I have found a 69 Camaro Convt. that I am interested in. However the cowl tag does not give an X-Code. The car has a 396/325hp motor in it, but not the original. I am trying to confirm that this car is an original big block car. Vin #124679N631132. The owner does not have a build sheet or the protecto plate. The car has a 4-speed manual trans. and chambered exhaust. The rear appears to be 3.08 Posi. The axel code reads CRB1119G2, it is possible the B could be a 3. I am confused about this code. The car has been restored very well, however may not be worth the asking price if not an original big block car. The cowl tag reads:
ST69 12467 NOR304688BDY
TR 712 72 B PNT
04C

AN 04C car should have an X code on it
this car was built in 3rd week of April 69
and x codes were started way prevoius to then,it may be a freak thing but I doubt it
If you look behind the upper rear seat on the bulkhead it should have an X2 or X6 in crayon I believe. I am not vey knowledgeable on big blocks so if I am wrong please some one correct me.

Converts generally do not have the partial X code on the rear bulkhead. The rear axle code shown is not listed (CRB). 1970 is the only year there was a 3-digit code; CPR is a '70 Nova 3.08 posi. Being that the car is restored all of the bb-specific components could have been added. At this point I would be wondering if it was even an SS. How is the speedo cable routed?

Although very unusual we have a few later Norwood cars on the db missing an X code.

Thanks for the input...I was hoping to prove or disprove this car is a 396SS. However it does not appear I can do this, especially since the car is in Florida and I'm in Maryland. Could the cowl tag be fake? I have a digital picture of the tag and it does not appear so. Should't a cowl tag from NOR. after Dec.1968 have an X-code regardless of what the car is? Anyhow still looking for an SS396 Convt. http://www.camaros.net/forum/frown.gif

Kevin,
I just bought on a few months ago, so I know what you are going thru. I looked for 6 years.

Some of the things that I was told to look for were, 2 fuel lines, the number of coils in the hood springs - BB should have 28 not 26, I think 5 leaf springs in the rear, curved neck radiator.

Others on this site will surely add more, this is where I found out what to look for, great bunch of very knowing people.

Good Luck
Scott



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1969 SS/RS Convertible,Hugger/Black,396/325,TH400,ps,pb,pt,pw,ac,cc,amfm blue light,tilt,speed warning,console gauges,fiber optics,smog

I don't think curved neck was used on all 396, just 396 with A/C and COPO.

unreal, thats why i love this site, i leanr something new everyday.

thanks

maybe tomorrow I can LEARN how to type

[This message has been edited by pony (edited 05-20-2002).]

kevink, where in Florida is it? I'm in Tampa. Wes

Don't forget about the exhaust hander plate welded to the outboard side of the driver side rear frame rail.

Click on the search icon and use "identify SS" as the keywords. You'll get a lot of posts to help you out. I think the curved neck was for the 396/375 BB.

Converts do not use the LH tailpipe reinforcement. The curved neck radiator was used on COPOs and 396 cars with HD cooling.

Since the car is restored all of the features you have been instructed to look for could have easily been added. Even body tags are reproduced.

If originality is important you need to find a car with factory paperwork.

I really appreciate everyones input....Thanks! originality is only important due to the price on this car being mid 30's. I was hoping the motor was the only part not original.

Kevink:

I am restoring a 69 SS396 Convert. 4-speed in Maryland. It is an X-66 code indicating true SS - Big Block, without question. My problem is I have not been able to locate a correctly dated engine block. If you happen by a 396 with date code of mid June to early August, 1969, please let me know. Thanks,

Doug

kevink, my e-mail to you was returned. I live about an hour from there and can go look at it on Sunday. Wes

Wes, I sent you my phone number. Please call me when you get a chance. Thanks for your interest in my delema... Kevin