NCRS orphan registry?

[G B.]

The posts below about orphaned '64 transmissions and engines made me think about my own collection of Corvette VIN stamped drivetrain pieces. It would be great if there was a list of these items posted on the internet that was available for all to use. Maybe that would allow some long separated parts to be rejoined with their original chassis.

I'm sure that I'm not the first to think of this. I'll bet there have been many similar, but much better, ideas already discussed in detail by others within the NCRS. But before this post is dismissed as "silly", perhaps someone more involved in the hobby could bring me up to date on where this is headed.

[Mark L.]

Re: NCRS orphan registry?

Jerry, I was thinking the same thing except you beat me to it. I've seen more than a few motors ,etc. with numbers that could possible be "reunited". I think one of the issues is how would this numbers bank be designed and who would take responsibilty for managing it. We all know what a great job John has done with this Discussion Board and also know what a challenge it has been to improve it and keep it going. I'm not an internet expert so maybe there is someone out there who could comment on the degree of difficulty this would present. Let's keep your idea alive! Mark

[Dan 80]

Re: NCRS orphan registry?

I think that's a great idea Jerry. I have a couple of orphan blocks and things taking up space that could benifit the car they came from if they had a way to find they're way back home.

Even have a collection of orfan numbers I've collected from the "Driveline" and "Hemmings" over the years.

I know from personal effort and experience like your '63 FI that engines, tranmissions and differentials sometimes do find their way back home.

[Chuck G.]

Re: NCRS orphan registry?

Hi Jerry. There is a website "matchingnumbers.com" that supposedly will allow you to list blocks, parts, etc. and put current owners back in touch with those who might have their original parts. Haven't visited there lately. Last time I did, they were "under construction". Might be worth a visit. Let us know. Chuck

[Eric J.]

Re: NCRS orphan registry?

Chuck, I am trying to get matchingnumbers.com off the ground. I have over 6000 VINs myself. I have run into a slight legal problem with releasing these. I hope to sort them out soon. That coupled with the work load created by L81registry.com I haven't had a chance to fire it up yet. Hopefully soon though. Eric #3,182


L81 Registry

[G B.]

Good concept - I think

Chuck -

The site has several pages up, but when you try a VIN search or entry you get a "coming soon" message. I guess it's still under construction.

The concept sounds good. I don't know how it would work, but it is being designed for Corvette VIN-marked pieces only. Exactly what info will be displayed is not clear to me. I'd be thrilled with a simple VIN-ordered database that could be sorted by year. Actually, it would be even simpler if it was ordered by year and the last five VIN digits only. In other words, leave out all the coupe/convertible and generic characters. If you've got an orphan engine, frame, or transmission you probably don't know the body style anyway.

Maybe such a database could become part of the internet accessible Driveline that someone proposed last year.

[Eric J.]

MatchingNumbers.com update....

Jerry, I will have a few different ways of sorting the data. There will be a shared section that people can post information about parts etc. There is also going to be a fee based area. That will cover some of the costs to create such a database and maintain the site. There would only be a fee if there was information in the proprietary data base. There wouldn't be a fee for the search only if there was a match and you wanted the info. Something like $3 or $5 per entry. There will be a whole host of other areas including discussion boards and tips on how to find past owners etc. It is still up in the air. Eric #3,182 Webmaster matchingnumbers.com and L81Registry.com


L81 Registry

[Joe Scafidi]

Re: MatchingNumbers.com update....

Eric, What are the legal problems you are encountering. I can't understand how advertising engines and trans with assembly and vin numbers could create a problem. You aren't giving out whole vin's with peoples addresses.

[Gary S.]

Re: NCRS orphan registry?

I hope you get this off the ground. Several years ago, I approached the NCRS to have a special page in the Driveline each issue that would only be for listing serial numbered items such as blocks, transmissions and fuel units. I was told it would be too much work and was asked if I would do it. I couldn't at the time. Just a few months ago, I sent another email to the NCRS suggesting this thing again...no response yet. However, a special website would be great in lieu of a special Driveline page. Not only would such a listing be good of existing parts, it would be good to list items such as an engine you know has been decked. That sure would help those poor soles who are on a lifetime search for their original whatever. At least they would know to give up. Gary

[Eric J.]

Re: MatchingNumbers.com update....

The legal issue is just that. The value in the countless hours of work is to provide usable information. An example of my predicament is: We are owners of 53#286. Naturally I am very concerned with the whereabouts of the 53 owners including the past owners of ours. Well during research I found two 53s with Vin numbers in the 200 range are the exact same vin. One titled in Fl and one titled in AZ. I do not want to lower the value of anyone's investment, but on the other hand I feel it is my obligation to inform the two owners of VIN #2XX that they may have a problem. Either way the real issue is the liability of having a clearinghouse of VINs and names and then providing those to other people. Although we make a strong argument that these are a matter of public record the exposure is still there. Anyway., The page will be developed very soon and some middle ground will be reached. I am also happy to report that we have successfully matched over a dozen owners with their past owners and will continue to do so when I find matches. Eric #3,182


L81 Registry

[Tom B.]

Re: MatchingNumbers.com update....

It probably ties into the same issue when someone eventually finds their numbers matching original Car has it's numbers matching original engine listed in the orphan directory. More than likely it will eventually happen, and prove interesting. A huge advancement toward "cleansing" a dirty bird or two. TBarr #24014

[Jerry Clark]

Re: MatchingNumbers.com update....

Hi Eric:

This seems to be excellent work on your part and you are to be applauded for your effort. Personally if I were a owner of a particular car and was made aware that someone else shared my Vin, I would want to know, assuming I had legally acquired the car with that Vin, maybe therein lies the problem.

jerry

[Eric J.]

Re: MatchingNumbers.com update....

Do to the increased interest in Matchingumbers.com. I am hoping to have a list of engines/trannys I have on file sometime today or tomorrow. Eric #3,182


L81 Registry

[Gary F. LeDuc]

Re: NCRS orphan registry?

Can you leave it open to original paperwork/documentation also?