When you want to know exactly what factory options are on a Chrysler vehicle, a build sheet is the key. A build sheet outlines a car's original configuration--engine, transmission, trim level, paint color, optional equipment, and more--as it rolled off the assembly line. Whether you're confirming what equipment a vehicle originally came with, researching a used model prior to purchase, or preparing to sell your own car, having a list of verified factory features and specs will enhance your confidence in a vehicle's market value. While some automakers offer free access to this kind of documentation, it isn't always available. That's why we've created a Chrysler Build Sheet by VIN tool that simplifies the process: enter your VIN and we'll check for any free build sheets or window stickers provided by Chrysler. If neither is offered, you'll have the option to purchase a professionally recreated window sticker based on official manufacturer data. In the sections that follow, we'll walk you through how the process works, what you can expect to find, and why it's worth looking up your Chrysler's build sheet in the first place.
Q: What is a Chrysler build sheet?
A: A Chrysler build sheet (also known as a broadcast sheet) is a document used during a vehicle's assembly to document exactly how that individual car was built. It's essentially the vehicle's "blueprint" for the factory workers, listing all the options, parts, and codes needed to assemble that specific car. In the 1960s and 1970s, these were printed paper sheets full of coded numbers and letters that correspond to the car's equipment. They were not meant for the buyer - instead, they were an internal guide to ensure the right components (engine, transmission, paint color, trim, etc.) were installed as the car moved down the assembly line.
Q: Why are build sheets important?
A: Originally, a build sheet was just a disposable manufacturing aid - once a car was built, the sheet had no further use to the factory and was often discarded as trash. However, to collectors and enthusiasts today, a build sheet is a treasure trove of information. It documents the exact original equipment and specifications of a vehicle, which can be invaluable information for restoration and verification purposes. A build sheet can confirm which engine, transmission, paint, interior, and options a car left the factory with. If you're restoring a classic Chrysler or verifying that a car is "numbers matching" and authentic, the build sheet provides proof of how that car was equipped. In fact, if you ever find an original build sheet - even one from another car - enthusiasts urge you not to throw it away - someone else may be searching for that very sheet to complete their car's history.
Q: What information does a Chrysler build sheet contain?
A: A build sheet contains detailed information about the vehicle's build configuration, presented in coded form. This includes:
Identification and admin data: things like the Vehicle Order Number (VON), the car's serial number (VIN), build date or schedule, and other routing information.
Sales codes for features and options: standardized features and option codes (often a letter followed by two numbers) that represent every factory-installed option or package on the car (for example, a code might indicate a certain trim package or radio option). These codes tie to features like A/C, axle ratio, exterior trim, etc.
Parts and equipment codes: many entries on the sheet are numeric codes corresponding to specific parts or assemblies installed. For instance, the sheet will have codes for the exact engine variant, transmission, carburetor, brakes, paint and interior colors, and so on. Often the codes are the last few digits of a part number used on the assembly line. Example: A single digit in the "sway bar" field could tell the line worker which sway bar part to use; if the code was "5", it meant to install the sway bar ending in part number "...5" for that particular car.
Q: How can I find the build sheet for my Chrysler vehicle?
A: How you find a build sheet depends on your vehicle's age. For classic Chrysler, Dodge, or Plymouth models (1960s-1970s), the build sheet may still be hidden in the car if it was never removed at the factory. Owners have often discovered old build sheets tucked away in various nooks of the car. Common places to look include:
Under the springs or cushion of the rear seat (a very typical spot)
Inside the front seat backs (between the seat foam and the back cover)
Under the carpeting (often on the driver's side floor, sometimes passenger side or trunk floor)
Taped to the back of the glove box liner
Occasionally, taped to parts under the dash (like on top of the heater box)
Less commonly, people have even found them above the headliner or on top of the gas tank. If you have an older car, carefully check these areas - you might find a folded, yellowed sheet of paper with lots of codes. Be gentle, as these old sheets are often fragile after decades and sometimes only fragments remain. If you do find one, compare the VIN or order number on it to your car to ensure it matches (because assembly lines sometimes left the wrong sheet in a car by mistake).
For modern vehicles, there usually isn't a physical paper to find in the car. Instead, you'll obtain the build sheet information digitally (more on that below). So, in newer models, you won't find a build sheet under the seat or carpet like in the old days - you'll retrieve it online.
