One step to discourage thieves from stealing your ITR is to etch the VIN (vehicle identification number) onto each of the windows, as well as on other parts. This prevents the windows from being re-sold by a “chop shop” auto theft operation. The VIN appears in small letters in the corner of the window, thereby identifying your windows. It also helps make it more difficult for the VIN on your car to be changed by thieves.

I recently found a moderately-priced do-it-yourself VIN etching kit, ordered it, and installed it on my ITR. It worked well according to the directions. I was a bit concerned by the small size of the VIN characters (about 1/8 inch high) but after mentioning it to the company, they said in the future they would include stencils for two sizes of letters in the future, 1/8 inch and ¼ inch.

The president of the company also mentioned that anyone I refer to them can have a 25 percent discount!!! when ordering if you use my name (Ken Sax). The name of the company is Vinguard and you can order from their website http://www.vinguard.org or by telephone 888-VINGUARD. I’m not sure of the exact price because of the discount and the currency conversion (they’re based in Canada but ship to the United States too). The website says that it costs $29.99 per vehicle plus $5.00 shipping and handling; I was charged $31.51 in U.S. dollars for my order, which had no referral

You may be eligible for a small discount on the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance after doing this; check with your insurance company for details.

I am not associated with this company and am not personally benefitting from this offer or from any referrals. I am only a satisfied customer.

 

Check this out as well.. Maybe some of you Aussie guys can give us more info..
http://www.mdatatech.com/australia/australia.htm

 

I've never heard of this "data dot" system. Maybe it's good; I don't know. It seems like it would be more conspicuous to have the VIN etched onto the glass where it's obvious and you can see it than having it on a microdot that is invisible to the eye... no? Wouldn't it be better for the VIN to be noticeable, to discourage the theft in the first place, than to be hidden and only useful (I assume) if it's stolen and recovered? Or am I missing something?

BTW, the data dot folks have a U.S. website here. Prices start at $49.95 plus $7.25 shipping.



[Modified by nsxtcjr, 5:44 PM 3/11/2002]

 

what you should do is etch the glass that resides underneath the window
molding. that way its not visible

 

I was actually referring to the spray they have..
http://www.datadot-uk.co.uk/datadots.htm

The problem is they WILL get your car, they will just discard your windows.

If the spray was all over the engine and tranny and such parts, identification would still be possible once the parts were sold off of ebay.

 

Wouldn't it be better to have the etching visible - better yet, conspicuous - to act as a deterrent?



[Modified by nsxtcjr, 5:49 PM 3/11/2002]

 

I'm not arguing with you, I just don't see the value in this as a deterrent.

The majority of ITR's that are stolen are done by pros. Pros couldn't care less about your vin number on a window. How does this differ from the vin number on your dash? Once they steal your car, they will toss the windows.


[Modified by GarageQueen213, 7:12 PM 3/11/2002]

 

there are vins on every oem peice there is on your car, and you think there not gonna steal your car cause your windows have got it too? no it just tells the theif youve got something under the good you dont want stolen

they arent stealing your whip for the glass