I'm new to Chevrolet vehicles and am wanting to buy a true black/black 1970 Chevelle SS. First, is there any way to tell if a Chevelle is an SS by the VIN alone? Second, was there a true convertible made or are they malibu's with SS engines? Third, what numbers do I need to look for to get 'my car'.... Thanks... JB

I'm new to Chevrolet vehicles and am wanting to buy a true black/black 1970 Chevelle SS. First, is there any way to tell if a Chevelle is an SS by the VIN alone? Second, was there a true convertible made or are they malibu's with SS engines? Third, what numbers do I need to look for to get 'my car'.... Thanks... JB

Not after 1968. Beginning in 1969, the SS option was just that, an option just like A/C or power steering. Before 1969, the SS was a separate model Chevelle, 138xx as opposed to 136xx. Yes, there were true SS Chevelle convertible from 64-68 and the SS was always an option on convertibles from 69 thru 72.

If the car has paperwork (buildsheet, protect-o-plate, etc.) or if the engine has the VIN derivative of the car, then it's probably a SS car. Without it, sadly it's more than likely a fake/clone/tribute. If the car you're looking at is being sold as a true SS and the asking price reflects that, make 'em prove it beyond badges, dash, etc.; those can all be added to/swapped to a non-SS Malibu.

Thanks for the insight. I think I could tell by the buildsheet if it was a SS but what about the protect-o-plate? What would it have to have on it? Thanks.

Thanks for the insight. I think I could tell by the buildsheet if it was a SS but what about the protect-o-plate? What would it have to have on it? Thanks.

Protect-o-plate will have the three letter engine code. For example 'CTX', which is a 396/350HP for four speed. Since the CTX was an SS only engine code, the car would be an SS. The VIN number is also on the p-o-p.

So would it be fair to say that if I wanted to get a:
1) 454 with M22 and A/C...I would have to get a 360 hp/LS5 which is engine code CRQ (with the added A/C option, of course);
or a
2) 396 with M22 and A/C...I would have to get a 350 hp/L34 which is engine code CTW (with added A/C option)

Thanks guys!

So would it be fair to say that if I wanted to get a:
1) 454 with M22 and A/C...I would have to get a 360 hp/LS5 which is engine code CRQ (with the added A/C option, of course);
or a
2) 396 with M22 and A/C...I would have to get a 350 hp/L34 which is engine code CTW (with added A/C option)

Thanks guys!

Close but:
CRQ = LS5 w/automatic trans.
CRT = LS5 w/manual trans.
CTW = L34 w/automatic trans.
CTX = L34 w/manual trans.
I don't think you could get an M22 with the L34, you could get the M20 or M21 though