Q: Are Chrysler build sheets available for older models?
A: Yes, in many cases you can get build information for older models, but how depends on the era:
1950s-1960s models: Chrysler has kept some of the old build records (often on microfilm). In fact, some Chrysler product records prior to 1968 are still on file in the historical archives. These are sometimes called build records or IBM cards, but they contain essentially the same info as the build sheet. You can request a copy of this record from Chrysler's historical services (with proof of ownership).
Late-1960s through 1970s models: It's more complex. Chrysler's central records after 1968 are incomplete or often not available. For example, records for a 1970 model might not exist in the archive, whereas a 1966 model's record might be obtainable. So for these muscle-era cars, the build sheet might only be found in the car itself (if it survived) or not at all. In practice, many owners rely on finding the physical broadcast sheet in the vehicle or locating a previous owner who might have saved it.
Q: Can I request a historical build sheet from Chrysler or a third party?
A: Yes, there are a few ways to get a build sheet or build record:
From Chrysler (Stellantis) directly: If you have a classic car, you can write to Chrysler's historical archive to request your vehicle's build record. You'll need to provide your VIN and proof of ownership, and usually pay a fee for the service. Stellantis Historical Services will search their files and, if available, send you a copy of the original build record or IBM card for your car. This is a great option for vehicles from the mid-1960s or earlier, as noted above.
Third-party services: While Chrysler is the original source for build info, some third parties can help. For instance, there are enthusiast websites and VIN decoder services that can retrieve build sheet data for modern vehicles (they interface with the manufacturer's database). Be certain to use reputable ones if going this route. For older cars, third-party Mopar historians (like Galen Govier in the Mopar community) or clubs might assist in decoding partial build sheets or providing missing info, but they won't have the official record if you don't.
Q: Are digital build sheets available for modern Chrysler vehicles?
A: Absolutely. For newer Chrysler vehicles (and Dodge, Jeep, Ram), the build sheet information is stored digitally and is easy to obtain. Websites like Build Sheet by VIN have VIN lookup tools where you can enter your VIN and retrieve your vehicle's factory specifications and options. This is essentially the digital equivalent of the build sheet. It will list all the standard and optional equipment your car was built with, often called a "Vehicle Equipment Listing."
Q: What did Chrysler build sheets look like in the past?
A: In past decades (the muscle car era and earlier), Chrysler build sheets were printed on paper - usually a thin, fragile-feeling continuous-feed paper with perforated edges (the kind with pin holes along the sides). They often had a title at the top like "Chrysler Corporation Car Production Broadcast" followed by the model year or series. Visually, a build sheet looks like a form with many tiny printed boxes and codes. Each line corresponds to a category of parts or options, and within each line are fields with numbers or letters denoting what equipment that car got. For example, one line might be for the engine and related components, another for interior trim, another for tires, etc., all filled in with codes rather than descriptive text.
These sheets were typically black text (sometimes blue or purple ink if from certain printers) on white paper, about the size of a regular 8.5-by-11-inch page (though some could be longer). By the time the car reached the end of the assembly line, the build sheet was often wrinkled or had imprint marks (for instance, ones found under seats often have the pattern of the seat spring wires pressed into them!). So finding an old build sheet often means handling a delicate, faded paper that shows its journey through the factory.
Q: Where were historical build sheets typically located in a vehicle?
A: On classic Chrysler-built cars, if build sheets were left in the car, they could be in a variety of hiding spots (as a result of where line workers stashed or forgot them). Common locations included:
Under the rear seat (between the seat springs and cushion) - one of the most frequent spots.
Under the front seat cushion or inside the seat back - sometimes tucked up into the springs or padding of front bucket seats.
Under the carpeting - often on the driver's side floorpan, but it could be on the passenger side or even in the trunk under the mat, depending on the plant.
Behind the glove box - sometimes taped to the top or back of the glove box liner.
Under the dash - occasionally taped to the heater box or another component under the dashboard.
There are some oddball locations reported too (though rare), like above the headliner or between the gas tank and trunk floor. It really depended on the assembly plant workers and where the last station was that used the sheet. Once they no longer needed it, they might stuff it somewhere out of the way. Not every car had its sheet left inside - many had them thrown out. But if you have an old Mopar, these are the spots to check first.
Q: Were build sheets used consistently across all Chrysler brands (Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, etc.)?
