Build Date Vs Vin Code
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
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 ?
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 ?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 961
Likes: 237
From: Diamondhead Mississippi
St. Jude Donor '17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,229
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 815
From: Saskatoon Sask.
Racer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 350
Likes: 74
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.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
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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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: near the thumb in the mitten
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.