96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

so I've found a 96 gmc parts truck at a local dealer. I looked at the VIN since the RPO codes had been removed from the glovebox and noticed that the body is a 9 which supposedly means 'stake' according to a vin decoder. Considering its a half ton I find it hard to believe it was a cab and chassis so what would it mean being a 'stake' truck?

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

Is the third digit of the vin a "B"? If it is, it means the truck left the factory as a cab and chassis.

If it has a "C" for the third digit, the truck left the factory with pick up bed, and someone removed it later on.

Not sure what you mean by stake? What vin decoder are you using?

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

This one here. https://vehicleidentificationnumber....ors-truck.html

It says the first 3 digits on the vin just mean which division its from. Is that not true?

The VIN is 1GTEK19M0TE if that helps.

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

Every other vin decoder I've found decodes that digit as the body type

3-crew cab
4-reg cab
6-suburban
8-utility
9-extended cab


that digit means the truck has an extended cab

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

This is the Hollander Interchange V.I.N. decoder for 1996 GMC trucks. As you can see the V.I.N. you listed breaks down as:

1=United States
G=General Motors
T=GMC truck, complete vehicle
E=6001-7000 GVWR
K=Conventional cab 4x4
1=1500 Sonoma
9=Extended cab/van
M=8-305 (5.0L) S.F.I. Chevy
0=Check digit
T=1996
E=Assembly plant

Hope this helps you figure out what you have.

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

Well that makes a lot more sense then the 'stake'

Still can't decide if its worth the grand they want for it being a 305 with a bad tranny.

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

If it is a dealer as in car dealership, then make them an offer you are comfortable with, worse they can say is "no."

If it is sitting on their lot, it isn't making them any money, and few people come on looking for a broken truck.

Aside from the tranny, how is the rest of the truck's overall condition? May be a good start to a project if you were inclined.

Re: 96 GMC k1500 "stake" vin?
 

well it looks like the bed got shoved into the back of the cab like it was jumped. Not sure if the frame would show any sign of being straightened but the gap between the cab and bed is even all the way down now. has a nice fiberglass functional ram air hood though.