©2014, Full-Size Chevrolet Research Group
Edited by Warren Leunig
Version: Monday, 11-Aug-2014 03:21:20 EDT
VIN Information
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Body Style Number
- 1964-1966 Canadian VIN Format
- Partial VIN Definition and Location
Cowl Tag Information
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the fullsize Chevrolets built in the United States had 4 components – the model year, the body style, the assembly plant designation, and sequential serial number. 1964-1966 Canadian VIN’s had a different format, see Canadian. The VIN number plate can be found on 1964-1967 Chevrolets by looking at the A-pillar in the front door jamb. Starting in 1968, it was moved to the driver’s side dash panel and can be seen by looking through the windshield.
Up through 1964, the VIN number was 12 characters. This early format had the model year at the front followed by the body style, assembly plant designation and sequential serial number. Starting in 65, it changed to 13 characters. The only change was that the body style was now in front followed by the model year.
The year is identified by the last numeral in that year so 4=1964, 7=1967, 0=1970, etc.
Body Style Number
The body style number consists of three parts. The first part is always 1 to designate Chevrolet, 2nd for the series and 3rd for the specific body style. An odd third digit designates a 6 cyl. engine, while an even number designates an 8 cyl.
There were quite a few body style codes used from 1964-1970 due to the wide array of models available such as the Impala, Bel Air, Biscayne and Caprice. The Impala Super Sports even had their own body style code from 1964-1967. All body style codes in 1964 were four digits, which were changed to five for the 1965 model year. The basic format remained the same though. In addition, the body style number also appears on the cowl tag, typically in a V8 format.
Sample 1964 body style breakdown – 1569
(1) Chevrolet
(5) Bel Air series (6-cyl)
(69) Four door sedan
Sample 1969 body style breakdown – 16639
(1) Chevrolet
(66) Caprice series (8-cyl)
(39) Four door sport sedan
Here is a chart showing all the body style numbers for each of the years. The majority of the assembly plants showed an 8 cyl. body style on the cowl tag, regardless of the engine size. However, some plants showed a 6 cyl. designation if the car was to have such an engine. When trying to figure out if your car had an L6 or V8, always go by the VIN number.
Here is a chart of VIN number assembly plant codes. Plant years in parenthesis
 |
The last six digits of the VIN# are the sequential serial number. All assembly plants started at 100001 except in 1969. Number 2 would be 100002, etc. To find out your sequence number, you can subtract 100,000 from it. In 1969, all assembly plants except for Janesville and Lordstown start the sequence at 000001.
Sample 1964 VIN number decode – 41169S207810
(4) 1964
(1169) Biscayne 4-door sedan – 6 cyl. engine
(S) St Louis, MO assembly plant
(207810) 107,810th fullsize Chevrolet built at St. Louis, MO
Sample 1965-1970 VIN number decode – 164878J206840
(8) 1968
(16487) Impala 2-door sport coupe – 8 cyl. engine
(J) Janesville, WI assembly plant
(206840) 106,840th fullsize Chevrolet built at Janesville, WI
1964-1966 Canadian VIN Format
Before 1967, the Canadian VIN format was different than what was used in the U.S. It started with the year followed by the body number and the sequential serial number. No plant code was used. The last six started at 000001.
Sample 1964-1966 Canadian VIN number decode – 516469012345
(5) 1965 (16469) Impala 4-door sedan
(012345) 12,345th fullsize Chevrolet built at Oshawa, Ontario
Partial VIN Definition and Location
In addition to the VIN plate, the partial VIN of the car was sometimes stamped on the body in up to two places. Starting in 1967, the partial VIN was stamped on the top of the cowl (under the cowl vent panel) or on the firewall around the opening that would be covered by the heater or air conditioning box.
