How to decode a 1981 Chevrolet Impala VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Chevrolet Impala VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, forming the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides information about the vehicle’s type and the country of manufacture. For instance, a 1981 Chevrolet Impala has a WMI code beginning with “1G1,” indicating that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically focusing on passenger cars. The designation highlights that the manufacturing plant is located in Warren, Michigan. This integral coding system ensures that each vehicle can be accurately identified and traced back to its manufacturer, model year, and origin, supporting everything from registration and insurance processes to recalls and service histories.
List of WMI Codes for a 1981 Chevrolet Impala
WMI: 1G1
- Model Years Covered: 1981, 1984-1985, 2014-2020
- Example VIN: 1G1AL69N5BJ224030
- 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 1981 Chevrolet Impala 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 1981 Chevrolet Impala:
| Known VDS for a 1981 Chevrolet Impala |
|---|
| AL69N |
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 1981 Chevrolet Impala 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 1981 Chevrolet Impala VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the 1981 Chevrolet Impala VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1981 Chevrolet Impala Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Janesville | Wisconsin | United States | 1G1AL69N5BJ224030 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1981 Chevrolet Impala
The final 6 characters in a 1981 Chevrolet Impala’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Chevrolet Impala’s VIN below:
How to find a 1981 Chevrolet Impala’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1981 Chevrolet Impala is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look on the dashboard near the windshield on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Impala, as the VIN is often positioned to be readable through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area; there should be a sticker or plate on the frame with the VIN for your 1981 Chevrolet Impala.
- Inspect the engine block, as the VIN is sometimes stamped on a part of the engine in older vehicles like the 1981 Chevrolet Impala.
- Check the rear wheel well; peer above the tire. On some Chevrolet models, including vintage Impalas, the VIN can be found in this spot.
- Take a look under the hood at the front of the engine bay. There might be a plate or sticker with the VIN on the firewall of your Chevrolet Impala.
What info can a 1981 Chevrolet Impala VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can specify the model year of the vehicle, such as 1981 for the Chevrolet Impala, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: The Chevrolet Impala is a sedan/saloon with four doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type: The Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a 5.7L (5700.0 CC or 347.835 CI) V-Shaped engine configuration, tailored for robust performance.
- Fuel Efficiency: This vehicle runs on diesel, indicating its compatibility with diesel fuel for optimal efficiency and performance.
- Safety Features: The presence of manual seat belt types suggests safety considerations incorporated into the Chevrolet Impala design, enhancing the vehicle’s safety features.
- Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was assembled in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States, highlighting its American craftsmanship and production quality.
- Weight Classification: Classified under Class 1 with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), this designation provides insights into the vehicle’s weight classification and potential load capacity.
Don’t have your 1981 Chevrolet Impala’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Chevrolet Impala
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 5700.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 347.83534133997 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.7 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Diesel |
| 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 | Impala |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Janesville |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Wisconsin |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G1AL69N*BJ |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1G1AL69N5BJ224030 |
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