The 10th digit from the left in the vin# is the always the year. It is a
letter. Here is the breakdown (true for all brands and models AFAIK).
A =1980
B =1981
C =1982
D =1983
E =1984
F =1985
G =1986
H =1987
I =not used to avoid confusion with a 1
J =1988, K =1989, L =1990, M =1991

The 11th digit is also a letter, manufacturing plant of vehicle
H = Hanover, Germany
G = Graz, Austria (Syncros)

 So the important thing for your question is:
(25) = Vanagon , (D) = 1983,  (87511) = chassis number within the year's
production

Mark

Dave Baker wrote:
>
> I need to replace the hose that runs from the front of my passenger side
> head to a "t" fitting, one side of which leads to the rear heater core under
> the back seat on my 85 Westy multivan.
>
> Our on line vendors, when listing cooling system components, speak of VIN or
> chassis numbers as follows:
>
> 83-85 Vanagon (VIN 25-D-87511 thru VIN 25-F-060000
>
> 85 Vanagon (VIN 25-F-060001)
>
> My VIN is WV2XB0256FH077873.  How the heck does this relate to the above
> numbers?
>
> TIA.
>
> Dave in KC
> 85 Westy