Need help Decoding VIN, 1985 Winnebago

[melman]

Hello, I'm new to the site & have just purchased a classic Winnebago so I need help  . I need help with identification, the title says nothing about the model, engine size, etc. my VIN # is 1gbjp37w3f3308979 please help

[HandyDan]

I put the VIN into Google and got a CarFax report.  Didn't tell a whole lot but said it was out of Florida. 

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

1gbjp37w3f3308979

1 = USA
G = GM
B = Incomplete Vehicle
J = 10,000 - 11,000 GVW
P = Forward Control Chassis
3 = 1 ton
7 = Motor Home
W = 7.4L V8 (4 barrel) LEB [454]
3 = Check Digit
F = 1985 (year produced)
308979 = sequence number

In order to break the chassis down further you have to locate the Service Parts Identification tag.   It contains further information about the chassis but you have to acquire the service manual to decode it.  Service manual (Chevrolet Light Truck) contains most anything you need to know about the P30 chassis.
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?topic=4974.0

http://www.winnebagoind.com/service/submenu/Fiche1.htm

http://www.winnebagoind.com/products/previous-models/

Dave

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Hey Melman...welcome to the group! 
Good luck with your new rig!

Kev

[Oz]

Whatever you do, don't feel like you're out of the loop.  Many vintage RV owners start off with very little info about their rigs if the previous owner (PO) didn't provide them with it.  Fortunately, you found us!

Please take a moment to read the Message Posting Rules, they're brief and are just really common sense.  It'll only take a minute. 

From the info Dave deciphered, I updated the chassis and engine in your profile.  The only items left unkown are the model and length.

There are VIN DECODER links on the home page and on the main forum board in the right margin for Dodge, Chevy and Ford.  There are a lot of self-help resources here so, do take some time to look around.  There's a lot here and everyone is more than ready and willing to help!

[melman]

The title states it is a p53, but everything I read says p30 must be a type o. Do you think it's a chieftain and it's approximately 22'. I will try and post some pictures soon.  Thanks again

[TommyM]

As noted in my profile info, I'm on my second 1986 Chieftain.  The pics will help us help you figure out what you have.

Do you have the sticker on the driver's door that gives the VIN, the Winnebago id number, tire size/pressure, weight ratings. . . etc?

Welcome!

[Oz]

Take a look at this link:
http://www.winnebagoind.com/products/previous-models/1985/pdfs/winnebago/1985Winnebago.pdf

in 1985, Winnebago only made two class A models; the Chieftain and the Elandan.  The visual differences in the body alone are like night and day and you'll instantly be able to tell which one you have.

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Melman,
Chevy did not make a P53 chassis.  It is a P30 Series chassis (the P3 portion of the VIN).  In some of the Chevy documentation you will also see it listed as P42 which simply means P30 (4x2), 4 wheels, 2 wheel drive.
In 85, the states may or may not have used the chevy name on the title.  Your VIN is obviously the GM VIN but the title name may say Winnebago.  Winnebago buys chassis from chassis mfg (i.e. in 85 that was Chevy; now that is Workhorse)  then builds their coach on it.  It was also typical that they used the previous years chassis on this years rig due to procurement cycle (85 chassis under a 86 rig).

In the brochure (link Mark provided), only the Chieftain came in 22 or 23 ft length (Elandon started at 31ft).  Bathroom/Shower//Bedroom design is different between the 2.  Now when you look at the parts link I provided earlier, you either have the WCN22RC or WCN23RG model.  So, as you can see, it's all a matter of doing a little detective work.

Dave

[Oz]

I now dub Dave Bailey, CWVRV's Official "detective".  Sooper Snoop, that's it.  If you happen to lose your RV somewhere, Dave will find it!