry free about a final judgment. They always
will quote an obscure scripture showing how the Bible is wrong, therefore it
cannot be believed. And at Christmas time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus
on December 25th, they argue it is based on a pagan date, and have just enough
knowledge to argue he was really born around another date, but fall short of
proof, they are out to disprove, not prove. But here is an argument to consider.
Remember our Western minds are taught that life begins the day we are born
physically, where the Jews believe it begins at conception. So let’s suppose
when we celebrate his birth on December 25th we are correct, he was conceived on
that date. Truth to the Jews. But nine months later he was born, physically
brought into the world in September, during a census all would have to attend,
and around the Feast of Trumpets, when all would be on the way to Jerusalem. To
the Jewish audience he was born physically then, but conceived 9 months earlier
when they believe life begins around December 25th! Just a thought, we believe
he was born like the Bible says, it never emphasizes a date, and we are told to
celebrate his death, not his birth. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Scripture also tells
us he day we die is more important than the day we are born. Except in cars and
motorcycles. Again something to consider.
Abram was judged by God as righteous before he was circumcised, physical
evidence follows after spiritual birth. God loved us first, then we loved him,
not the other way around. Too many times we look at the promises and not the
promiser. Abram looked to the one who promised him, as we do when we are saved.
And then fall back on his promises when in trouble, forgetting he never left,
never changed, and never lost his love for you. If only a parts department could
be so understanding. Today go back to the faith that showed you who Jesus was,
who drew you to him and saved you. We are to walk by faith and not by sight, as
our father Abraham did. And when he did, God found him to be as righteous, not
because of who Abram was, but because of who God is. We are saved not because of
what we do, but on what Christ has done.
The statue of limitations on sin has no expiration date. Sin now with no
repentance and we enter eternity the same way. Hell. But when saved, and today
is the day of salvation, you can enter eternity and heaven, free and clear. But
it takes dying to sin, so maybe the Bible is right when it says that the day of
our death is more important, because dying to sin brings life in Christ. We are
all born sinners, it takes Jesus to save us. And the day we die and enter into
eternity in heaven, when the trumpet sounds like on the Feast of Trumpets and
all the workers are called home from the fields, we will know for sure, the day
of our death is better. Much better. But for now we have to trust God, the
promiser, then his promises.
We were all made with a unique VIN code called DNA, we are like no one
else. Yet God calls his son unique, begotten. And we can be like him. Remember
that on your next birthday, or to confuse the confused even more, send them a
Christmas card in September. Just like the saying says, “born twice, die once.
Born once, die twice.” No coincidence here, you must be born again. And who
couldn’t use another birthday to be remembered? Or a least the cake and gifts
that go with it.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with
understanding receive guidance. Proverbs 1:5. And look to the promiser and see
the promises delivered.
Now if we can only remember that when ordering parts. Now what year was
that blue Honda anyway? Aren’t you glad God knows your VIN!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com