Anyone who follows the relevant press will certainly have noticed. You regularly read about replicas, identity manipulation or forgeries. The question of originality and authenticity often arises, particularly in the case of high-value collector's vehicles.
The FSP group of companies, which is part of TÜV Rheinland, has been working for over 10 years on research methods that answer such questions as clearly as possible. Under the direction of Sebastian Hoffmann, who has his headquarters in the classic city of Frankfurt/Main, the experts at FSP examine cars using various methods:
1. magneto-optical resonance examination
The identifying number on the vehicle is the vehicle identification number, also known as the chassis number or VIN. It is permanently attached to the car in various places, usually stamped into the frame or bodywork. Counterfeiters like to grind out the number, tin the surface and punch in new digits and numbers. Sometimes individual digits are also cut out by laser, twisted and welded back in. Once the manipulated surface has been smoothed and painted again, the change can no longer be seen with the naked eye. Even experts can't do this by hand...
However, as microstructural traces are created and remain in the material under the numbers when the numbers are originally hammered in, the manipulations can be detected by applying a strong magnetic field. This method can often even make the original numbers visible again.
2. x-ray
Changes to the vehicle identification number can also be seen on an X-ray. The specialists at FSP use mobile X-ray technology, especially if the numbers are stamped in places that are difficult to access. This method also makes weld seams visible again. This can help in cases where the VIN or production number itself has not been manipulated, but a new plate has been welded into which a modified number has then been stamped.
The use of X-rays naturally requires not only a corresponding investment, but also extensive training for the experts.
3. spectral analysis of steels
In the case of particularly expensive vehicles, it is often even worth reproducing parts or entire cars. But no matter how good the result, the newly produced vehicle or its components are not original and, above all, not from the right era. However, if this is then claimed, a great deal of damage is caused. With the help of a specially calibrated spark spectrometer and an extensive database, FSP can determine the production period of steel to around a decade. This is because the production of steels and therefore their composition has changed time and again. This is why, for example, the proportion of accompanying elements such as aluminum or tin is a fairly clear indicator of the production period.
If the specialists at the FSP then discover that steel on a car from the 1960s was only produced after the year 2000, this raises exciting questions, the answers to which can be very valuable.
4. ultrasound
Measuring the thickness of paint layers on metal is now standard practice for all good vehicle appraisers. Technically, the devices use the magnetism of metal. This is how the overall thickness of the paint structure is determined. With ultrasound, however, the examination result is much more detailed. Not only the number of individual paint layers, but also their respective thicknesses are displayed. And the system also works on plastics, including bumpers and GRP bodies.
The FSP experts also use ultrasound to analyze repairs that have already been carried out in a non-destructive manner.
Expansion of the specialist area planned
"Not only vehicle owners, but also insurers and dealers are interested in questions about originality and whether bodywork and paintwork has been carried out professionally in the past," explains Sebastian Hoffmann. "That's why we will continue to expand the vehicle analysis department. In addition to the qualification of further colleagues, this also includes the expansion of our international network. We already rely on external experts for vehicle paintwork or for determining the age of organic materials. So it remains exciting!"
Further information can be found on the FSP website.
