Could VIN be wrong

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Mar 22, 2009 | 11:15 AM

wilsogr

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3rd Gear

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Eaton Ohio

Could VIN be wrong

Curious about the VIN on my 2009 convertible. From what I can find the 6th and 7th character for a convertible with 6-speed manual is 36. Mine is 35. Why would that be? Thanks.

Mar 22, 2009 | 11:26 AM

talon90

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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10

In the Corvette VIN sequence the only digit that identifies body style is the 6th digit. The 7th digit is identified as a restraint code. For the 6th digit, Body style: "1" = FRC, "2" = Coupe, "3" = Convertible. In your case having a 3 indicates that it is a convertible. The "6" in place of the "5" for the 7th digit does not talk to the body style. Here is an example of a complete 2006 VIN.

1 G 1 Y Y 2 6 U 3 6 5 1 0 0 0 0 1
There are 17 characters. Starting with first character on left the codes are:
1. "1"= Built in US
2. "G"= General Motors
3. "1"= Chevrolet
4. Denotes the car line: Corvette is a "Y" body.
5. Provides more info about the car:
Usually a "Y" but the ZR-1 is "Z"
6. Body style: "1" = FRC, "2" = Coupe, "3" = Convertible
7. Restraint code
8. Engine:
L98="8"
LT1="P"
ZR1="J"
LT4="5"
LS1="G"
LS6="S”
LS2=”U”
LS3=”W”
LS7=”E”
9. Check Digit – 0 to 9 or X
10. Model year:
"B" thru "N" are yrs '81-'92 respectively
"P"='93
"R" thru "T" '94-'96
"V"='97
"W"='98
"X"='99
"Y"='00
"1"='01
“5”=’05
“6”=’06
“7”=’07
11. Plant: Bowling Green = "5"
12-17. Production sequence number that starts with the #100001 for each model yr.

Mar 22, 2009 | 11:45 AM

wilsogr

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Eaton Ohio

Thanks for the clarification. I was somewhat confused after reading an article in "Corvette Enthusiast" titled "The inside scoop on 2009 corvette VINs". Then I just got the 2009 set of service manuals and the VIN system explanation in volume 1 seemed incorrect. Again, thanks.

Mar 22, 2009 | 11:47 AM

dgrant3830

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Van Buren Arkansas

Wounded Warrior Escort '11

Sounds like its correct too me. The number is applied during the fabrication process and is determined when the order is placed into the system to build. What's cool is the VIN is on the engine too and is placed there during on the assembly line right above the oil filter location on the block!

Mar 22, 2009 | 12:03 PM

Curtis A. Franz

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 1,270

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From: Prescott AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgrant3830

Now if we could just get the secrets of 1953 -1980 model years. I have two owner cards from Chevrolet for my first two cars ...a 1960 & and a 1968. I do know that the engine number on the older cars was unrelated to the VIN number. I put a 327 into that 1960.

Okay here is a web site for older cars: http://www.corvette-web-central.com/...INdecoder.html

Last edited by Curtis A. Franz; Mar 22, 2009 at 12:51 PM.

Mar 22, 2009 | 01:39 PM

ironmikezero

Racer

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 252

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From: Haughton LA

The 7th digit "restraint code" in C6s indicates airbags; "5" is standard front air bags (driver & passenger), whereas "6" is (optional) side air bags (driver & passenger).

It's also a quick way to differentiate between 1LT/1LZ models and 2LT/2LZ (and up) models, since side air bags are not available on the 1LT/1LZ models.