Does anybody elese have the option ZL3 SS396 Convers on their build sheet? I am trying to figure out when they started this code and if it was only at certain plants. Mine is a Baltimore built car.

Thanks

From samples of '70 build sheets I have that have the =ZL3 option and that I can read the dates:
Baltimore ~ 10-23 and 11-10
Van Nuys ~ 09-22
Atlanta ~ 11-26, 12-08, 02-19, 03-04 and 03-17
Kansas City ~ 05-01

I would ascertain it's a GM code (not plant specific) and used probably throughout the production year, i.e. 09-22 for Van Nuys to 05-01 at KC.

I have ZL3 SS 396 CONV on my buildsheet.

Kansas built 70 El Camino SS
09-24 schedule date (1969)

Just curious since my build sheet has the ZL3 SS 396 Conv. What is it exactly? As soon as I can try and figure out what my sched. no. date is I will let everyone know but my final assembly date is 4th week in April.

My '69, a BAL car has both on the build sheet. Its a 1st week of July '69 car.

I've been looking at some posts. Could the ZL3 be for a convertible top and not an SS conversion? I’ll look in my big ole book of RPOs Monday if I get the chance.

Mark “Still Looking For An SS So Let Me Know If You Are Selling” graemlins/waving.gif

Originally posted by ChevelleSSWanabe:
I've been looking at some posts. Could the ZL3 be for a convertible top and not an SS conversion? I’ll look in my big ole book of RPOs Monday if I get the chance.

Mark “Still Looking For An SS So Let Me Know If You Are Selling” graemlins/waving.gif No, the ZL3 was the code to convert the body to accept the SS option. No more, no less.

The RPO list says

ZL3 - SS conversion

If that code was not there, the car would come out as a Malibu. Option codes like this contained parts lists and instuctions to plant personel as to how to built that option into the car. Fisher body's work was listed in the ZL3 instructions, Z15 and Z25 were instructions and parts for the Chevy lines.

Z25 and Z15 were the sales option package referring the the specific engine, ZL3 was the SS option code.

I know that not all the plants showed this but that just how unorganized the system was. Each plant had their method to their madness.

My build sheet says =ZL3 SS 396 CONVERSN
It is 1st week October 69, the 25533 Chevelle built for the 1970 model year. There is a separate option listed for L-34, so I assume that L-78 could be a ZL3 also, but correct me if I'm wrong. F41 suspension and power disk brakes were also listed as a separate option.

I always thought that the ZL3 was for picky buyers who ordered an SS with what they wanted. Mine was at the dealer for only a few days from the build sheet after the nit-picky buyer started bringing it in for smearing wipers and wind noise around the driver door. There were a lot of problems with this car, so you'd think it was a lemon, but simple things like 3 clutches in the first 42k miles, and a noisy lifter, rebuilt rochester carb, etc. I think that in 1970 people tried to melt the engines, tires, clutches, etc. just to race the geezus out of them.

The M20 never had a problem, and it still shifts great after only one rebuild. 35 years later, only 132k miles!
graemlins/thumbsup.gif

ZL3 shows up on '69 Novas and Camaros as well. I think that it refers to all the bits and pieces that make up the SS package (hood, trim, wheels, etc). Could be wrong though.

My early 1970 Atlanta built SS396 Coupe build sheet lists the "ZL3" SS 396 Conversion RPO.