Is there a way to tell if a 68-72 El Camino is an original BB or SS without a build sheet?

I'm looking at one that the current owner says has curved lower control arms and some "extra" frame supports that only came on factory BB cars. The car is a 71 El Camino. I do have the trim tag info if that helps...it starts as ST 13680. Does any of this make sense or is it all urban legend? Again..I'm a first gen Camaro guy looking to get into your Chevelle/ El Camino world!

Thanks for the help guys as I try and find the right car for me!

1968....Yes. It was a separate model that year. Special Trim Tag and VIN number. 1969-72...almost impossible to be "certain" without the build sheet.

Look around here.

http://www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html

EDIT....oops...72 VIN told whether it was big block or not. Forgot about that.

I'm looking at one that the current owner says has curved lower control arms and some "extra" frame supports that only came on factory BB cars This is BS

Curved lower control arms? All El Camino had the same control arms as did Chevelle's. Extra brace is on all V8 vehicles.

Without documentation, there is no way to know with certainty.

13680 is a Custom El Camino. Check the VIN and make sure it start 13680. That would mean a V8 Custom El Camino. SS was just an option, like power steering. It was not a model and all it parts can be added. If the guy is claiming its an SS and wants SS $$, then its his obligation to prove it or state emphatically that he is unsure, IMO.

Thanks Mike. The VIN does start with 13680 and he has been upfront saying he does not know if it for sure an SS. He has been unable to find a buildsheet for the car. I'm guessing it would be in the seatback on an El Camino...sound right?

About the LS-5....I asked him to look on the pad for a VIN # and he can't see one. I'm gonna go look later this week or next weekend.

I appreciate the help!

It would help to know what assembly plant the car is from.

For instance;

Kansas City - Look inside of front fenders
Atlanta - Inside of doors
Los Angeles - On top of fuel tank

But if car has ever been restored, it probably long gone. It could be hiding anywhere that has remained untouched. Trouble with seats is they often get swapped out. Also that have been instances of build sheets found that were not for the car they were found in. Each vehicle had many bs along it way down the line, if they were in plain sight, they were removed and thrown away.