Bonkers knows the auto business and how VINs are applied. Not!
In a general sense the VIN does indicate the build order for the production facility. They are created in order at the time of order proccessing called gate line. That is generally about 2 weeks prior to start of framing, to allow all parts to be ordered (JIT components). Beyond that things like options (at the time a/c, Canadian, BUX, color, etc.) could impact where within the build schedule it ends up. That is what causes the VINs to be mixed up.
VINs are assigned BEFORE the vehicle is built, not after, and certainly not after warehousing. Considering the VIN is located in several areas of a vehicle could you imagine a process where it is applied after assembly?
Now as to the Last 300 pin stamp. I was at the plant watching my 1995 get built when they were first starting the pin stamp. It was an idea the plant had due to an extra VIN stamp machine that was no longer needed. This was at Mack Ave Assy prior to the move to CAAP. So they adjusted it to say "Last 300 Side Exhaust" and applied it to the last 300 cars. Those were the cars that were built during the build-out phase, or the last 300 of the model year.
Now as to a secret (not deeply held though). When they were trying out the pin stamp they tried it out on one of the poles that stood along the assembly. line. When Vipers moved to CAAP that pole was moved also. Next time you are at CAAP see if you can find it! It still has the pin stamp clearly imprinted.
Here is a picture of the infamous pole (and a friend of mine pointing towardthe stamp location)
