[Transamric]

As HFR said. The first two digits are the date, in your case, the 27th. The third digit will always be a zero. The final three digits are the sequential order of production for that day. So 610 means it was the 610th Pontiac 'F' body scheduled to go down the line that day (Jan. 27th).

[giles]

Originally Posted by Transamric

So 610 means it was the 610th Pontiac 'F' body scheduled to go down the line that day (Jan. 27th).

610th body that day, all types mixed together. They would not have segregated body build number by type. The body number after the "BL" yes, it was firebird-specific, but the daily sequence number includes everything. On a good day they might build 700 units across 2 shifts.

[giles]

Originally Posted by Transamric

Thanks for the quick reply Giles. But unless I'm missing what you're saying, the reasons you've suggested would cause a build to be out of sequence later, not early. I agree it's not that unusual to have some builds held back making them late. But this one is out of order early. Correct?

Can't say for sure about the sequence delay, but it looks like the body was built on 1/27. It sat for maybe a week and then was built into a car, and at some point during final assembly VIN 00801 was assigned. Vins were not assigned til final assembly so I think this makes sense.

[Judge273]

Good education. Thanks!

[The Boss]

This is really interesting stuff guys, thanks!

With that in mind it looks like the #2 car on your list was also built well out of order.

L100346 01D 260626 Jan. 26th

[giles]

Vin 346 does not look too far out of order. Think of the sequencing this way, orders come into the plant and bodies are built first. All paperwork has the body number and sequencing. The build sheet has the body number but not the vin. It is hand stamped later. The body is built and at a minimum the paint had to dry a day or so before it can proceed to final assembly. There is a body bank where the complete, painted Fisher bodies park to cure. The body leaves the bank when it is time, but they are not always pulled in "first in first out" order. They are sequenced based on many factors including part shortages and labor ops (you won't see 10 Trans Ams in a row because of the added labor to put the big decals on, but several might get painted as they batched colors). The body goes through final assembly and the vin is assigned. The assignment point varies by plant. Norwood assigned VINs by body build as their vin tags are painted. Van Nuys did not as their tags are all black. In all cases the vin designation was later than initial paperwork as the VINs are hand stamped on the build sheet and the window sticker in this era. Based on the above I suspect the body for 00801 sat in the body shop for a week.

[Gator67]

Interesting stuff. I just checked my 02B car and it fits in the sequence: 98X, Feb 9, car 122.