Windshield Repair Forum

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!

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.

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I hate it when my cats get stolen.