How to decode a 1981 Ford Bronco VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Ford Bronco VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code allocated to each car manufacturer to indicate the vehicle’s place of origin and its manufacturer. For the 1981 Ford Bronco, the WMI is “1FM”, signaling that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. This code is the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used worldwide for identifying individual motor vehicles. In addition to the manufacturer and country, the WMI also specifies that the vehicle type is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), commonly known as SUVs today. This alphanumeric code plays a crucial role in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes.
List of WMI Codes for a 1981 Ford Bronco
WMI: 1FM
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1996, 2021-2024
- Example VIN: 1FMEU15G5BLA31652
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Dearborn
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1981 Ford Bronco 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 Ford Bronco:
| Known VDS for a 1981 Ford Bronco | ||
|---|---|---|
| EU15G | DU15F | DU15G |
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 Ford Bronco 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 Ford Bronco VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the 1981 Ford Bronco VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1981 Ford Bronco Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Detroit | Michigan | United States | 1FMEU15G5BLA31652 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1981 Ford Bronco
The final 6 characters in a 1981 Ford Bronco’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1981 Ford Bronco’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1981 Ford Bronco is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1981 Ford Bronco. The VIN is commonly displayed on a plate visible through the windshield.
- Examine the door post on the driver’s side when you open the door of your Ford Bronco. There’s usually a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
- Check the frame of the vehicle. The VIN might be stamped on the chassis of your Ford Bronco, possibly under the hood or within the engine bay.
- Inspect the paperwork associated with your Ford Bronco such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, where the VIN is always printed.
- Look for the VIN on the vehicle’s firewall within the engine compartment, as this is a common place manufacturers stamped the VIN in vintage vehicles like the 1981 Ford Bronco.
What info can a 1981 Ford Bronco VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides detailed specifications for a Ford Bronco, including engine manufacturer and model information, offering valuable insights into the vehicle’s make and model.
- Engine Details: The engine is characterized by a V-Shaped configuration, 5.8L displacement, and horsepower ranging from 150 to 210, indicating substantial power and performance, potentially contributing to the vehicle’s overall driving experience.
- Fuel Type: It specifies that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may offer insights into fuel efficiency and the environmental impact of the vehicle’s operations.
- Drive Type: This VIN indicates the vehicle features 4WD (4-Wheel Drive), enhancing off-road capabilities and potentially impacting the vehicle’s overall handling in various driving conditions.
- Body Class and Size: Described as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 2 doors, providing insights into the vehicle’s design and intended use, potentially influencing its functionality and interior space.
- Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was assembled in Detroit, Michigan, United States, highlighting the geographic origin of its manufacturing process, potentially offering insights into the vehicle’s historical and regional significance.
Don’t have your 1981 Ford Bronco’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Ford Bronco
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 5751.859464 |
| Displacement (CI) | 351 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.8 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 150 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 210 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| Model | Bronco |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Detroit |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Michigan |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FMEU15G*BL |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1FMEU15G5BLA31652 |
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