The following info was taken from Auto Restorer magazine, Nov. '03 issue. We all are personally concerned with theft of our vehicles, particularly our collector cars, Mavs and others. Many of those are being stolen for the valuable parts mroe so than for complete resale. Those of us who have high-theft rated cars like Hondas and 4x4s understand this by paying higher insurance premiums because of that fact and the rest of us pay also just because. Being in public safety for almost 30 years, I've seen all the consequences of auto theft from the financial to the more tragic. Theft of collector cars is on the rise nationally. A product is on the market that seems to be a good deterrent because it makes the car and parts harder to sell. It is called VIN etching. What this product does is etch your VIN number on each piece of auto glass permanently. National Car Rental etched 2500 cars and had a 96% drop in theft. AAA of Michigan etched 35,000 vehicles and had a 99% drop in theft. Now, while these numbers may not be exactly representative of what the actual numbers would be for any given area, they are impressive. The manufacturer provides you with 8 stencils printed with the VIN number you provide and etching cream as well as two warning stickers. You stick the stencil where you want the etching on the glass and apply the cream. Wait 10 minutes and remove the stencil. Now you clean the glass and the job is done. With the rise in demand for collector car parts as well as cars, this is a simple but effective precaution we all can afford. It may even equate to reduced premiums, depending on your insurance companies rules. I can promise you that when I can get the new F-150 I want to get, this is going to be one of the first things I do to it. The kits are available from Auto Etch, Inc., 3843 Germantown Road, Edgewater, MD. 21037 - 1-888-AUTO-ETCH - www.autoetch.net. Make sure you include your VIN with your order. Each kit is $19.95 + $4.95 s&h. A kit is good for only one vehicle. If you buy a kit, make sure the VIN is correct when you receive it before you etch the glass.
It reminds me of the time I made glass photo screens for my old 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 press camera using Hydroflouric acid etching cream from a local glass store.
I dont see the advantage. So you steal a high dollar car and put new glass in it. Glass at junkyards is cheap.
dennis the "MVID" must have SOME merit. insurance companies give a decent discount on your comprehensive coverage so there must be something to it.
