Pontiac VIN Decoder

Pontiac used Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for their cars. The VIN is a unique code for each vehicle. It helps track the car's history and specifications.

Before 1981, VINs were not always standard. Pontiac VINs from this time can have different lengths. After 1981, a standard 17-character VIN was used.

A Pontiac VIN decoder helps you learn about your classic car. It can show the model year and where it was built. It might also give details on the original engine. This is useful for restoring and checking the car.

Using a decoder is key when buying a vintage Pontiac. It helps make sure the car is real. It can also find problems or things that don't match.

Pontiac VINs before 1981 were not always the same. They often show the model year and the plant where it was made. They also had a number for production order. The exact order of these things could change.

Decoding these older VINs can be tricky. You might need special Pontiac info for that year. Some websites or books can help.

Here is one example: '233370PXXXXXX'.

• '2': Pontiac division
• '33': Tempest or LeMans series
• '37': 2-door hardtop body
• '0': 1970 model year
• 'P': Pontiac assembly plant
• 'XXXXXX': Production sequence number

Remember, this is just one example. Formats changed.

After 1981, Pontiac used the 17-character VIN standard. This has three parts: WMI, VDS, and VIS.

This standard VIN gives more steady info. It tells about the maker, car details, a check number, model year, build plant, and a unique serial number.

The first three letters or numbers show who made the Pontiac. '1G2' means it was likely made by General Motors in the USA. '2G2' means it was made in Canada.

The WMI is the first part of the standard VIN. It clearly shows who built the car and where it was first made.

These five letters or numbers tell about the car. This includes the model, body style, and engine type. The exact codes used depend on the Pontiac model.

The VDS gives more specific details about the car's design. It helps tell different Pontiac models apart.

The ninth letter or number is for security. It makes sure the VIN is real. This number is made using a special math plan. It helps stop fake VINs.

The check digit is important for VIN checking. It makes sure the VIN was made right. If this number is wrong, the VIN might not be real.

The tenth letter or number shows the Pontiac's model year. Letters and numbers go in a set order. This order is the same for all car makers using the 17-digit VIN.

Knowing the model year is very important. It helps find the right parts. The tenth VIN spot tells you this.

The eleventh letter or number shows which factory built the Pontiac. Different General Motors plants had their own codes.

The plant code can be useful for history. It might show small changes in how the car was built. But this info is not always needed.

The last six letters or numbers are the car's own serial number. This number is just for your Pontiac. It makes it different from all other Pontiacs.

The VIS is like the car's ID. It is needed for papers and tracking. It is also used for warranty and finding specific cars in records.

The VIN can be in a few spots on your Pontiac. Look at the dashboard on the driver's side. You can see it through the windshield. Also check the driver's side door frame. Look at your car's title and registration papers too.

For older Pontiacs, the VIN might be on the door post or the frame. It's good to check a Pontiac guide for your car's year and model.

These are common WMIs for Pontiac cars after the standard was set.

The VDS (characters 4-8) for Pontiac had codes for:

• Model (like Grand Prix, Firebird, Bonneville)
• Body style (like coupe, sedan, convertible)
• Engine type (like V6, V8 of different sizes)
• Trim level (like base, SE, GT)

The exact VDS codes are special to Pontiac. You can find them in Pontiac VIN guides.

The VIS (characters 12-17) is a simple order number. It shows when your Pontiac was built at its factory during that model year.

It doesn't tell you about features. But it's key for proving a car's uniqueness, especially for rare models.

Checking your Pontiac's VIN is important to:

• Make sure it's real: Especially for classic cars.
• Check history: Find out about accidents or title problems (though records for old cars can be limited).
• Find parts: Get the right parts for repair, especially engine and trim parts.
• Know its worth: Confirm the model year and original features, which affects how much a classic Pontiac is worth.

Always use good VIN checking tools made for Pontiac cars.

Pontiac made many famous cars. Their VINs, mostly before 1981, can be different.

• GTO: VINs often show engine type, very important for these muscle cars.
• Firebird/Trans Am: Like the GTO, engine codes in the VIN matter a lot.
• Bonneville/Grand Prix: VINs help see body styles and engine choices for these models.

Knowing your car's model helps you understand its VIN better.

Some websites help decode VINs for classic cars like Pontiac. These tools might give you:

• Basic info like year and model.
• Details on the original engine and trim (if they have the data).
• Links to history info for classic cars.

Keep in mind that info for older cars can vary. Some special databases might cost money to use.

For old Pontiacs, besides the VIN, old papers are very helpful. These can be:

• Original build sheets or window stickers.
• Owner's manuals and repair records.
• Info from Pontiac car clubs or lists.

These records can give you more info than just the VIN, especially for cars made before 1981.

The VIN is a start to finding the right parts to fix up your car. Knowing the model year, trim (often in the VDS), and original engine code helps you find the right parts.

When you order parts, tell the seller your Pontiac's VIN. This helps them give you parts that will fit your car.

Engine codes were often part of Pontiac VINs, both before and after 1981. But where they were and how they looked changed.

• Pre-1981: A certain letter or number in the VIN often showed the engine type.
• Post-1981: The engine code is usually in the VDS (characters 4-8).

Knowing the original engine is very important for Pontiac fans and collectors.