Decoding a 1980 Short Vin

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Jan 22, 2008 | 11:06 AM

Ron R

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Decoding a 1980 Short Vin

In 1980 some cars were produced with 12-digit VINS that started with the 1981+ "1G1" code. I'm not exactly sure how the rest of this conforms though, can someone shed some light? All of the sites I've found that give information don't seem to apply to this off-year because it's expecting a 17-digit number on Chevy's that start with 1g1. But it also doesn't conform to the older ones which start with 1Z.

Using 1G1AY8765BS4 as an example and applying the 17-digit rules:

Model Code is "A"
Engine Code is "6"
Body code is "8"
Build Location Code is "S"

Anyone know how this is supposed to break down?

*edit: Just noticed, the build location code is probably a "5" which would be bowling green, not an "S".

Last edited by Ron R; Jan 22, 2008 at 11:10 AM.

Jan 22, 2008 | 11:41 AM

avner

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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

1G1AY8764BSXXXXXX - Start on 1981
1G - Generl Motors
1 - Chevrolet
A - Dessignating the occupant restaint system incorporated
Y - Corvette
87 - Coupe or 07 - Collectot Edition
6 - 350ci w/4bbl or 8 - 350ci w/Cross-Fire Injection
0-9 - Check digit
B - Model Year =1981 or C - 1982
S - St. Louis or 5 - Bowling Green
4XXXXX- St. Louis Serial # or 1XXXXX- Bowling Green Serial #

Avner

Last edited by avner; Jan 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM.

Jan 22, 2008 | 11:49 AM

Ron R

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Quote:

Originally Posted by avner

I have that, but the VIN I posted is a 12 digit from an 80. The numbers don't exactly match up to the 1981+ specs.

Jan 22, 2008 | 12:01 PM

avner

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The only deference is the 9 digit and it's a check digit (can be 0-9)
the 4 in the end is the first digit of the serial# that build at St. Louis
and if the serial start with 1 it's build at Bowling Green.
1980 start with 1Z878AS.
Avner

1Z - Chevrolet Corvette
87 - Coupe
8- Base or L - L82 or H - 305 calif'
A - Model year 1980
S - St. Louis

Last edited by avner; Jan 22, 2008 at 12:07 PM.

Jan 22, 2008 | 12:07 PM

Ron R

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Quote:

Originally Posted by avner

Some 1980's start with 1G1 and are 12 digits like the one I posted - the ones that start with 1Z8 conform just fine to the 1980 rules. The 12-digit 1980's that start with 1G1 don't conform to the 17 digit rules, that's the problem.

Jan 22, 2008 | 12:14 PM

avner

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What you post is 12 digit without the serial# (1G1AY8765BS4 the 4 in the end is the first digit on the serial#)
17 digit is with the serial #
On 1980 is 13 digit with the serial#
Sory can't help more then that.
Avner

Jan 22, 2008 | 01:52 PM

Ron R

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankVincent

According to all my books, there were not 2 kinds of VIN's in 1980. The 17 digit started in 1981. The 12 digit number you posted is a 1981 VIN, less the 5 digits for serial, or sequence number.
Where did you get information that some 1980's start with 1G1 .. ???

I was going through ebay looking for vins to test a vin decoder I'm writing (www.corvettelink.com/vindecoder.asp). Saw more than a couple 1980's with 1G1 codes. If it was just one I would have thought that maybe the seller just put in the VIN from the wrong car, but there are a few of them on there with 12-digit numbers.

I know what you're saying, all of the reference material I have shows they would have to be 81+ with a 1G1 start, but I find it hard to believe that either (a) there are a bunch of people out there misrepresenting 81's as 80's, or (b) Some people forgot what year their Corvette is.

The whole thing is kind of weird to me.

Last edited by Ron R; Jan 22, 2008 at 01:56 PM.

Jan 22, 2008 | 02:40 PM

donnd

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VIN Tag Information
1Z878AS400001 - 1Z878AS440614
Digit Definition
1st 1 = Chevrolet Division
2nd Series: Z = Corvette
3rd/4th Body Style: 87 = 2-door sport coupe
5th Engine: H = LG4/305ci/180hp, 8 = L48/350ci/190hp, 6 = L82/350ci/230hp
6th Model Year: A = 1980
7th Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis, MO
Last 6 digits Production Number starting with 400001 - 440614

Engine Suffix ID Numbers
ZAK: 350ci, 190hp (automatic transmission)
ZAM: 350ci, 190hp (manual transmission)
ZBC: 350ci, 230hp (automatic transmission)
ZBD: 350ci, 230hp (uncertain usage)
ZCA: 305ci, 180hp (automatic transmission, California Emissions)