79 CJ-5 Build Date

The build date/vin# sticker on the driver-side dash of my 79 CJ-5 has gradually worn off. I have the VIN #, but the build date and all the GVWR and tire pressure info is gone. How can I find the build date? I heard people talking about a build date database but I hear it only goes up to 1967 or so. Also, the page with the Bear Creek repro stickers does not include any AMC build date stickers. Maybe someone has a close-up picture of one so I can reproduce it myself? Thanks for any help. In case anyone can dicipher this for me, my VIN is: J9F83AH837983 Color: 9H (Cumberland Green Metallic)

 

Welcome,

J = Jeep
9 = 1979
F = T-150 tranny
83 = cj5
A = GVW 3750
H = 304
837983 = plant manufacture/SN

Your jeep was built in Brampton Canada, and your correct about the color.

 

Wow, thanks very much. I appreciate all the info. I was able to decipher the VIN to find out all the original tranny/engine/color info a while ago but wasn't aware that it was completely made in Canada. Is this common for late 70's AMC Jeeps? Were they still being made in Toledo, Ohio as well at this time and I just happen to have a Canadian Jeep? Does this effect the collective value or dependable reputation of my beloved CJ-5? Also, the info I would most like is the specific build date of my Jeep. Is there any way to find this? And if I can't find an exact repro of the sticker, is there anyone who could post a close up photo of this era build date sticker so I could make a nice mock-up in Adobe Illustrator? Thanks for your time, CJs forever!

 

There were 98,117 CJ built in 79, with 41,501 CJ 5s and 55,624 CJ 7s. Starting with vin 700,000 they were manufactured at the Brampton plant then sent to Toledo for final assembly. The Brampton plant also built the YJ from 87 until it’s closing in 92.

As for a Brampton built jeep, IMO, their just as valued and dependable as a Toledo built jeep.

AMC assigned serial numbers as orders came in, not as the jeeps were actually assembled. If you’re looking for a built date and your engine is original, check out the build dates on the engine, V8, right valve cover front, 258 right side block.

 

Again, thanks so much for your help. Luckily, my engine is original (it's being rebuilt as we speak by a very reputable machine shop) and although I swapped the original blue AMC valve covers out long ago for some chrome Edelbrock ones, I believe I still have the originals somewhere in the corner of my parent's garage. I'll check there for a build date. Thanks again!

 

Well, I'm adding to this thread because I never found my build date. I checked the original valve cover and you can tell there was a spot on one of them for a build date, but the actual sticker or stamp or whatever wore off. On my dash vin sticker, after DATE, all I can make out is maybe a 4 then a big gap and then a 7. Either an 8 or a 9 went after that 7 but it's gone. Can I assume this means 4-79? A 1979 model wouldn't be build as early as 4-78, would it? Especially since it's from the Brampton plant, where apparently the later vin numbered CJs were built. Anyone know a way I can find out my Jeep's specific build date from my vin number? Please help, this is a last little detail I want to find out for my restoration. Thanks.

 

Could be 4-79 - 4-78 is way too early for the 1979 model year. 4-79 is late in the 1979 model year though - you'd expect a high VIN number.

The build date for the engine is coded on a metal tag on the valve cover. There should be a rivet if the tag is missing. That date could predate the chassis date by a few weeks, maybe more.

 

Your Jeep was built in early April 79. I have a friend with almost the same SN and his was built in April 79 as well.