Automotive 101: VIN Decoding

Have you ever wondered what a vehicle's VIN number means? Wonder no more as we break down the 17-digit sequence of numbers and letters to help you decode any VIN number. 

The 17-digits in a VIN can be divided into three groups:

• World Manufacturer Identifier - the first three letters and numbers of the VIN
• Vehicle Descriptor - letters and numbers in positions 4 through 9
• Vehicle Identifier - letters and numbers in positions 10 through 17

Here are the basics for each position:

#1 - The first letter or number identifies what region your vehicle was made in.

• A, B, C, D, E, F, G & H = Africa
• J, K, L, M, N, P & R = Asia
• S, T, U, V, W, X, Y & Z = Europe
• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 = North America
• 6 & 7 = Oceania
• 8 & 9 = South America

#2 - The second letter or number tells you what country the vehicle was made in. Vehicles are currently made in over 80 countries, which translates into approximately 600 country codes.

#3 - This letter or number represents the kind of vehicle. Manufacturers use this number to identify vehicles as cars, trucks, vans, etc. It is important to note that each automobile manufacturer uses a different code for this position. 

#4, #5, #6, #7, & #8 - These letters or numbers represent the vehicle model, engine type, body style, and other information pertinent to the vehicle. Similar to the third letter or number, each manufacturer uses different codes for these positions. 

#9 - This is the "check digit" which helps you to determine if you are looking at a correct VIN. It is unrelated to the vehicle. If you are interested in the mathematical process to verify this number, click here.

#10 - Vehicle model years can be determined by this position. It is important to remember that this digit may be different from when the vehicle was actually manufactured because many manufacturers start production on the upcoming model year in the previous year. Since each letter or number has been assigned to two different years, you must look at the 7th letter or number in the VIN to determine which year it applies to. If the 7th digit is a number, the vehicle was made before 2010. If it is a letter, the vehicle was made after 2010.

#11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16 & #17 - These positions represent the vehicle's unique information. For example, the name of the assembly plant, additional options, or the production sequence number may be included in these positions. Again, these digits vary between the different automotive companies so be sure to verify the information with the appropriate manufacturer.

For more information about your vehicle's unique VIN number, contact us at 217-935-3156. We're happy to answer any questions you might have no matter what make or model you drive!

*This post was inspired by salesman Tim Hoyt's monthly column in the Baum Chevrolet Buick employee newsletter.

BAUM CHEVROLET REMODEL

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Under The Blue (Lego) Arch

While waiting for their parents to finalize the purchase of their new Chevrolet, the Bittner children went to work on a remodeling project of their own. Using Lego pieces and Hot Wheels cars, the Bittner's were able to create their own version of what the dealership will look like once construction is completed. They even incorporated the Chevrolet Blue Arch theme by using blue Lego pieces for the front entrance. Very impressive!

The Bittner's proudly display their project in the dealership lounge

Corvette: 60 Years of Design, Performance and Technology

CLINTON, JANUARY 14, 2013 – The all-new 2014 Corvette rolls into Baum Chevrolet Buick later this year, building on a six-decade legacy of design, performance and technology. It is also the world’s longest-running continuously produced sports car and the best-selling sports car in America, commanding 33 percent of the segment.

Corvette’s legacy was forged 60 years ago, in January, when it was introduced at the General Motors Motorama show in New York City. The Corvette wasn’t born an icon, however. It earned its reputation as America’s sports car through decades of continual refinement and fundamental engineering advancements.

