Vehicle ID Numbers

Hi,
Here is my 2 cents worth on vehicle identification numbers; most domestic car makers in 1980, with the use of the 17 digit VIN code did use the 10th digit as the year. Prior to 1980 the car makers mostly used a 13 digit VIN code and there was not a standard digit designated as the year code.
Examples:
· 1974 to 1980 AMC used the 2nd digit to designate the year with the 13 digit VIN, but switched to a 17 digit VIN in 1980 and used the 10th digit as the year.
· Chrysler cars and trucks from 1974 to 1980 used a 13 digit VIN code and the 6th digit was their year code.
· Ford cars only from 1974 to 1980 used an 11 digit VIN code and the 1st digit was their year code.
· GM cars and trucks from 1974 to 1980 also used a 13 digit VIN code also used the 6th digit of the VIN as the year code.
· Jeep from 1972 to 1980 used a 13 digit VIN code and the 2nd digit was the year code.

I did not check back prior to 1974, but I am sure GM and most car makers followed the same general guide lines.

I hope this does not confuse things on the model years prior to 1980.

davey K

Thanks for your help.

A Posting From Forum Moderator Ron Moore

Here's the data for VIN numbers.

1971 = 1
1972 = 2
1973 = 3
1974 = 4
1975 = 5
1976 = 6
1977 = 7
1978 = 8
1979 = 9

1980 = A
1981 = B
1982 = C
1983 = D
1984 = E
1985 = F
1986 = G
1987 = H
1988 = J
1989 = K
1990 = L
1991 = M
1992 = N
1993 = P
1994 = R
1995 = S
1996 = T
1997 = V
1998 = W
1999 = X
2000 = Y

2001 = 1
2002 = 2
2003 = 3
2004 = 4
2005 = 5
2006 = 6
2007 = 7
2008 = 8
2009 = 9

2010 = A

In October Vehicle Extrication article, we are given the letters used in the 10th position in the VIN. These letters represent the year the vehicle is made. The list we are given repeats 1988 and 1989 models being represented by the letter K. Is this correct?
If it isn't, does it throw off the rest of the list? If it is correct, how can we determine if the vehicle in question is 1988 or 1989? Please help!


[This message has been edited by NOFD (edited October 17, 1999).]