I have a 65 chevelle SS which appears to be legit - vin 138375Z

The trim tag is stamped 64-138375 and it appears to be a factory tag, properly installed, etc.

I believe that the 138 number system was started in 65. But I was also told that with Z cars (those made at the fremont plant) anything is possible on the trim tag as they were very inconsistant - (I don't know why - maybe due to hippies on the assembly line). Any ideas as to what is up with this car?:confused:

I have a 65 chevelle SS which appears to be legit - vin 138375Z

The trim tag is stamped 64-138375 and it appears to be a factory tag, properly installed, etc.
What's the body assembly date? I suspect it could be a very late 64/early 65 production. I have a 7C dated 64 tag with the 64 style and model.
I believe that the 138 number system was started in 65.Correct, 1965 was the first year the style was noted as division/series/model.
But I was also told that with Z cars (those made at the fremont plant) anything is possible on the trim tag as they were very inconsistant - (I don't know why - maybe due to hippies on the assembly line). Any ideas as to what is up with this car?:confused:
Can't say I've heard that story but I've seen numerous 64-67 body plates where the style didn't match the VIN. Not a big deal since the body plate style is not an indication of 6-cyl or 8-cyl status but I have several examples of things like 13411/13617 body plate styles but 13311/13517 VIN plates. Never seen a 65 body plate with a 64 year on it though. Can you post a photo or send me one of the body plate? Sending PM with email address.

Fremont was a new plant back then using new procedures in assembly.

Chevelle was not the only GM A-Body model they were building, Olds, Buick, Pontiac etc were also built. It had nothing to do with the type of people working there, they were using new procedures, e.g. cutting edge for the times.

Caption from a circa 1965 photo
One of the most dramatic points in the automobile assembly process at the new General Motors plant in Fremont, Calif., is the "body drop" station on the final assembly line - onto their matching chassis which have been assembled in another area of the plant. Linking together all production departments throughout the two-million square foot facility, an electronic "broadcasting" system assures that the correct parts and accessories for a given car will arrive at the proper place at exactly the right time.
http://www.synthetic-oil.com/images/Fremont_GMAD.jpg