© General Motors

The 2014 Corvette represents the seventh generation of the car. Each has been defined by all-new or significantly revised design, architecture and technology features – including powertrain and chassis/suspension technologies – that have helped Corvette maintain its position as the best-selling premium sports car in America.  All, however, have shared unique elements:

• All Corvettes have been two-seat sports cars with a front engine driving the rear wheels, and a long dash-to-axle proportion that enhances its powerful look
• Corvettes have always featured bodies made of composite materials, from fiberglass on the first cars in 1953 to lighter, more advanced composites – including carbon fiber – today
• The small-block V-8 has been the standard engine in the Corvette for 57 of its 60 years
• Corvette has been a test-bed for new technologies that migrate to other GM vehicles

For nearly all of its history, Corvette’s design, performance and technology has been influenced by the lessons learned on the racetrack. It is a pillar of the development process established by Zora Arkus-Duntov, Corvette’s first chief engineer, through overt and covert racing initiatives, leading up to the factory-backed Corvette Racing program’s 2012 American Le Mans Series championship in the production-based GT class.
Corvette’s iconic status is reflected off the track, as well. In popular culture it has numerous co-starring roles to its credit, from “Route 66” on television (1960-64) to the namesake big-screen performance in “Corvette Summer” (1978) – and countless cameos and supporting roles since. Corvette has inspired songs, artwork and video games, including the current version of the Gran Turismo series, where the seventh-generation appeared in pre-production camouflage. There is even a Corvette child’s bed from Step2 featuring functional headlights.

Generation 1 (C1): 1953-62
Corvette established its reputation as leader in technology, design and performance from the moment its sleek, fiberglass-bodied concept was introduced at the General Motors Motorama exposition at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, on Jan. 17, 1953. Production began six months later, as the first large-scale mass-produced car to feature an all-fiberglass body.  Along with being lighter than steel, which helped improve the car’s power-to-weight ratio, fiberglass enabled greater design flexibility for the curvaceous body than could be stamped out in a conventional steel press.
Styling evolved significantly during the Corvette’s first generation, but many design cues that would become synonymous with the car were established, including the long dash-to-axle proportion, dual round taillamps and a dual-cockpit-style interior. All first-generation cars were convertibles.
Aficionados generally refer to first-generation Corvettes as “solid axle” models, because they were built on a modified Chevrolet passenger-car architecture that featured a live rear axle. It was powered in the first two years by the stalwart Chevy inline-six engine, dubbed “Blue Flame” in the Corvette. The iconic Small Block V-8 came in the car’s third year of production.

Generation 2 (C2): 1963-67
The second-generation Corvette – dubbed Sting Ray, after a concept race car that influenced its design – represented a revolution in design, engineering technology and performance. Where the first-generation Corvettes were based on a modified passenger sedan platform, the second-generation was a clean-sheet redesign based on a dedicated architecture. It enabled a lower center of gravity and lower, sportier seating position, while supporting an all-new independent rear suspension that dramatically transformed the car’s road-holding performance.
Corvette’s new foundation also supported the landmark “split rear window” styling of an all-new coupe body style. The 1963 Corvette often has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in automotive history. The term comes from the “spine” that runs down the center of the body, bisecting the rear window. The C2 Corvette also introduced retractable headlamps, which would be a signature Corvette cue for the next 41 years.
The addition of a coupe to the Corvette lineup essentially doubled sales in the next few years, as the car became more practical for owners in northern climates, while the new frame structure and independent suspension system made the Corvette a world-class sports car.

Generation 3 (C3) – 1968-82
Corvette’s third generation was its longest and the car evolved significantly during an upheaval in the auto industry. It was introduced for 1968 as the Stingray (one word vs. two words with the second generation), although aficionados generally call these cars “shark” models, for their aggressive styling. They are instantly identifiable by their prominent “blistered” fender design and long dash-to-axle proportion, which gives them an exaggerated suggestion of motion. Retractable headlamps and dual-element taillamps carry on as traditional design elements.
From a performance standpoint, the C3 generation was transitional. Big-block engines rated at 435 horsepower were popular at the start of the generation, but industry changes to unleaded fuel, tighter emissions standards and changing consumer attitudes affected output over the next several years. In 1975, the standard 350 small-block was rated at only 165 horsepower – about 20 percent less than the original 195-hp small-block from 1955.
Although the Corvette’s horsepower was down, engineers continued to focus on the car’s technology and added to its legacy of advanced materials, particularly the composite body materials. They evolved from conventional fiberglass to sheet-molding compound (SMC), which enabled body panels that were smoother right out of the mold, requiring less surface finishing prior to painting. All Corvettes since 1973 have used SMC body panels, but the material composition has changed dramatically, featuring less traditional fiberglass and more lightweight plastic that give the material more elasticity to prevent cracking.
Despite the evolution in traditional performance during the third generation, the Corvette was more popular than ever. The 58,307 sales in 1979 remains the Corvette’s annual sales record. 

