1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ford Assassin · 06-11-2019, 12:54 AM

Hey guys, bought an original California Truck, but it has been registered out of state for the last decade. Took it to the DMV for a VIN verification, which it failed due to the door VIN GVWR decal being faded beyond readable. So, unless I find someone that will reproduce the decal (thus been unsuccessful), I am forced to have the CHP do their inspection which includes finding the frame VIN. Although I have little doubt the truck is sitting on its factory issued frame, I was warned buy the CHP inspector himself that if it doesn't match, I will not be leaving with my truck.

So.....where should I be looking? My Internet searching has been unfruitful. I didn't see it anywhere on the passenger upper frame rail facing the bottom of the body, at least not in forward of the passenger side fuel tank and the firewall.

The truck is a square body 3+3 (crew cab) dually. 2wd.

I appreciate any help in advance.

Edit: The dash VIN plate is clearly readable. CHP wants to see the frame VIN.

GM72K10 · 06-11-2019, 05:56 AM

VIN should be located in the dash on the drivers side at the base of the windshield

44th Miss Inf · 06-11-2019, 06:23 AM

On both my 88s (one R30 and other one a V30) the frame VIN is on the top of the passenger side frame rail right by the fuel sending unit. My 84 K1500 and 87 R10 has it in the same place also, so it should be there.

Keith Seymore · 06-11-2019, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44th Miss Inf

On both my 88s (one R30 and other one a V30) the frame VIN is on the top of the passenger side frame rail right by the fuel sending unit. My 84 K1500 and 87 R10 has it in the same place also, so it should be there.

Can you confirm the final assembly location of the trucks you've mentioned here?

The original poster's crew cab would have been built in Flint.

Edit: I just realized when I ran the area that stamped the VINs: it was Flint Line#2 (Blazer and Suburban). That might be why I can never remember where it goes on the pickups, which were built on Line 1.

K

44th Miss Inf · 06-11-2019, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Can you confirm the final assembly location of the trucks you've mentioned here?

The original poster's crew cab would have been built in Flint.

Edit: I just realized when I ran the area that stamped the VINs: it was Flint Line#2 (Blazer and Suburban). That might be why I can never remember where it goes on the pickups, which were built on Line 1.

K

Keith,

The only one I know off the top of my head is the V30, which is a Janesville (sp?) truck. I had to go thru the same with it as it hadn't been registered in 10 plus years and the owner before me had passed.

I am on vacation so don't have the VINs in front of me, but will try to remember to check when I get home

Mattchu60 · 06-11-2019, 07:47 AM

This is more my curiosity - are they not able to use the VIN that is on the dash for verification?

Ford Assassin · 06-11-2019, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM72K10

VIN should be located in the dash on the drivers side at the base of the windshield

No kidding? The same place that ALL GM '81+ put their VIN's??

You were joking, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

This is more my curiosity - are they not able to use the VIN that is on the dash for verification?

California VIN verification requires TWO metal stamped locations. First being the dash. The second being the frame.

Mattchu60 · 06-11-2019, 11:33 AM

That is interesting. So what happens if you have a truck with a frame swap - which is pretty common on these things (mine is swapped, as original was rotten from years in the midwest salt)? It sounds like your saying that CA will not allow it.

Not sure if this helps, but on my 2wd c10 (not a crew cab obviously) the frame stamp is on the driver side, under the door area. Its actually blocked from view by the driver side gas tank.

Ford Assassin · 06-11-2019, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

That is interesting. So what happens if you have a truck with a frame swap - which is pretty common on these things (mine is swapped, as original was rotten from years in the midwest salt)? It sounds like your saying that CA will not allow it.

Not sure if this helps, but on my 2wd c10 (not a crew cab obviously) the frame stamp is on the driver side, under the door area. Its actually blocked from view by the driver side gas tank.

In California, if you have swapped the frame, you must also own the title (in your name) for the vehicle the frame came from.

I hope to be outta California within 5 years, but that's another story.

I looked under the driver side this morning, per suggestion from a Facebook page, I found a few numbers/letters, but they probably aren't what I need. '7W1207'

Keith Seymore · 06-11-2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Assassin

, I found a few numbers/letters, but they probably aren't what I need. '7W1207'

Doesn't look like anything; maybe a supplier date code.

I'd be looking for a partial VIN, in the pattern of "HF123456" where

H = model year 1987

F = assembly plant (F=Flint)

123456 = sequential portion of VIN, which (hopefully) matches your known VIN

Be reminded that it will be on the horizontal top flange of the frame rail, not on the side.

K

kipps · 06-11-2019, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Be reminded that it will be on the horizontal top flange of the frame rail, not on the side.

