VIN Decoding - Big Block Chevelle?

Discussion in 'The "Other" Bench' started by Brett Slater, Jun 29, 2015.

  1. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    As Buick has the Sloan Museum, I was curious as to whether there's someone or somewhere that decodes VINs for Chevys?
     
  2. Clanceman427

    Clanceman427 Hardtops need not apply

    I think one of the best sites to decode Chevelles is chevellestuff.net. check it out, very thorough.
     
  3. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    The VIN might not tell you much if its a 1969 or later. The SS option was an option so its not reflected in the VIN. There were a couple of exclusive SS colors that were available in some years. For example, my friend Nick has a 69 Elky SS 396. The original engine and trans was long gone, but its paint code 76 which is Daytona Yellow. Only Chevele and El Camino SS's came in that color in 69 so it has to be an original SS
     
  4. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    So, it's not as cut and dry as the Sloan decoding?
     
  5. Doo Wop

    Doo Wop Where were you in '62?

  6. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Thanks, Korrie!

    I'll check that out.
     
  7. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    No, and that's why there aren't any triple pea green Malibu's anymore but all the red SS-396's miraculously survived. There is no iron clad way of documenting a real SS Chevelle without factory paperwork. The VIN will only tell you if its a V8 Chevelle if it doesn't have the OE engine block. And even if it does, there are places out there that machine and re-stamp Chevy blocks. So unless its got its factory build sheet, there will always be a question mark IMO

    Some of the Corvette guys out there like Al Grenning can examine the broach marks or machining marks on a Chevy engine pad and can tell you if they are original or not for the factory that it came from.
     
  8. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    So, after a little more investigating, the build sheet was found inside the driver's side door panel - fully intact. The car is a complete numbers matching vehicle, right down to the non-posi 3:31 12 bolt rear end. I'm in the process of getting him the correct, date coded Q-Jet from a guy out in NJ. It's not going to be cheap but it's the missing piece of the puzzle.

    I also hooked him up with a pair of Year of Manufacture plates I had kicking around.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  9. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    Turns out this car is completely legit.
    This car is like peeling an onion.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    That is really cool. That style of build sheet is so informative and to find one is such clean condition is extra nice. It removes all doubt as to how the car was originally built. My SS454 was built in Kansas City and had that same style sheet in it but it was on top of the gas tank so it was not nearly as clean as the sheet you have pictured. Finding one in the interior like you did is the best since they are generally in very good condition. Heck the sheet you have pictured is in excellent condition actually.

    One thing that turned out to not be original on that Chevelle you have pictured is the stripes. That car has the standard domed hood therefore the dual stripes were an option (RPO D88 HOOD&DECK STRIP) and would be shown on the buildsheet if it left the factory with them. Since they are not listed, that car was originally solid red with a black vinyl top, no stripes. Now if that car had option code RPO ZL2 SPEC DUCT HOOD (the Cowl Induction hood with the visible flapper door near the rear) then the stripes were included at no extra cost and were not a seperate option. If that car had originally been ordered with the D88 stripes, they would have been black, not white, since they were mandatory to be the same color as the vinyl top.

    I hope you all enjoy the Chevelle, it's nice to see a red Chevelle that was born red and not changed to red.

    This page shows some buildsheet that have the D88 codes on them: http://chevellestuff.net/1970/bs_reading01.htm.

    Here is a page that explains more clearly about the D88 stripes being and option: http://chevellestuff.net/1970/70ss.htm
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2015
  11. Duane

    Duane Member

    Gary,
    Yeah I was wondering about the white stripes/black roof. Sure looks like a nice car.
    That is a GMAD style build sheet, like we would find in a Fremont or Framingham car.


    I am building a 70 SS convert clone for my wife and we are doing red with white stripes and white top. Should be a nice driver.
    Duane

    PS. A friend of mine bought a 67 SS 427 Impala and when he took it apart to restore it found 7 copies of the build sheet. They were everywhere, He had so many he gave me one for my records.
     
  12. pacekar

    pacekar Well-Known Member

    a real ss the best kind:laugh:
     
  13. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    This car was painted about 30 years ago, hence the stripes.
     

Share This Page