My Willys 3A and 3B Community

Rambling, Malarky, Rants, Etc. => Rambling, Malarky, Rants, Etc... => Topic started by: GlynB on June 07, 2015, 05:26:42 PM

Title: Previous owners of my Jeep
Post by: GlynB on June 07, 2015, 05:26:42 PM
My Jeep was imported into the UK 2 years ago but I'd love to try and find out something about its history, who the previous owners were and what it was used for.  In the UK you can apply to the government licencing authority and they will provide a list of former keepers - complete with addresses. 

I gather this isn't possible in the US, but can anyone advise how I might trace at least some of my Jeep's history?  The only information I have is the windshield sticker issued by the West Virginia Police Department, which I assume is some sort of road worthiness certificate similar to our Ministry of Transport or MOT Test certificate?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Previous owners of my Jeep
Post by: Jeff_M on June 07, 2015, 09:41:52 PM
It'll probably be difficult to trace any of the info you're looking for, as most states don't keep track of such stuff.  The sticker is a state inspection sticker which I believe is similar to your MOT, but issued by each individual state rather than the federal government.  Not all states require inspections, either, and from what I've read most US state inspections aren't as stringent as your MOT.  Best of luck.
Title: Re: Previous owners of my Jeep
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on June 07, 2015, 11:19:11 PM
Based on the window sticker, we can assume it was licensed or titled in West Virginia.

You might be able to contact the WV Department of Motor Vehicles and request a vin (vehicle identification number) search. I was able to do this online for a vehicle that was titled in Washington state.

A Vin inspector would be able to run the number in all 50 states...but I do not know how willing they would be to do it....
Title: Re: Previous owners of my Jeep
Post by: GlynB on June 08, 2015, 06:00:35 PM
Thanks for the tip about the vin search - I'll give it a try