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However, I wouldn't be suprised if a few paint codes have been changed here and there.Īlthough highly illegal, I'm sure there are numerous cars out there that have had their VIN plates switched. I think the outfit that supplies the cowl tags is legally only allowed to replace a damaged cowl tag with a reproduction that has EXACTLY the same codes on it. There are also companies that can supply you with reproduction protect-o-plates, window stickers, and even cowl tags. I've even heard of VIN numbers on build sheets being changed. Perhaps one of the best ways to authenticate an SS is with the build sheet, protect-o-plate, original window sticker, etc.Įven with those, however, you have to be on the lookout for fakes. However, some of these types of books are known to be factually incorrect about certain things. There are also several restoration guides which can provide valuable information. There is a good one currently available that is produced by the publishers of "Cars and Parts" magazine. I would recommend that anyone looking to authenticate an SS get one of the available Chevelle & El Camino ID books. (The ones at the NCOA convention were not for sale). What I don't like is when they are sold to unsuspecting buyers as genuine. Actually they can be very nice, and you can customize them and drive them without worrying about harming the value of a genuine SS. Of the five SS-454s, two had 350 engine VIN numbers, and another had a 402 engine VIN. I decided to check the VIN numbers on the five SS-454s (I knew what to look for since I own a genuine '72 SS-454 El Camino).
1968 EL CAMINO COWL TAG PAINT CODES CODE
I then remembered that '72 and newer GM vehicles have a code letter in the VIN number which indicates what engine type was installed by the factory. They appeared genuine in every detail (except perhaps for engine codes - I didn't look at those). Not all the cars had arrived when I was there, but there were several nice '72s to look at. I was able to take a few hours off during a business trip to Chicago to go to the nearby National Chevelle Owners Association (NCOA) annual convention.
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To illustrate the extent of the problem, here is an experience I had a few years ago : There may even be more SS clones out there than genuine SSs. There are far more SS "look-a-likes" out there than people realize. However, it is not so easy to tell the difference between a genuine SS and a plain Malibu which has been altered to look like an SS. It is easy to spot an SS Chevelle compared to a "plain-Jane" model. This Guide is for owners and potential owners of 1968 and newer.
1968 EL CAMINO COWL TAG PAINT CODES HOW TO
How to spot a genuine SS Chevelle / El Camino Sorry Folks, ich habe die Info nur in Englisch aber bestimmt besser als gar nichts, oderĬhevelle SS Identification Chevelle SS Identification
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