Partial VIN Locations

Caveat: This page is relatively new (Sept, 10, 2009) so it will be updated as time permits. What is shown now is a quick primer to get started.

In addition to partial VINs stamped on frame rails there are other places on the engine, transmission, and firewall that may have partial VINs stamped. These locations will vary depending on the year, engine, and plant. This page shows these various locations by year, where applicable, and where photographic proof can be presented. If you have photographic evidence of partial VINs from any year please let me know and I'll include the information here.

It should be noted that engines were not always stamped. Prior to January 1, 1968 there was no federal mandate to do so and Chevrolet generally only stamped high performance small block V8s and, typically, all big block V8s.

1964

Looking for examples...

1965

Looking for examples...

1966

A good example of a partial VIN stamped on the engine pad of a 1966 SS396 engine.

1967

Here are two examples of partial VINs on a 1967 Atlanta built Chevelle. Top photo is the cowl area next to the wiper arm and lower photo is under the blower motor area on the firewall. It is believed that Atlanta was the only plant in 1967 to do this.

A good example of a partial VIN stamped on the engine pad of a 1967 SS396 engine.

1968

This 1968 Baltimore SS396 has the partial VIN stamped in two locations on the firewall; one under the heater core box and one under the blower motor area. 

1969

This 1969 Kansas City Malibu has the partial VIN stamped under the heater core box on the firewall.

1970

This 1970 Kansas City Malibu has the partial VIN stamped under the heater core box on the firewall.

1971

This 1971 Baltimore Malibu has the partial VIN stamped under the heater core box on the firewall.

1972

This 1972 Kansas City Malibu has the partial VIN stamped on the firewall under the heater core box

Frame Concealed VIN (CON VIN) Locations

Typical CON VIN located on the driver side rear on top of the rail and very difficult to read except with a mirror. Generally, the manufacturer's ID and date code are on the outside of the rail and is visible. Remember the CON VIN will consist of the division (depending on the year), the model year, the final assembly plant and the six digits of the sequence number. For example, a typical CON VIN might read 19K345678 for a Chevrolet (1), 1969 (9), Kansas City assembly plant, and vehicle sequence 345678. 

Other locations for the CON VIN stamping on frames reported are ...
(1) driver side below door on top of frame on both 1964 and 1965 Chevelles; 1969 Fremont El Camino; 1966 Fremont El Camino (as well as 'typical' location)
(2) passenger side front inside of frame rail on 1970 El Camino
(3) passenger side rear frame rail, both top and outside - 1970 Atlanta & 1970 Baltimore

As more and/or different locations are reported, I'll update the photos and information.

CON VIN vs. the manufacturer's ID and date code locations.