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Build Date Vs Vin Code

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Old May 21, 2019 | 12:45 AM
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Default Build Date Vs Vin Code

Hi all ,Sorry for the newbie question but i just want to make sure before i start ordering parts.

The build date on my C4 is 11/87 but the Vin Code has a J so its a 1988 ?

So follow Vin code and order parts for 88 model ?
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Old May 21, 2019 | 07:50 AM
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Yes it is an 88 model. All cars are actually released in the previous calendar year. In other words an 88 could have been released sometime in late 87. It used to be the next model year came out around September or October but they are releasing them earlier and earlier now.

Last edited by cdm747; May 21, 2019 at 07:50 AM.
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Old May 21, 2019 | 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by ozSteve88
Hi all ,Sorry for the newbie question but i just want to make sure before i start ordering parts.

The build date on my C4 is 11/87 but the Vin Code has a J so its a 1988 ?

So follow Vin code and order parts for 88 model ?
Don't you have a title?
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Old May 21, 2019 | 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Cruisinfanatic
Don't you have a title?

That question would assume that every geographical location issues "titles". No such thing here. Buy and sell by " bill of sale".
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Old May 21, 2019 | 09:35 AM
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If the vin says it’s an 88 then go by that for parts. UNLESS.. the part specifically lists different choices for different build dates. I can’t think of any off the top of my head specifically for the C4 , but almost all cars have certain parts that changed throughout production runs and if there is a variance based on build date then that is usually noted in the details when ordering the part.
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Old May 21, 2019 | 07:30 PM
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Thanks i assumed that would be the case and glad it is.
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Old May 21, 2019 | 07:48 PM
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No not as yet. The car was first engineered and complied and registered in my home state and all the required paperwork to do this was submitted and approved. Many years later the car was purchased by the second owner and moved to another state but he did not request to get copies of all the paperwork that was originally submitted.

I called our registration department here and confirmed all the correct paperwork is in place for the car which they did before i purchased the car, but until i transfer ownership into my name i can not access these documents.
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Old May 21, 2019 | 09:15 PM
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a few parts changed thry the c-4 run. Things like the targa top mounting locations, headlight motors, dash interment panel, seats, ect.. You will need that info when you maybe order aprts.
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Cars go into production during the summer year before release. most of the time. C4 wise 1984 went in production January second 1983 and ran into summer of 84. The plant closes to retool for next the next year's model. The 1 and only 83 has a 82 build date. Typically the 84 with a 83 build date brings on this question. VIN is what COUNTS. GM rarely has build breaks and since there is only one plant it's unlikely you will need build date for parts.
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