A: For Chrysler's car divisions (Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Imperial, and Dodge trucks), yes - the practice of using broadcast/build sheets was standard across the corporation during the era when they were in use. The format and purpose were essentially the same whether the car was a Dodge Charger, a Plymouth Barracuda, or a Chrysler Imperial. In fact, the sheets were labeled "Chrysler Corporation" which shows they were a corporate-wide system (the same sheet design would be used at a Dodge plant or a Plymouth plant, just filled in for that specific model's options). There might have been slight differences in layout year-to-year, or unique codes per model, but generally all these brands relied on build sheets in the 1960s-70s to communicate the build specs along the assembly line.
As for Jeep, it's a special case: Jeep was not part of Chrysler Corporation until 1987. Before that (when Jeep was under Willys/AMC), Jeep vehicles had their own version of build sheets or line tickets, but those were separate systems. After Chrysler acquired Jeep, Jeep assembly processes would have conformed to Chrysler's practices. By the late 1980s and 1990s, however, the industry was moving to computerized records. So Jeeps (and other brands like Eagle) under Chrysler in that period would have build records, but often stored digitally rather than a paper broadcast sheet stuck in the vehicle. All the traditional Chrysler brands definitely used build sheets in the pre-computer era, and even Jeep transitioned into using Chrysler's build sheet system once it became part of the family (until technology replaced paper sheets entirely).
Q: How are modern Chrysler build sheets stored and accessed?
A: Modern Chrysler (and Dodge/Jeep/Ram) vehicles no longer come with a paper build sheet hidden somewhere; instead, all the build information is stored in digital databases. During manufacturing, each vehicle is tracked by its VIN and a digital build record. Assembly line stations often use barcodes or computer terminals to know the car's configuration, rather than referring to a paper sheet. The complete build data for each car is saved in Chrysler's system.
After the car is built, that digital record is what we now use as the "build sheet." Owners and dealers can access it by querying the VIN from sites like Build Sheet by VIN. For example, an owner can go to that website and enter the VIN to pull up the vehicle's specs and factory features and options. Essentially, the build sheet exists as an electronic record that can be printed out or viewed on a computer. This is very convenient - it means any Chrysler dealer or authorized service can pull up your exact build configuration in seconds. It also means the information persists even if the car changes hands, without relying on a physical document traveling with the car.
Q: What is the role of digital records in current Chrysler manufacturing?
A: Digital records are absolutely central in today's manufacturing. On the assembly line, computers coordinate the build process: from sequencing the order in which cars are built, to ensuring the right parts are delivered to each station at the right time. Each vehicle's configuration (the modern equivalent of a build sheet) is in a computer system that workers either see on screens or through printouts that are used temporarily and scanned. Quality control systems also use these records to verify that the car was built as ordered, and to track any issues.
Digital build records have replaced paper build sheets. They improve accuracy and efficiency - there's less chance of a paper being lost or a worker misreading a code, because the system can directly identify what part is needed. After production, those same digital records allow the manufacturer or dealers to easily retrieve the list of features and options a vehicle has, just by the VIN. So, digital records ensure that from the factory floor to the service bay, everyone has the correct build information when needed.
Q: Do all Chrysler vehicles still have physical build sheets?
A: No - physical build sheets are essentially a thing of the past. While decades ago a car might carry a paper broadcast sheet with it (sometimes accidentally left under a seat or carpet), today's vehicles do not have a paper build sheet tucked away. The assembly process is now managed by computers, and any paper job sheets used on the line are disposed of before the car is finished. Even before, once the car left a particular assembly station, the build sheet was considered trash and often tossed out by workers. Now with everything on computers, there's no need to leave any paperwork in the car itself.
So, if you have a modern Chrysler or Dodge, you won't find a secret build sheet hidden in it. The only "build sheet" it has is the digital record accessible via the VIN. This means for new cars you rely on printouts from the database (or the window sticker that came when it was sold new) to know the build info, rather than searching under the seats. It's a different world from the golden age of muscle cars, and while it might be less romantic than finding an old yellowed sheet under the carpet, it's much more reliable and comprehensive to have everything stored digitally.
Q: What do the codes and abbreviations mean?
