Decoders & Lookup Eight free tools for pinning down exactly what you have — chassis number, factory option codes, and what actually fits it. Nothing to install, nothing to sign up for.
The Tools
8Know exactly what you have before you buy for itVW Chassis Number Decoder
Read the chassis number and pin down model year and body type — the first thing to settle before you order a part.
Chassis No.Open the decoder Decoder LiveVW Beetle M-Code Decoder
Decode the M-plate on a Beetle and see the options it left the factory with, code by code.
M-PlateOpen the decoder Decoder LiveVW Bus M-Code Decoder
Same job for Type 2 — decode the Bus M-plate and confirm the build before you chase parts.
M-PlateOpen the decoder Decoder NewPorsche 356 Chassis Decoder
Decode a 356's chassis number by series — confirmed exact years where the record supports it, honest estimates everywhere else.
Chassis No.Open the decoder Decoder NewPorsche 912 Chassis Decoder
Full 1965-1969 coverage — most 912 numbers decode straight to an exact year, body style and all.
Chassis No.Open the decoder Decoder NewPorsche 911 Chassis Decoder
Covers the earliest 911s (1964-1966) so far — honest about which years aren't built in yet.
Chassis No.Open the decoder Calculator LiveEngine Build Calculator
Work out displacement from any crank and piston combination, then estimate horsepower and torque from your cam, carbs, heads and exhaust — built from published dyno results, and honest about what it's assuming.
Crank / BoreOpen the calculator Lookup LiveFitment Lookup
Once you know the year and model, find the parts that actually fit it — no cross-referencing catalogs by hand.
Year / ModelOpen the lookupWhich one do I need?
Start with the number, finish with the parts- 01Beetle chassis number — stamped on the tunnel under the rear seat
- 02Beetle M-plate — under the front hood, on the gas tank shelf or spare well
- 03Bus chassis number — right-hand frame rail in the engine bay
- 04Bus M-plate — on the cab floor, or with the spare tire on later models
- 05Porsche 356 chassis number — front luggage floor near the spare, or the firewall ID plate
- 06Porsche 912 chassis number — front luggage floor near the spare tire
- 07Porsche 911 chassis number — front luggage floor, visible when you open the front trunk
Numbers gone, plate missing, or the stamping unreadable? That happens on a car that's been apart. Send us photos of what's left and we'll help you place it.
Still not sure what you've got?
Call the shop with the car in front of you. We've decoded enough of these that we can usually place a car from a photo and a couple of numbers.
(657) 438-7002Shop line — parts, fitment and technical questions. Orange, California.