Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
cassis numbers cassis numbers
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ottawa, CANADA
Posts: 7
cassis numbers
During international travel, particularly in Africa, are chassis numbers ever checked at border crossings?

I ask b/c I'm currently working on replacing the frame of my TLC 60-series with a good-condition used frame. I would expect that the number most checked would be the VIN over the dash.

Thanks in advance.
__________________
--
Mike Taylor
Proud Dad of Justine
(28 mos.)
and Jaxon (10 mos.)
Sec.-Treas.-Membersh
ip
True North Toyota Land
Cruisers
Ottawa Valley, Canada
TLCA #2300
\'84 BJ42
\'84 BJ60
\'85 BJ70
(the Killer 3Bs)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 May 2002
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
Our chassis number was checked at the Morocco - Mauretania border, Mali - Burkina border, and Burkina - Ivory coast border.

Quote:
Originally posted by Taylor:
During international travel, particularly in Africa, are chassis numbers ever checked at border crossings?

I ask b/c I'm currently working on replacing the frame of my TLC 60-series with a good-condition used frame. I would expect that the number most checked would be the VIN over the dash.

Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 43
I think ours was only checked once - going into ghana. But you should be prepared for it at any crossing, and at the port when you ship out of canada.
Frame numbers are often very hard to read because of rust, old undercoating, etc. But you don't want it to have a non matching number.
While you are reconditioning the chassis you could be heavy handed with striping the area of the serial number. Then get a die set and stamp the correct numbers. Put a couple coats of paint over the top and you'll be fine.
-ed


------------------
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
__________________
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 249
Chassis numbers can be checked anywhere, not just at borders. If you try to sell the car it will almost definitly be checked either bythe buyer or customs. It often happens that they are checked at police checkpoints as part of a "big control" which is usually an attempt to get money off you. A dodgy VIN number will be greeted with much shaking of heads, much "this is very very serious" comments and a lot of cash being forked out on your side.

Ed´s suggestion is good, the better it is done then more so. Try to get your hands on a blank "type plate" (I´m mot sure what they are called), theyre the small plates at the front of the bonnet with chassis number, chassis weight etc. Brush your teeth regularly, wear a clean shirt, change your undewear regularly and you shouldn´t have too many problems.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ottawa, CANADA
Posts: 7
Thanks for the responses. At first, when I realized that non-matching numbers could have important implications at the border, I became a bit discouraged. (Doing this frame swap is a lot cheaper, tho' definitely not easier, than buying another 60-series). There still has to be a bit of a risk to altering the chassis number. Aren't there any smart police out there? What are the risks? Detenion? Confiscation of vehicle? Increase in cost of cadeau?
__________________
--
Mike Taylor
Proud Dad of Justine
(28 mos.)
and Jaxon (10 mos.)
Sec.-Treas.-Membersh
ip
True North Toyota Land
Cruisers
Ottawa Valley, Canada
TLCA #2300
\'84 BJ42
\'84 BJ60
\'85 BJ70
(the Killer 3Bs)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 May 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,307
Assuming the chassis is legally acquired, the Canadian Motor Vehicle Branch will happily correct the registration. Then there isn't a problem...

If it's not legal, i.e. stolen, you're on your own.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 May 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Hi Taylor

I would agree with Grant - if its legal get your docs changed. You could get into really deep water with mismatching numbers.

cheers

------------------
ChrisC
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ottawa, CANADA
Posts: 7
It would be legal. The frame is available from a reputable Land Cruiser dismantler, and I would have all the correct receipts. No title with the new frame, but that's surely OK, right? Surely the old VIN would be preserved, the new frame numbers documented or changed?
__________________
--
Mike Taylor
Proud Dad of Justine
(28 mos.)
and Jaxon (10 mos.)
Sec.-Treas.-Membersh
ip
True North Toyota Land
Cruisers
Ottawa Valley, Canada
TLCA #2300
\'84 BJ42
\'84 BJ60
\'85 BJ70
(the Killer 3Bs)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 43
I'm not reccomending using stolen parts or breaking any laws. Merely an easy way to avoid trouble if the frame is ever checked.
I'm not familiar with the rules in Canada, but I know in some U.S. states it can be a lot of hassle to swap old frames, or even install a factory fresh frame without bending the rules a little bit.
Where I live they want the frame number, and 2 other numbers on the body to all match when you register the car. If you have mismatched numbers and can prove ownership of all parts, they treat it like a salvage car. That means an extremely tough inspection where the whole car must be up to factory specs, and results in a salvage tittle which makes the car harder to insure and less valuable when sold. If you show up with a car that has a brand new frame with no numbers on it they usually call it a kit car and issue a kitcar vin # again that causes insurance hassles.
This comes from knowing several people who've gone through the red tape after putting new and used frames under old rovers.

------------------
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
__________________
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ottawa, CANADA
Posts: 7

I eagerly read the reply about the motor vehicle department correcting the registration. Thanks. Other questions I have are:
1. Do they therefore change the V.I. number on the dash to match that of the chassis?
2. I'll be legally obtaining the chassis from a reputable dismantler, but won't be able to obtain the chassis number ahead of time. Therefore before reception, I won't be able to confirm the past history of that VIN. Theoretically, that chassis could have come from a stolen vehicle somewhere down the line. Any thoughts?
__________________
--
Mike Taylor
Proud Dad of Justine
(28 mos.)
and Jaxon (10 mos.)
Sec.-Treas.-Membersh
ip
True North Toyota Land
Cruisers
Ottawa Valley, Canada
TLCA #2300
\'84 BJ42
\'84 BJ60
\'85 BJ70
(the Killer 3Bs)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:15.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top