Beginning with the 1987 model year, U.S. Federal Law will require General Motors to label certain parts, on selected cars, with the Vehicle Identification Number. The following models* Are affected: Additional models may be affected in future model years.
Buick Electra Cadillac Allante LeSabre Deville Riviera Eldorado Seville
Chevrolet Camaro Oldsmobile Delta 88 Nova* 98 Toranado
Pontiac Bonneville Fiero Firebird
* Both production and serviced parts for the Nova will be marked by Nummi using their corporate labels.
The purpose of this law is to deter vehicle theft and to make the tracing and recovery of stolen parts easier. These labels will be readily visible if the vehicle should be dismantled. (Figure 1)
The label containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number will be permanently affixed to a surface of the part. Replacement parts must also have labels affixed to them. Replacement Parts labels will have the letter "R", the manufacturer's logo, and the symbol "DOT." (Figure 2)
The anti-theft label found on some major sheet metal, engines and transmissions must be masked prior to painting, rustproofing, undercoating, etc. The mask MUST be removed following the above operations. Failure to keep the label clean and readable may result in liability for viloation of U.S. Federal Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard, and subject the owner to possible suspicion that the part was stolen.
THESE LABELS ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED, DEFACED, OR COVERED OVER. The labels must be shielded from paint, rustproof, and undercoating (dealer prep included).
The labels will be on the following parts:
Engine and Transmission (may be stamped) Front and rear bumper assemblies Hood *Right and left front doors Right and left rear doors Right and left rear quarter panels Right and left front fenders Rear compartment lid/hatch/tailgate
*Certification label on driver's door qualifies as theft prevention label.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.