vin

[40 coupe]

trying to decode my vin 1940 chevy coupe wanting to put her back on the road.

[Guest]

The plate on the firewall says Model   A  1027 would be a Special Deluxe coupe and a 1227 would be a Master 85 coupe.

Paint and Trim someone else will have to tell you when you post the numbers.

 

In the strictest sense a serial number is a vehicle identification number but not as is recognized with today's vehicles.

"VIN" is a much later Government mandated sequence of numbers that tells all.

 

You should get yourself a "Parts Book" a "Shop Manual" and an "Owners or Operators" book for your coupe.  Even a "fast movers parts book" is better than not having one.

 

Just to clarify:  Starting in 1935 a coded numbering system was introduced as the serial number.

The first digit tells you the year, but you need the whole number because a 9 could be a 1939 or a 1949.

The second and third digits identify the make and series. Chevrolets are 10 and 12.  Pontiac are 20, 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28.  Oldsmobiles are 35, 36, 38 and 39.  Buicks are 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49.  In each case the higher the number the higher the number of cylinders and or higher series.

The fourth and fifth digits tell you the body style. These have gradually been revised over the years but by 1940 were.  11 is a coach, 19 is a four door sedan but eventually becomes 69, 17 is a coupe, 27 is a roadster, 67 is a cabriolet and eventually becomes the number for a convertible.

The balance of the digits is the identification of the specific car or truck.

 

Good luck with your Chevrolet.

Edited August 7, 2019 by Guest (see edit history)

[Edd Robinson]

Please translate my 1940 master deluxe serial number..21KH0213266  Thank you.