Where's the VIN on a late C3?

[Hib Halverson]

Besides the left A-pillar, on a later C3---say 78 to 82---where is the VIN stamped on the vehicle?

 

[redvett]

Engine trans & frame.

 

[JohnZ]

Here's the frame VIN stamper at St. Louis being used on an '80 (this is the forward stamp - the other one is directly above the #4 body mount bracket).

 

[Hib Halverson]

My understanding is that the # stamped on the engine and trans is only a partial VIN. Is that correct.

In addition to the location shown in the image cited above and a second location above the #4 body mount bracket, another post in a different thread on the 81 Registry board says there is a VIN stamp at the rear corner of the frame. Anyone know anything about that?

 

[6880 Mike]

My understanding is that the # stamped on the engine and trans is only a partial VIN. Is that correct.

In addition to the location shown in the image cited above and a second location above the #4 body mount bracket, another post in a different thread on the 81 Registry board says there is a VIN stamp at the rear corner of the frame. Anyone know anything about that?

Correct. Engine, frame, and tranny have VIN derivitives stamped on them -- not complete VINs (usually car code, model year, plant code, and consecutive unit number). Don't know about the rear stamp on the Bowling Green cars. I read that post and it was news to me, but Peer says he found one.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I believe that all C3s are the same with respect to quantity of partial VINs and locations. Never heard of a complete on a frame before.

 

[Peer81]

Correct. Engine, frame, and tranny have VIN derivitives stamped on them -- not complete VINs (usually car code, model year, plant code, and consecutive unit number). Don't know about the rear stamp on the Bowling Green cars. I read that post and it was news to me, but Peer says he found one.

Maybe I should come back on this. When I looked for the VIN I looked on the arch (above the trailingarm) I thought that was the place where the VIN should be. What I remember is that is wasn't there but more to the rear. It could also be above the left rear bodymount or from that place to the rear. It's been 4 years so I don't remember exactly.

Groeten Peter

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Sorry for the large pic but it's the only one I have showing the area, see where the main hoop is welded to the flat base plate on the kickup, on the left side of the frame?? Just backwards of it, and still in front of the jigging slot in the frame, that's where it's on my frame. It's just the prod. #, same as on the engine.

 

[6880 Mike]

...a second location above the #4 body mount bracket...

Based upon what Peer and Twin Turbo have posted, I'd say the #4 mount location on the top of the frame rail is the consensus.

 

[JohnZ]

My understanding is that the # stamped on the engine and trans is only a partial VIN. Is that correct.

That's right - it's correctly called a "VIN derivative" - it identifies the model year, plant, and only the last six digits of the full VIN.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thank you all for your help.