Cowl Tag Decode
The cowl tag is an aluminum tag attached to the firewall of the body. It contains interesting information pertaining to the body of the car such as what week it was built, the paint and interior colors and the options that would have required modifications to the body shell. In 1964, the cowl tag can be found on top of the firewall on the passenger’s side. Starting in 1965, it was moved to the front of the firewall on the driver’s side by the brake booster. The general format of the cowl tag remained the same from 1964-1970 and will be explained below. One exception is the cowl tags of cars built at Oshawa, Ontario (until 1967) and those assembled overseas. Those tags will be covered in a future update.
The body build date tells the month and week the body was produced. The date code starts with a number for the month, followed by a letter for the week. For the month: 01 = January, 05 = May, 09 = September and 12 = December, etc. For the week: A = 1st week of the month, B = 2nd, C = 3rd, D=4th and E=5th. In a few cases, the build date might vary such as the week being identified with a number. In 69, the location changed from the top line to under the interior code.
The top line can contain more information depending on the assembly plant. Some plants put a sequence number next to the date code or above the body number. The sequence number was used in the body plant for scheduling the shells to come down the line in order. A single letter can sometimes be found in this location as well, which usually identifies the interior paint code. That code can also be found on the protectoplate. During 1964 and 1965, the Euclid, OH plant, which produced convertible and wagon bodies for final assembly at Flint, MI stamped an F in that location. It is to denote the Flint plant and is not for the interior color.
2nd Line
The 2nd line (1st in 69/70) contains the year, body style number and assembly plant info. The year precedes the body style such as 64, 67, 70, etc. For information on decoding the body style, see the chart in the VIN number section. The body style on the cowl tag is typically in a V8 format, even if the car came with an L6 engine. Some plants however, did stamp a L6 body style on the cowl tag if it was to be assembled with that engine. In most cases, the assembly plant code is followed by either the sequential body number or the order confirmation number found on factory paperwork like the window sticker.
Plant Code Chart
Notes:
- Oshawa starting using OS in 1967. In previous years there was no plant designation on the cowl tag.
- Euclid produced convertible and station wagon bodies for the Flint plant in 1964 and 1965.
- The plant code for Los Angeles/Van Nuys changed mid-year in 1969 from LOS to VN.
Paint
The paint code can consist of letters, numbers or both. It varied by year. It was a three digit number up to 1965 when it became a letter. It returned to a number in 1969. The numerical code is listed in parenthesis next to the paint name. Note: Wilmington put the color of the wheels as a third letter (or 2nd on convertibles) in the paint code for 1965.
Two-tone Paint Codes
The typical two-tone paint code was a combination of two of the available paint codes as suggested by Chevrolet. In 1964, the paint code was a single three digit number between 952 and 995.
952 – Meadow Green/ Bahama Green
954 – Meadow Green/ Ermine White
959 – Silver Blue/ Ermine White
960 – Silver Blue/ Daytona Blue
965 – Lagoon Aqua/ Ermine White
971 – Desert Beige/ Saddle Tan
975 – Ember Red/ Desert Beige
982 – Satin Silver/ Daytona Blue
988 – Ermine White/ Azure Aqua
993 – Palomar Red/ Desert Beige
995 – Palomar Red/ Satin Silver
Convertible and Vinyl Tops
The convertible and vinyl top codes appear after the paint code and sometimes after the interior code. A number was used up to 69 when they changed to a letter.
In 67, the tan vinyl top color became light fawn instead of beige.
Interior
The interior code is a three digit number that shows the color, fabric type and style of the seats. A single letter or number can follow it. The Wilmington, DE assembly plant listed the interior paint code after it 1964-1968. Some plants listed the top (vinyl or convertible) color in this location with a number and some other assembly plants used a letter in 1966 and 1967 to signify the front seat type and whether it had headrests.
