How to decode a 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of characters used globally to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide specific information such as the vehicle type and production location. The WMI for the 1986 Chevrolet Nova, “1Y1”, reveals that this vehicle was manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota, in Fremont, California, United States. This specific identifier is crucial for consistent vehicle identification across the automotive industry, helping in registration, recall processes, and more. For the 1986 Chevrolet Nova, the WMI is the first part of the VIN, indicating not only the manufacturer but also signifying it as a Passenger Car produced in the mid-1980s. This classification system serves as an essential tool for various stakeholders within the automotive sector, from manufacturers to consumers.
List of WMI Codes for a 1986 Chevrolet Nova
WMI: 1Y1
- Model Years Covered: 1986-1988
- Example VIN: 1Y1SK1943GZ232026
- Manufacturer Name: New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Fremont
- State or Province: California
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1986 Chevrolet Nova 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 1986 Chevrolet Nova:
| Known VDS for a 1986 Chevrolet Nova |
|---|
| SK194 |
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 1986 Chevrolet Nova 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 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 1986 |
11th Character in the 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1986 Chevrolet Nova Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | Fremont | California | United States | New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. | 1Y1SK1943GZ232026 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 Chevrolet Nova
The final 6 characters in a 1986 Chevrolet Nova’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1986 Chevrolet Nova’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1986 Chevrolet Nova is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Nova; it’s common to find the VIN visible through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate.
- Look inside the door jamb on the driver’s side where the door hinge meets the body of your Chevrolet Nova. A sticker or plate with the VIN might be present.
- Check the engine block in your Chevrolet Nova, as the VIN is sometimes stamped directly onto the engine.
- Inspect the frame, near the windshield wiper mount or radiator support bracket, as sometimes the VIN can be found in these areas of your Chevrolet Nova.
- Investigate the rear wheel well above the tire. In some models, the VIN may be found stamped onto the chassis.
- Examine any official documentation or maintenance records associated with your Chevrolet Nova, as the VIN will be listed on titles, registration papers, and insurance documents.
What info can a 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1986, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Plant Location: Manufacturing details from the VIN, such as the plant city being Fremont, the plant state California, and the country as United States indicate where the vehicle was assembled, providing clues about its origin and production standards.
- Engine Specifications: Based on the VIN, the vehicle comes with a 1.60L (1600 cc or 97.64 cubic inches) engine manufactured by Toyota, configured in an In-Line layout with 4 cylinders, suggesting the type of performance and reliability one might expect.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is identified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into its design, purpose, and market segment.
- Vehicle Type and Manufacturer: The VIN reveals that the Passenger Car is a Toyota Nova, providing basic but essential information about its make and model, helpful for identification and comparison purposes.
- Safety Features: Based on the VIN, the inclusion of Manual seat belts points towards the safety features and standards adhered to at the time of manufacture.
- Production Details: The specific details like the Plant Company Name being New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., shed light on the partnership or ownership during the vehicle’s production, adding to its historical and manufacturing context.
Don’t have your 1986 Chevrolet Nova’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 Chevrolet Nova
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 1600.00 |
| Displacement (CI) | 97.637990551571 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.60 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Model | Nova |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Plant City | Fremont |
| Plant Company Name | New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | California |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1Y1SK194*GZ |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1Y1SK1943GZ232026 |
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