[kordecki.rich]

I have a 68 Chevelle SS 396. To be a true SS car the VIN has to start with 138. If it's a Malibu or non SS Chevelle the VIN will start with 136. Big difference in what it's worth!

 

[RSMCEWOOD]

Love my 69 Chevelle Malibu, gets looks and has options, just not a 396. Runs and drives great and have been asked many times what do you want for it so they can visually make it a Tribute SS396. I'm leaving it alone too many not really SS 396 cars out there.

 

[Marlo Moss]

I have a 68 Chevelle SS 396. To be a true SS car the VIN has to start with 138. If it's a Malibu or non SS Chevelle the VIN will start with 136. Big difference in what it's worth!

Yes, I also have true 13837 1968 SS. Unfortunately starting 1969, GM decided to stop separation between SS and Chevelle/Malibu where many have badged the Non-Chevelle SS into a Chevelle SS. On the 68, under the sheet metal rear quarters GM stamped 13837. In other body panels exposed was stamped 138. Difficult to claim true SS in 1968 given obvious and hidden markings. 1969 easy to pass off as a Chevelle SS.

 

[Marlo Moss]

Yes, I also have true 13837 1968 SS. Unfortunately starting 1969, GM decided to stop separation between SS and Chevelle/Malibu where many have badged the Non-Chevelle SS into a Chevelle SS. On the 68, under the sheet metal rear quarters GM stamped 13837. In other body panels exposed was stamped 138. Difficult to claim true SS in 1968 given obvious and hidden markings. 1969 easy to pass off as a Chevelle SS.

 

[donnie o]

Hi, I am about to buy a 69 SS tribute Chevelle. Owner doesn’t know much. I’m trying to decide if it’s a Chevelle or Malibu. The body tag is below. The paint, trim etc makes sense, just not sure about the 13637 out of Fremont? Any help would be appreciated! I’ve read some decoding websites and it doesn’t seem clear. Thanks

A Malibu is a Chevelle. It's a trim level.

 

[donnie o]

I'm not sure why you are seeing the Malibu trim level going for less than the Chevelle (plain trim level). The Malibu trim was a step up from the plain Chevelle 300. Could be condition or that the Malibus you are seeing are really just dressed up plain Chevelle 300 (clone, although I don't think anyone considers cloning a Malibu as much of a problem as cloning an SS.)
If you have a Malibu you should be proud of your Chevelle Malibu.

I don't remember seeing a Chevelle 300 hardtop or convertible, and I don't remember seeing a Malibu post car.

 

[VinceS427bb]

I don't remember seeing a Chevelle 300 hardtop or convertible, and I don't remember seeing a Malibu post car.

yes there were chevelle 300 2-door hard tops,
not sure if any chevelle 300 4-door hard top were made.

and yes there were a limited number of chevelle 300 convertibles made in Canada only = they were mid60's units...

 

[donnie o]

yes there were chevelle 300 2-door hard tops,
not sure if any chevelle 300 4-door hard top were made.

and yes there were a limited number of chevelle 300 convertibles made in Canada only = they were mid60's units...

While the tops were made out of steel (hard metal), they were not cakked "hard tops". The were called two and four door "sedans".

 

[VinceS427bb]

2-door hard tops do not have any supports between the front and rear windows

2door sedans do as they are the post cars that have a post/support between the front and rear windows

 

[71350SS]

I don't remember seeing a Chevelle 300 hardtop or convertible, and I don't remember seeing a Malibu post car.

Only in 1969 could you get a 300 with the Super Sport option in the 2 dr. versions only. Some 69 4 dr. police cars came through as 396 cars but they are like hens teeth and hard to find.