See the below interior charts for your year.
| 1964 | Fawn | Aqua | Red | Green | Blue | Black | Saddle | Silver | White/Aqua | White/Red |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne [wagon] | 860 [861] | 852 [855] | 876 [877] | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Belair | 863 | 850 | 872 | 823 | 839 | x | x | x | x | x |
| Impala cloth | 866 | 853 | 874 | 826 | 842 | 811 | 857 | x | x | x |
| Impala vinyl | 870 | 847 | 886 | 829 | 836 | 814 | 859 | x | x | x |
| Impala Super Sport - bucket seats | 856 | x | 879 | n/a | 831 | 815 | 862 | 805 | 845 | 878 |
Note for 1964: Biscayne sedan interiors were cloth except for the 865 fawn fleet-type vinyl. Wagons got vinyl interiors.
| 1965 | Fawn | Aqua | Red | Green | Blue | Black | Saddle | White/Aqua | White/Black | Slate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne [wagon] | 860 [861] | 852 [855] | 876 [877] | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Belair | 863 | 850 | 872 | 823 | 839 | x | x | x | x | x |
| Impala cloth | 866 | 853 | 874 | 826 | 842 | 811 | 857 | x | x | x |
| Impala vinyl | 870 | 847 | 886 | 829 | 836 | 814 | 859 | x | x | x |
| Impala Super Sport - bucket seats | 856 | 845 | 879 | x | 831 | 815 | 862 | 845 | 802 | 805 |
| Caprice | 858 | x | x | x | 843 | 817 | x | x | x | x |
Note for 1965: Biscayne sedan interiors were cloth except for the 865 fawn fleet-type vinyl. Wagons got vinyl interiors.
| 1966 | Fawn | Turquoise | Red | Green | Blue | Black | Ivory | Bright Blue | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne [wagon] | 860 [861] | x | 876 [877] | x | 840 [832] | x | x | x | x |
| Belair [wagon] | 863 [867] | 850 [854] | 872 [878] | x | 839 [833] | x | x | x | x |
| Impala cloth | 866 | 853 | 874 | 826 | 842 | 811 | x | x | x |
| Impala (all) & Caprice wagon (vinyl) | 870/859 | 847 | 871 | 830 | 836 | 814 | x | x | x |
| Impala Super Sport - bucket seats | 869/862 | 846 | 873 | x | 837 | 813 | 885 | 844 | x |
| Caprice (strato-bench in parenthesis) | 857 (868) | x | x | x | 843 (834) | 817 (818) | x | x | x |
| Caprice - bucket seats | 856 | 848 | 879 | x | 831 | 815 | x | x | 891 |
Note for 1966: Biscayne and Belair sedan interiors were cloth except for the 865 fawn fleet-type vinyl. Wagons got vinyl interiors. The 869 SS interior became 862 in January of 1966.
| 1967 | Fawn | Turquoise | Red | Gold | Blue | Black | White | Bright Blue | Plum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne [wagon] | 801 [802] | x | x | x | 840 [832] | 812 [812] | x | x | x |
| Belair [wagon] | 803 [804] | 850 [854] | x | x | 839 [833] | 819 [820] | x | x | x |
| Impala cloth | x | 853 | 874 (Maroon) | 888 | 842 | 811 | x | x | x |
| Impala (all) & Caprice wagon (vinyl) | x | 847 | 871 | 889 | 836 | 814 | 894 | 845 | x |
| Impala Super Sport - bucket seats (strato-bench in parenthesis) | x | x | 873 (870) | 890 (885) | x | 813 (810) | 895 (898) | 844 (848) | x |
| Caprice | x | x | x | 887 | 843 | 817 | x | x | 860 |
| Caprice strato-bench [vinyl in brackets] | x | x | x | 886 [884] | 834 [835] | 818 [821] | x | x | 862 |
| Caprice - bucket seats | x | x | x | 891 | 837 | 815 | x | x | x |
Note for 1967: Biscayne and belair sedan interiors were cloth except for the 865 fawn fleet-type vinyl. Wagons got vinyl interiors. The 812 black vinyl interior was available in both sedans and wagons.
