I own a couple classic Fords, but know nothing about Chevy VINs or cowl tags, so I thought I'd try here. My wife loves the '70 Chevelle LS-5 and we found one that she is interested in, but I have a question between the cowl tag and VIN. Here's the question:

The VIN is 136370R212221, which if I understand correctly, identifies the car as a V8 Malibu, built in 1970 in Arlington, Texas, and that it was car number 212221 in sequence.

The cowl tag reads as follows --
ST 70 13637 BT 109683
TR 791 A51 10 10 PAINT

The car's owner believes that car was built in Baltimore, but the cowl tag reads "BT" instead of "BA", and the "R" in the VIN is for Arlington, Texas instead of "B" for Baltimore. Am I wrong here? I also read somewhere that "R" cars weren't even built until '71.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Never mind. Found the answer at this website:

http://www.chevellestuff.com/index.htm

Turns out that BT is correct on the cowl tag for Arlington, TX, as is the "R" in the VIN number.

You're welcome :D

BTW, the sequence numbers for 1970 started with #100001 so it's really the 112221st Chevelle (of all models) from the Arlington plant. Just curious but is the undercarriage in a reddish primer? Most Arlington Chevelles I've seen still have the red color instead of the 'normal' black.


Nice to see the site has been of some use. graemlins/waving.gif

Dale,

It does in fact have a red primer undercarriage. Hmmmm, didn't know that was unique to Arlington-built Chevelles. I learn something new every day!

We have decided to purchase the Chevelle so now my wife has the car she's always wanted. Aren't I the loving husband?? Yeah, like I haven't wanted one myself ...

Looks like the first project might be a good-sized undertaking. It was originally a triple white car, with the cowl tag code of 791 for the interior (white buckets) and paint code 10 10, but it currently has a black interior. Time to go back to the way God intended it. smile.gif

Originally posted by Dale McIntosh:
Nice to see the site has been of some use.You are a master of understatement, Dale :D


Natez, as you have already discovered, Dale's site is a wealth of useful information. Getting a car that your wife has always wanted is an extremely smart move!!! Congrats on the purchase, and welcome to Team Chevelle. You will get lots of help and information here.

Bill, thanks for the warm welcome. I'm quite sure I'll be bugging everyone here for many years to come -- seeing how there's absolutely no way she'd ever want to sell her dream car. ;)

Ditto Bill,,,, Dales site is worth its weight in gold !!!!! Thanx Dale,, I use it all the time graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Thanks, Nick. Nice to know the effort is worthwhile. graemlins/beers.gif

Dale,

I have told many, many folks about your site. I bet you don't know a fraction of the people which have used your site.

Great job! graemlins/hurray.gif

Mark

I have visited Dale's site for the first time and I must say that it is one of the most interesting and informative sites I have visited. It really helps out in understanding the process GM (Chevrolet) used in manufacturing one of the most desirable cars made. Of course, TC is also one of the best sites for Chevelle and other Chevrolet model enthusiasts. Best club I've ever joined.

Thanks Dale!! graemlins/beers.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Now, see there, there ARE women in NoVa that are interested in classic muscle cars. I would have never thought!

I don't know in which direction I'd run first if my DW said "Ya know, I've always wanted a 69 Che...." The phone, the door, the news paper, the computer.

That's great news Nate, congratulations!

Dan

Originally posted by Super70:
I have visited Dale's site for the first time and I must say that it is one of the most interesting and informative sites I have visited.Again, thanks for the kudos but I have to give a tremendous amount of credit to the great people here at TC. Some of the tech data I have comes from a GM parts book I kept when I worked a parts counter at Chevrolet in the early 70's and from GM's Restoration Kits.

Many of the photos of cars, tags, build sheets, etc. come from members here that are kind enough to not only donate scans/photos of their documentation, but set me straight on many nuiances thoughout the 64-72 Chevelle years. The ChevelleStuff site is updated 2 or 3 times a week as information is learned and data are found.