Get a FREE build sheet for your vehicle
Certain manufacturers provide access to vehicle build sheets. To simplify the process for car buyers, owners,
sellers, and enthusiasts, we have developed a website where users can enter a VIN to retrieve the corresponding
build sheet. If a free build sheet is not offered by the automaker, we have partnered with a reputable service that recreates
build sheets and window stickers
using the manufacturer's official build data.
If you're looking for info about your vehicle's recalls, market value, or history, visit this free tool,
VIN Lookup.
What is a VIN?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It serves as the
vehicle's fingerprint and provides details about its manufacturer, model, year, and specific features.
How do I find my VIN?
Your VIN can typically be found:
- On the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield
- Inside the driver's side door jamb
- On your vehicle's registration or insurance documents
- On the engine block or on a metal plate under the hood
Does this service work for all vehicles?
Availability of a build sheet or original window sticker depends on the manufacturer and model year. Chrysler,
Jeep, Dodge, RAM, and Fiat make build sheets for recent model years available free of charge. Buick, Cadillac,
and Chevrolet do not provide build sheets but do have complimentary original window stickers for recent model
years. Some brands or older vehicles may not have records available through the automaker. In such cases, please
check our partner's site to see if it has a recreated
Monroney sticker.
What is a vehicle build sheet?
A build sheet is a document that outlines exactly how a specific vehicle was assembled at the factory. It's
essentially the vehicle's "birth certificate" or blueprint from the assembly line, listing all the components,
options, and specifications the car was built with. Build sheets typically include details like the engine and
transmission codes, paint and trim codes, optional equipment, and other configuration data unique to that
vehicle. They were originally internal documents used by factory workers to ensure each car received the proper
parts as it moved down the assembly line. Enthusiasts and owners prize build sheets today because they verify a
vehicle's original factory configuration, which is important for restorations, authenticity, and collectible
value.
Is a build sheet the same as a window sticker?
A window sticker (often called the Monroney sticker in the U.S.) is not the same as a build sheet but they share a
lot of the same information. The window sticker is the large label affixed to a new car's window at the
dealership, displaying the MSRP, optional equipment, fuel economy, and other consumer-facing information at the
time of sale. Its purpose is to inform buyers of the features, installed options and price. A build sheet, on the
other hand, is an internal factory document focusing on manufacturing details – it shows how the car is
configured as it leaves the assembly line.
Think of it this way: the build sheet is about how the car was built, and the window sticker is about how the car
is marketed and sold. For example, a window sticker will list an option package name and price (like "Premium
Sound System – $500"), whereas a build sheet will list the internal code for that option and ensure the parts
(speakers, wiring, etc.) are installed. A window sticker is intended for the buyer and usually gets removed when
the car is sold; a build sheet is intended for factory workers, archivists, and collectors.
Modern vehicles sometimes no longer have a paper build sheet left inside them at all. Instead, the build data is
stored in the manufacturer's database tied to the VIN. Some manufacturers include the build info on a sticker or
QR code on the vehicle for service purposes. For instance, starting with the 2018 model year, GM phased out the
long option code sticker and replaced it with a QR code on the certification label (driver's door jamb), which
encodes the same build information digitally. A quick scan of the QR code reveals the VIN, model, build date, and
all the option codes the car was built with. Other manufacturers like BMW or Mercedes store the build data in
their online systems accessible by dealers, though specifics may vary by geography.
How can I obtain a build sheet for my vehicle?
Obtaining a build sheet or the build information for your vehicle can range from an exciting treasure hunt in the
car itself to contacting manufacturers or using online services. Here are some common ways, with
manufacturer-specific procedures where applicable:
-
Search the Car Itself (Classic vehicles): If you have an older car (especially from the
1960s-1980s), first check the vehicle for any hidden build sheets. Look under the seats (between seat springs
and cushions), under the carpet, behind door panels, above the gas tank, inside the glove box, or other
crevices. Manufacturers often stashed or accidentally left the paper build sheet in these areas. For example,
many old Ford, GM, and Chrysler cars have been found with their build sheets under the rear seat springs or
taped to interior panels. This original document (if you're lucky enough to find it) is the actual factory
printout.
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General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac): For classic GM cars, if no physical sheet
is found, you have a few options:
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Service Parts ID Label / RPO Codes: Many GM vehicles have a Service Parts ID label
in the glovebox, trunk, or door jamb listing all the RPO (Regular Production Option) codes. If your
car still has this label, it essentially is your build sheet in code form. You can decode
these at resources like the RPO Codes Decoder – GM Chevrolet Buick
Cadillac.
-
GM Heritage Center & Archives:
GM's Heritage Center offers Vehicle Information Kits for
many vintage models (often not VIN-specific, but useful). For certain older or Canadian-built
vehicles, GM Canada Vintage Vehicle Services can provide build info for a fee.