| 1968 | Saddle (wagon only) | Turquoise | Red | Gold | Blue | Black | Parchment | Teal | Gray/Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne | 837 | x | x | 831 | 816 [817-wagon] | 802 | x | x | x |
| Belair [wagon] | [838] | 843 [844] | x | 832 | 818 [819] | 803, 811 [804] | x | x | x |
| Impala cloth | x | 842 | x | 833 | 820 | 805 | x | x | 853 |
| Impala (all) & Caprice wagon (vinyl) | 839 | 845 [wagon] | 866 | 830 | 821 | 806 | 858 | 864 | x |
| Impala Super Sport bucket seats | x | x | 868 | 836 | x | 812 | 859 | 862 | x |
| Caprice [vinyl in brackets] | x | x | x | 834 | 822 [815] | 807 [814] | x | x | 852 |
| Caprice strato-bench | x | x | x | 835 | 823 | 808 | x | x | 856 |
| Caprice - bucket seats | x | x | x | 840 | 824 | 809 | x | x | 857 |
Note for 1968: The 802 black vinyl interior was available in both Biscayne sedans and wagons. Black and blue vinyl interiors were available in all Belairs but wagons had a different code (804) for black than sedans (811).
| 1969 | Saddle (wagon only) | Turquoise | Red | Gold | Med. Blue | Dark Blue | Black | Parchment | Med. Green | Dark Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne/Brookwood | 831 | x | x | x | 816 [815 wagon] | x | 802 | x | 849 (Biscayne) | x |
| Belair/Townsman [vinyl in parenthesis] | 838 | x | x | x | 818 (819) | x | 803, (804) | x | 850 [851 wagon] | 848 |
| Impala cloth | x | 844 | x | 837 | x | 820 | 805 | x | 852 | 860 |
| Impala (all) & Kingswood wagon (vinyl) | (830) | x | 866 | x | x | 821 | 806 | 858 | 853 | 861 |
| Impala bucket seats | x | x | 867 | x | x | x | 812 | 859 | 854 | x |
| Caprice (knit in parenthesis) | x | 846 | x | 840 | 822 | (826) | 807 (813) | x | 856 | (855) |
| Caprice - bucket seats | x | x | x | x | x | 824 | 809 | x | 862 | 857 |
Note for 1969: The 808 black Caprice interior was the only strato-bench seat available for 1969
| 1970 | Saddle | Turquoise | Red | Gold | Med. Blue | Dark Blue | Black | Sandalwood | Dark Green |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne and Brookwood | 831 | x | x | 843 (Biscayne) | 815 | x | 802 | x | x |
| Belair [Townsman] | [838] | x | x | x | 818 [819] | x | 803, 804 [804] | x | 848 |
| Impala cloth | x | 844 | x | 837 | 820 | x | 805 | x | 860 |
| Impala (all) & Kingswood wagon (vinyl) | 830 | x | 866 | 841 | 821 | x | 806 | 828 | 861 |
| Caprice | x | 845 | x | 840 | 822 | 826 | 813 | 870 | 855 |
On some assembly plants (except Wilmington, DE) in 1966 and 1967, a letter was used after the interior code to indicate the front seat type.
- A – Bench seat
- B – Bucket seats
- D – Strato-bench seat
- E – Bench seat with headrests
- L – Strato-bench seat with headrests
- S – Bucket seats with headrests
Below is a table of Fisher Body codes for the 1964-1967 Fullsize Chevrolets. There is no known factory documentation that lists every code so most of these were confirmed by comparing original cars to the codes on the tag. If you have seen any not on this list or can help confirm any, please contact us.
If you have any data to contribute to the research of these accessory codes, we would love to see it! In addition to these codes, some plants used the full RPO code on the cowl tag. You can find most of these in the above charts but there are a few you won’t see there.
M11 – 3spd manual transmission on the column (if optional transmission not ordered)
B80 – Roof drip molding
B90 – Door window frame moldings
C08 – Vinyl top
Hi, great site. How can I tell if a 68 impala convertible i am looking to buy is a factory 396 car (I am told dealer installed a replacement block so not able to verfiy block number. it looks original but would like to confirm. data plate does not contain info. also how do you verify what options the car came with since no Accy info is on data plate.
09L
68-16467 BC00107
TR 806 G-2
Couple of things you should check. First what’s the vin? 2nd, does it have the original Turbo 400 transmission?
