Elsewhere on this forum it was offered to provide a vette birth date and any carfax info if you provided a VIN. I think you also list it in the Vette Registry.

 

 

Well I guess if you want that sort of service. But do you have to publicly post it to get those services, or do you just send your VIN to someone?

 

Actually, this is more common than one would believe. In fact, Primetime (or maybe 60 Minutes) did a show on this a year ago, and fifty percent of the time they were able to get a dealer to cut a key. Of course they used sweet looking ladies, but sweet looking ladies hook up with really nasty people at time.
As for reprogramming, please, what has to be reprogrammed?
The system used on vettes has a resistor pellet inserted inside the key. This resistance is programmed into the BCM. If the BCM sees the correct resistance, it will start enable the start relay, and signal the PCM to allow fuel to flow.
Through the dealer system, all you have to do is enter the VIN number, and the key code as well as the correct resistance reading of the key pops up on the screen. The dealer then sets the machine to the key code, and inserts the key blank with the correct resistor pellet, and bingo, you have a key to start the vehicle.
I had a key replaced, the dealer looked up my VIN, the parts guy cut the key, I went out and immediately checked the cuts, and the car started. No programming.
Some GM systems have a passlock system that does require the computer to recognize the key. On these system, you can program the car to recognize the key using a Tech 2, and takes about 10 minutes. However, even these systems can be programmed without a Tech 2. It is called a 30 minute passlock relearn procedure. You just insert the key, turn the ignition to on, and wait until the security light goes out.
I have a piece of black tape across the last eight numbers of the VIN. Am I paranoid? Don't think so. I know the vehicle is insured, and I know it can be towed quite easily (auto do not have column lock), but why make it easy.

 

I have a friend who works in an impound yard where cars get auctioned off if parking tickets aren't paid on a timely basis and there are several capable locksmiths who cut keys for cars requiring resistor pellet keys. For $70 they will have the right key done in an hour or less.

 

It's being paranoid. People on ebay and autotrader post their VINs with no problem. I'll give you my vin if you want and I'll even tell you where I park my car.

 

I just do not do things I do not need to do. Posting my VIN on a public forum is one of those things. I have no idea what info can be used to screw me. Now if I am sending my VIN for some service I want to a particular person, company, or agency then that is different. But to just post it for everyone to see for no good reason does not appeal to me.

 

I don't think you would be placing yourself at a lot of risk by posting your VIN here on the Forum for the car's history or something like that.

 

Maybe but you do not know my luck. Seems like it would be just as easy to email whoever provides this service then at least it is just going to the person you want to see it. In the military we had a saying "need to know". It is a pretty good security rule to live by in my opinion.

 

Forget all the crap about keys neo=ing made by dealers,,,why would you post your vin on the interweb?

The key issue is a whole other story.

 

I don't think you're being paranoid, but it is safer not to post the VIN. If it benefits you to post it, than do so. But the fewer times it's out there, probably better. We lock our house windows and doors at night so no one can come in, but I don't think anyone's ever tried it. It's just being a harder target.

 

You guys are unbelievable, I've never seen such a neurotic and paranoid group of people. You know, I'm really not going to lose any sleep over someone having my vin# last time I checked I had my insurance premium paid in full.

So here you go knock yourself out 1G1YY22G835114786

 

Paul

 

I have seen a program where a pleasant looking woman goes to a parts dept and acts like she is honest and in distress. To **** behind the counter falls for it and cuts a key. I could not do it, but some people are comfortable with it and make a living doing just that. These cars can be disassembled in 1 hour in a chop shop. If a person is intent on getting your car and is crafty enough to get a copy of your key, programming the car to the key would not be a problem either. I would recommend you take the minimum precautions and cover the VIN# on the dash. I used a card stock covered with black electrical tape and it blends in nicely.
Criminals think differently than you and I. Besides how do you think repo guys get in to the cars. They get a key.

And to the comment that "why worry because you have insurance?" Just wait until you get your next premium statement. If your not worried then the insurance company will make you think twice with a hike in your rates. If it happens again, you'll most likely be dropped all together.

 

I'll put my VIN up here, but no way am I going to post my email address.

 

There's more harm done via e-mail these days than car theft. Besides the Corvette has been off of the top ten list since the early days of VATS. Only amatuers try to steal a Vette these days. If you do get it stolen, chances are it will leave on a rollback and not under its own power.

 

If someone wants the car bad enough,they will get it-once again all you have to do is walk up to any car to get the VIN#,I don't see why posting would make any difference,its not like a SS#(IMO)