What info a VIN # will get you

[Jenniflow]

Heard from an AS modder recently that if you look up a vehicle using its VIN # you can get some or all of the specs for the vehicle.

I'm particularly interested in what's behind the wallpaper in various locations in my coach. He said there were so many differences from one vehicle to the next, even within model years that the most accurate info often had to be found this way. Is this true? And if so, how would I track that down and where? Just go to Jackson City and camp out in their filing cabinets?

This guy told me that some have aluminum interior panels, others have wood of various kinds, and some have a mixture. I may not be quoting accurately, BTW. I just would rather not tear the place up to answer some of these questions.

[A W Warn]

You can get some information here
Airstream, Inc :: Serial Numbers

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jenniflow

This guy told me that some have aluminum interior panels, others have wood of various kinds, and some have a mixture. I may not be quoting accurately, BTW. I just would rather not tear the place up to answer some of these questions.

Actually I believe the answer to your question about wood walls is actually all airstreams had aluminum inner walls and then a thin layer of wood veneer is glued/fastened to the aluminum skin. I have been dismantling a 345 that had wood on the inner walls and that is what I found.

I'll try and post some pictures of the wood clad aluminum early this coming week.

Brad

[92landyacht]

The VIN will not tell you anything other then what the base vehicle MFG constructed. If you need specific info related to the Airstream conversion then you'll need to talk to Airstream. Chevy, Ford or Dodge will not tell you how AS built your unit.

[Jenniflow]

Hey Brad it was your great thread about (scary) interior photos that prompted me to post this here! I was trying to avoid taking the plunge just to see what was inside mine. Thanks so much for sharing those, I hope you do post more and I will be following with interest.

And also 92Landyacht, thanks for the clarification. This modded said VIN but maybe he just meant serial number or something. I forgot that the VIN. Was associated with the chassis. My impression tho was that there was some designation that differentiated vehicles from each other for this purpose.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by 92landyacht

The VIN will not tell you anything other then what the base vehicle MFG constructed. If you need specific info related to the Airstream conversion then you'll need to talk to Airstream. Chevy, Ford or Dodge will not tell you how AS built your unit.

Conversions have two VINs, one for the basic chassis, one for the coachwork. The VIN on the vehicle registration will usually be the chassis VIN, since that's the one engraved on the engine. The Airstream VIN will be located somewhere inside the living spaces, probably inside a closet or cabinet. Neither VIN will tell you anything about the method of construction. They will tell you manufacturer, assembly line, model, model year, and serial number.

You MIGHT get information on the construction by contacting Airstream once you have the serial number (last six digits of VIN) and asking them about that particular coach.

[Jenniflow]

Oh! Two VINS. The plot thickens. That's great. I will look that up, just for grins. Maybe I'll learn something unexpected from JC. If so, I will post. Thanks again!

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Jenniflow

Oh! Two VINS. The plot thickens. That's great. I will look that up, just for grins. Maybe I'll learn something unexpected from JC. If so, I will post. Thanks again!

Both of our VIN's are located in the engine compartment on the left side, with the front latch opened. My GM VIN is 1986 and the Airstream VIN is 1987, which caused a bit of confusion when I registered it for the Texas Title.

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Conversions have two VINs, one for the basic chassis, one for the coachwork. The VIN on the vehicle registration will usually be the chassis VIN, since that's the one engraved on the engine. The Airstream VIN will be located somewhere inside the living spaces, probably inside a closet or cabinet. Neither VIN will tell you anything about the method of construction. They will tell you manufacturer, assembly line, model, model year, and serial number.

Keep in mind that for a Sprinter based Interstate, you can get very detailed build information about the base vehicle (but not the AS conversion) via EPCNet at StartekInfo. A subscription costs $12/yr. EPC-net Online In addition to the "data card" which shows detailed information about your specific Sprinter you can access complete parts information.
Wayne

[RosiesGuy]

My recently purchased motorhome came with a 1979 Service Manual explaining the serial numbering. It showed the Engine Designation number as being one of two: L = V-8 -350 or Y = V-8 - 454. That's all. No other option. However my code is a C and my engine is a V-8 - 454. Wonder why?