Generation 4 (C4) – 1983-96
The fourth-generation Corvette symbolized the high-tech 1980s with significant advancements in design and manufacturing techniques, electronically controlled performance and safety features. Styling advances included an electroluminescent instrument panel with digital readouts that captured the zeitgeist of the circuit board era. It retained its signature proportion, dual-round taillamps and retractable headlamps, adding new hatchback rear glass for easier access to the cargo area.
The C4’s technological advancements started at the foundation, with a unitized “backbone” frame structure. The new body was also sleeker, achieving a 0.34 coefficient of drag that was nearly 25 percent less than the C3.
Under the hood, Tuned Port Injection was introduced in 1985, ushering in the modern era of port fuel injection and establishing Corvette’s reputation as a high-performance sports car with good fuel economy.
There were no 1983 models offered for sale only and only 44 prototypes were built. Today, only one remains and it is on display at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.

Generation 5 (C5) – 1997-2004
The introduction of the C5 generation represented one of the rare instances in the automotive world when a new model weighed less than its predecessor. The 1997 Corvette was larger overall than the outgoing C4 yet weighed nearly 100 pounds less.
A number of contributors helped drive down the C5’s curb weight, including the use of SMC body panels that had a higher content of plastic than ever before. The C5’s panels were exceptionally light, but so was the Corvette’s all-new chassis, which used beefy rails and hydroformed sections to provide strength with less complexity and weight. The floor sections used a sandwich of materials including featherweight balsa wood to minimize mass.
An all-new Gen 3 small-block also contributed to the C5’s weight savings and overall greater balance. It featured a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and aluminum heads, as well as a composite intake manifold that weighed less than 10 pounds.
When it came to manufacturing, Corvette led with the changeover to a more environmentally friendly waterborne paint system that reduced solvents in the mix from about 60 percent to about 10 percent. Today, waterborne paint systems are the standard for nearly every auto manufacturer.

Generation 6 (C6) – 2005-13
The sixth-generation Corvette raised eyebrows because it didn’t raise its headlamps. For the first time since the 1962, the Corvette featured fixed headlamps, a move to reduce weight, complexity and aerodynamic drag.  The dual-round taillamps and cockpit-style interior remained.
The C6 Corvette shared the basic chassis layout and architectural design as the C5 and despite additional safety features that added a few pounds, weight reduction initiatives – including the fixed headlamps – kept the car’s curb weight within about 20 pounds of the 1997 model.
The 2006 introduction of the C6 Z06, however, represented an unprecedented commitment by Chevrolet to the Corvette’s performance through technology and lightweight materials. It featured an aluminum-based chassis structure in place of the standard model’s steel structure and carbon fiber body panels that contributed to a curb weight of less than 3,200 pounds – giving it a power-to-weight ratio that most higher-priced exotics couldn’t match.
Despite looking like the steel chassis of the base Corvette, the Z06’s aluminum frame weighed nearly one-third less. And besides the core material difference, the aluminum frame features a unique manufacturing process that incorporated metal inert gas and laser welding, as well as self-piercing rivets. Magnesium is used for the engine cradle and some other suspension attachment points, for greater mass reduction. On the outside, the Z06 differed from base Corvettes with carbon fiber panels used for the front fenders, front wheel houses and rear fenders. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 used the same aluminum chassis structure as the Z06 and incorporated more carbon fiber body parts, including the roof panel.

