Has anyone got a reliable source for the decoding of the VIN and trim tag?
I've found various sources that give me some information, but I'm lacking some other.
VIN so far shows it's a 1979 Bonneville 2 door coupe built in fairfax (X-code), but the engine has a R code which is apparently a 350ci V8 4-bbl with 160bhp, but I'm not sure if this will be the Chevy, Buick or Pontiac engine or if this even matters when buying parts.
The trim tag shows that it's a 1979 Pontiac Bonneville 2 door coupe built in Fairfax with carmine red interior but has a D code and I can't find what material that means. I also can't find a list of the numbers that relate to the options section. It also shows it was built in the second week of January and was carmine red on the lower but has a code of 79L for the top, which I can't find the information for.
VIN and trim tag decoding (1979)
-
ddalder
- Resident Gearhead

- Posts: 2599
- Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 GXP, 2008 STS, 2020 XT6
- Location: Alberta, Canada
Re: VIN and trim tag decoding (1979)
Unfortunately you're a year too early for compnine.com. Have you tried talking to one of your local dealers? You can also purchase an information package about the vehicle from the GM Heritage Center https://history.gmheritagecenter.com/wi ... ailability or in Canada from Vintage Vehicle Services http://www.vintagevehicleservices.com/.

Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release,
Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation[/size][/color]
-
JimmyF
- SLE Member

- Posts: 25
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2016 3:59 pm
- Year and Trim: 1979 Bonneville Brougham coupe
Re: VIN and trim tag decoding (1979)
I'm in the Uk so no local dealers annoyingly, but the heritage centre is great information thanks
-
ddalder
- Resident Gearhead

- Posts: 2599
- Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 GXP, 2008 STS, 2020 XT6
- Location: Alberta, Canada
Re: VIN and trim tag decoding (1979)
Sorry, I remember now that you are in the UK. Do you know which country the vehicle was originally marketed for (Canada versus US)? This will determine which of the two groups you should order a package from. You can see on their site the information that will be included. It may or may not be helpful enough for what you want.JimmyF wrote:I'm in the Uk so no local dealers annoyingly, but the heritage centre is great information thanks

Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release,
Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation[/size][/color]
-
JimmyF
- SLE Member

- Posts: 25
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2016 3:59 pm
- Year and Trim: 1979 Bonneville Brougham coupe
Re: VIN and trim tag decoding (1979)
It was built in Fairfax, Kansas apparently. I believe I've managed to track down the correct information for the ViN from an old Pontiac book I found online but the trim still confuses me.
I have no idea where the car came to the Uk from either as it was over here when I bought it
I have no idea where the car came to the Uk from either as it was over here when I bought it

