SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

I have recently acquired a 1973 GMC SWB Step side. I have the vin tag and number, but the SPID is long gone. I know there are sources to get a new one printed, but how can I find what the original SPID had on it? Is there a place with in GM to ask for this information given the vin number?

I know there is a number you can call to get a "restoration packet" from GM, but I am not sure it would include the SPID information.

Anyone?

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Only alternative is to look under the seat (stuffed above the springs) for a build sheet. It has all the SPID info. Not aware of a service in the US where you can track down SPID info from the VIN. Note that some squares had the SPID in the engine compartment on the inner fender, kinda near the hinge usually - not in the glovebox.

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

You can get a build sheet from the GM Heritage Center. From there a spid can be made by a few people.
http://outintheshop.com/faq.html

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Actually - he can't. They don't have the information until 1976 or 1977 for US built or sold vehicles.

If the truck was built in Canada or built in the US for Canadian usage then GM of Canada would have the info.

K

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Well that sucks. I didn’t realize they didn’t go back that far.

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Thanks for all the replys. To jocko's point, unfortunately the OE seat is long gone as are the front fender wells. No SPID anywhere...

What I do know from the VIN is this:
GMC, 2 wheel drive, 250 6 cyl, 15 series, 1973 model assembled in Flint, MI and was the 627,584th on made for that year model.

I know of several sources for a reproduction SPID, depending on what I decide to actually do with the truck, I just might have a custom one made to reflect the custom features that I put into it.

Thanks again for all the feedback!

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Actually.....it's not.

Although the sequential portion of the VIN is assigned sequentially it doesn't really mean anything.

If the VIN sequence for GMC started at 500001 in '73, then it would be around the 227,500 ish GMC built in Flint with about 9 times as many Chevrolets scattered in front of it.

If the VIN sequence for GMC started at 100001, just like the Chevys, then it would be around the 627,500th....

...except - each plant has their own VIN sequence counting up, irrespective of the other plants (Flint has TWO, since Line 1 built pickups and Line 2 built Blazer/Suburban), and there were seven final assembly locations for squarebody trucks...

Plus - the plants don't necessarily build in VIN order. Most plants - Flint in particular - have the ability to shuffle builds after the body shop and before paint, and then again after paint and before entering the trim/final line area. That allows for work load leveling downstream (ie, can't have too many manual trans trucks in a row, can't have too many 4wd in a row, can't have too many A/C trucks in a row, etc) as well as for an accumulator (or "bank") to draw from to keep the final line running in the event of a breakdown or work stoppage in body or paint.

So - no.

K

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

LOL - ok - I'm in full "pedant" mode.

What the GM Heritage Center has (when they have it) is the original "invoice", which would have the RPO content, pricing, build dates, original dealer and the order-er's name (if it was a GM employee).

The "build sheet" is the document that followed the vehicle down the line, informing the assemblers which option content was needed for that truck. They were supposed to be thrown away at the end of the line along with any other trash like extra screws, coffee cups, inspection papers, etc, but often were built into the vehicle. That's why it was easier to leave them inside the seat or on top of the fuel tank than to throw it away. They only exist in the vehicle if at all, and were not kept by any historical agency be it the GM Heritage Center, Vintage Vehicle Services (GM of Canada) or Pontiac Historical Services (PHS).

Now I'm done.

K

Invoice from the Heritage Center:

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/...1.jpg~original

Build sheet from my GTO (found on top of the fuel tank):

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

That’s what I meant, sorry, was the invoice. I knew that, because I got one for my truck from the Heritage Center.
I know what the build sheet is. I worked at a auto assembly plant for 30 yrs. I was typing and wasn’t thinking about the word I was using, my bad.

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

You rock Keith!!!...

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

I'm not picking on you; you're my red shortbox brother from another mother...

Notice they spelled my name wrong on my invoice!

K

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

:metal:

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Thanks for the clarification Keith. So as far as the GM Heritage Center, I'm out of look since this truck is older than a '76 or '77 model?

Re: SPID is missing, 1973 GMC
 

Correct.

K