How to decode a 1981 Jeep CJ-7 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Jeep CJ-7 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, as well as its country of origin, and typically the type of vehicle it is. In the case of the 1981 Jeep CJ-7, the WMI “1JC” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA US LLC, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States. This specific WMI also indicates that the Jeep CJ-7 is classified as a multipurpose passenger vehicle, a category encompassing vehicles designed for various functions beyond just passenger transport. By utilizing the WMI code, one can swiftly gain insights into the vehicle’s origins, manufacturer, and primary purpose, offering a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of its foundational identity. The inclusion of the WMI in a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) adds an extra layer of specificity and verification for tracking and registration purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a 1981 Jeep CJ-7
WMI: 1JC
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1986
- Example VIN: 1JCCE87A4BT002684
- Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Auburn Hills
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1981 Jeep CJ-7 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 Jeep CJ-7:
| Known VDS for a 1981 Jeep CJ-7 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE87A | CE87E | BM87A | CM87E | HM87A | CM87A | HM87E | HE87E | BM87E |
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 Jeep CJ-7 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 Jeep CJ-7 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the 1981 Jeep CJ-7 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1981 Jeep CJ-7 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | Toledo | Ohio | United States | Toledo Assembly Plant | 1JCCE87A4BT002684 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1981 Jeep CJ-7
The final 6 characters in a 1981 Jeep CJ-7’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Jeep CJ-7’s VIN below:
How to find a 1981 Jeep CJ-7’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1981 Jeep CJ-7 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Jeep CJ-7 near the windshield; the VIN is commonly located there and can be seen through the glass.
- Look at the door jamb area on the driver’s side of your 1981 Jeep CJ-7; the VIN might be found on a label or stamped on the body where the door latches.
- Check the frame of your Jeep CJ-7, as VINs for vehicles of this era, and especially for older Jeep models, can often be stamped directly on the chassis.
- The engine block of your 1981 Jeep CJ-7 may also carry the VIN, which can usually be seen from above looking down at the engine.
- Inspect the firewall inside the engine compartment of your Jeep CJ-7, as the VIN could be stamped onto this metal dividing wall.
What info can a 1981 Jeep CJ-7 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class: The VIN informs on the vehicle’s design and functionality, offering details on its body class, which can indicate its versatility and potential off-road capability.
- Engine Type: Details such as the engine configuration and displacement figures suggest a powerful, large-capacity engine, emphasizing performance.
- Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type specified in the VIN can help users understand fuel consumption patterns and operational costs.
- Drive Type: It specifies the drive system, indicating enhanced traction and performance in various terrains, which is particularly relevant for vehicles geared towards versatility and off-road capability.
- Transmission Details: The VIN provides insights into the vehicle’s driving dynamics and user control level through transmission details such as type and speeds.
- Manufacturing Information: It includes significant details like the production location and plant name, shedding light on the vehicle’s origin and the manufacturing environment’s quality standards.
Don’t have your 1981 Jeep CJ-7’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Jeep CJ-7
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Displacement (CC) | 4981.667456 |
| Displacement (CI) | 304 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.981667456 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg) |
| Model | CJ-7 |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Toledo |
| Plant Company Name | Toledo assembly plant |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Ohio |
| Series | Open Body |
| Transmission Speeds | 4 |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Trim | Std. |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1JCHM87A*BT |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1JCHM87A1BT025798 |
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