Tracking down a scrapped car

First thing to do is run a vehicle history report such as Carfax since you have the VIN. More often than not junkyards don't clear titles into their business name. At least not until the remains of the vehicle is sold to a scrap dealer, if the junkyard is not a scrap dealer. If the junkyard is a scrap dealer it's most likely gone. The other thing to consider is how long ago was the vehicle junked? Junkyards make their money selling parts from vehicles they get. So the vehicle you're looking for may be missing many parts. Believe me I know exactly how you feel! In 1981 my Sister junked her 1969 Firebird 400 for $40! It had a fire in the engine compartment, that was contained in the engine compartment, and I wanted the car! I was 14 at the time and I knew my Father and I could have repaired the vehicle. The next day my Father and I went to the junkyard to buy it back. We were told it was gone, already cut up and scrapped. I'm sure that was not true but what could we do? I found out later a neighbor, who I went to school with, went to the junkyard about the car and was told the same story! He also didn't believe it. I've been looking for a reasonably priced one ever since with no luck. They're either too expensive for me or have been made into race cars or are in pieces. I would suggest finding a Jeep just like your family had and restore it. You'll have the vehicle and many new memories of the restoration to go with it! Hope that helps! Jim