Cowl tag shows a Gold 68 Impala convertible with black top and interior built at the Southgate, CA plant in September
Great info:
Can you help me with my cowl info ?
07D
64-1447 BA 5196
815 912
1CC
body built 4th week of July. 64-1447 is a Impala SS coupe. BA 5196 is the 5,196th SS coupe body built at Doraville. 815 is black bucket seats. 912 is Silver blue. The last thing is ACC for accessory but the car had none that appears on the tag
Hey I’m not around the car but I have a original Numbers matching SS impala silver black bucket seats 4 speed what size engine is in it I have the original engine 53,173 miles it’s not a hole in the seats paint looks like it just came outta GM original I even have the original Hub Caps not a scratch or the car I wanna know the engine I thought it was the 409-427 V8 but I don’t see the 409 all it needs is some under dash is missing but everything else is original I have a real rare collection available as far as American cars our concerned and I’m not going to say a lot but I got nice things all American and what do u know all 64 all original all original engine’s and factory paint 1 owner on all of them and the other 2 out convertible 64 droptop bonniville 23,440 miles 400 big block engine all it need is top restored but not a chip on the paint and 64 all original matching Numbers on all of them all the way down to the seat belt 34,153 miles on my droptop Galaxy 500 XL numbers matching all original not a crack on the seats or the top all to the bone factory paint look like it just was paint engine original but the impala is what everyone seem to have there focus on for some reason but I need a lil advice on the SS I also got a original 86 T-top 442
Can you send some numbers from the car? That would give some clues probably. Vin and cowl tag info
Hats off! This is a VERY informative site. I suspected my ’66 Caprice of being a 4spd conversion due to the horribly hacked hole in the transmission tunnel. However, your option codes (L) confirm M-20 4spd. Perhaps the Saginaw 4spd in there now required some trimming for the shifter to fit. I’m pleased as punch to learn this information. Keep up the great work.
Hi! On a 1965 Impala confirmed SS, there is a 4th line on the Trim/Cowl Tag that states:
EXO 2KMCK 3C
Any ideas?
There’s no info here for a 4th line.
Thanks for your help.
E tinted glass
X power windows
O two tone paint (or the car may have a vinyl top in a few cases)
2K a/c
2M p/g trans
3C padded dash
not sure what the 2CK is. Can’t have the same letter twice in group 2. Maybe it’s something else
i found the file for the car that i have not looked at since i bought the car in 2005. it contained the original build sheet which shows under fifth group the number 13. the next group is titled F & S -COPO that is where the 185226 is. after reading more of your posts it must be the ident number ,not associated with the vin. do you know anything about the number 13 in group five.
Hi Joe,
I sent you a email but want to respond here as well in case you don’t get it. I’m not sure what the 13 is but all those Flint seat tags have a number under group 5. I’d love to see pics of that sheet and the vin/cowl tag as I don’t have this car in the SS427 registry!
Warren
thanks for making this web site have done so much research’ however i hit some dead ends. i have a 1966— 16437 V8 car. with a two speed power glide. everything tells me it was a bone stock 66-V8 car but the options on the car is not listed on the tag. like a padded dash/ A/C the wiring harness tells me it was a Cop car or federal car built in LA have any idea?
It may not have been built with any options that were listed on the tag. Built at Los Angeles and not Southgate?
sorry for the late response. the car is a LOS on the cowl tag . i tryed to make a copy of the cowl.
************
Cowl Tag Form
General Motors C orporation
09B
ST 66- 16437 LOS 174 BODY
TR 866-A M-M PAINT
W 2W
BODY BY FISHER
09B body built 2nd week of September 1965
66-16437 66 Impala coupe
LOS 174 174th 66 Impala coupe body built at Los Angeles, CA
866-A fawn bench seat
M-M aztec bronze
W tinted windshield
2M powerglide trans
What’s the vin? That’s a very early car. Probably within first 1,500 built for the model year at that plant.
thanks for all of your help. Vin
164376l101386.
