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ram89

New Member
Hey guy quick question I hope this is the right place to post this.

Im thinking of getting a Defender 90, its an 86' and i noticed that the VIN and engine # dont match. Is this an issue for US import? I was told the last 4 of both need to match. Any insight into this would be great.

Also any advice in regards for US import would be greatly appreciated, Ive heard that the chaise and engine and transmission must match as well?
 
Match what? Match each other? Match the current paperwork? Match the original production numbers?

I can see issues if they don't match current paperwork, thats an offence here. Likewise I can understand matching the original production numbers as a type approval issue.
 
Okay. So it must match the paper work that comes with the export licence from its last registered country then im guessing? I had assumed that the #s on the Defender must match.
 
Actually in that case could you tell me what questions I should ask to verify? Or forms of paper work? Its all so confusing to me.
 
ram89 said:
Hey guy quick question I hope this is the right place to post this.

Im thinking of getting a Defender 90, its an 86' and i noticed that the VIN and engine # dont match. Is this an issue for US import? I was told the last 4 of both need to match. Any insight into this would be great.

Also any advice in regards for US import would be greatly appreciated, Ive heard that the chaise and engine and transmission must match as well?
Click to expand...
You need to be very, very careful - I have no personal experience but have read articles about Defenders being impounded at the docks [USA], broken up and even Homeland Security getting involved! You need to get the EXACT import requirements from the US government. [good luck with that!]
My understanding is it has to be 100% original and that includes all numbers matching, so a build sheet from Heritage would be good.
Someone on here was building one for export - can't remember who but hopefully they'll pop up - IIRC they were asking about original 110/90 air cleaners so a search might find the thread - good luck
 
I think when they mean matching they dont actually mean match as in the same as each other but correct for that model year, can you really see land rover making sure the engine number matched the chassis number on the production line?
Dont forget theres different engine numbers for the 200tdi depending if it was fitted to disco/defender/range rover ie 11L 12L and 13L
On my 1993 chassis theres is 93L stamped in various places all over it, my mates 1993 110 also has 93 stamped in various places, just mentioning it as it may be something they look for?

Just realised its an 86 so no tdi for you

The series 2 models have the vin number ranges in the parts/workshop manuals, plenty of their owners can tell you what year the engine/gearboxes/axles were made or most likely fitted and I assume the same info is out there for the coil sprung models?
 
I believe numbers must match documents and those numbers must match production year, so a 3.5 CSW with a 3.9 engine would be a no go - even if the log book had been updated. [Engine newer than vehicle]
All I'm saying is check the rules thoroughly, check again, AND double check the vehicle as I imagine having your vehicle crushed by the government would be rather upsetting...........................
 
Oh and '86 is not a Defender....... yes, a bit pedantic but it avoids extra confusion when talking about American importation!
 
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