AC1074

I am looking at a 1980 L82 Corvette with a 12 digit VIN number. The first 2 digits indicate a "12" not a "1Z". My understanding for VIN numbers on the 1980s should be a 13 digit number and all VINs for that year begin with a "1Z" designation. I have obtained the VIN number for this vette and verified that it is registered under a 12 digit VIN with the 2 begininng numbers as "12". Can anyone explain how this is possible or is there something terribly wrong here?

MelWff

Where do you see the "12" on paperwork or on the actual VIN plate attached to the car?
It is not uncommon for DMV paperwork to change the "Z" to a "2" due to a typo.

Easy Mike

Yep. Typo error. All 1980 VINs are 1Z87*AS4xxxxx. * is the engine code (8, 6, or H); xxxxx is the consecutive unit number.

Check the VIN plate on the driver's windshield post and the vehicle certifcation label on the driver's door.

havesometo

That happened to me.

AC1074

I have not seen the actual VIN on the car yet. I was planning on seeing the car in a few days but wanted to check things out before I go look at it. I figured it could be a typo but I am being told the car only had 2 owners and the current owner has had it for over 15 years. I am just not sure how some car owners don't have everything documented correctly. The vin still seems to be short a digit but I am surprised the DMV did not catch the 12 digit VIN. So far from what I can see this C3 looks in very good shape with a clean title.

AC1074

How hard was it to change it to the correct number? Never had that happen to me before.

AC1074

Thank you for the replies everyone. So can it be a 12 digit number or does it have to be 13? Just want to confirm. Thanks

Easy Mike

13 characters.

Yellow1980

Here's a link that might help.

1980 Corvette Specifications and Statistics

MelWff

Check with your DMV, suspect they would have to make a visual inspection of the VIN. In my case I was registered in NY and the "S" in the serial number was a "5" on the paperwork. When I filled out the paperwork for transferring to CT I corrected the error and nobody ever questioned it.

gbvette62

Are you getting the VIN number verbally from the seller, or did you see a copy of the title or registration? If the VIN came verbally from the seller, have you confirmed the VIN with him, as he may have inadvertently left a digit out of the VIN, when communicating it to you. I would ask the seller for a picture of the VIN tag, and a copy of the title or registration.

It's quite common for a DMV's to mix up S's and 5's, and 2's and Z's, but normally they should catch a VIN that's a digit short.

I wouldn't even try to correct it. That's the job of the seller!

From my experience, all that is needed in NJ to correct a title mistake, is a digital photo of the VIN tag, and a notarized letter explaining the problem. Each state has their own regulations, but it shouldn't be to hard for the seller to do.

If the seller can't or won't go to their DMV, and do what's necessary to fix the title, then you should walk away from this deal. It will be much easier for the seller, as the current owner, to fix the problem, then it could be for you to try and fix it when transferring the title into your name.