How to decode a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a crucial component of a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For example, in the case of a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice, the WMI “1G1” signifies that General Motors LLC, located in Warren, Michigan, United States, manufactured this passenger car. This identification system is standardized globally to ensure each vehicle has a unique identifier, facilitating easier recognition and tracking. The WMI is the first three characters of the VIN, serving as a quick reference to essential information about the car, including where and by whom it was made. This standardized system enhances the efficiency of vehicle recalls, registration, and enforcement of regulations.
List of WMI Codes for a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice
WMI: 1G1
- Model Years Covered: 1982-1996
- Example VIN: 1G1BN81Y4H9135625
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1987 Chevrolet Caprice:
| Known VDS for a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BN81Y | BL81Y | BU51H | BL51Z | BN51H | BN51Z | BU51Y |
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 1987 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1987 Chevrolet Caprice VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| H | 1987 |
11th Character in the 1987 Chevrolet Caprice VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1987 Chevrolet Caprice Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Detroit | Michigan | United States | Cadillac Amsterdam Street Plant | 1G1BN81Y4H9135625 |
| A | Lakewood Heights | Georgia | United States | Lakewood Assembly | 1G1BL81Y8HA167157 |
| X | Kansas City | Kansas | United States | Fairfax Assembly | 1G1BL51Z4HX137643 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice
The final 6 characters in a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Chevrolet Caprice’s VIN below:
How to find a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1987 Chevrolet Caprice is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1987 Chevrolet Caprice. The VIN is usually visible from the outside, where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Check the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Caprice. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the front door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine block of your Caprice. The VIN may also be stamped onto a part of the engine.
- Review any official documentation related to your 1987 Chevrolet Caprice, such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, which should all have the VIN listed.
- Inspect the frame of the vehicle. Some older models like the Chevrolet Caprice have the VIN stamped on the chassis or the frame, often under the hood or within the engine compartment.
- Look under the rear wheel well. Occasionally, on older vehicles like the 1987 Caprice, the VIN might be found stamped on the frame near the back tires.
What info can a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1987, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Specifications: VIN details encompass the vehicle’s type, such as a Passenger Car, and further elaborate on specific models and series, such as a Caprice Classic. This information is critical for identification and comparison.
- Engine Details: The VIN decodes to reveal comprehensive engine specifications, including its configuration (V-Shaped), manufacturer (CPC), displacement (4.3L or 262.40209960734 CI), and the number of cylinders (6). This might help in understanding the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency Systems: It can indicate the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, which in this case is Gasoline, and includes details about the fuel delivery system, such as Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI). This information is vital for fuel economy considerations and maintenance planning.
- Manufacturing Information: Through the VIN, details about the vehicle’s manufacturing, including the plant city (Lakewood Heights), state (Georgia), country (United States), and the company name (Lakewood Assembly), can be identified. This could be particularly useful for understanding the origin and potentially the build quality of the vehicle.
- Body and Safety Features: Key attributes such as the body class (Sedan/Saloon), the number of doors (4), and safety components like the type of seat belt (Manual) are encoded within the VIN. This aids in assessing the vehicle’s design intention and safety offerings.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN might specify the GVWR class, providing insights into the maximum weight the vehicle can safely operate at, potentially impacting its usage and capabilities.
Don’t have your 1987 Chevrolet Caprice’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 4300.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 262.40209960734 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | CPC |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | Caprice |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Plant City | Lakewood Heights |
| Plant Company Name | Lakewood assembly |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Georgia |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Classic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G1BN51Z*HA |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1G1BN51Z5HA164153 |
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