70 GMC VIN codes

[94gmc454]

It appears that GM used a different code system for VINs on GMCs than they did with Chevys for the 67-72 models. I have found plenty of data to decode Chevy VINs, but can't find anything anywhere that decodes the VIN data for a GMC. I've almost got it figured out, comparing it with Chevy data information, but I'm stuck somewhere in the middle. My VIN starts out with CE134, which I believe means C=2wd (conventional), E=V8 engine, 1 means half ton pickup, and 34 is cab and Fleetside pickup box. Then there's a hyphen (-) and 2 letters, BZ, followed by the production numbers. Does anyone know what these 2 letters (BZ) stand for? I'm guessing that one might be production year and the other is assembly plant. I'm having the same problem with the model code CE15934. The 5 and 9 have me baffled. And I've never seen a hyphen in any VIN ever before. I have to admit that I like the fact that it's different from all the rest. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

[krue]

Rod's the man to see on GMC's although there are others who can decode them for you.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have a '71 Jimmy with a VIN of KE114-SXXXXXX. I too noticed the dash.

[meathead95]

www.gmcpauls.com has a vin decoder

[Bob D]

I have the same problem decoding my 1970 GMC vin. It starts with CS134BZ. Pauls vin chart is only for 67-69 GMC's. If I use that chart it says that my truck is a 1968 year, but the vin sticker on the drivers door also says May 1970 on it.I have no other way to confirm the vin code other than this faded blue sticker.

Bob

[94gmc454]

I feel your pain, Bob. I'm guessing that your truck is (or was originally) a 6 cylinder according to the "S" code. Maybe they were both built in the Fremont plant? OR, maybe the "Z" is the model year (following the pattern from Paul's data) and they were built in Baltimore? (This would make more sense since my truck was from South Carolina, although I have no clue if it was there all it's life.) Did the Baltimore plant build GMC trucks in 1970? And this still doesn't solve the model codes. Bob, is your model code CS15934?

Louie

[roger0080]

Rod must be on a vacation or something, he usually has these nailed first, and I haven't seen him reply lately, but anyways ...

CE134-BZXXXXX is:
C = Conventional Cab 4x2
E = V8 Gas
1 = Series 1500 1/2T
34 = Fleetside Pickup
- = No State Certication Req'd (PA RPO Z55K)
B = Baltimore, MD Assembly Plant
Z = 1970 Year
XXXXX = Serial Number; starts at 50001 for 1970

Model CE15934 is:
C = Convential Cab 4x2
E = V8 Gas Engine
1 = Series 1500 1/2T
59 = Cab to Axel Measurment (GMC coded it different; same as Chev "09")
34 = Fleet Side Pickup

[Bob D]

Thanks Roger. That info seems to be correct, so I know that at least 1 part of my truck is original ( drivers door)


Bob

[Longhorn Man]

Here's the info i have for 70 and 71 GMC VINs...
Rod has shown over and over, that this is not ALWAYS the rule on GMC VINs. But however, this are out of a GMC owners manual, so I'm thinking (not certian) that this is the most common of the variables.

[94gmc454]

Yes Roger, thanks! I guessed correctly, but I needed confirmation. I'm still a bit surprised that GMC was so different, but at the same time glad to see that they really weren't the same as a Chevrolet (even tho they shared many of the same parts). I've always been a supporter of "different".

Louie

[94gmc454]

Thanks also, Longhorn for that chart. I've saved it to my computer, but I will remember your advice concerning the consistency of these codes. Apparently Mopar wasn't the only company that had quirks as late as the early 70's. I'm also restoring a '65 Chrysler New Yorker wagon, and it's amazing how random some things were with the production of Mopars in the 60's and 70's. Glad to see they were't the only ones who "improvised".

[Rod]

Roger00800 nailed it down...he got it dead on with the vin and the model number decoding. It seems the most typical way it was done.

There are some other literature sources that list the typical space or dash was used for State certification for Pennsylvania using RPO option Z74 coded as the letter T in the vin along with otherwise using K option letter using RPO Z55. Also literature that says the letter A was used in 1970 also for 2500 and 3500 models and 1500 series using the letter Z for 1970. I haven't seen anyone here use a letter other than Z in the vin decode cases we have seen here, with it being 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton to 1 ton.

So that being said, I've never seen other than state certification letter K or year letter Z used in 1970 GMC light duty truck vehicle identification numbers(vins). The dash or space is what I usually hear of in 1970 GMC vins...so now more know why thats that way it's written.

I like when there's a letter at the end of the vin...that's another story. Dont want to vin overload anyone.

[Rod]

Just one more thing...that number of 59 used in GMC vins or 09 in Chev vins...while it looks like thats the measurement it's actually a code to refer to established measurements...so the code 59 GMC way or the code 09 Chev way means 54 inches actually for rear of cab to rear axle dimension. So your talking a typical regular long chassis in this case.