[Sean_Kane]

Hi Everyone,
I remember seeing a segment on Motorweek where Pat Goss advised to buy a glass etching kit for VIN numbers. This would allow you to cheaply etch your VIN number in the lower corner of each window on your car to thwart theft.
I checked at Pep Boys and Discount Auto Parts and neither has glass etching kits. Do you know where I can buy one on the web?
Thanks in advance!
Sean
2002 Golf TDI GLS 5-Door

 

[SLI]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

My 2000 Golf came from the factory with the VIN etched/engraved on all windows and throughout the car...didn't yours???

quote:[HR][/HR]Hi Everyone,
I remember seeing a segment on Motorweek where Pat Goss advised to buy a glass etching kit for VIN numbers. This would allow you to cheaply etch your VIN number in the lower corner of each window on your car to thwart theft.
I checked at Pep Boys and Discount Auto Parts and neither has glass etching kits. Do you know where I can buy one on the web?
Thanks in advance!
Sean
2002 Golf TDI GLS 5-Door[HR][/HR]​

 

[landrumdh]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

I'd try your local police stations. They often have a hand in this because it makes thier job of verifying / recovering a stolen car easier.
Some dealerships I dunno about VW though do this. When we picked up my mom's RX300 they asked if we wanted it done before we drove off the lot.

 

[jaydub]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (SL 1.8T)

IMO that's really pointless, since all it'll do is know where your parts have gone if your car is stolen and parted out.
more hassle than it's worth, i think.

 

[wacktool]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (landrumdh)

quote:[HR][/HR]I'd try your local police stations. They often have a hand in this because it makes thier job of verifying / recovering a stolen car easier.
Some dealerships I dunno about VW though do this. When we picked up my mom's RX300 they asked if we wanted it done before we drove off the lot.[HR][/HR]​

What he said, or local police do this as a free service like once a year. They set up shop at the malls and advertise the hell out of it. I think it is a good Ideal, and plus my insurance gives me discount.

 

[Sean_Kane]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (jaydub)

Hi jaydub,
The more places your VIN number is on the car, the more of a pain in the ass it will be for the thief. I think it's very worth it.
--Sean

quote:[HR][/HR]IMO that's really pointless, since all it'll do is know where your parts have gone if your car is stolen and parted out.
more hassle than it's worth, i think.[HR][/HR]​

 

[Sean_Kane]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (landrumdh)

Hi landrumdh,
GREAT idea. I never thought of contacting the police. If they don't do it, then I'm sure they would know where I should go to get it done, or get the kitt. I hate to go to the dealer since they are usually quite expensive.
Thanks again.
Sean

quote:[HR][/HR]I'd try your local police stations. They often have a hand in this because it makes thier job of verifying / recovering a stolen car easier.
Some dealerships I dunno about VW though do this. When we picked up my mom's RX300 they asked if we wanted it done before we drove off the lot.[HR][/HR]​

 

[Sean_Kane]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (SL 1.8T)

Hi SL 1.8T,
Thanks for posting. My 2002 didn't come with the VIN numbers on every window, or any window for that matter. Maybe it was standard in 2000? Maybe it was complimentary at your dealer? Maybe it's manditory in your state or jurisdiction? Not sure.
I'm pretty sure I'll get a slight discount on my insurance too.
Thanks again.
Sean

quote:[HR][/HR]My 2000 Golf came from the factory with the VIN etched/engraved on all windows and throughout the car...didn't yours???[HR][/HR]​

 

[-=VdubGuY=-]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

I just got my GTI two months ago and they etched all the windows

 

[keoni004]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

Check out a craft store (like Michael's or something). They sell dozens of kits for etching glass for crafts and such...should work on car windows too.
Something like this: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/DisplayProduct?prrfnbr=405997


[Modified by keoni004, 7:17 PM 2-9-2002]

 

[Sean_Kane]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (-=VdubGuY=-)

Hi VdubGuY,
Did they charge for this?
Sean

quote:[HR][/HR]I just got my GTI two months ago and they etched all the windows[HR][/HR]​

 

[Fistofsouth]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (-=VdubGuY=-)

First and foremost VIN window etching is a dealer rip-off, most insurance companies will laugh at you. I have it on my Jetta, but I didn't pay for it. The Dealer put it on my car during prep, I told him I wouldn't pay for it and I didn't. In my opinion it is a complete waste of time. No thief is going to notice a 1cm high etching and be deterred from stealing your car. As far as parting out the windows, there are far more valuable items on your car; the fact that they can't part out your windows probably won't bother most thieves. That being said, you can contact AAA or similar Auto clubs, they offer a window etching service.

 

[boybaha]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Fistofsouth)

I got my dealer to etch my windows. I know they really aren't that much of a deterrent. But there's supposedly a guarantee on them. If my vehicle gets stolen, I get an extra $10,000 from the etching program.

 

[Beaker]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Fistofsouth)

why dont you just go etch everything on your car? airbags? radio? wheels? ...i seriously dont see the effectivness in this at all. http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif

 

[revensonjr]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Beaker)

I've heard that this is done because sometimes they steal a car and change a few digits on the vin plate then sell the car and it can't be traced as stolen because the vin is different but still matches the same type of car. If the windows are etched, then they would have to replace the windows to be undetectable. Obviously, they would rather steal a car that wouldn't need new windows.

 

[musv]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (revensonjr)

I did this myself, all you have to do is search Google for vin etching. The reasoning behind this is that if you car is stolen, then the theives can not use your windows and they are too expensive to replace. bottom line is that if someone wants to steal your car, they will, no matter how good of a security system you have (except lo-jack). This is just one little thing you can do for 20 bucks, if it saves my car from being stolen, then great, if not, I feel a little better.
SV

 

[MasterAdkins]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

My 2002 came with etched windows.
Alex

 

[Sean_Kane]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

Thanks to everyone for your responses. Those who advised me to go to the police for this were correct. (see note from the Orlando Police Dept below)
Again, thank you.
Sean

quote:[HR][/HR]
From: Samuel Riggi <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 06:55:20 -0500
To: Sean Kane
Subject: FW: VIN number etching on my car
Sean,
You can contact any Division of Motor Vehicle Offices in the Central Florida
Region for free VIN Etching for your car. The Winter Park office number is
407-623-1154.
The Orlando Police Department's Auto Theft Unit will be holding an Auto
Theft Rally on February 23, 2002 at the new Walmart Center on Kirkman Road.
We will be giving out free "Club" auto theft deterrant devices to City of
Orlando residents with proof of residency and I anticipate that DMV will
also be with us providing free VIN Etching also.
Should you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at
407-246-2921.
Thank You,
Sergeant Samuel Riggi
Orlando Police Department Auto Theft Unit[HR][/HR]​

 

[Sean_Kane]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (MasterAdkins)

I went to the dealer yesterday to have some warranty work done and while I was there noticed they charge $179 to etch the windows with a VIN number. Wow! I'm glad I checked with this forum first.
Thanks everyone,
Sean

 

[2002GTI]

Re: Etching my VIN into each window (Sean_Kane)

yea i think in the future a lot of things will be etched i figure the more stuff that is etched the harder it will be for crooks. I mean it may not deter them but it sure will help out on finding out if the car is legit or not.