is there anyway to check actual mileage on these short vin #'s

My personal experience, Carfax does NOT recognize our old VINs.

But then again, it's a 30-year-old car... In my case, I picked up a great deal on a classic that I'm working through, and I'm past the point of worrying about how many times the speedometer has turned over........

No, Carfax doesn't handle "old style" VINs, so they can't go back past 1980 or 1981.

Mileage really isn't all that important. Look at the car itself. A compression check on the engine, condition of things like suspension bushings, general wear and tear. Cars with 80K on the odo that sat for 10 years out in the open will be far worse off than a car with 200K on the odo that's been looked after.

that answers my question, i'm selling this car so i just want to be honest. i am a car guy so i'll go with my instinct. i'll let the buyer tell me.
much thanks
sly