Frame Vin Decoding
 

Hi all,
I have bought what seems to be a shortbed frame for my swap, but the only thing I am struggling to figure out is how to make out the vin on the frame. I have been searching left right and centre and cant seem to find the right decoder online. Hope someone might be able to help..
The vin is: T81521825
I am thinking its a shortbed frame from a 1978 GMC 2wd halfton? Can anyone verify and check out the rest of the numbers? Thanks!

Re: Frame Vin Decoding
 

whats the wheel base ? this will tell you if short or long .

then short beds only factory in 1/2 ton only for 73-87

then 73-80 got rounded front frame horns and 81-87 got 45* open cut frame horns.

otherwise if I recall its only a partial vin on the frame.

Re: Frame Vin Decoding
 

The VIN stamped into the frame is a partial VIN. It was Division, year, plant, and sequence number. So yours is a 1978 GMC built at Oshawa. considering the sequence number about a mid model year build. That is about as close as you can get with a partial VIN. This is the same partial VIN that was stamped into the blocks and trans cases.

Re: Frame Vin Decoding
 

Depending on how desperate you are, you may have a couple choices:

Since it was built in Canada you can send your VIN to GM of Canada and they can tell you the original option content and specifications.

http://www.vintagevehicleservices.com/options.html

Or - since it is a '78 model year vehicle you could send the information to the GM Heritage Center and they can return the original vehicle invoice, complete with build timing, option content and pricing and original selling dealership.

http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/?page=1

The only rub is that in both these cases they normally deal with the complete VIN. I'm not sure how receptive they would be to searching a partial VIN but it could be done if they are up for it.

K