A: All those letters and numbers on a build sheet correspond to specific instructions, options, or parts of the car. Chrysler used an alphanumeric code system:
Many option codes consist of a letter followed by two digits. The letter denotes a general category and the digits specify the particular option. For example, codes starting with "A" might refer to package options (A01 could be a light package, A04 a basic group of options, etc.). "B" codes often related to brakes, "E" codes to engines, "M" to moldings, "N" to engine accessories, and so on. Each of these codes translates to an actual feature in the car - e.g., a certain radio, a trim level, or a performance package.
There are also two- or three-digit numeric codes on the sheet. These often represent specific part numbers or assemblies. Essentially, they are shorthand for the exact component used. For instance, a code like "708" under the engine column might correspond to a particular engine assembly, and "211" under springs might indicate a specific spring part number. In many cases, the last few digits of a part's full part-number appear on the build sheet as the code for that part.
Abbreviations are used for headings and section labels on the sheet (like "TRM" for trim, "T/A" for transmission, etc.), and sometimes within the codes themselves single letters can denote things (like paint and trim might use codes for colors, e.g., "X9" for black).
Every code on the sheet has a meaning, but decoding them requires a key or reference. The build sheet was meant for insiders who knew the codes - for example, an "L31" might not make sense on its own, but to a factory worker or with a reference guide you'd know L31 could mean "Hood/fender mounted turn signal indicators" (as an option on late-60s cars). The key takeaway is that the build sheet is written in the factory's language of codes and not in plain English.
Q: How can I interpret my Chrysler's factory options from the build sheet?
A: To interpret (decode) the build sheet, you will need to translate the codes into the actual options/parts they represent. Here are the general steps and tips:
Obtain a reference for the codes. Chrysler published information (in service manuals, parts catalogs, and sometimes dealership data books) that translates those option codes to descriptions. Additionally, enthusiast resources today have compiled these. For example, you might find online lists or books that say "A01 = Light Package, includes dome and glove box light" and so on. Using a reference source specific to your car's year is important, because codes and their meanings change year-to-year. A code in 1973 might mean something different than the same code in 1969, so you want the right context.
Work line by line or box by box. The build sheet is usually divided into sections (often by rows labeled A, B, C, etc., or by categories). Go through each code on your sheet and look it up in your reference. For instance, if you see codes in a line labeled "Engine and Transmission," decode each entry: one might be the engine code, one the transmission, one the carburetor, etc.
Use online decoder tools or communities. There are websites where you can input the codes or compare them to a list (some Mopar forums have posted code lists, and there are decoder programs). These can simplify the process, though they may not cover every nuance. Enthusiast forums are also invaluable - members often have extensive knowledge and can help interpret obscure codes if you post a photo or list of your build sheet.
Verify with multiple sources if possible. Cross-check what you find. If your build sheet code "E86" claims to be a 440 Magnum V8 engine, see if that matches your VIN's engine code or the fender tag, etc. This helps ensure you've decoded correctly and that the sheet matches your car.
Interpreting a build sheet is like solving a puzzle: once you have a good guide or codebook for your specific model year, it becomes a matter of translating each alphanumeric code back into plain language. It can be time-consuming, but it's very rewarding to see the full picture of your car's original configuration emerge from the sea of codes.
Q: Are there resources available for decoding Chrysler build sheets?
A: Yes, there are many resources available to help decode Chrysler (Mopar) build sheets:
Enthusiast Websites & Online Databases: Several websites host Mopar broadcast sheet code lists. For example, sites like Mopar1.us provide online decoders where you select the category (A codes, B codes, etc.) and find the meaning of each code. These lists often cover popular years (60s, 70s muscle cars) and can decode hundreds of codes for Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler vehicles.
Forums and Communities: Forums such as For A-Bodies Only, For B-Bodies Only, etc., and communities on sites like Reddit (r/Mopar) have members who are very knowledgeable. You can search past threads where people have asked for help decoding build sheets, or post yours and usually get guidance. Often, forum members have copies of factory code books or personal experience with your exact model and year, which is extremely useful.
Reference Books and Guides: There are published guides that focus on decoding. For instance, there are decoder handbooks for specific eras (one example is a Mopar broadcast sheet decoder guide for 1969-1974 models that some hobbyists use). You may find these through Mopar clubs, online retailers, or at swap meets. These books compile the option and equipment codes and sometimes give additional context or rarity info.
