How to Decode a 9 Digit VIN Number?

How Our 9-Digit VIN Decoder Works?

Some Myth and Truth About 9-Digit VINs

Generally, VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) are unique alphanumeric codes assigned to individual vehicles. They serve as a vehicle’s fingerprint, providing essential information about its origin, specifications, and history.

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  Standard VINs typically consist of 17 characters, but occasionally, discussions arise about 9 digit VINs and if they can be decoded in the real sense.
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  Yes, 9-digit VINs exist, especially for classic cars or older vehicles built before the VIN standardization in 1981 by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
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  The 9-digit VINs are not standard, thereby, not supported by over 95% of the VIN decoders available on the internet.
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  Only a small fraction of the remaining 5% classic VIN decoders can accurately decode 9-digit VINs.
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  The consequence is that making decisions based on wrong vehicle information can be misleading resulting in setbacks such as financial loss, waste of time, increased frustration and failed transactions.
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  The unavailability of accurate classic VIN decoding tools has always been a challenge for Classic car enthusiasts and shoppers.

The good news is that ClassicDecoder is offering a solution by providing access to accurate and detailed classic vehicle information. Their decoding tool also supports all classic car VIN lengths including 9-digit VINs, taking into account vintage vehicles that are built from 1910 – 1975.

Decode any 9 Digit VIN

What Information Does our Classic VIN decoder Provide?

Our free VIN decoder provides the following information:

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  Vehicle Specifications (year, make, model)
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  Transmission
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  Fuel type and capacity
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  Engine information (type, cylinder, displacement, torque)
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  Number of doors
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  Number of gears
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  Axle type
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  Body measurement (Weight, length, width, height, wheelbase)
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  Tyre treads (front and rear)

Our paid VIN decoder grant full access to the following records:

Sales history

View past transactions, including ownership changes, accidents, repairs, and mileage. Make informed decisions

Lien and loan records

Verify any outstanding payments that are yet to be fully paid. Avoid legal matters or the car being repossessed.

Title History

Verify title brand (salvage, rebuilt etc), ownership, liens, and legal status. Prevent fraud, and ensure a clean title.

Auction Records

Find out if the car has been previously listed for sale at auction, access 10+ photos of the car

Odometer records

Access car mileage over time. Crucial for assessing wear and tear, estimating value, and detecting fraud.

Accident Records

Find out if the car was involved in any collision in the past, including dates, locations, and damage. Aid safety analysis.

Theft Records

Verify if a vehicle was stolen and possibly recovered or not. Avoid hunting by the police or imprisonment.

Sample Reports: 9-Digit VIN Number

We subjected two 9-digit VIN numbers to the ClassicDecoder VIN decoding and VIN check tools. Let’s take a look at the breakdown of the details and records found:

Vin: AN5L15027

Vin: 4H1060896

Whether you are a Buick or any classic car prospective buyer, our VIN decoder is capable of helping you unlock significant details and records on the car before committing to a purchase.

Why is it Important to Decode a VIN?

A VIN number, whether 17-digit or less, is a unique identifier assigned to each vehicle, serving as its fingerprint. It codes and provides crucial details about the vehicle’s origin, manufacturer, features and history. A 9-digit VIN number plays a pivotal role in:

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  Accurately identifying an automobile
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  Ensuring its authenticity
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  Aiding in various administrative processes, including car insurance, car market valuation and more.
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  Resolving the confusion associated with record-keeping and vehicle identification.

Where to Find the 9 Digit VIN on a classic Vehicle?

The 9-digit VIN is typically located in any of these locations:

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  On the dashboard, near the windshield on the driver’s side, and visible from the outside Under the steering column
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  On the firewall inside the driver’s side wheel well
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  On a sticker located on the driver’s door edge or door jamb
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  On the driver’s door hinge post
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  On the driver’s or passenger’s side frame rail
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  On major parts like the engine plate (this may not be so if the engine has been replaced)

The VIN can also be found on these documents:

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  Owner’s manuals, Bills of sale, title and registration, Insurance paper and service records

How to Interpret a 9 Digit VIN?

Each digit in the 9-digit VIN represents specific information about the automobile, including the manufacturer, model, and production year. The 9-digit VIN can reveal information such as the engine type, serial number, and the vehicle’s assembly plant.

Let’s take a look at a 9 Digit VIN: 508A20617 (a 1950 Oldsmobile Series 88) and breakdown each digit:

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  First and second digits (50) represent the model year.
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  Third digit (8) represents the series.
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  Fourth digit (A) represents the assembly plant.
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  Fifth to ninth digits (20617) represent the production number.

If you want to trade in your classic car or make a purchase, you may need to go beyond just decoding the VIN (which only reveals the vehicle specification and basic details) and dig deep into the classic car history. In such a case, consider using our classic car VIN check tool to uncover the historical records and events about the car.

What is the Importance of a 9 Digit VIN Check?

Using a classic car VIN check tool makes it easier to obtain a classic vehicle history when buying a used car. You may need to lookup a classic vehicle history for the following reasons:

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  Access to the automobile’s service and accident history, aiding in making informed purchasing decisions.
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  Allows for the verification of an automobile’s authenticity, critical during vehicle registration and title transfer processes.
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  For registering an automobile, transferring its title, and completing necessary paperwork with the DMV.

The World’s Finest Classic Car VIN Decoder App

Helping you make a decision you can trust faster 

Do you know you can get instant access to accurate vehicle information at your fingertips? Easily verify vehicle specifications and details for free, uncover vehicle history and get classic window stickers on the go without breaking the bank. 

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The Challenge with Unstandardized VINs

Most online providers aren’t able to decode or offer vehicle history reports for VINs prior to 1981 since they were not yet standardized. The NHTSA standardized the VIN format in 1981 for all manufacturers to follow.

Complicated 9-digit VINs may still require expert assistance to decode and address any related issues accurately.

Get Build Sheet by VIN

Heard of Classic car build sheets? It’s a label that provides details of a classic car’s factory build, original features, standard specifications, colors and more. By getting a build sheet by VIN, you can determine if a classic automobile has been modified with equipment from another trim level or if some minor alteration has taken place.

Get your Build Sheet Now