Build sheet bummer

[jtinpdx]

After learning on this forum, that some trucks still have their build sheets under the seat, I went to look for it. My truck seems like a true survivor with a rebuilt engine. Found most of the build sheet and was able to put it back together! But it's not my VIN. Must be a swapped out bench seat. Bummer!

[leftybass209]

That isn't ideal, but cool no doubt. At least it confirms your truck may not be as original as you thought; and still, it doesn't make it any less cool.

[68350]

If it makes you feel better, I found a couple build sheets in a 71 that we had. 2 of them were for the truck and one was for a one ton dually. The 71 was a short box 2wd

[davepl]

Mine was stuck on the front of the box behind the cab, so there's a chance that your original may still be there.

I didn't find it until I pulled the cab because I'd never heard of it being there. You can probably peek in from the top or bottom. It was stuck to wet original paint, so hard to get off.

- Dave

[leddzepp]

You have a Fremont truck so there is a good chance there is another one somewhere in the cab. The build sheet was supposed to be thrown away at the end of the assembly line, but a lot seem to have made their way into Fremont trucks. It does not necessarily mean your seat has been swapped out. Others have also found build sheets that do not match the truck on what they thought was untouched and original.

[Lee H]

Is your VIN a Fremont truck? If so keep looking. My Fremont build sheet was under the tar paper, under the floor mat, near prefect condition.

[68350]

Look inside the cardboard gas tank cover too. Good chance one may be there

[factorystock]

Unfortunately build sheets were never designed to be permanent, but they did contain much more detailed info than the SPID. Build sheets list selling dealership and build dates to name a few. Is anyone out there re creating build sheets with the correct type paper and font?

[michael bustamante]

mine had three correct ones and one that didnt belong to my truck. 2 in the seat and one taped to the gas tank. found that when i removed the cardboard cover.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Unfortunately build sheets were never designed to be permanent, but they did contain much more detailed info than the SPID. Build sheets list selling dealership and build dates to name a few. Is anyone out there re creating build sheets with the correct type paper and font?

No, probably because that level of specific detail per truck only exists on the build sheet, and the format varies by model year, final assembly plant and assembly station (ie motor line vs chassis line vs trim line vs final line).

[jocko]

While it is a nice to have, it's certainly not a requirement for proving an original truck. Matching SPID VIN, Frame VIN, and GVWR tag VIN are the important ones. I had TWO build sheets under my seat, neither one was the correct one. Musta been the late shift in Fremont... Ha. Nice truck in your pics, show us more please! Always interested in CustomD's as they may be hidden Highlanders... Parchment door panels anyone?

[DeadheadNM]

I'm told Flint built trucks are unlikely to have build sheets in the cab or elsewhere...anyone know of a K5 that's had a build sheet in the cab?

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by davepl

Mine was stuck on the front of the box behind the cab, so there's a chance that your original may still be there.

I didn't find it until I pulled the cab because I'd never heard of it being there. You can probably peek in from the top or bottom. It was stuck to wet original paint, so hard to get off.

- Dave

Just doubling back to this thought, since I didn't get a chance to comment earlier:

Build sheets were affixed to the front of the pickup box for the same reason as the front of the cab: to inform the assembly line workers what option content that box required.

What might not be obvious (until one thinks about it) is that the pickup box and cab went through the paint shop together, on one body carrier, but with enough space to allow the cab back and front of the box to receive full (or almost full) paint coverage, as shown below.

In the photo below the cab/box have been through the ELPO dip tank but have not yet had the color coat sprayed on.

Photo credit: Jeff at 73-87.com, via GM

K

[jtinpdx]

Originally Posted by jocko

While it is a nice to have, it's certainly not a requirement for proving an original truck. Matching SPID VIN, Frame VIN, and GVWR tag VIN are the important ones. I had TWO build sheets under my seat, neither one was the correct one. Musta been the late shift in Fremont... Ha. Nice truck in your pics, show us more please! Always interested in CustomD's as they may be hidden Highlanders... Parchment door panels anyone?

Here are a couple more pix. Just finished getting a stock used tailgate sprayed to match (sorta) and put on a sport bumper and hidden hitch. What do you think? I can post some more if you like.

-Jeff