was just curious if anyone would help me decode more of my chevelle? vin # is 1d37u28612429 i do know my axle is orginal and car was orginally titled in Pa on 3/28/72. thanks anymore codes you might need to help me out just ask. not sure what other code might be needed besides fisher tag on top of firewall. Thanks Brandon

was just curious if anyone would help me decode more of my chevelle? vin # is 1d37u28612429 i do know my axle is orginal and car was orginally titled in Pa on 3/28/72. thanks anymore codes you might need to help me out just ask. not sure what other code might be needed besides fisher tag on top of firewall. Thanks Brandon

1 ~ Chevrolet
D ~ D - Malibu, Custom El Camino, Concours
37 ~ 2-door sport coupe
U ~ 402cid V8 4-bbl (LS3)
2 ~ 1972
B ~ Baltimore final assembly plant (assume it's a B and not 8)
612429 ~ The sequential starting number for the 1972 Chevelle was 500001, yours is the 112,429th Chevelle assembled at Baltimore.

You can decode the Fisher Body plate at my ChevelleStuff.com (http://www.chevellestuff.com) site. :)

Dale thanks wondering what other info you might need to find out if my car is really a ss? i have heard big block cars are true ss, is this true or a myth? thanks for your response Dale.

Brans. Go to Dales site and spend a little time reading. He has one of the most informative chevelle sites around.

Dale thanks wondering what other info you might need to find out if my car is really a ss? i have heard big block cars are true ss, is this true or a myth? thanks for your response Dale.

In 1969 and 1970 the SS option on the 300 Deluxe (1969 only) and the Malibu was a peroformance option with the 396 being the base engine. Beginning in 1971 the SS option was more of a dress-up option than a performance option. You could order the SS option with any optional V8 engine, meaning the two 350 engines, the 402 and the 454. Also in 71 and 72, ordering the 454 engine required the SS option to be ordered.

So, in 71 and 72 you could order either 350 engine or the 402 and NOT have to order the SS option although I'd bet that most buyers that opted for the 402 also opted for the SS package...but it wasn't required...and to specifically answer your question about all big block cars being SS cars - from 66 to 70, it's a true statement. For 1971 and 1972, it's a myth because of the 402 not requiring the SS option. There was also a "Malibu 400" offered in 71 and 72 that used the 402 LS3 engine and, at least in 1972 (not sure about 71), it came with a standard flat hood and was badged as "Malibu 400". A fellow TC'er has a 72 version herehttp://members.shaw.ca/malibu400/photo_album.htm.