How to Decode Your G-Body's Vehicle Identification Number

Decode the vehicle identification number on a General Motors G body car

The General Motors G body cars are classified as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, El Camino, Malibu, Buick Regal, Grand National, GNX, Oldsmobile Cutlass, GMC Caballero, Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville and Grand Lemans. These mid-sized rear-wheel drive cars were produced between 1982 and 1988. All vehicle Identification Numbers are 17 characters long following a Federal government mandate in 1981. The VIN provides specific information about the vehicle. Follow these steps to decode your G body VIN.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle Identification Number

Instructions

1. Locate the vehicle identification number. It is found on the left side of the windshield on the dash. It can also found on the title.

2. Decode the first character. This indicates the country of manufacture. The digit 1 represents USA, 2 is for Canada

3. Locate the second character. The letter G designates General Motors

4. Decode the third character. This number indicates the division. The digit 1 represents Chevrolet, 2 is for Pontiac, 3 is for Oldsmobile, and 4 is for Buick.

5. Locate the fourth character. This indicates the restraint system. The letter A indicates a non passive manual seat belt.

6. Locate the fifth character. This digit indicates the model series such as Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Cutlass, etc.

7. Find the sixth and seventh character. These indicate the body type. The G bodies were all notch-back coupes. The numbers 1, 3, and 7 were used for various years.

8. Locate the eighth character. This indicates the engine type used. There are many different types of engine combinations for each model and for each year. The ninth character is a check digit, which you can ignore.

9. Decode the tenth character. This indicates the model year. D=1983, E=1984, F=1985, G=1986, F=1987, J=1988

10. Locate the eleventh digit. This indicates the plant location. There were multiple locations where G-body cars were produced.

11. Decode the remaining 6 characters. The last six digits designate the serial number and production sequence of the vehicle.

References

• Monte Carlo SS: 4th Generation Monte Carlo VIN Decoding
• GBodies: The GM G-Body