Factory Documentation: In some cases, original factory literature like Vehicle Order Number (VON) manuals, parts catalogs, or dealer data books from the year can be the ultimate source. They're harder to come by, but they ensure 100% accurate decoding because that's what the factory used. Stellantis Historical Services may have some info or can at least confirm certain codes if you request documentation.
Q: What is the main difference between a Chrysler build sheet and a window sticker?
A: The build sheet and the window sticker (Monroney sticker) are two very different documents, each with a distinct purpose:
A Chrysler build sheet is an internal factory document. Its primary purpose is to guide the assembly line workers in building the car. It's full of production codes, part numbers, and instructions for the factory, and was never intended to be seen by the customer. It doesn't include prices or explanations -- just codes for what goes into the car.
A window sticker is an external consumer document required by law to be affixed to the car's window when it's new for sale. The window sticker (also known as the Monroney label) lists the vehicle's make, model, trim, standard equipment, optional equipment (with brief descriptions), and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each, plus other consumer information like fuel economy and safety ratings. In other words, it presents all the features and options in plain language along with their costs, destination charge, and the total price. It's meant for the buyer to understand what they are getting and how much it costs.
So, the main difference is audience and content: the build sheet is for the manufacturer (how to build the car) and full of technical codes, whereas the window sticker is for the customer (what is on the car and how much does it cost) and is written in plain language with prices. One is hidden (build sheet) and one is prominently displayed on the car's window at the dealership.
Q: Does a window sticker provide the same level of detail as a build sheet?
A: No, a window sticker does not provide the same level of technical detail as a build sheet -- its detail is of a different kind. The window sticker is very detailed about pricing and major equipment, but it's high-level when it comes to the mechanics of the car. For example, a window sticker will certainly list the engine type, transmission, exterior color, and any notable optional packages (with maybe an order code or package code in some corner and the name of the package). However, it won't list every little component or the internal code for each part. The build sheet, on the other hand, shows everything, down to minor items: it might list a code for the specific alternator amperage, the exact axle ratio, the specific trim style of the seats by code, the radio model code, etc.
To put it another way, the window sticker might say "Technology Group - $1,500" and under it list a few features included in that package, whereas the build sheet would have individual codes for each of those features and more. The window sticker is focused on what would matter to a buyer (and complying with disclosure laws), so it groups and describes the equipment in an understandable way. The build sheet is focused on what matters to the assembly of the car, so it lists each piece in code form, whether or not a buyer would ever notice those pieces.
For a restorer or researcher, the build sheet's granular detail is far beyond what a window sticker shows. The window sticker won't tell you the part number of your carburetor or the code for the heavy-duty suspension if it was standard on that model - it might not even mention it at all if it's standard equipment. The build sheet will show those details. The window sticker provides detail useful to a buyer (features and costs), while the build sheet provides detail useful to a builder or restorer (exact specifications and part references).
Q: Which document is more useful for restorations and verifications?
A: For restoration and authenticity verification, the build sheet is generally more useful. The build sheet is like a DNA report of the car as it left the factory - it spells out every original component and option by code. A restorer armed with a build sheet can confidently return a car to exact factory specs, knowing the original paint code, interior trim code, engine and transmission codes, and even smaller details like which radio, which axle ratio, which suspension it had. For example, the build sheet will confirm if a '70 'Cuda was born with the Rallye instrument cluster or with disc brakes, because those will appear as codes on it (even if they were optional and not obvious from the VIN). It also provides the verification of "matching numbers" components: if you're checking if the engine and transmission in a car are original, the build sheet will list the correct assembly code or part of the VIN to match against those components.
A window sticker is still useful, but in a different way. It will verify major items like the original engine and main options (because those are usually listed as line items with prices). It's great for provenance and for showing how the car was marketed and sold. However, it won't show things that were no-cost options or standard equipment in detail. For instance, the window sticker might not explicitly mention a certain axle ratio or paint quality type if it was standard, whereas the build sheet will list the exact axle code and paint code.
In practice, restorers love having both if possible. The window sticker is an importantpiece of the car's history and can corroborate the big-picture info (and adds value for collectors if you have it). But if you can only choose one for restoration purposes, the build sheet is more comprehensive for ensuring every nut and bolt is as it should be. It's the document that answers the nitty-gritty questions that a window sticker can't. So, for verifying a car's originality or doing a factory-accurate restoration, the build sheet is the go-to resource, with the window sticker as a complementary piece of the puzzle.
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