The Trunk opening on my '67 Malibu has a number stamped on the passenger side that begins with 136. My friends SS convertible is also stamped beginning with 136. Were all models stamped the same in that location or should a SS be different?
He was told that a SS car should begin with 138.

All 67 Malibu cars beginning vin stamped numbers started a 136. This info could be located on both rear quarter panel drip channel areas under the trunk lid. The stamped number could also be found on the frame behind the drivers side rear tire but is usually hard to make out due to it stamped location. Your friend was told all SS cars should be 138 which is correct.

Dwaine

Nothing to be concerned about, all those are a metal plant stamping Model ID for the panel to show the model its made for. It has nothing to do with the final assembly of the car...

So if I understand correctly, all cars had the 136 stamped back there? I also am looking at what I believe is an SS but the stamping starts with a 136.

That number should match the VIN
136 is the Standard Malibu.
13817 on VIN is the SS hardtop for 67
13867 on VIN is the SS Convertible

so the quarter panel sheet metal stamped number for a real SS would be 138?

the answer was never given ...

I think you are mistaking a VIN derivative for the model/series number. It's the model/series that is stamped in this area. A VIN derivative would be what's stamped on the frame and behind the heater on the firewall...something like 7A123456 - see http://www.chevelleinfo.com/documentation/vin/misc/blower.jpg .
One would think that since the 136xx Malibu and 138xx SS would have different side trim installed on the quarters that this number would match the model/series since the holes for the trim should be in place well before the body is painted. Nothing that couldn't be fixed at the body shop during assembly, but from quarters I've seen that are original, the model/series numbers do match the final product. Naturally one would have to see way more original quarters than I have so far to make a definitive judgement. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Probably not too many still have the original quarters with any number stamped by now.
The 67 I sold a few years ago still the 138 stamping but new quarter were long overdue.

My 67SS ragtop has the original quarters and they have the proper 138 stamping in them.

My fenders truck lid ect all have 138 stamped on them too.

I think some or many folks that replace their cars quarters find creative ways to get the new quarter installed leaving the drip channel with 13817 stamping mentioned intact. Like cutting just above or near the upper body line and welding the new panel in place. This way they get to have the new sheet metal and keep the original stamped numbers. That would be my route if I was changing out the quarters on my car.

Dwaine

I, too, have the 138 stamping on the rear quarters.