-
Third-Party Services: Some GM marques have specialized archives: e.g.,
Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) for 1961-1986 Pontiacs,
or the
National Corvette
Museum for Corvettes built in Bowling Green. These often require purchasing a copy of the
records.
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Dealership or GM Customer Support: For newer GM vehicles, a dealership's service
department can often print out the build sheet or vehicle build manifest by VIN from their system.
Since 2018, scanning the QR code on the certification label may also reveal build data.
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Ford (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury): Ford Motor Company has records of builds going back to the
late 1960s:
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Marti Reports: For 1967-2017 Ford vehicles, you can order a Marti Report.
Marti Auto Works reproduces factory build
records and shows the codes in their exact positions (body style, paint, trim, axle, etc.), explaining
each. This is a paid service but popular for classic Mustang, Cougar, and other Ford models.
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Ford 999 History Report: In the past, Ford offered a "999 Report" by VIN, returning
a letter with the original build details. It's less common now, but worth asking Ford's customer
relations if Marti doesn't cover your vehicle or if you need additional info.
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Ford Performance Certificates: Certain special models (SVT Cobras, Ford GT, Shelby
editions, etc.) can get certificates of authenticity listing unique build details.
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Dealership: Modern Ford owners can often have a dealer pull a vehicle build sheet
from Ford's OASIS system. Also, third-party websites like iSeeCars.com or windowstickerlookup.com may
retrieve an original window sticker by VIN for many 2000s-on Ford models (though a sticker is not
exactly the full build sheet).
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DSO Codes: Ford's District Sales Office or Domestic Special Order code can indicate a
sales region or special order. For instance, Ford's
DSO Codes can help decode whether a car was a fleet order or had other unique conditions.
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Chrysler/Mopar (Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram): Chrysler referred to their build
sheets as broadcast sheets during the muscle car era. Here's how to get Mopar build info:
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Physical Search: For classic Mopars (1960s–1970s), the primary source is finding the
original broadcast sheet in the car. They might be tucked under carpet, seats, or taped above
components.
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FCA Historical Services: Stellantis (formerly FCA) offers historical services where
you can request build information, especially for classic vehicles. Fees may apply.
-
Build Sheet Lookup for Modern Vehicles: Modern Chrysler brands provide online build
sheet lookup tools (like the ones linked through this site) for many recent model years.
-
European/Japanese Manufacturers: Many European cars simply had build plates plus a "Data
Card" stored in central records (e.g. Mercedes). BMW, VW/Audi, etc. use systematic codes as well. Japanese
cars typically store data in a manufacturer database. So you won't find a "broadcast sheet" in the older
American sense, but you can obtain the list of as-built options from their systems.
What do the codes and abbreviations on build sheets mean?
Build sheets are full of shorthand codes and abbreviations. Here are some common codes/terms and their meanings,
applicable across many brands:
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VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number, a unique serial number for the car. Often the first
thing on a build sheet to identify the vehicle.
-
RPO Codes (GM): Regular Production Option codes—3-character combos (like Z28,
G80, LS1) representing specific options or configurations.
RPO Codes Decoder – GM Chevrolet Buick Cadillac is a helpful resource.
-
Broadcast Codes (Mopar): Chrysler's letter + two-digit system (e.g., A62, E55,
D21) for features like engines, transmissions, or packages. Many Mopar broadcast sheets also show
A01 (Light Package), B41 (Front disc brakes), E63 (383 engine).
Broadcast VIN Fender Tag Decoder for Mopar Dodge Chrysler
Plymouth can help translate them.
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DSO (Ford): Ford's District Sales Office or Domestic Special Order code.
Two digits typically indicate a regional sales district; six digits can indicate a special/fleet order.
Ford's DSO Codes are a handy reference.
-
Paint/Trim Codes: Often numeric or alphanumeric codes specifying the vehicle's color and
interior trim. For example, "PAINT: 65" might refer to Midnight Blue Metallic.
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Engine/Transmission Codes: Identify the exact powertrain installed. For instance,
L34 in a Chevy might be a 396ci V8; M20 might be a GM Muncie 4-speed transmission;
E55 for a Mopar 340 V8, etc.
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Axle Code / Rear End: Indicates the axle ratio or type, such as G92 (performance axle in
GM) or "3L50" in Ford for a 3.50:1 limited-slip.
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Abbreviations for Features: A/C = Air Conditioning, P/S = Power Steering, etc. Many older
build sheets used concise abbreviations to fit everything in small spaces.
You may also see order numbers or sequence codes (internal scheduling references) and terms like "broadcast sheet"
(Chrysler), "build record" or "vehicle invoice" (archival docs), and "Monroney label" for a window sticker. In
collector circles, "numbers matching" means the major components (engine, trans, etc.) match what the build sheet
indicates was originally installed. Verifying these serial numbers against the build sheet is how owners confirm
authenticity and preserve the vehicle's collectible value.