The number before your "BD" ("CD" for an '82, "DD" for an '83) is a check digit calculated from the values of the other numbers and letters in the VIN. Rob Lamrock posted a message (18Aug97) on the meaning of each character in the VIN and how to calculate the check digit. Check the archives.
Hank Breer
<snip>
>Any ideas why this digit is different?
> Bob Brandys