VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum Serial number decoder

Hi all. I just got a chevy truck from it’s resting place of 36 years. I would like to know what year it is. The serial number is H530010088. Is there anyone ho can decode this for me. Thanks

That is a 10 character VIN so we know it is prior to model year 1981 when 17 character VIN’s were required.

I think you will have to provide some more information from the serial plate. I find it interesting that the first character is “H”. Normally for a 1970’s truck that would be a C for Chevy or T for GMC

10 character VIN’s were used for many years but there was no standard format across the industry and even year-
to-year for the same manufacturer.

It is a 1953 1/2 ton 3100 series truck.

I was not thinking old enough!

Gene: I notice in the 1954 Master Parts List information that the H means a 3100 1/2 ton truck. How can you tell if it is a 1953 or 1954?

Thanks!

The 1953 and up used a different serial number format. It was the first yoer that listed the actual year and did not list the month or assembly plant......but just had the year such as 53.

Thanks Gene!

Thanks for the info. I had my doubts about it being a 51 like the person I bought it from said. I know then that it is a 235 and not a 216. Do you know if it came a a 12 o 6 volt? I want to believe it is a 12 volt.

Unless someone has done a conversion the 1953 trucks were built with 6 volt systems. Chevy introduced 12 volt systems in 1955.

I will let someone with more knowledge comment on which engine is in a 1953 1/2 ton truck. A solid lifer 235 was used in 1954 trucks. I expect that there is a 216 in your truck. In 1953 the 235 was used in heavy trucks.

If you post the serial number from the engine that will help determine which engine is in your truck.

The standard engine for the '53 3100 was the 216. Last year it was used. The original system was 6V. If it has a 235 in it, it has been updated, and it's possible the electrical system was updated as well, if so.

As Rusty suggested, post the engine serial number - stamped on the machined pad just aft of the distributor, and sort-of behind the dipstick - and it can be decoded to original service. You may need to wipe years of crud off the machined pad to read the stamped serial number. If it's a '53 engine (or earlier), the leading three letters will decode to original service. If it's a '54 or later 235, the suffix letters will decode to similar information.

Additional info can be had from the raised letters in the block casting, including the letter/number date code sort of behind and slightly above the starter, and the block casting number, low and in front of the distributor. The block casting number may be hard to see behind the fuel pump, and depending on the forward motor mount style.

Let us know what you find.

Doug

I’m not trying to steal the threat but i’m currently trying to Decode my father in Laws 1930 Chevy truck. The only information I have would but a data plate that says

Sher…Body…Corp
JOB No8150
BODY No S258

Thank you guys for your very helpful info. I was able to clean(after 36 years of sitting) to read the stamp code on the engine block behind the dip stick. It read 0020973F56Z. Any additional help is greatly appreciated

F=engine made at Flint plant
56=year
Z= 235 from a 1/2. 3/4 1 ton truck.

Thanks chevy nut. Now I wonder how that engine found its way into my 53. I wish I knew the story. I am starting to take this ole girl down to the frame and work my way up. I have a feeling I will be hearing from you again. Thanks again