Just got this 71 el camino and am slowly getting the numbers off it. Here is what I have so far:
VIN: 136801 L 137806
Cowl Tag: ST 71-13680 L 04614 BDY
TR 721 5252 PNT
02 D 482560230685
Carb: 17058558
Front of Block: TOb24CMR (Tonowanda, Feb 24, ???)
Rear Axel Passenger side: GNC 056 1

After studying all the other posts, reference sections etc, I get 71 Chevy,Custom El Camino 8Cyl 2dr. built in Van Nuys, CA.
Antique Dark Saddle Elk Coated Fabric, Bright Yellow Paint. Something about December 02? This all fits as car is bright Yellow with saddle bucket leather seats...
Carb Rochester 1978 Olds California High Alt?
I can't find anything on the engine code CMR...
Rear axel is a 10 bolt, non posi from physical exam and 3.08 from the numbers...Now some questions:
Am I anywhere in the ballpark with my decoding? How about this engine code? Do I want this high altitude carb? I found a small piece of the original emissions sticker under the grime and all I could read was 307 2Bl...Please help, especially with the engine code...Thanks..

Originally posted by 71Elkyguy:
02 D

Something about December 02? Nope, 02 D = 4th week of February.

From Mortec...

Some of the Engine Suffix letter code combinations were used a number of times. For example, in 1974 the suffix code "CMR" was used on three different vehicle models with the same engine and transmission combinations. "CMR" was again used in '78 with a Corvette and a different engine/transmission combination. You would need to look at the block casting date to know which year the block was made to narrow down the possibilities

You need to relook at the axle code, GNC does not fit. Maybe GHC??

CMR is a transplanted engine. There should be another series of digits on the front pad? Or it will be on the rear edge of the block up from the oil filter. Stmaped into the rough surface, this will tell more, its called the VIN derivative.

I show GN as a 71-72 3.08 non posi 10 bolt

Rene
66_Malibu

Thanks everyone! I'll keep scraping..