Im trying to find out if theirs a way to tell if this is a true SS 396 big block car.
It has a big block in it, and a 12 bolt rear end with all the correct 396 ss emblems. Is their a way to verify it before i buy it.
VIN# 136379A
COWL TAG 69 13637 ATL157119 795 65 B 1C

Any help would be great
Thanks
Al

there is virtually no way to tell a 69 is a true SS unless its a paint code 76 (daytona yellow) or 72 (monaco orange). If it is either of those 2 paint codes its a true SS as those colors were only available in a SS. Otherwise is possible to "create" a 69 SS as it was only an option not a different model as it had been in prior years.

there is virtually no way to tell a 69 is a true SS unless its a paint code 76 (daytona yellow) or 72 (monaco orange).

That is definitely NOT a good basis for determining whether or not a car is really an SS! Reproduction Trim Tags are very common and almost impossible to tell from an original by the average enthusiast; and color code changes are frequently done when swapping Trim Tags.


To answer your question, Al, there is no way to determine with certainty that a 69 is a real SS without bulletproof documentation AND known owner history going back many years.

Can any of you know explain what the cowl tag reads
Thanks

How much access do you have to the vehicle? If you could find a build sheet then you could verify it is the real deal. Some common places are top of the gas tank, stuffed behind springs of front or rear seats, behind door panels, under carpet, under insulating material that is under carpet,stuck up on top of glovebox or other place behind dash. If it is a private owner that is claiming an SS then perhaps he would be willing to let you search for the build sheet. There sure seem to be a lot of fakes out there.

ATL157119= Fisher body sequence number (basically the number of the body built)
795- Green Vinyl Bench seat interior
65 B- Gold lower color with Black vinyl top
1C - Car began assembly the thrid week of Jan 1969

hope this helps. Andy

Yes it helps me greatly, thank you. but from what im reading im not finding it to be a true ss ca. i will be over to the car saturday to see if i can find any more info
Thanks again
Al