Is this under the bed, under the cab, or right in between?

The bed is off at the moment of my '87 v20. I don't see anything.

sweetk30 · 06-11-2019, 03:08 PM

found it on the top right frame rail .

front bracket for gas tank section about centered on the big hole for the tank strap nut .

circled the stamped in section so you can get a idea . sorry its not better i have a tool box mounted over top of it .

**Wgesnerjr** · 06-11-2019, 03:23 PM

That's where mine was on the 85. Passenger side frame rail, top side facing the bed.

**THI** · 06-12-2019, 12:19 PM

I have a frame from a 1987 K5 Blazer, the VIN was on the passenger side of the frame

kipps · 06-12-2019, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetk30

found it on the top right frame rail .

front bracket for gas tank section about centered on the big hole for the tank strap nut .

I found it on mine. It's positioned just above the REAR tank bracket on the passenger side. Very faint, but there. Sweetk30's pics show very well where it is.

**hatzie** · 06-12-2019, 08:32 PM

The frame VIN is often only a partial.
Hopefully they aren't expecting a full VIN

sweetk30 · 06-12-2019, 09:12 PM

there mostly looking for the build sequence as the rest is kind of normalish i would think .

**hatzie** · 06-12-2019, 10:40 PM

You could check with these guys on door jamb data decals
https://gbodyparts.com/product_info....oducts_id=3196

06-11-2019, 12:54 AM	#1
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? Hey guys, bought an original California Truck, but it has been registered out of state for the last decade. Took it to the DMV for a VIN verification, which it failed due to the door VIN GVWR decal being faded beyond readable. So, unless I find someone that will reproduce the decal (thus been unsuccessful), I am forced to have the CHP do their inspection which includes finding the frame VIN. Although I have little doubt the truck is sitting on its factory issued frame, I was warned buy the CHP inspector himself that if it doesn't match, I will not be leaving with my truck. So.....where should I be looking? My Internet searching has been unfruitful. I didn't see it anywhere on the passenger upper frame rail facing the bottom of the body, at least not in forward of the passenger side fuel tank and the firewall. The truck is a square body 3+3 (crew cab) dually. 2wd. I appreciate any help in advance. Edit: The dash VIN plate is clearly readable. CHP wants to see the frame VIN. __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608 Last edited by Ford Assassin; 06-11-2019 at 10:15 AM.

06-11-2019, 06:23 AM	#3
44th Miss Inf Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Liberty, Mississippi Posts: 671	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? On both my 88s (one R30 and other one a V30) the frame VIN is on the top of the passenger side frame rail right by the fuel sending unit. My 84 K1500 and 87 R10 has it in the same place also, so it should be there.

06-11-2019, 07:47 AM	#6
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 484	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? This is more my curiosity - are they not able to use the VIN that is on the dash for verification?

06-11-2019, 11:33 AM	#8
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 484	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? That is interesting. So what happens if you have a truck with a frame swap - which is pretty common on these things (mine is swapped, as original was rotten from years in the midwest salt)? It sounds like your saying that CA will not allow it. Not sure if this helps, but on my 2wd c10 (not a crew cab obviously) the frame stamp is on the driver side, under the door area. Its actually blocked from view by the driver side gas tank.

06-11-2019, 03:08 PM	#12
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? found it on the top right frame rail . front bracket for gas tank section about centered on the big hole for the tank strap nut . circled the stamped in section so you can get a idea . sorry its not better i have a tool box mounted over top of it . Attached Images __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great. Last edited by sweetk30; 06-11-2019 at 03:17 PM.

06-11-2019, 05:56 AM	#2
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,477	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? VIN should be located in the dash on the drivers side at the base of the windshield __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

06-11-2019, 03:23 PM	#13
Wgesnerjr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Atlanta, GA. Posts: 737	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? That's where mine was on the 85. Passenger side frame rail, top side facing the bed. __________________ Jay Gesner Atlanta, GA 1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2 LS 5.3, 4L60E Father/Daughter Project

06-12-2019, 12:19 PM	#14
THI Active Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Traverse City, MI Posts: 169	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? I have a frame from a 1987 K5 Blazer, the VIN was on the passenger side of the frame

06-12-2019, 08:32 PM	#16
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,912	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? The frame VIN is often only a partial. Hopefully they aren't expecting a full VIN __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

06-12-2019, 09:12 PM	#17
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? there mostly looking for the build sequence as the rest is kind of normalish i would think . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

06-12-2019, 10:40 PM	#18
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,912	Re: 1988 R30 VIN Frame Location(s)? You could check with these guys on door jamb data decals https://gbodyparts.com/product_info....oducts_id=3196 __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

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