1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

I have this R3500 with a bad engine and am looking at a different cab/chassis to swap the roll back onto. The glove box insert has been replaced and there is no tag to indicate the wheelbase it was built with. I'm quite certain the frame was lengthened for the bed, but not the WB. I've tried the vin on all the free decoders on the www but none list the WB, just everything else about the truck that I already know.
Anyone have a source for a more thorough decoder ?
Thanks

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

I have had build sheets provided to me from the dealership parts dept. I can’t say how far back in years they go, but the last one I received was for a 1994 C1500. Also, I have heard but never tried it, is contacting GM customer service and they are able to send it via .pdf.

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

Measure hub center to hub center. If there is no evidence of frame stretch within the WB that will be your number. I always thought the one tons had to be stretched for an 18'+ rollback body

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

When the timing chain jumped last fall, I shoved it in the back yard, next to the pole building. I WAS hoping to avoid digging thru 3 feet of snow to get to it and measure the wb. Seems that may be the quickest way to get it.
I'm sure the frame is extended from the factory length, but I THINK it is all behind the axle. Been a number of years since I was under it so I could be wrong.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albu...ps1visxe3y.jpg

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

Wheelbase is not encoded in the VIN.

You'd have to know the model code:

C30903 = pickup = 131.5"

C31003 = cab chassis = 135.5"

C31403 = cab chassis = 159.5"

You could send your VIN to the GM Heritage Center and they can provide the original invoice.



K

From the Heritage Center: In addition to visual media, this archive is also home to our company’s collection of vehicle build documentation, dealer invoices and/or build sheets, which contains information about individual vehicles produced by GM and exists on various digital and microfilm formats. The documentation is not available for all vehicles and dates only to 1977 for most brands. To request vehicle documentation please email vehicleinvoice@gmmediaarchive.com or call 1-734-261-5086.

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

I don't know about the wheelbase although it looks 159"ish. You damn sure have a cool load of cars on it there.

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

Keith, would the model code be on the vin tag on the pillar ?
I did just send a request to the heritage center too.
Been raining here all day and when that freezes, tonight, I may not get into the truck until spring...:(

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

In '89 the VIN is on the dash.

There might be a camper/GVW/tire pressure sticker in the door jamb that has the model number on it.

K

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

Got a reply back from HC..$50 for an invoice, no data on the build or WB...:(

I tried to get back to it today, walking on the 4 ft of snow off the shed roof. It held until I was at the front bumper and could see I'd need to dig out next to the door to get it open. That's when the snow collapsed and I was up to my waist... I might try my wife's new snow shoes tomorrow...:lol:

Re: 1989 R3500 wheelbase from the vin ?
 

Thanks, I sold the '62 Impala in August to fund other "things" around the estate.
I have a '67 Camaro and '66 and '70 SS Chevelles too.
You have a very cool truck too...:metal: