How to decode a Chevrolet El Camino VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet El Camino VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are the first three characters of a vehicle’s unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which designate the manufacturer, vehicle type, and region of manufacture. For the Chevrolet El-Camino, produced by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States, distinct WMIs were used across different production years. Specifically, El-Caminos built from 1981 to 1984 were assigned the WMI 1GC, indicating trucks manufactured in the U.S. by General Motors. For models from 1985 to 1987, the WMI 3GC was allocated, maintaining the identification of the vehicle as a U.S.-manufactured truck by General Motors. These codes are crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and identification.
List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet El Camino
WMI: 1GC
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1984
- Example VIN: 1GCCW80A9BR432331
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
WMI: 3GC
- Model Years Covered: 1985-1987
- Example VIN: 3GCCW80Z1FS906443
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet El Camino 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 Chevrolet El Camino:
| Known VDS for a Chevrolet El Camino | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW80A | CW80K | CW80H | CW80J | CW809 | CW80N | CW80Z |
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 Chevrolet El Camino 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 Chevrolet El Camino VIN — Year Code
11th Character in the Chevrolet El Camino VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Chevrolet El Camino Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | Doraville | Georgia | United States | Doraville Assembly (C-P-C) | 1GCCW80K1BD439537 |
| R | Arlington | Texas | United States | Arlington Assembly | 1GCCW80A9BR432331 |
| S | Ramos Arizpe | Mexico | Gm Overseas-Truck | 3GCCW80Z1FS906443 | |
| Z | Fremont | California | United States | 1GCCW80A3BZ402435 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet El Camino
The final 6 characters in a Chevrolet El Camino’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Chevrolet El Camino’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Chevrolet El Camino is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet El Camino. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side, where the VIN might be found on a sticker or plate.
- Examine the engine block, where the VIN is often stamped directly into the metal.
- Check your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance cards, or title, where the VIN is usually listed.
What info can a Chevrolet El Camino VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1983, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: It specifies the vehicle as a Truck with a Pickup body type, detailing its practical use and design.
- Engine Details: The VIN code provides comprehensive engine information such as a V-Shaped, 5.0L (5000 CC or 305.11872047366 CI) engine made by Chevrolet, indicating power and manufacturer specifications.
- Fuel Type: This vehicle runs on Gasoline, highlighting its primary fuel type which is important for understanding efficiency and environmental impact.
- Drive Type and Brake System: The Vehicle’s drive type is listed as 4x2, paired with a Hydraulic brake system, indicating its drivetrain layout and braking mechanics for safety.
- Manufacturing Details: The assembly plant is located in Arlington, Texas, United States by Arlington assembly, providing insight into its production origin.
- Model and Trim: This VIN belongs to an El Camino model with a 1/2 ton trim, offering specific details on the model variant and its capacity.
Don’t have your Chevrolet El Camino’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet El Camino
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Pickup |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 5000.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 305.11872047366 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| 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 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | El Camino |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Arlington |
| Plant Company Name | Arlington assembly |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Texas |
| Series | Special Pickup and Panel Delivery from Passenger car |
| Trim | 1/2 ton |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1GCCW80H*BR |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | 1GCCW80H2BR459917 |
Decode a Chevrolet VIN
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