Free 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing insight into where and by whom a vehicle was produced. In the case of the 1985 Chevrolet El Camino, the WMI “3GC” signifies that this vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC, highlighting its origin in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This code forms the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further details the vehicle’s model, year, and specific manufacturing information. For the Chevrolet El Camino of 1985, the WMI not only elucidates its American lineage but also ties it to a period when General Motors was producing some of its iconic truck models. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is crucial for accurate identification, historical research, and recognizing the manufacturer’s global footprint.

List of WMI Codes for a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino

WMI: 3GC

• Model Years Covered: 1985-1987
• Example VIN: 3GCCW80Z1FS906443
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1985 Chevrolet El Camino Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino

The final 6 characters in a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, like 1985, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides basic model information for the Chevrolet El Camino, including details about the engine, such as a 4.3 L V-Shaped engine with Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI), outlining significant information about the vehicle’s performance and capabilities.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is categorized as a Pickup with 2 doors, offering an idea of the vehicle’s size and utility.
• Drive Type and Brake System: It specifies the vehicle as having a 4x2 drive type with a Hydraulic brake system, indicating its handling characteristics and safety features.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type is Gasoline, which, combined with the displacement specifications, offers insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental footprint.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides information such as the manufacturing plant located in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, under GM Overseas - Truck, hinting at the origin and quality standards of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Outlined as Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), this indicates the vehicle’s weight capacity, affecting its performance, usage, and regulatory classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino