Inconsistent VIN + Model numbers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shifty · 03-06-2005, 07:22 PM

I used VIN decoder I found to identify my truck. Everything seems to check out on the truck, except one thing. Hoping someone can explain this one....

Please look at the sheet from my glove box below.

For the VIN, the 5th digit is the year - this says it's a '68
For the Model #, the 5th digit is supposed to be the year - this says it's a '67

How is this possible? Do you think it's a legitimate document?

I KNOW the VIN number is right. It's the same VIN that's just inside the driver's side door opening. It looks like the VIN decoder I used is either wrong or ... this is a manufactured document.

The truck does have the options you see listed (HD rear spring, etc)

Longhorn Man · 03-06-2005, 07:26 PM

interesting.
Looking at the VIN...the part that you blocked out, is it a low number? Like maybe an actual build date of 67?

shifty · 03-06-2005, 07:30 PM

Nah, it's the production number, per the VIN guide here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/Chevyear.html#vin

I blocked it out because I've had several people tell me it's "not a good idea" to post your full VIN on the web. I don't understand why, but ... I figured, "why take chances?"

Those last few digits are all 2's and 8's for the most part, no 7's in there anywhere. Like ... CS148A1288xx

powell72 · 03-06-2005, 07:30 PM

I believe the model number just means it's a short step, my '72 short fleet is 10734, a long bed would be 10934.

J.Lance · 03-06-2005, 08:28 PM

Looks to me like your model number is exactly correct. Shortbed stepside. Search model decoder on the web. The one on this site is actually a little misleading. The model number does not identify the year of the truck, only engine, wheelbase, and style. You're good to go.

Gary Lee · 03-06-2005, 09:17 PM

doesn't the sticker on the door say something like the build month/yr? and that this vehicle complies with all federal motor vehicle safety standards at the time of manufacture... If so you can see if it is an early build that was labeled for the upcoming yr... mine is like that... built late 71 but is a 72 model yr.... if so i wouldn't sweat it...

Rod · 03-06-2005, 10:08 PM

J.Lance got it right...model number dosen't list the year only type of box and wheel base in this case.

The model number in your case breaks down as such

C = conventinal cab
S = six cyl
1 = 1/2 ton
07 = cab to rear axle dimension..in your case 07 means a lenght of 42 inches..so its a short wheel base... it's a Chev cause thats how Chev identifies the wheel base in their model numbers..if it were a GMC the 07 would have been a 57. Thats just the way it is between Chev and GMCs model number decoding.
04 = step side box

You want the vin break down here you go

C= conventinal cab
S= six cyl
1= 1/2 ton
4= box
8=1968
A=Atlanta assembly plant

the 115 showing in the wheel base dimension kinda helps too...but if it were blank as I have seen..the model number decoded the wheel base also. Looks like original documentation to me.

03-06-2005, 07:22 PM	#1
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Inconsistent VIN + Model numbers I used VIN decoder I found to identify my truck. Everything seems to check out on the truck, except one thing. Hoping someone can explain this one.... Please look at the sheet from my glove box below. For the VIN, the 5th digit is the year - this says it's a '68 For the Model #, the 5th digit is supposed to be the year - this says it's a '67 How is this possible? Do you think it's a legitimate document? I *KNOW* the VIN number is right. It's the same VIN that's just inside the driver's side door opening. It looks like the VIN decoder I used is either wrong or ... this is a manufactured document. The truck does have the options you see listed (HD rear spring, etc)

03-06-2005, 07:30 PM	#4
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	I believe the model number just means it's a short step, my '72 short fleet is 10734, a long bed would be 10934. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

03-06-2005, 08:28 PM	#5
J.Lance Too many is never enough! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Idaho Falls, ID Posts: 455	Looks to me like your model number is exactly correct. Shortbed stepside. Search model decoder on the web. The one on this site is actually a little misleading. The model number does not identify the year of the truck, only engine, wheelbase, and style. You're good to go. __________________ Jason 1968 K10 SWB Fleetside 1971 K2500 GMC LWB 1968 K20 (later frame, donor body) 1972 C20 LWB parts truck 1993 K2500 Suburban, tow rig, 454, 4L80E NEW!! 18' Siem's car hauler 2004 Honda Odyssey (family man!) Last edited by J.Lance; 03-06-2005 at 08:37 PM.

03-06-2005, 10:08 PM	#7
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	J.Lance got it right...model number dosen't list the year only type of box and wheel base in this case. The model number in your case breaks down as such C = conventinal cab S = six cyl 1 = 1/2 ton 07 = cab to rear axle dimension..in your case 07 means a lenght of 42 inches..so its a short wheel base... it's a Chev cause thats how Chev identifies the wheel base in their model numbers..if it were a GMC the 07 would have been a 57. Thats just the way it is between Chev and GMCs model number decoding. 04 = step side box You want the vin break down here you go C= conventinal cab S= six cyl 1= 1/2 ton 4= box 8=1968 A=Atlanta assembly plant the 115 showing in the wheel base dimension kinda helps too...but if it were blank as I have seen..the model number decoded the wheel base also. Looks like original documentation to me. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

03-06-2005, 07:26 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	interesting. Looking at the VIN...the part that you blocked out, is it a low number? Like maybe an actual build date of 67?

03-06-2005, 09:17 PM	#6
Gary Lee fixer of 72 GMC LWB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 111	doesn't the sticker on the door say something like the build month/yr? and that this vehicle complies with all federal motor vehicle safety standards at the time of manufacture... If so you can see if it is an early build that was labeled for the upcoming yr... mine is like that... built late 71 but is a 72 model yr.... if so i wouldn't sweat it...



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