TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Feb 17, 2018 6:41 pm

i need help decoding my vin number

Sat Feb 17, 2018 7:23 pm

There isn't much to decode, the first two digits generally tell whether it is a beetle, super beetle, convertible, etc, the third digit is the model year, and the rest is a sequential serial number, which can tell you roughly when during the year the car was build.

Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:05 pm

^What he said^, to get deeper you'll need to send off for a birth certificate , you may find some M codes scribbled in the trunk forward of the speedo in grease pencil, but that still doesn't cover everything in most cases.

What exactly are you wanting to discover?

Sun Feb 18, 2018 6:45 am

Ok I understand the first 2 numbers an the third number. I can't figure out the rest of it. Like to see what engine, color, transmission you know to see if I have everything that came when it was new

Sun Feb 18, 2018 6:48 am

There is no additional info in the VIN. Just the first 3 # have any car info. As noted you will need to send for a birth certificate

Sun Feb 18, 2018 8:03 am

There is some information on the range of VIN numbers produced during each month, and the general range of engine serial numbers, but nothing really specific:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/bugchassisdating.php

http://www.superbeetles.com/chassis.htm

These cars are too old to use the modern standardized VIN numbers, so its basically just a manufacturer's serial number.

Sun Feb 18, 2018 8:09 am

I found a link that may help you understand...
https://support.alldata.com/alldata-repair-online-article/vin-to-year-chart

Quote: The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a serial number used to identify an individual vehicle. The VIN for each vehicle is unique.

The 10th character in the 17-character VIN represents the vehicle model-year.

This standard applies to vehicles built in or after 1981.

Before 1981, the VIN format was not standardized and varied by manufacturer.

Note: VINs do not include the letters I (i), O (o), Q (q), U (u) or Z (z), or the number 0, so that they will not be confused with similar looking numbers/letters.
The pre-'81 VW Beetle 9 and 10-digit VINs are not as informative as the later 17-character VINs

Sun Feb 18, 2018 8:53 am

Hey thanks for all your help