How to spot a ringer?

payydg · Feb 22, 2015

So I'm thinking of buying a project MGB roadster and doing it up for my girlfriend.

I know nothing about how people sell ringers and what they do to cover up after themselves,but half finished projects sound like a way to do it to me. I've seen a number of threads of people calling out ringers but not really that sure on what clues they've picked up on.

Basically what I'm asking is what are the warning signs that a half finished project isn't just made up of stolen parts, or is that not what they do?

Other than engine numbers and chassis numbers, what other things do you need to look out for?

The Mad Hat Man · Feb 22, 2015

ask on an MGB forum and find a couple of rivet counters.

payydg · Feb 22, 2015

The Mad Hat Man said:
ask on an MGB forum and find a couple of rivet counters.

I don't think this is specific to MG's - that was a bit of background.

Same goes for half finished landy projects.

I'm just interested in what tricks to look out for.

jamesmartin · Feb 22, 2015

payydg said:
I don't think this is specific to MG's - that was a bit of background.

Same goes for half finished landy projects.

I'm just interested in what tricks to look out for.

its not easy to say in a few words but a ringer is basically just a number swap youd look for fresh rivets on id plates ,signs of tampering on stamped numbers ,whether model or parts fit the age of number plate vin etc , whether a car is made up of bits is usually obvious , i had a supposed c reg 90 in a bit ago were all the glass was 1995 ,one window or 2 maybe, and whereas many are uprated to tdi etc there were no signs of welding on exhaust mounts etc which there would need to be to fit them

payydg · Feb 22, 2015

jamesmartin said:
its not easy to say in a few words but a ringer is basically just a number swap youd look for fresh rivets on id plates ,signs of tampering on stamped numbers ,whether model or parts fit the age of number plate vin etc , whether a car is made up of bits is usually obvious , i had a supposed c reg 90 in a bit ago were all the glass was 1995 ,one window or 2 maybe, and whereas many are uprated to tdi etc there were no signs of welding on exhaust mounts etc which there would need to be to fit them

Ok, thanks James, thats very useful. So can people just take the ID plates off and swap them round? is it really that easy?

The Mad Hat Man · Feb 22, 2015

ere James - when you come across something like that - due you notify the rozzers?

livers · Feb 22, 2015

The Mad Hat Man said:
ere James - when you come across something like that - due you notify the rozzers?

They're usually the ones selling

jamesmartin · Feb 22, 2015

payydg said:
Ok, thanks James, thats very useful. So can people just take the ID plates off and swap them round? is it really that easy?

often is on older cars , with older landies there is only the vin plate and front chassis leg stamped apart from eng, gear box axle numbers but checking those isnt so easy and not unusual for 1 or more to have been changed anyhow

livers · Feb 22, 2015

payydg said:
Ok, thanks James, thats very useful. So can people just take the ID plates off and swap them round? is it really that easy?

It can almost be that easy, especially with the Heritage bodyshells on MG's, you can literally build a new one from the ground up.

jamesmartin · Feb 22, 2015

The Mad Hat Man said:
ere James - when you come across something like that - due you notify the rozzers?

depends who it is ,if its someone i know i talk to them first and get them to , that guys 90 was stolen and rung but he did get to keep it and a new number plates was supplied ,it hasnt been uncommon at times ,ive known a few lose their landys

payydg · Feb 22, 2015

livers said:
It can almost be that easy, especially with the Heritage bodyshells on MG's, you can literally build a new one from the ground up.

Ah thats what i was worried about. I guess theres something in character judgement, if you're buying from some wide-boi in east london you'd be more cautious than if it was a chap in a tweed jacket from Shropshire... or is that agist or county-ist?

The Mad Hat Man · Feb 22, 2015

payydg said:
Ah thats what i was worried about. I guess theres something in character judgement, if you're buying from some wide-boi in east london you'd be more cautious than if it was a chap in a tweed jacket from Shropshire... or is that agist or county-ist?

##Only if you expect all burglars to wear stripey T shirts and have a bag marked "swag"

payydg · Feb 22, 2015

The Mad Hat Man said:
##Only if you expect all burglars to wear stripey T shirts and have a bag marked "swag"

Haha! I assume all criminals talk like characters out of only fools...

No one with a posh accent could ever rip you off

flat · Feb 22, 2015

payydg said:
Haha! I assume all criminals talk like characters out of only fools...

No one with a posh accent could ever rip you off

They are usually the worst to be honest!!!

landover · Feb 22, 2015

what ho ! all my motor cars are on the button, guv

payydg · Feb 22, 2015

flat said:
They are usually the worst to be honest!!!

Nothing worse than an oversized sense of entitlement.

cornish rattler · Feb 22, 2015

payydg said:
So I'm thinking of buying a project MGB roadster and doing it up for my girlfriend.

I know nothing about how people sell ringers and what they do to cover up after themselves,but half finished projects sound like a way to do it to me. I've seen a number of threads of people calling out ringers but not really that sure on what clues they've picked up on.

Basically what I'm asking is what are the warning signs that a half finished project isn't just made up of stolen parts, or is that not what they do?

Other than engine numbers and chassis numbers, what other things do you need to look out for?

My bro is selling his MGC if you are interested

nobber · Feb 23, 2015

payydg said:
Ah thats what i was worried about. I guess theres something in character judgement, if you're buying from some wide-boi in east london you'd be more cautious than if it was a chap in a tweed jacket from Shropshire... or is that agist or county-ist?

The guy in the tweed jacket may well have bought a ringer and simply wishes to pass it on to recoup some of his hard earned back, he may not even know its a ringer.

payydg · Feb 23, 2015

cornish rattler said:
My bro is selling his MGC if you are interested

The little lady wants a roadster but thanks.

payydg · Feb 23, 2015

nobber said:
The guy in the tweed jacket may well have bought a ringer and simply wishes to pass it on to recoup some of his hard earned back, he may not even know its a ringer.

Absolutely. I was being a bit tongue in cheek.

How to spot a ringer?

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