Start here. Should answer lots of questions

1969 Chevelle

Decoding Chevrolet VIN, trim tags, cowl tags, engine, engine block casting numbers, cylinder head casting numbers, intake manifold casting numbers, transmission, interior codes, and paint codes.

chevellestuff.net

 

Any 69 Chevelle sport coupe can be made to look exactly like an original factory SS car.

Without documentation, having the original numbers matching big block engine is about the only way to tell for sure if it was an SS originally.

1969 Chevelle SS 396

Decoding Chevrolet VIN, trim tags, cowl tags, engine, engine block casting numbers, cylinder head casting numbers, intake manifold casting numbers, transmission, interior codes, and paint codes.

chevellestuff.net

 

Everything is bolted on so without documentation no SS

 

Thank you all !
That is exactly what I wanted to hear .

If a car does have a matching numbers 396 but no paperwork would it still be an SS?
Or could that engine have been ordered in a malibu?



You guys are the best .
Thank you

 

For the most if it has a 396 cu in engine in 1969 it is an SS. If I recall correctly there were a very few cars produced with a 396 that were not SS cars such as police cars although most police preferred full size cars. So the answer is no the 396 could not be ordered in a Malibu.
There are many tell tale signs of an SS but as already stated they are all bolt on items. If enough time is spent looking over a non SS made to be an SS there is usually a give away.
I was once at a car show and became bored. So I decided to see how many of the 1970 Chevelle SS cars that were in attendance were real SS cars. There were six 1970 SS cars there. It took me all of ten minutes to determine that four of the six were fakes.

 

If the trim tag is original and it shows either Monaco orange [code 72] or yellow as body paint it had to have been ordered with the SS option code.

 

The key there is "If the trim tag is original"
Original big block engine in 69 proves the car to be an SS

 

Lots of "ifs"

Engine can be restamped just as easy as replacing a trim-tag, paperwork can be faked, etc...
But most of that can usually be detected by a keen eye.

I'm a firm believer in the "L" on Leeds trim tags being a very strong indicator.
Correct dates and number codes on big components like axles and transmission are also very strong evidence of a car being what is claimed.

 

Man ,

This is exactly why I came to you guys . I know camaro stuff not much about early chevelles. Thank you so much to everyone taking the time to reply. Basically I don't wanna build or pay premium for a fake or clone.

 

A 69 SS car will also have a factory 12 bolt and a TH 400 or Muncie transmission. You should run the numbers on those 2 as well.

 

Don't forget the MC1 Muncie 3-speed with iron case was the standard transmission with the SS396 package. They look a lot like a Saginaw, but bigger and heavier.

 

Wasn’t the HD 3 spd manual standard and M40 T400 or M20-21 optional? And only M22 came with L78?

 

Yes.
My '69 SS is an original MC1 car that still has its numbers matching Muncie 3spd and the console top plate with the 3-speed pattern on it.

 

I would rather it be a SS car and not just a malibu.

There - I fixed your sentence.
Nothing wrong with wanting a real SS car, but no need to downplay our Malibu's.

 

HAHA ,. Sorry about that ! Definitely not hating on Malibu's, I like them too.

 

My '69 Malibu does this:

 

A factory L78 1969 Chevelle didn’t run 11’s 👍😁

 

Now, in all honesty, if I ever get around to getting a second Chevelle, it will be a 69, 71, or 72 SS.
Nothing wrong with wanting what you like.

 

If the 69SS is a Canadian built or sold car ( like my Oshawa built 69 SS )you can get GM documentation which proves whether it is an SS or not.

 

Correct Rick, nothing rusts like a Mopar.....I have several of those too.....

 

All you need is here:

Decoding resources | Team Chevelle (chevelles.com)

 

This is pure Gold
Thank you !

I will say it doesn't make me overly confident to find a TRUE BORN SS CAR THOUGH!

 

Although it can be bolted on, the F41 suspension package with the heavy duty sway bars is another SS add on, but could be ordered on any Malibu. Not standard on any SS until 70

 

F41 was very rare in '69

 

This may help also a wealth of info:

Site Maintenance

Paul

 

Also, '69 was the only year an SS could be built on the 300 Deluxe platform, model #13427 for the pillared coupe and 13437 for the hardtop. These cars are very rare, but do come out of the woodwork occasionally. Many of the hardtops have had the interiors converted to Malibu trim since the 300 interiors are not reproduced and are difficult to identify, except for the model # on the trim tag.

 

1969 Chevelle SS 396

Decoding Chevrolet VIN, trim tags, cowl tags, engine, engine block casting numbers, cylinder head casting numbers, intake manifold casting numbers, transmission, interior codes, and paint codes.

chevellestuff.net

 

All the members that have helped me out. I really appreciate it. The information you’ve posted has been wonderful. I was wondering if there is a reputable source for a book that contains valuable information like a buyers guide something I can keep with me?
That has this info in it .
Trimtag codes , what to look for etc etc
I have seen them before for Mopar, but not sure if there’s any for Chevelle‘s

thanks
Dan