Pre-1981 VIN Search?

I'm afraid I already know the answer to this question. I just finished a 2-year frame-off restoration of my 1979 CJ-5. I have had this Jeep for over 10 years, and I plan on never letting it leave! My dad helped me buy this Jeep when I was 17. He doesn't remember much about the previous owner, but he's pretty sure he wasn't the original owner. So how in the world could I track down my Jeep's history? I would be fascinated to learn where it was originally purchased (dealership) and who has owned it, where, and for how long. Is this even possible? I have pretty much decoded my VIN, but how could I find out this extra info? Thanks for any tips.

 

I would call the DMV, get a vehicle history.
CarFax might work too.

 

The problem with both of those sources is that they only trace VINs back to 1981 (that's when VINs became 17-digit codes used by all manufacturers). So anything previous to 1981 is tricky. I might get my title out and ask the Oregon DMV for a title history search, then try and contact previous owners, but I'm hoping there is a better, easier way.

 

know a person who wears blue ?
wink* wink*

 

Your state DMV will have ownership history for as long as that VIN has been in their sytem. If it came from out of state, they should have the title transfer record as well. You'll need to do a title search similar to applying for a lost or missing title. I know some states have pretty lax titling rules, but it's worth checking out.

 

I have a 74 tub on a 76 frame. I got it with no title, just a bill of sale.

Before I got it, I had the VIN researched and found out the last know record of my vin, on the national database was it was titled in NY in 74, stolen in dec of 75 and recovered 3 days after it was reported stolen.

Past December of 75, there is no record of my jeep anyplace.