Classic Vehicles

Build sheet by VIN

Enter a classic vehicle's VIN to get its factory build sheet: the option codes, paint and trim codes, engine, drivetrain and plant it was built with. Most vehicles built before 1981 have a VIN of 5 to 13 characters.

FACTORY BUILD SHEET

L48: 350 V8, 4-BARREL
M40: TURBO HYDRA-MATIC 400
G80: POSITRACTION AXLE

Example codes

Factory Records

What a classic build sheet lists

Before the 1981 model year there was no standard VIN: each maker used its own format, usually 5 to 13 characters. The build sheet, also called a broadcast sheet, is the plant's record of how that one vehicle was built. It is written in the maker's own codes, so the report puts each code next to what it means.

Option codes
Every factory option by its code, such as GM's RPO codes (L48 for a 350 V8, G80 for Positraction). Codes tell you what a car left the plant with, not just what it has now.
Paint and trim codes
The exterior paint code and the interior trim code: color and material. The reference restorers use to match a respray or a new interior.
Engine and transmission
The engine and transmission the car was ordered with. Compare them with what is in the car today to see whether it is numbers-matching.
Axle and drivetrain
Rear axle ratio, limited-slip or open differential, and drive layout. These are easy to change later, so the build sheet is the best record of the original setup.
Body and equipment
Body style, roof, seats, radio, power options and appearance packages, as ordered.
Plant and build details
The assembly plant and, where the records hold them, the build date and sequence number.

Modern Vehicles

Built in 1981 or later? Its factory data is on the window sticker

Build sheets here are for classic vehicles. A vehicle with a 17-character VIN has a window sticker (Monroney label), which lists its factory options, packages and original MSRP.

Window Sticker by VIN

Know the Difference

Build sheet vs window sticker

Both record how a vehicle left the factory. They were made for different readers, so they show different things.

	Build sheet	Window sticker
Made for	The assembly line: it told workers what to fit	The buyer: it was posted on the window of the new car
Written in	The maker's option codes	Plain words, with prices
Shows	Option codes, paint and trim codes, engine, transmission, axle ratio, plant	Standard and optional equipment, packages, MSRP, fuel economy
Where the original went	Often left in the car: under a seat, behind a panel or on top of the fuel tank	Removed after the sale, so most are lost
On UsedVehiclePro	Classic vehicles, mostly built before 1981	Vehicles with a 17-character VIN

By Make

Classic makes

American makers of the period recorded each vehicle's build in their own option codes, among them:

Chevrolet
Pontiac
Oldsmobile
Buick
Cadillac
Ford
Mercury
Lincoln
Dodge
Plymouth
Chrysler
Jeep
AMC

Build records for classic vehicles are patchier than for modern ones. What exists varies by make, model and year, and some VINs have no build sheet on file.

Build sheet by VIN: questions

What is a build sheet?

A build sheet (or broadcast sheet) is the factory's record of how one vehicle was built. It lists the option codes, paint and trim codes, engine, transmission, axle ratio and assembly plant for that vehicle.

Can I get a build sheet from a VIN?

For classic vehicles, yes, where build records exist for that VIN. Enter the VIN at the top of this page. Records vary by make, model and year, so not every classic VIN has one.

Do classic cars have a 17-character VIN?

No. The 17-character VIN became the US standard with the 1981 model year. Before that, each maker used its own format, usually 5 to 13 characters, and the form above accepts those.

Can I get a build sheet for a modern car?

Build sheets here are for classic vehicles. For a vehicle with a 17-character VIN, the window sticker holds the factory data: options, packages and the original MSRP.

What is the difference between a build sheet and a window sticker?

A build sheet was written for the assembly line, in option codes. A window sticker was written for the buyer, in plain words with prices. The build sheet shows more technical detail, such as the axle ratio; the sticker shows the price of each option.

Where is the original build sheet in a car?

Plants often left the paper sheet inside the car. Owners have found them under the seat springs, behind the rear seat, above the glove box and on top of the fuel tank. Our build sheet reports the factory build data on file for the VIN, so you don't need to take the car apart to find it.

What does a numbers-matching car mean?

A numbers-matching car still has the engine, transmission and often the rear axle it was built with. Comparing the codes stamped on those parts with the build sheet shows whether they are original.