Checking if a frame is stolen

[lambytone]

Hi, Ive got a Spanish Li frame in my shed which I bought off Nigel Cox at least 20 years ago or maybe more. At the time Nigel said it wasnt stolen as far as he knew but couldnt remember where he got it from. It cost me £50 and at the time I was thinking I would rebuild it at some point with the spares and bodywork I had hanging around. Any way its still in the back of the shed all these years later. Is there any way I can check the legality of the frame on the VIN alone. There is no registration and I have no paperwork for it. I'm thinking of selling the frame to free up some cash to finish off a series 1 project I've got on the go. Thanks in advance. Tony

[Doom Patrol]

It must be possible because the DVLA will flag up any discrepancies like that if you try to register it. So, somewhere there is a record of these things. As to whether they would be able to search for the frame number itself I don't know. I'd give it a try and see what happens.

[lockman69]

I have just had a similar situation, DVLA where no help so I took the frame into the local Police station and they ran the frame numbers through their system...

[woody]

i tried the police with a frame i was looking to buy with numbers but no papers and they were no use , all they said was our advice is don,t buy it ? and the dvla were useless as well .

[lambytone]

Ok, Thanks for the replies. Ill just have to try a few different things.

[johnduke]

Hi, im in the same boat , got a series 2 frame and engine case of flea bay . Starting to worry it may be stolen so went to the police station this morning, nice lady at the desk said sorry data protection etc : cant run vin for you( . My worry is getting to the registration stage having spent ......my wife may read this and having it taken by the police. Any ideas im stumped , thanks John

[rosscla]

Worth a phone call to DVLA, explain the situation to them you might get someone useful...

Likelihood it was imported and never registered so there won't be encores for it anywhere are high.

[barnsleybilly]

I had one like this once and spend 10 minutes sweating in the police station whilst they ran it through their computer. I suppose a lot is down to whether the police officer on reception is feeling helpful or not.

What about running a HPI check? It may cost you though.

[johnduke]

Thanks for the replys guys. Hpi firms seem to need a reg number as well, so wont work for me. May try DVLA but never found them very helpful in the past. Novad it as an import when i first got the frame had no trouble doing so . Maybe im worrying about nothing

[rosscla]

If it has a nova then it was knocked abroad, no worries