How to decode a 1983 GMC Suburban VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1983 GMC Suburban VIN
World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, its type, and the country of production. In the case of the 1983 GMC Suburban, the WMI “1G5” reveals that this multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV) was produced by General Motors LLC. The assembly of this model took place in Warren, Michigan, United States, marking it as an American-made vehicle. WMIs are the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a key identifier for automotive manufacturers worldwide. This system ensures that each vehicle can be uniquely identified, reflecting essential information about its origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type.
List of WMI Codes for a 1983 GMC Suburban
WMI: 1G5
- Model Years Covered: 1983-1986
- Example VIN: 1G5EK16C7DF514123
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1983 GMC Suburban VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1983 GMC Suburban:
| Known VDS for a 1983 GMC Suburban | |
|---|---|
| EK16C | GC26W |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1983 GMC Suburban VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the 1983 GMC Suburban VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 1983 |
11th Character in the 1983 GMC Suburban VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1983 GMC Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Flint | Michigan | United States | Flint Truck Assembly | 1G5EK16C7DF514123 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1983 GMC Suburban
The final 6 characters in a 1983 GMC Suburban’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a 1983 GMC Suburban’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1983 GMC Suburban is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your GMC Suburban. The VIN can usually be viewed through the windshield.
- Look at the driver-side door jamb on your 1983 GMC Suburban. The VIN may be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches.
- Examine the frame of your GMC Suburban under the hood, as the VIN might be stamped on the chassis or firewall.
- Check the rear wheel well directly above the tire; in some older models like the 1983 GMC Suburban, the VIN might be stamped there.
- If your GMC Suburban has a spare tire, look around the area where the spare tire is stored. Sometimes the VIN is located nearby or in the compartment itself.
- Review your GMC Suburban’s vehicle registration, insurance documents, or title, as the VIN should be clearly listed on all vehicle paperwork.
What info can a 1983 GMC Suburban VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 1983, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type and Specifications: The vehicle is powered by a Chevrolet 4BBL engine with a V-shaped configuration, 8 cylinders, and a substantial displacement of 7.4 liters.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, suggesting its engine’s compatibility and power source.
- Drive Type and Body Class: It is classified as a 4x2 drive type, with the body class being a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its design for versatility and utility.
- Vehicle Manufacturing Details: The assembly of this vehicle took place in Flint, Michigan, United States, under the Flint Truck Assembly Plant, illustrating its American manufacturing origin.
- Weight Class: The vehicle falls within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Class 2G: 8,001 - 9,000 lb (3,629 - 4,082 kg), indicating its capability to handle significant weight, aligning with its SUV/MPV classification.
- Model Specifics: The model is identified as a Chevrolet Suburban with a 3/4 ton trim and a series termed as Conventional Cab, providing insights into its model series and utility specifications.
Don’t have your 1983 GMC Suburban’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1983 GMC Suburban
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 7400.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 451.57570630101 |
| Displacement (L) | 7.4 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Engine Model | 4BBL |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2G: 8,001 - 9,000 lb (3,629 - 4,082 kg) |
| Model | Suburban |
| Model Year | 1983 |
| Plant City | Flint |
| Plant Company Name | Flint Truck assembly |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Michigan |
| Series | Conventional Cab |
| Trim | 3/4 ton |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G5GC26W*DF |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1G5GC26W7DF518176 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today