VIN Etching

[JustSayNoToCrack]

Does anyone on this board do VIN etching? I know it is off topic a bit but since my GM 1000 came with it I figured I would ask. I have tried to make a stencil the way they say how but it seems impossible. If you are doing it how are you making your stencils? I am thinking about getting a dot matrix printer but then I would need to carry my laptop and a bunch of other junk in the truck. Just doesn't seem worth it. I would like a way to just stamp them out slap it on the window and go. Feedback please. Thanks!

[wilz]

I don't do much around here but i use one of those old manual typewriters to punch the stencils. They work great but like you stated, a lot of junk to carry around.

[GlassStarz]

Vin etching is a gimmic they came up with years ago claimed it helped keep your cats from getting stolen (like anyone really cared when a car is parted out the glass is the cheapest stuff on it and less than 1 in 5000 cars stolen is sold as a complete unit so whats the real benifit?) in the finance dept of dealerships they have many things for add on profit some have benifit and others just a way to squeek out a couple more bucks from a customer vin etching is one of those we have to many legit products we can sell without scamming a customer IMHO
And as a side note at the auction cars with the etching bring less $ most people dont want stuff writen all over the cars glass
I sold cars for 20+ years and refused to sell the vin etching then and certainly wont be selling it now I have to sleep at night and taking advantage of people isnt condusive to a good nights sleep

[JustSayNoToCrack]

Glassstarz I am glad that you are not a flip flopper. You opinion has stayed the same since you first post on this subject and I like that. (I have read the archives). Yes, I do argee with you that is a gimick and is not going to stop the joy rider or someone trading your car for crack which I see on COPS all the time. Or for that matter anyone else stealing your car. Glass is very cheap in the grand scheme of things. But if you think for a moment that I am not going to sell someone something that they don't need because I might feel bad or I don't want to take advantage of someone because it is a gimick, your wrong. I am in business for one thing and that is to put food on my table and a roof over my head. So if I can give them that warm fuzzy feeling inside about VIN Etching and they want it then I am going to do it. Its like your carpet cleaner selling you Dupont Stain Guard. I have news for you it does not work. But a lot of people shell out the money for it. So I leave on this note. Does any one want to buy a beautiful dam in the middle of the dessert near Las Vegas. I will break you a great deal!! Just let me know! :biggrin:

[StarQuest]

VIN Etching? Go for it!!! I get $35-45 per glass to polish them out..so keep on etching guys, more for me :eusa_danc

[wisecrack]

You Should Have Gotten A Stamp Gun With Your Kit I Still Havent Gotten Mine From G.m. Was In Backorder That Was Nov.06 Call Gary At G.m. Let Me Know.

[JustSayNoToCrack]

Ah yes, the DYMO stamp gun and rubbing through with the handle of the acid brush. Yeah I kow all about that and yes I do have it. I have everything the GM kit came with. It is just VERY difficult to do with out damaging the stencil. Looking for easier and faster. Unless some has a tip or trick I don't know about. I am going to try the typewriter this week. I have to find one first.

[GlassStarz]

I agree with selling and profit is not a bad word but with so many real products with real benifits to sell i will pass on the huckster ones.

[wilz]

You Should Have Gotten A Stamp Gun With Your Kit

by wisecrack

That stamp gun is nothing close to what the manual typewriter can do for you.

[dgarza]

I hate it when my cats get stolen.