Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Hello. Looking at a truck. Owner says it's a 72. Title says 72.
But 1. Vin 5th character is a 1
On truck and title. 2. No screw on door beneath wing window as on 72 model only. 3. Rear view mirror is not windshield mounted.

Any thoughts. I felt may have been an early 72 model. Built I. Late 71.

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Does the full plate VIN match the title and the SPID?
If its only the title year box that says 72 but the VINs match I wouldn't worry about it.

Does it also have the 71 down door trim panels?

I would verify the VIN plate rivets are original rosetts and that the frame partial VIN also matches. It will be the year plant and serial, eight characters.

* VIN/Model Decoders
* Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio)
* Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID
* RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

A truck built and certified for the 72 model year will be VIN identified as a 72 without regard to the actual build date, be it the last half of 1971 or early 1972.

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Yes earlier door panels. I think.
I'll check other stuff.

I don't mind much, as I know it was redone nicely. I just wonder in the back of my mind. What if it were stolen from someone. I'd feel horrible.
There either has to be a logical explanation. Or something shady.

I'll check the other plate and frame. Go from there.

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Sometimes last year's models remain unsold on the dealers lot. He then sells a truck at reduced cost to a consumer. The DMV might register the vehicle in the current year, as a current model, with an indifferent attitude to its actual model year, especially when the old model year is nearly identical [to anyone less than an expert] to the new model year design. What do they care, it's a 'new' truck, right?
I remember a '72 model year GMC Suburban at a junkyard, I pulled the windshield from. The junker insisted it was a '73, citing all his paperwork. I knew from the body design it was, in fact a '67 - '72. He told me it was a 'late-bloomer' and had been registered officially as a 1973. I didn't stick around to argue. I got my windshield [real PPG]. He wanted too much for the Sub's Parchment [white] sunvisors, and I left.
BTW, It's not a GMC, is it?

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

No. It's a chevy.
Thanks for the info. Figured I'd try to research now. Rather than feeling dismayed later. Such as how one member mistakenly bought a shorty that was cut down from a long bed.

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Pretty common for guys to piece trucks together, so you always need to get the title, vin tags and glove box to match up to make sure it's original...for the most part lol I always check everything and if something is off, then that means it'll cost less than a completely original truck. Just take pics of the items, tags, glove box, complete truck then do research and find what's off about it if you don't know these things right away. Some people who've been at this for a long time can spot something askew a mile away from the truck lol

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Not being an expert I'll throw my 2 cents in

40 years ago was much less computerized data etc so my theory is it was first registered in 72 and was originally titles as such. Why who knows nothing to lose too much sleep over if everything else checks out

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

If it's got no leading C (as in CC or CK) and the 5th digit is a 1, it's a 71 - especially for registration purposes. Just have the title corrected when you transfer - DMV should be able to help (for a change). Don't forget to bring several magazines and extra phone batteries when you go to the DMV...

In a 72, the year is the 6th digit (because of that leading C in 72-only)

Doors aren't a reliable indicator, they are swapped all the time.

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Ce141t......

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

1/2 ton v8 '71 truck from Tarrytown. Is that from the SPID, vin tag, or frame? Any matching? What is the model number on the SPID? CE10934, CE10734? Pics if you can get em..

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

If it is a 71 cab it will have a raised pad outlining the rear view mirror mounted on the roof.

Re: Vin decodes to a 71. But title says 72?
 

Good thinking. Didn't think of that. Was under impression that would be evidenced by screw holes only. Will check for pad.

I believe this is indeed a 71 as shown on vin. As well as hints all over the vehicle.
Question now is whether DMV will correct the 72 to a 71. On the title.
Would like to have corrected if I transfer title. But afraid I may open a can of worms with DMV.
Unfortunately, I have little trust any government entity will do the right thing without endless paperwork, and running in circles.