I am seeing several cars being advertised as 69 SS's and using the 'L' code as proof. I don't have anything in print that proves this and was wondering if anyone else does.
Thanks, caboguy
Thanks, caboguy
69 SS Identification, the 'L' code
caboguy1969
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I am seeing several cars being advertised as 69 SS's and using the 'L' code as proof. I don't have anything in print that proves this and was wondering if anyone else does.
Thanks, caboguy
Thanks, caboguy
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No, nothing written in stone, but a very good chance it is an ss with an L
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Can you give me the reasoning? Are they talking location codes as in Van Nuys?
I am a confirmed believer that the "Kansas/Leeds" trim tag's "[L] under the paint code", original purpose,
..... was simply a way to signify the "Super Sport" cars ......
... I have no proof ... but, I've never seen a [1969-1972] SS in person, without the [L] code ..
If the [L] did'nt mean anything, then I wonder why,
did'nt they put the "L" on all the cars built at the Leeds/Kansas factory ... or ...
... why they put the "L" on any of these cars, in the first place .....
These are the only Kansas/Leeds built vehicles, that I have seen, that came with the [L], on the trim tag ...
1969-1972 Chevelle Super Sport ....
1969-1972 El Camino Super Sport .....
1971 Monte Carlo Super Sport ...............
1971 GMC Sprint SP (Special Performance) Invader 454 ...................................... Don.
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Thanks Don for the info, sounds like sound reasoning to me. I think that this is probably particular to Kansas built cars. I own a 69 Elky 72 paint code car and I am sure it's an SS and have seen two other 69 SS's that I can verify are SS's and they were built elsewhere and don't have this 'L'. Very interesting.
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The "L" was only used in the Kansas (leeds) and Baltimore plants for some reason. There is no proof of it's true meaning as of yet but as mentioned SS chevelles from those plants tend to have the L on their trim tag. Also, If you have a 69 and would like to contribute to the research you can send your trim tag info to me at andrew710@aol.com. I don't release info without owner approval so you can trust it will be secure, info used is VIN, trim tag data, original trans type (M or A) and a pic of the car and tag are optional but desired. FWIW Andy
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John, not sure anyone is confirming the L theroy at this point. More sharing of what we know to date and confirming that it hasn't been confirmed yet...ha ha Myself, I am pretty sure it does have something to do with the Z25 or ZL3 option but i have as of yet to find anything that treally, without a doubt, proves the point. I am still collecting info and working it as I can here in afghanistan...FWIW and for those who want to flame on...i have flame retardant garments issued by the government.....Andy
I used to wear the same stuff, CFV Crewman-PSG. You may resist all attacks to flame you if you wear the Balaclava!:thumbsup:
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Wow, I had no idea this would turn out to be a bone of contention. I guess these days with folks making trim tags, non of it may matter at some time in the future. This being the first time I asked for information on the forum, I sure can see the benefit of everyones knowledge and/or opinions. Just when you thought you knew something about chevelles.....
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That is the beauty and beast of the forums, you may see a heated exchange or shared info and praise of anothers help at any given time but in the end we all are still learning about the chevelles. Noone knows it all...well maybe a few might say they do......but i think everyone can say they have and continue to learn things on this site. There is a wealth of knowledge (people) watching these forums and their input is usually shared. I know I have learned some things while being on here, who says an old dog can't learn new tricks ha ha take it easy Andy
fyi
This may be informative in trying to understand why things changed..............
In late '68, the following Chevrolet/Fisher Body assembly plants were transferred to GM Assembly Division:
Van Nuys, California
Atlanta, Georgia
Baltimore, Maryland
St. Louis, Missouri
Tarrytown, New York
Janesville, Wisconsin
During 1969-1971, the rest of the Chevrolet/Fisher Body assembly plants were transferred to GMAD:
Willow Run, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
Kansas City, Kansas
Lordstown, Ohio
Framingham, Massachusetts
Norwood, Ohio
"1968 - Six passenger car and truck assembly plants previously operated by Fisher Body and Chevrolet Motor Division are transferred to the management of GM Assembly Division."
