Need help identifying a VIN

[LuckyLightning]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase a '79 K20. The seller sent me a pic of the vehicle certification sticker/tag. I'm using the LMC catalog VIN decoder but I'm hitting some snags: there are some numbers where letters should be.

Here's what I have:

Ck12391xxxxxx

C = Chevrolet
k = 4x4
1 = (this should either be an "L" for the 350, but it looks like a "1")
2 = 3/4 ton
3 = (this should be a "4" because it's a pick-up)
9 = 1979
1 = (there are no assembly plant options that even look like a "1")

Also, lower on the service sticker is stated "Service Body" underneath the "() Truck" option, but for "() MPV" it just has "XX" and in the parenthesis brackets and I have no idea what that means.

I went to carfax and it just says I entered an incorrect VIN.

I've had a few '60-'66 trucks but this would be my first square body. I appreciate any and all help.

Thanks for looking.

[rich weyand]

1 in the third place may be a T: 292 I6 engine.

3 in the fifth place means it was delivered as a "cab and chassis". The bed was added somewhere along the way.

1 in the seventh place means it was made in the Oshawa plant by GM of Canada.

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/7980VIN.html

[LuckyLightning]

Thanks rich. There's a V8 under the hood, and the seller says it's a 350. So it's either the original 350, or an installed 350.

Good to know about the bed.

As for the assembly plant: the truck is a '79, so not sure how a an '81-'89 code applies? (according to LMC)

[rich weyand]

The page I pointed to says it is the decoder for 79-80.

[71swb4x4]

Do you know for sure that the cab is original? Have you matched the cab VIN with the frame VIN?

[LuckyLightning]

No, I haven't had a chance to look at the frame for a VIN. Is it near the steering gear box or somewhere else on these trucks?

[craig113]

Mine have been on the passenger frame rail, top side under the passenger seat area.

[LuckyLightning]

Thanks craig113, I'll try to check it out.