© General Motors

About Baum Chevrolet Buick
Baum Chevrolet Buick is a family owned automotive dealership located in Clinton, Illinois. Established in 1928, Baum has prevailed through three generations of ownership and evolved into a one-stop automotive sales and service center. By combining traditional values with an emphasis on complete customer service and loyalty, Baum has infiltrated its success throughout central Illinois for over 84 years. In addition to automotive sales, the dealership has a service division composed of a parts and service department, 24 hour wrecker service, collision repair center, detail shop and Quick Lube center. For more information please visit www.baumchevroletbuick.com.


About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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Give Your Vehicle A Little TLC

Our motto here at Baum Chevrolet Buick is "Where Service is a Tradition". In addition to new and pre-owned vehicle sales, we offer a wide variety of services to cater to your individual automotive needs.

Our Service Department is open from 8-8 Monday and 8-5 Tuesday through Friday, while the Baum Motor Company service department in Farmer City is open Monday through Friday 8-5. 

Looking for automotive parts or accessories? Visit our Parts Department located in the dealership Monday 7:30-8, Tuesday through Thursday 7:30-6, Friday 7:30-5, and Saturday 8-12.

We understand the stress that comes with being involved in a car accident. That's why our staff takes the extra steps necessary to help get you back on the road. Our 24-hour towing service is available 365 days a year. With two tow trucks available, we will be able to get the job done. There is even a direct number to our tow truck driver, John Craig, (217) 519-3462. In fact, you may want to program the number into your cell phone in case you ever need it! We believe that your life shouldn't be put on hold while your vehicle is in for repairs. While your vehicle is in the Body Shop you will have use of a rental car if covered by your insurance. If your vehicle is in for work that doesn't fall under your insurance policy, we also offer loaner cars. Another option is for us to pick up your vehicle, complete the service the same day, and then deliver it back to you. Just let Paul Murphy or Chuck Dunning know when you schedule! In addition to major body damage repairs, our Body Shop also installs GM Accessories, spray-in bed liners, and completes minor body repairs.

Our Detail Department can take care of keeping your vehicle's appearance as good as it was the day you bought it. With a full line of services from a Quick Wash (no appointment needed) to a Complete Detail, we can meet your needs. Visit our detail center Monday 8-8, Tuesday-Friday 8-5, and Saturday 8-2. 

Does your vehicle need routine maintenance? The Quick Lube Center is open 8-8 on Monday, 8-5 Tuesday through Friday, and 8-2 on Saturdays. There is no need to schedule an appointment, just pull up to the doors and come on in! Be sure to ask about our special offer on Monday evenings which includes a Full Service Oil Change (includes 5 quarts of oil) and the Monday night special (for two!) at Ted's Garage for only $45.95 plus tax.

Showroom (de)construction

Please pardon our dust: construction has reached the showroom. Don't worry, we are still here to help meet all of your automotive needs! Feel free to stop in, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and check out all of the remodel updates. 

New Year, New Offices

New Finance Office

The new business offices are almost finished! Construction on the showroom starts this weekend. More pictures will be posted soon!

New Year's Resolution

Happy 2013! While many of you are recharging your engines for the new year, we are putting ours in high gear in hopes of bringing you the best dealership experience possible. Our New Year's resolution is to be more social with our customers: we want to keep you informed about the latest news, products, and services at the dealership as well as open up a direct line of communication for you to express your thoughts and share your experiences with us. We plan to achieve this through the use of our website and social media pages. 

• Twitter
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Blog
• Google+
• Facebook

Help us achieve our goal by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and Pinterest, giving us a +1 on Google+, or subscribing to our YouTube and Blog feed.  We look forward to socializing with you and serving your automotive needs throughout 2013!