I'm sending my brother to look at a car that the guy says is a 69 RS/SS 396 original motor with th400 tranny. This would be my first 69..only owned 68's so far.

Can anyone help me guide him on what to look for? I know about the vin and trim tag...I know to look for X codes. I know how to look for condition of the car....but any help on what else should I have him check for authenticity would be great?

Check X codes should be either X22 or X66 .To check for SS look for a pipe mount bracket around the 1 o clock position on the rear drivers frame rail . 12 bolt multileaf rear end.For RS package should have the hidaway headlamps and in the rear the backup lites should be in the rear valance.Also for SS there should be a brake proportioning valve under the car in front of the firewall.All 396 cars should also have the back where the tail lites are blacked out

Thanks a ton. You added a couple more items like back up, tail lights etc.

I appreciate your help

If its an LA built car those X codes might not be there. Read up at www.camaros.org in their decode section as well.

I don't know how much "access" you have to the car but if you can, pull the rear seat cushion out, then remove the rear seat back to see if there's an "x" code chalked onto the metal frame behind the passenger rear seat back cushion (about behind where the passenger's shoulders would be, just below where the package shelf trim is glued down behind the seat back). You see an x code there for a big block, then button it all back up and make a nice offer.

Original huh? OK, it should have this wiper motor and the white disk (filter) in the vacuum line and of course the headlights should work flawlessly.
http://epitomesrebuild.com/images/147.JPG

Also for SS there should be a brake proportioning valve under the car in front of the firewall

:confused:

If you are speaking of the brake valve on the subframe underneath the drivers door, that is not an indicator of, well, anything really.