I bought my car June 25th of 2003. I was told it was a 1972. I registered it as a 1972. Illinois state titled it as a 1972. I have it insured as a 1972.

Someone just recently sparked my interest in looking at the VIN tag and this is what I found.

ST 71 12487 NOR 152881 BDY
TR 776 ......... 11 11 PNT
O3C ........... and there's an"8" stamped over here

Here's what my IL title says.

VIN
124871N552500 <--- 13 digits. Matches Dash

Year
72

Make
Chevrolet

Model
-blank-

Body Style
Coupe

I'm lost. From what I can tell, it's a 1972. It has the front shoulder belts (seperate from the lap belts) and I'm pretty sure that's a 1972 option, right? That's what it says on the page for options...

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Coarser grille mesh.</font> I don't know enough to tell

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Z21 NOT INCLUDED with Z22 (notice price drop on Z22 option)</font> Uh.. what's that mean?

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">3 point shoulder harness debuted in mid year.</font> I have that. Or are mine considered 4 point?

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Door panels restyled, include map pockets & change holder.</font>Don't have those.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Speedometer reads 130 max, down from 150</font>I got the 150 speedo, but it reads fast w/ 3.42 gears. I have no idea if those are original though.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Hurst Shifter no longer used</font>Mine's an automatic.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Last year for Super Sport Model</font>Uh..... OK

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Last year for Big Block engine</font>
It doesn't have that, but I'm not saying it never did.
<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">First year specific engine type is coded in VIN</font> I have no idea what to look for.

Could someone have replaced the cowl tag?
Is there another place I can look for the VIN?
Is there another specific option that seperates a '71 from a '72?

Everything points to it being a '71, except the seat belts, and of course IL.

Thanks for any help.

AJ

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350CID, Vortec 062 heads, Magnum 280, Performer Intake, Holley 650 DP, 3.42 rear w/ Auburn posi, 2600 Stall/TC
"So what if you have more horsepower per liter. I have more horsepower per car!!"

[This message has been edited by AJ_72 (edited January 22, 2004).]

A 71 would have the seperate belts, your VIN says it is a 71, and everything you listed agrees to a 71 so I would say you have a 71.

Yep. I've come to that conclusion also. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/frown.gif

Oh well. It's not like it's an RS or a Z28 at least.

You scrolled all the way through that file and didn't notice the vin breakdown on the top? http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

124871N552500

See the "1" right in front of the "N".... it stands for 1971. Game, set, match

Maybe I can help a little. I am looking at the GM documentation from my 1972 Z28. The vin starts with: 1Q87L2N I prefer to leave the last 6 digits unknown. I hope this helps.

Madmike is right. The VIN plainly says it is a 1971 model, and the State of Illinois should have known that when they wrote up the title. It really doesn't matter what year they say it is as long as they are happy with it The VIN matches, and that is what legally matters.

The Motor Vehicle Dept got it wrong, and if they don't care, I wouldn't worry either.

I might just as well chime and say its a 1971. A VIN for a 1972 is completely different.


Titles often have errors (typos) because the info was entered by human beings. As long as the VIN on the car and on the title are identical, you are OK. If it says 1972 on your registrations papers that you carry in the car, you may have to get them corrected or the police could use it to hassle you if you have a run in.

You have a 71. Looking at the cars current equipment is not as reliable as you might think, since after 33 years of tinkering previous owners could easily add or remove parts. At this point anything could have been replaced. Your VIN is no doubt for a 71. If you want to look, there is a concealed VIN stamped on your firewall behind the AC box (or if no AC, the heater plenum box) on the Pass side engine bay. If it does not match the VIN under the windshield, you need to contact the previous owner and discuss who committed the Felony.

Oh no. No need to remove the sheet metal where the heater box used to be. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

I've already said I know it's a 1971. My main concern is the insurance. I have speciality vehicle insurance on it, and it's replacement insurance.

I'd sure hate to get into an accident and have my insurance not cover my car because "it was insured as a '72". Insurance companies do that sometimes. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

Thanks again everyone.

[This message has been edited by AJ_72 (edited January 26, 2004).]

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2"> I already said I know it's a 1971] </font>

Thats not exactly how you put it. I re-read your post and it seemed like you wanted to be told its really was a 1972.

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Mike

2002 Trans AM WS6 build #3124 - Pewter
2001 GMC Ext Cab SLT Z71 - Green

[This message has been edited by WS6 (edited January 27, 2004).]

Ohh ohh, do we have to call you AJ_71 now? http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by WS6:
Thats not exactly how you put it. I re-read your post and it seemed like you wanted to be told its really was a 1972.

</font>


Didn't you read my second post? http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/confused.gif