I tried using the vin decoder and got back a response that I have an invalid serial #, the character I am having touble with is X. I looked on my car and title to find that they both match. What is wrong?

There is a mathmatical formula that is used to determine if the Serial Number is valid or not. It is looks at all the characters in your VIN anc can determine if it meets the forumla. If not, the VIN is considered invalid. Are you the original owner of the car?

Barley -- What year is your car? Coupe or convertible? I can give you the correct VIN format leaving you to fill in your consecutive unit number and engine code (where applicable).

My vette is a 1981 coupe

barleybrew
If you want to send me your VIN I will see if I can help you out. If you have an "X" more than likely you have a "Spec" 81. There were 6 made that left the St.Louis plant with primer paint, we can account for 3. Check your Trim Tag too, there is a rectangular aluminum tag on the drivers side door frame on the front of the frame below the windshield it should have a combination of numbers and letters.

The spec cars don't show up on most VIN computer generated searches. Good luck in you seach.

Bud Dougherty

I just went to your profile and saw your VIN.. your car was built in St. Louis on or around the 13 of January 1981, If you can give my your "Trim Tag Codes" I can tell you the exact day, and a little more about the car.. it probably has the word "spec" on the trim tag :)

Bud Dougherty

My trim tag reads:
CHEVROLET F14
TRIM 672 06l PAINT
What does spec mean, besides it left the plant in primer and where were these cars painted. Does this mean I may have a rare car and is worth more money.

quote:
My trim tag reads:
CHEVROLET F14
TRIM 672 06l PAINT
What does spec mean, besides it left the plant in primer and where were these cars painted. Does this mean I may have a rare car and is worth more money.
barleybrew

F14 = January 14, 1981 Mfg. Date
672 = Dark Red Leather Interior
06 = Mahogany Metallic paint

BUT since your paint code is:
061; the spec cars came with a 01 paint code.. My guess is your car was not painted at St. Louis, but by the dealer.

What color is your car now and what color is the interior?

To answer if you car is worth more $$$ that is a tough one, Yes and No.. NCRS would want it original, so if it is a spec 81 it should be done in primer with the exception of Factory/Dealer original paint code that is authenticated with a paper trail. Is it rare, unique.. YES will the fetch more $$$.. your guess is as good as mine, anything to the right person is worth more $$$ than to someone else

BudD

|UPDATED|3/17/02 9:30:34 AM|/UPDATED|

Barley -- The VIN for your '81 should be formatted 1G1AY8764BS4XXXXXX with the Xs standing your your consecutive unit number. If memory serves, it breaks down as follows:
1 General Motors
G United States
1 Chevrolet
A Restraint code
Y Corvette
87 Body style code (coupe)
6 Check Digit (varies between cars)
4 can't recall this one
B code for year of production -- 1981 The 1980 models were coded A.
S plant code for St. Louis
4 placeholder
XXXXXX Consecutive unit number.

A build date of F14 indicates January 14th, 1981. Ending VIN for December 1980 was 415234; ending VIN for January 1981 was 418399. The consecutive unit number on your car should fall between the two.

Trim code of 672 is dark red leather.

Paint Code of 06L (that's an "L") stands for mahogany metallic.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the help guys!, the interior and exterior color of the car match the code #s