The local newspaper noted the change on November 7 and November 12, 1968:
[Nov 7, 1968] The Chevrolet and Fisher Body plants in Van Nuys were transferred to the General Motors Assembly Division, which also operates the GMAD plants at Fremont and South Gate. Similar transfers were made at GM assembly complexes in Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New York and Wisconsin....
From The Valley News (Newspaper) - November 7, 1968,...
[Nov 12, 1968] Under the new structure, the separate Chevrolet and Fisher Body assembly plants on Van Nuys Blvd. now are combined as a GM Assembly Division Plant. Managed Body Plant Frank J. Fessenden of Sherman Oaks, who had been manager of the Chevrolet plant, has been named assistant to the newly ap- ...
From The Valley News (Newspaper) - November 12, 1968,...
This may be informative in trying to understand why things changed..............
In late '68, the following Chevrolet/Fisher Body assembly plants were transferred to GM Assembly Division:
Van Nuys, California
Atlanta, Georgia
Baltimore, Maryland
St. Louis, Missouri
Tarrytown, New York
Janesville, Wisconsin
During 1969-1971, the rest of the Chevrolet/Fisher Body assembly plants were transferred to GMAD:
Willow Run, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
Kansas City, Kansas
Lordstown, Ohio
Framingham, Massachusetts
Norwood, Ohio
"1968 - Six passenger car and truck assembly plants previously operated by Fisher Body and Chevrolet Motor Division are transferred to the management of GM Assembly Division."
The local newspaper noted the change on November 7 and November 12, 1968:
[Nov 7, 1968] The Chevrolet and Fisher Body plants in Van Nuys were transferred to the General Motors Assembly Division, which also operates the GMAD plants at Fremont and South Gate. Similar transfers were made at GM assembly complexes in Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New York and Wisconsin....
From The Valley News (Newspaper) - November 7, 1968,...
[Nov 12, 1968] Under the new structure, the separate Chevrolet and Fisher Body assembly plants on Van Nuys Blvd. now are combined as a GM Assembly Division Plant. Managed Body Plant Frank J. Fessenden of Sherman Oaks, who had been manager of the Chevrolet plant, has been named assistant to the newly ap- ...
From The Valley News (Newspaper) - November 12, 1968,...
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From all indications, "The [L] code on Kansas/Leeds trim tags, started in 1969 and ended in 1972" ...
I have noticed on the, 1970 Leeds built Chevelle's, There were a few different letters, ["possible codes"] found specific to "Leeds built trim tags", in the 1970 model Chevelle's, the 'singles' letters are [L], and [Z]. There are 'double' letters also, which are [L B] and [L W] ....
The single [L], the [L B] and [L W], are ALL on SS bodies, the earliest dual code, that I have seen, was on a 1970 Chevelle SS, trim tag dated [02D] ....I believe these codes, started after mid-year, I have never seen the, [L B] and [L W], Chevelle trim tag code prior to, "early springtime, 1970"......
The [L] coded Chevelle's, appear to be, "ALL" Super Sport cars ................... "that I have seen"........
The [L B] coded Chevelle's, were Super Sports with "BLACK", D88 stripes ....... "that I have seen".....
The [L W] coded Chevelle's, were Super Sports with "WHITE", D88 stripes ...... "that I have seen" ....
Of the [Z] coded Chevelle's, "that I have seen", at least some are, "4 door/6 cylinder" vehicles ......
Chris, that's a neat car to own, restore and something to keep forever, it's a "NICE RARE CAR" .....
until seeing this GMC Sprint SP's trim tag, I was'nt aware anything but the Kansas built Chevelle SS's had the [L] coded trim tags.
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FWIW, you might find that the X or Z letters are found mainly on 300 Deluxe bodies. That's where I find them in my 69 research.......Andy
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