Independent · Source-led · American performance history Issue 01 · 1951–2023
American Muscle Car Facts

Showroom arguments.
Race-bred answers.

Scheme guide · 1985–1987

General Motors 17-character truck VIN as used for the Chevrolet El Camino, model years 1985-1987

What each character of a 1985–1987 Chevrolet VIN means, with the factory or regulatory source for every code.

4 sources · 86 sourced codes · decode a VIN

Back cover of the 1987 El Camino brochure: a white El Camino SS with the Monte Carlo SS-style aero nose, El Camino SS door lettering and SS bumper badge, in front of a blue corrugated wall
1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS with the aero front end, back cover of the 1987 El Camino brochure

This scheme adds model-specific positions to the U.S. 17-character VIN (49 CFR Part 565), model year 1981 onward. Positions not listed here follow that scheme.

Character by character

PositionsFieldHow it is read
1–3 World manufacturer identifier See the code table below
4 GVWR / brake system See the code table below
5 Line and chassis type See the code table below
6 Series See the code table below
7 Body type See the code table below
8 Engine See the code table below
9 Check digit Check digit calculated from the other characters
10 Model year See the code table below
11 Assembly plant See the code table below
12–17 Production sequence Production sequence number

Where to find it: Not stated on the transcribed GM pages. 49 CFR 565: readable through the glazing from outside next to the left windshield pillar.

Model year codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
F 1985 all GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), PDF p. 9, page A4.0 (Table A3)
G 1986 all GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), PDF p. 8, page A4.0 (Table A3)
H 1987 all GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), PDF p. 8, page A4.0 (Table A3)

World manufacturer identifier codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
1GC Chevrolet truck (General Motors); GM table column: U.S. model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 6, page A1.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 5, page A1.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 5, page A1.0
2GC Chevrolet truck (General Motors); GM table column: CANADA model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 6, page A1.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 5, page A1.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 5, page A1.0
3GC Chevrolet truck (General Motors); GM table column: MEXICO model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 6, page A1.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 5, page A1.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 5, page A1.0

GVWR / brake system codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
C 4001-5000 lb GVWR, hydraulic brakes (the code for Chevrolet El Camino and Panel Delivery, and GMC Caballero) model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 22, page C2.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 21, page C2.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 22, page C2.0

Line and chassis type codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
W Special Pickup and Panel Delivery from Passenger Car (Chevrolet El Camino and Panel Delivery, and GMC Caballero), 4 X 2 chassis type model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 23, page C3.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 22, page C3.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 23, page C3.0

Series codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
8 1/2 ton nominal special from passenger car (Chevrolet El Camino and GMC Caballero) model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 24, page C4.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 23, page C4.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 24, page C4.0

Body type codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
0 Pickup Delivery and Panel Delivery on Series 8 series 8; model years 1985–1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 25, page C5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 24, page C5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 25, page C5.0

Engine codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
6 6.0L V8 4BBL (design: Cadillac) wmi 3GC; line W; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 26, page C6.0
8 4.1L V8 DFI (design: BOCD) wmi 3GC; line W; model year 1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 26, page C6.0
8 4.1L V8 DFI (design: Cadillac) wmi 3GC; line W; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 26, page C6.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 25, page C6.0
A 3.8L V6 2BBL (design: BOCF) wmi 3GC; line W; model year 1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 26, page C6.0
A 3.8L V6 2BBL (design: Buick) wmi 3GC; line W; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 26, page C6.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 25, page C6.0
H 5.0L V8 4BBL (design: Chevrolet) wmi 3GC; line W; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 26, page C6.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 25, page C6.0
H 5.0L V8 4BBL (design: CPC) wmi 3GC; line W; model year 1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 26, page C6.0
N 5.7L V8 Diesel (design: Oldsmobile) wmi 3GC; line W; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 26, page C6.0
Z 4.3L V6 TBI (design: Chevrolet) wmi 3GC; line W; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 26, page C6.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 25, page C6.0
Z 4.3L V6 TBI (design: CPC) wmi 3GC; line W; model year 1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 26, page C6.0

