Always keep in mind that anything you see anywhere on the net may or may not be 100 % accurate. Anyone can put anything very authentic looking on any web site.The statements below are just a collection of things I have heard, seen or learned over the years, if you think some are wrong, please let me know.

All 1966 through 1968 Chevelles have an 8 (eight) as the third digit of the VIN if they originally left the factory as a true SS body style. For the El Camino, this applies only to the year 1968 as this was the first year for the "SS Elky" (You can have an 8 as the third digit of the VIN and not have an SS (such as Concourse) But there are NO real 66-68 SS's that do not have an 8 as the third digit)

Some 64 and 65 SS's have an 8 and some don't (6 cyl had a "7" and 8 cyl had an "8")


Starting with the 1969 model year, the "SS" option was not a body style but an option that is not reflected by any numbers on the "VIN" or "BODY" tags (such as white wall tires or head light washers, for example) The SS option would be listed on the build sheet however.

The exception to this rule is that Canadian built cars can be identified as a true SS by the numbers on the Cowl tag.- "Z15" or "Z25"


1969 was the only model year the SS package could be ordered on the 300 Deluxe Coupe.

Starting in 1972 the 5th digit in the VIN will tell you what engine came from the factory in the vehicle. (this goes for all 1972-1980 GM cars.)

On some 1970 and 1971 Chevelles, Iv'e seen the VIN stamped in the fire wall - behind the heater plenum. On the 70 it was stamped once and on the 71 it was in two different places, behind the heater plenum. The VIN is also on top of the right rear frame rail (It can't be seen with the body on)

The 1970 & 1971 dashes differ from the 1972 in that the 1972 was the first year to have a "fasten seat belt" light on the dash.

Some MonteCarlo dashes are the same as a 70-71 Chevelle dash when the wood grain panel is removed Some will be unusable as there are several 1/2" holes drilled through that spoil it (one through the center of the word "windshield wiper")

If you have paint code # 72 (hugger orange) or # 76 (daytona yellow) in 1969, or # 943 (goldwood yellow) in 1964 on your cowel tag , your car was a factory SS as these colors were exclusive for the SS models.

Wood grain consoles are from MonteCarlos, no Chevelles came from the factory with wood grain consoles.



What is the history of the Chevrolet bowtie, and how was it created?

In 1914, the now famous "bowtie' logo appeared for the first time on Chevrolets. Legend maintains ... and Billy Durant (Chevrolet founder) confirmed it ... that the bowtie shape was inspired by a pattern of wallpaper he saw in a Paris hotel room in 1908. He supposedly detached a small piece, folded it and placed it into his wallet, waiting for the day he'd put it to use. Durant's wife later refuted the story, saying the design was noticed in a newspaper Sunday supplement while they were on vacation in Virginia. Whateverthe source, the bowtie proved to be a recognizable winner, and is still the marquee of today's Chevrolet.