I,m a newbe here, as you can see I am a Mopar guy but like all brands of muscle cars. Heck, I even have a 36 Cord sitting in my garage. I really got off track on that one but they are really cool old cars.

Anyways, I could use some help on a car I am looking at and figure this site would lead me in the right dirrection.

I am going to look at a 68 Chevelle SS 396 4 speed convertible on Sunday and need some advise. Where can I get information on how to identify what should be on this car and what parts, like engine,trans, etc are correct. The car is supposed to be all original, but I need to know what numbers to look at and where to find them.

Thanks for the help!
Dan :beers:

For starters the vin # (look thru left side of windshield, on dash) should start with 13867 to be a true SS convertible. The last 6 digits of the vin should be stamped on a pad surface, on the block just in front of the passenger side head to show if it's the original block. The trim tag will have more info about interior color, seat type, build date etc. The trim tag is riveted to the cowl just above the brake master. Write ALL those numbers down, and post them here. Someone here will explain them. If you can get to see the trans, the vin would be on that as well. The rear will have numbers on the front of the rt side tube about 10" from the backing plate. The rear numbers will not show the vin, but will tell what gears and if it's a posi or not. Any pictures you can post of the car and numbers will help too. Also ask about any documents, such as pop, dealer invoice, body broadcast sheet, etc.

Not another one. LOL

Nice car...where's it at? LOL

What Mr Rose stated.

On the right side of the engine, Where Mr Rose said to look for the vin. There should be two sets of numbers there. One set will begin with a two letter prefix. The second set will be the vin. write all these down.

There's alot to look for if it's supposed to be original.

If you really feel like writing numbers down. Get the numbers off the alt., back of distributor(you'll need a mirror), starter, carb. Also, if you can, write down the casting numbers of the intake.

pop=protect-o-plate, attached to the owners manual generally found n glove box. if the pop is missing, but the owners manual still exist. look on the back to see if there are numbers printed there. Write all these down. they should match other information that Mr. Rose stated in the above post.

If it is, in deed original...The more documents the better.

good luck

On the right side of the engine, Where Mr Rose said to look for the vin. There should be two sets of numbers there. One set will begin with a two letter prefix. The second set will be the vin. write all these down.

Actually the first set will end with a two letter suffix, not start with a two letter prefix.

Another 68er is always welcome! Good luck.

sorry...fingers said one thing, brain said something else.


There were 3 versions of the 396 with 4spd offered in 68. Those letters will be ED, EF, or EG. You will need those two letters to determine if is correct for the car.