Assembly plant codes

CodeMeaningApplies toSource
0 PONTIAC, MI (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
1 OSHAWA #2, ON (GM OF CANADA) wmi 2GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
1 WENTZVILLE, MO (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
2 MORAINE, OH (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
2 STE. THERESE, PQ (GM OF CANADA) wmi 2GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
3 DETROIT, MI (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
3 ST. EUSTACHE, PQ (GM OF CANADA) wmi 2GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
4 ORION, MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
4 ORION, MI (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
4 SCARBOROUGH, ON (GM OF CANADA) wmi 2GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
5 BOWLING GREEN, KY (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
5 BOWLING GREEN, KY (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
5 LONDON, ON (GM OF CANADA) wmi 2GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
6 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
6 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
7 LORDSTOWN, OH (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
7 LORDSTOWN, OH (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
8 SHREVEPORT, LA (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
9 DETROIT, MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
9 DETROIT, MI (CADILLAC) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
9 OSHAWA #1, ON (GM OF CANADA) wmi 2GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
A LAKEWOOD, GA (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
A LAKEWOOD, GA (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
B BALTIMORE, MD (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
B BALTIMORE, MD (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
C LANSING (B), MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
C LANSING (B), MI (OLDSMOBILE) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
D DORAVILLE, GA (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
D DORAVILLE, GA (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
E LINDEN, NJ (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
E LINDEN, NJ (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
F FLINT, MI (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
G FRAMINGHAM, MA (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
G FRAMINGHAM, MA (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
H FLINT, MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
H FLINT, MI (BUICK) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
J JANESVILLE, WI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
J JANESVILLE, WI (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
K LEEDS, MO (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
K LEEDS, MO (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
L VAN NUYS, CA (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
L VAN NUYS, CA (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
M LANSING (A), MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
M LANSING (A), MI (OLDSMOBILE) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
N NORWOOD, OH (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
N NORWOOD, OH (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
P PONTIAC, MI (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
P PONTIAC, MI (PONTIAC) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
R ARLINGTON, TX (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
R ARLINGTON, TX (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
S RAMOS ARIZPE, MEXICO (GM OVERSEAS - TRUCK) wmi 3GC; model year 1987 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1987 model year vehicles (USG 2494) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2345), MY1987: PDF p. 10, page A6.0 Table A4 part II (pos 3 alpha: truck, MPV, incomplete)
S RAMOS ARIZPE, MEXICO (GM OVERSEAS) wmi 3GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 11, page A6.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 10, page A6.0
S ST LOUIS, MO (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
T TARRYTOWN, NY (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
T TARRYTOWN, NY (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
U HAMTRAMCK, MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
U HAMTRAMCK, MI (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
V PONTIAC, MI (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model years 1985–1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0; GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
W WILLOW RUN, MI (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
W WILLOW RUN, MI (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
X FAIRFAX, KS (B-O-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
X FAIRFAX, KS (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
Y WILMINGTON, DE (C-P-C) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
Y WILMINGTON, DE (GMAD) wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0
Z FORT WAYNE, IN (TRUCK & BUS) wmi 1GC; model year 1986 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1986 model year vehicles (August 1985; USG 2423) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-2059), MY1986: PDF p. 9, page A5.0
Z FREMONT, CA wmi 1GC; model year 1985 GM Vehicle Identification Numbering Standard for 1985 model year vehicles (May 1984) (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-1534), MY1985: PDF p. 10, page A5.0

Cautions for this scheme

  • Decoded from GM's own VIN standards filed with NHTSA. A decode shows what the VIN says, not what the car is; it is not authentication.
  • GM coded the El Camino as a truck: position 4 GVWR/brakes, 5 truck line (W = special pickup from passenger car: El Camino and GMC Caballero), 6 series, 7 body type. GM's 1985 foreword says El Caminos for the U.S. were assembled in Mexico with WMI 3GC.
  • The El Camino SS / Choo-Choo package has no VIN code; the VIN cannot prove it.
  • The passenger-car-type engine table (GM Table C6a) is headed as applying to W or Z in position 5 and WMIs 1GE, 3GC and 3GT, so engine codes are published for WMI 3GC only.

Cars on this site this scheme decodes