Free 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of characters used globally to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide specific information such as the vehicle type and production location. The WMI for the 1986 Chevrolet Nova, “1Y1”, reveals that this vehicle was manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota, in Fremont, California, United States. This specific identifier is crucial for consistent vehicle identification across the automotive industry, helping in registration, recall processes, and more. For the 1986 Chevrolet Nova, the WMI is the first part of the VIN, indicating not only the manufacturer but also signifying it as a Passenger Car produced in the mid-1980s. This classification system serves as an essential tool for various stakeholders within the automotive sector, from manufacturers to consumers.

List of WMI Codes for a 1986 Chevrolet Nova

WMI: 1Y1

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1988
• Example VIN: 1Y1SK1943GZ232026
• Manufacturer Name: New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Fremont
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1986 Chevrolet Nova 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 1986 Chevrolet Nova:

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 1986 Chevrolet Nova 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 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1986 Chevrolet Nova Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 Chevrolet Nova

The final 6 characters in a 1986 Chevrolet Nova’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1986 Chevrolet Nova VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1986, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: Manufacturing details from the VIN, such as the plant city being Fremont, the plant state California, and the country as United States indicate where the vehicle was assembled, providing clues about its origin and production standards.
• Engine Specifications: Based on the VIN, the vehicle comes with a 1.60L (1600 cc or 97.64 cubic inches) engine manufactured by Toyota, configured in an In-Line layout with 4 cylinders, suggesting the type of performance and reliability one might expect.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is identified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering insights into its design, purpose, and market segment.
• Vehicle Type and Manufacturer: The VIN reveals that the Passenger Car is a Toyota Nova, providing basic but essential information about its make and model, helpful for identification and comparison purposes.
• Safety Features: Based on the VIN, the inclusion of Manual seat belts points towards the safety features and standards adhered to at the time of manufacture.
• Production Details: The specific details like the Plant Company Name being New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., shed light on the partnership or ownership during the vehicle’s production, adding to its historical and manufacturing context.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 Chevrolet Nova