Well finally I'm getting back into my GTA project, and I'm trying to figure out if the car is an original notchback. I haven't found any kind of build sheet yet, but I haven't been into the car too far yet.

I read in the FAQ that there were 718 of these produced (originally I thought is was 624) and that the VIN will have a K as the 10th digit, my VIN is 1G2FW2180JL******. Does this mean 100% that the car is NOT an original notch?

 

There will NOT be a K in the VIN on a factory notchback. K is the 89 models and there was only 1 notchback produced, however there were only 624 notchbacks produced in '88.

I don't know where everyone is coming up with the VIN having a K in it, this denotes the year of the car.

AA8 -- Rear Compartment Lid, Notchback -- 624

Straight from the GTA source page, which Frankie has done extensive research in the RPO codes and amount produced.

 

That was part of my confusion I thought that all post '80 VINs had the 10th digit (letter) denoting the model year, I didn't understand how '88 would have a K and not J. The info came straight from the FAQ on this site https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/faq/thirdgen.shtml

I haven't been around for some time and thought maybe there was new info or something, I guess I still need to locate a build sheet to find the answer.

 

As mentioned above, there is no K in the VIN for a 1988 GTA Notchback.

Also, according to a letter from Pontiac, there was 718 Notchbacks in 1988:

http://www.gtanotchback.com/document...iacletter1.jpg

 

Maybe you can post a picture of your GTA here. If it is a genuine Notchback, there should be a sticker with your VIN on the rear hatch. Is there one?

Apart from the RPO sticker stating the AA8 option and the VIN tag on the rear hatch, there is no way to verify it being an original Notchback. But PHS could help you out if you order their information package.

 

Well I haven't located a build sheet or RPO sticker yet, but I just opened the trunk on the car for the first time in a few years, I haven't really looked at all. The label on the hatch looks fairly legitimate, and the VINs match, is this the correct location for that sticker?

 

there may have been 718 notchbacks produced. 625 were put on GTAs at the factory in 1988. one in 1989. the rest must have been sold via parts dept. as colision replacement parts or to people converting too them.

 

In my opinion, reading the Pontiac letter really didn't imply that. From what I understand, that 625 figure did not include exports. There are several export Notchbacks. I've been contacted by a few owners in Australia with Notchbacks, and there are several in Canada as well.

That appears to be the correct location for the VIN sticker on the Notchback lid, as that is where my Notchbacks have the VIN sticker as well.

 

Congratulations, you own an original notchback

Lets see some more pictures

 

I plan on doing something with the car this weekend, I'll try to get some newer pics then. I really want to find a list of the RPO codes to see how original the car is. It's a L98 / 700r4, disc rear end with possibly a different set of gears, no T-tops, black on black cloth w/ digital dash.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...it83/front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ear_closed.jpg

It's beat up and has been ran hard, needs an engine overhaul and I would like to convert it to a T-56, but I already spent alot of the budget on suspension goodies so we'll see.