VIN # requirement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 79
From: El Paso Texas
VIN # requirement
I am seeming to run into this issue with all GM related parts. I have not seen this with Ford. The question is Why the VIN requirement? If I tell you the car: 08 C6 Auto and the part. You still need a VIN? The deductive reasining has been lost on the newer generation? C6 08 tells me LS3, auto tells me 6 speed automatic tranny. A Vin is a requirement for the seat rail ends or the carpet pins? What about a auto shifter ****?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 27
From: West Des Moines Ia
I am with you. I have run into this same thing for several years now. A couple of weeks ago all I wanted was some touch up paint, I first had to give them my VIN. Jetstream Blue was not enough. It must be something unique to GM. I also had to give them the VIN for a part for my Traverse. Thanks in advance...
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
This is not new. Both Ford and Chrysler require it also. Same for Honda and the rest. When I order parts for customers cars the last 8 of the vin are required as there are so many varied options and codes that it reduces the chances of error greatly. An example would be the C6 embroidered cross flags seat cover backs. If your 2005 did not have them and you wanted to upgrade and did not knw the seat option code this would clear it up. There are early and late versions of models and constsnt up grading across the model line and this is the only way to correctly order parts given the sheer quantity of numbers.
I was with GM for 27 years in the technical end and this actually reduces the parts workload. Hope this helps...
I was with GM for 27 years in the technical end and this actually reduces the parts workload. Hope this helps...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
This is not new. Both Ford and Chrysler require it also. Same for Honda and the rest. When I order parts for customers cars the last 8 of the vin are required as there are so many varied options and codes that it reduces the chances of error greatly. An example would be the C6 embroidered cross flags seat cover backs. If your 2005 did not have them and you wanted to upgrade and did not knw the seat option code this would clear it up. There are early and late versions of models and constsnt up grading across the model line and this is the only way to correctly order parts given the sheer quantity of numbers.
I was with GM for 27 years in the technical end and this actually reduces the parts workload. Hope this helps...
I was with GM for 27 years in the technical end and this actually reduces the parts workload. Hope this helps...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 4
From: Cape May, NJ; Guntersville, AL; Orange Beach, AL
It may be a pain but sometimes things are changed during the model year. The VIN will keep mistakes from happening. 99.9% of the time it won't matter but there is a chance. I don't see what the big deal is.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 79
From: El Paso Texas
Maybe it's my military background and not divulging info. I don't think generic parts need a vin. Understand the embroidered issue to a point. If I ask for embroidered seat covers I would think the service Rep would know where to look. I gather the motorcycle world in this is much easier. I don't need a vin to order parts.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Maybe it's my military background and not divulging info. I don't think generic parts need a vin. Understand the embroidered issue to a point. If I ask for embroidered seat covers I would think the service Rep would know where to look. I gather the motorcycle world in this is much easier. I don't need a vin to order parts.
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Several parts on the Corvette change each and every year and several of those parts change during the course of a model run. First requirement for the VIN is to serve as a breakpoint in the production run to make sure you get the right part for your car. Secondly, it helps the service department validate what the customer is telling them and cuts down dramatically on the number of returns of special order parts because the customer gave the service department bad information.
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I recall one CF dealer who told me they would not sell red touchup paint to anyone with a 2005 Corvette, there were too many owners getting confused between Precision Red and Victory Red, even when allegedly giving the proper paint code.
