Vin serial # Question???

[1BADT]

I am looking at a 1979 Regal with a regular V6 to possibly build up with a turbo motor. I wrote the vin number down to check it out but it is only 13 characters long. Is this typical for the older style Regals as my 1987 has 17 characters in the vin. The vin on the car I am looking at is 4J47AAH129365... Does this sound correct? Any help is greatly appreciated, THANKS...

 

[elk93001]

The VIN in question deciphered

4 Buick
J47 2 door Regal Cpe (K47 is sport cpe, M47 Limited)
A 3.8 litre V6
A, are you sure this isn't a 9? This is where the last digit of the model year is 8 for 78, 9 for 79
H Factory where the car was built, in this case Flint Michigan

129365 sequence number for the factory.

 

[b4black]

Originally posted by elk93001
A, are you sure this isn't a 9? This is where the last digit of the model year is 8 for 78, 9 for 79

A = 1980

 

[gofstbuick]

4J47AAH129365: 4=Buick, J=regal, 47=coupe 2dr hatchback, special, A=3.8L 2bbl, A=1980, H= Flint Mi plant and 129365 is the production sequence number.
Domestic manufacturers were not required to convert to 17 digit VIN until 1981

 

[1BADT]

Thanks a bunch for all the info, JASON...