Identifying a cobra by vin

winnipaw · #1 (**permalink**) 04-17-2011, 06:51 PM

Brand new to the site....hope to make some new friends as I'm still a novice with replica's. I just purchased a 1990 Cobra that is best described as a BARN FIND..not run in 10 years. Owner has no idea who the Manufacturer was..but thinks it is a Shell Valley. No Identification plates anywhere could be found, however, stamped int one of the frame rails, visible from under the hood, is a 17 digit number starting with OK160. Does anyone know the number sequencing for SV cars? I appreciate the help.

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winnipaw

Brand new to the site....hope to make some new friends as I'm still a novice with replica's. I just purchased a 1990 Cobra that is best described as a BARN FIND..not run in 10 years. Owner has no idea who the Manufacturer was..but thinks it is a Shell Valley. No Identification plates anywhere could be found, however, stamped int one of the frame rails, visible from under the hood, is a 17 digit number starting with OK160. Does anyone know the number sequencing for SV cars? I appreciate the help.

If you post some detailed pics, the experts on this site (I ain't one of them

) will be able to identify the car. Most states apply a specific VIN sequence, so it isn't always to identify a specific make.

winnipaw · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2011, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the help. As soon as I figure out how to post pics to this site I will. The cars title has this number on it but makes no mention of manufacturer. I have seen the state assigned ID tags, but have never seen an actual number stamped into a frame. Given this car is at least 20 yrs old, I wonder if certain replica makers did stamp frames. I hope someone out there knows more than I do. I see that Shell Valley is a current member of the CC. Maybe they could respond. Thanks again

rustyBob · #4 (**permalink**) 04-17-2011, 08:22 PM

Call Shell Valley and ask them.....but i dont think its one of theres.....it would start with SVC if it was....post some pictures of everything and someone here will be able to help..

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 04-17-2011, 10:26 PM

Photo's of the frame around the front are usually a big help.
Larry

winnipaw · #6 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 09:15 AM

I just spoke to Dana @ Shell Valley...very helpful guy...He asked for some pictures and said he would do all he could to make an ID of this car. Wouldn't mind doing business with these folks in the future. I'm still trying to post pics within these threads. A couple of interesting details about this car. This car sat on display above the bar at Lucky's Bar in Hot Springs Arkansas for a couple of years 2000-2002. Does anyone remember it? Would I love to see a picture of it? Also, this car has ALLOY bumpers and gas cap. Is this typical of early SV cars?

crASH · #7 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 09:20 AM

The easiest way I have found to post pictures in the forum, is to upload them to an "album" in your Club Cobra profile first, then you can post them to the thread from the album.

winnipaw · #8 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 09:39 AM

I just posted 4 pics to my album. Check them out and tell me what you think. Thanks Ill try to post directly to the thread.

crASH · #9 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 09:44 AM

I can't see them at your profile, other than the profile pic. You may have inadvertently set your album to "private".

winnipaw · #10 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 09:54 AM

They are new in the Gallery. Try it again please....just took delivery and show car rolling off the truck

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winnipaw · #11 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 10:04 AM

Just created an album. 4 Pics are there.

rustyBob · #12 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 10:34 AM

Well i can say for sure its not a Shell Valley or Midstates Cobra.....
Shell Valley never used override mounts like those on your car and the early cars
(prior to '07) had a molded in dash....
Midstates also never used override mounts like that either....

lcrabtree · #13 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 11:25 AM

Can't help with the manufacturer, but my VIN starts with OK and is stamped on the frame same as your's. I assume since my car was first registered in Oklahoma that the OK was there designation.

Lester

winnipaw · #14 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 11:32 AM

Thanks for the info about the bumper ID and dash configuration. Lester, Did the last 4 letters of that Oklahoma ID indicate a color? Where was it stamped on the frame? My last three letters spell "red"?

dblbarrel · #15 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 03:06 PM

Based on the roll bar, dash layout and overall look, I an guessing NAF.

LMH · #16 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 04:29 PM

The edge of the cockpit is unique. It should be a dead give away to someone who knows.
Larry

lcrabtree · #17 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 04:47 PM

Last 3 numbers are just numbers. The VIN is stamped on the top of the frame close to the front of the engine bay on the passenger side.

Lester

winnipaw · #18 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 04:53 PM

Thanks Lester, Did the State of Oklahoma stamp these? Thanks LMH...what is unique about the cockpit edge?

winnipaw · #19 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 05:22 PM

DANA at Shell Valley just called to inform me that this is 99% NOT one of his cars. So I'm depending on this thread to help me identify my car. Lets solve the mystery. SV said that the rear fender lips on my car look like a Steve Arntz...but Arntz cars had a Jag rear and MG front end. My front end is Mustang with a 9 inch narrowed rear. Also mentioned my fender vents were folded in slightly like an Arntz car. HELP!

dblbarrel · #20 (**permalink**) 04-18-2011, 06:20 PM

LMH, you are right about the cockpit, I withdraw my guess.