Hi i am trying to finalize a deal on a '53 Pontiac.  I would like to know if anyone can help me decode the vin and cowl tag.

The VIN is 3256902*** or 3256902*** (couldnt get a clear read on the second last digit)

The Cowl Tag reads
Model: 25-69D
Eng: W247201
Trim:510
Paint:357
?Serial:1307

Any help wil be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in Advance!




-- Edited by chevy11 on Thursday 18th of February 2010 06:10:52 PM

Tough one. Running into a few snafu's here. Neither the Canadian nor US book lists a model 25-69D. US book shows 2569W as a Chieftain 4 dr sedan and 2569WD as Chieftain 4 dr sedan deluxe. Canadian book only shows a 2569WD as a Chieftain 2dr Catalina Hdtp 6pass* deluxe six ( * = imported from Pontiac, MI ). But I'm suspecting the Cdn book is off by 1 line and car is actually a Chieftain deluxe six 4dr sedan 6 pass manufactured in Canada. Engine number started with W219001 and went up. Wasn't able to find a code for trim 510. Wasn't able to find a code for paint 357 but do know that code 357 in a Cdn Chev was horizon blue ( equal to US code 503 ) VIN 3 = year 1953 2 = pontiac 5 = Chieftain 6 69 = 4 dr sedan last 5 digits = sequential number This breakout agrees with my assumption above that car is Chieftain deluxe six 6 pass. Hope all this helps. Good luck as you go forward. How soon might we see pics etc? Which area are you located in? Oh, and since this car shares some trim etc with its Chevy sister, I might have some common NOS trim for sale. Ted

What he said .. If the cowl tag reads the vin an nothing else Its a US built car. If the tag looks like this one Its a Canadian Pontiac. This one is for a 54 though, and one model lower than a 2500. And a tech sheet that shows the different models to compare to what you see.

-- Edited by Rolilk on Wednesday 17th of February 2010 11:13:03 PM

Thanks for the information! I am not to familiar with this era car to much. I am going to look at it this weekend, i am trying to get as much information on the car as possible. I am a bit confused- Do Canadian models have the 'cowl tag' only and no vin on the dash or pillar like newer cars? (another question-where are all the serials/vin located on the car? dash, pillar, cowl, frame etc?) Is there a diagram showing the different spots? Is there such an thing as an 1953 or 1954 Laurentian? Thanks again

-- Edited by chevy11 on Thursday 18th of February 2010 05:32:30 PM

The serial number ( VIN ) is on the drivers side windshield post. It can only be viewed with the door open. The Canadian models, starting with the basics Pathfinder Pathfinder deluxe Laurentian Chieftain special six Chieftain deluxe six Chieftain custom six Chieftain Special eight

wow! Thanks! these cars are confusing fun! So the vin plate/tag is on the front right cowl under the hood. Its kinda like a combo tag that has all the info in one place.

Also to your question is there a Laurention in 53 and 54..yes there is.

Sorry Norontcan noticed you posted this allready





-- Edited by Rolilk on Friday 19th of February 2010 10:23:31 PM

Hey guys , i have one for you if you don't mind. I just picked this car up , here is the info VIN# 3203731069 Model# 20-37D eng# W252201 Trim# 524 Paint# 371 thanks in advance for any help guys