I heard that the LOS plant put the build sheets under the fuel tank i just dropped the tank to find the build sheet. however” the sheet was long gone.
soon ill put the car transformation on youtube.
LS Swap LQ9. 6.0
trans 4l80
New Discs breaks kit all four corners.
New CCP tubular uppers and lowers front and back suspension all new.
new fuel delivery
Earliest I’ve seen a build sheet above a Los Angeles gas tank is 69 but still good to look.
did you find anything on the vin?
I didn’t have any record of it in my database
Hi this is super helpful thanks. I am looking at a right hand drive 307ci 1968 pillarless 4 door Impala here in Nairobi Kenya (East Africa). It was exported from the GM Oshawa, Ontario plant, and has fibreglass dash (not metal) which I think was standard for the RHD. Cowl tag style is 68 16439RDEX. I assume “RDEX” means right hand drive for export? Paint code is 9LL which doesn’t match any of the tables I can see? It would be good to know so I can restore to original colour. It also has an accessories code M35 which I think is Powerglide. Trim is 820 (which is Impala cloth I think) followed by 1-1-5, any idea what that means?
LL is Teal Blue. 1-1-5 means body was built 1/5/68 1st shift. If you contact vintage vehicle services, you can request the option info and some other data
Hello Warren,
Amazing site. So much great information. Thank you very much for the hard work.
I rescued a ’66 SS but I am having trouble finding the motor/trans combo it had as there is nothing in it now. The center console (whats left) leads me to believe it was perhaps a 4spd car, but can’t be sure…below is the trim tag
04C
66-16837LOS7106
813-B NN
W 2M
5Y (or maybe V-can’t be sure)
I know this car was produced in 3rd week of Apr ’66, it is a V8 car, with Madiera Maroon exterior and black interior trim, possibly vinyl (?)…based on the accessory id’s it appears it had a powerglide, tinted windshield and custom from deluxe seatbelts with retractors…?
Any way to know what 8cyl and trans package this car had?
Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
2M is powerglide trans so it had an automatic. Probably was a small block. 10 bolt rear axle, right?
It is a 12 bolt…
I’d be interested to know what the code is. Could have been a 396 with PG trans when new.
This is an absolutely wonderful site and tool for coding the vin. I picked up a 67 Impala SS and I’m trying to understand my cowl tag. Any thoughts?
thanks!
10D R
67-10887 STL001146 BODY
844-B C-C
E2EMSR
119096
Sure. What’s the vin?
10D body built 4th week of October 1966
R – bright blue interior
67-16887 Impala SS coupe
STL 1146 – 1,146th Impala SS coupe body built at St Louis MO
844-B bright blue bucket seat interior
C-C Ermine White Paint
1E tinted glass
2E air conditioning
2M Powerglide trans
2S rear antenna
2R rear speaker
119096 is the ident number found in top right of window sticker
65-16467 EUC 10370
845. P1
ED 2ZGS 3C
5W
That’s a repro cowl that doesn’t match. 16467 is a plain Impala convertible and 845 is the SS turquoise interior
I purchased a 1962 Impala SS convertible and am trying to figure out from the VIN if it is a true SS. The VIN is 21867S167180. Can you help me out?
You would need to go by the cowl tag info
Hello
What a great site this is. I have a Impala in Norway Europe and the cowl tag is ?
02D
ST 65-16637 Jan11897 Body
TR 831 D-D Paint
W 2M 3CB
5W
Engine number is F0803GF is that the original engine to this car ?
On the frame it is a another number that says 166375 J 197881
Can you help ?
02D body built 4th week of February 65
65 16637 is a Impala SS coupe
JAN is Janesville WI plant
831 blue bucket seat interior
D-D Mist Blue paint
1W tinted windshield
2M powerglide trans
3C padded dash
3B rear defog
5W deluxe front seat belts with retractors
Can you tell me if this 1968 impala is an SS? VIN 164878S161895
Can you post the full cowl tag info? That will tell
Thanks for the site.
It has helped me figure out most of it. I saved it from a barn it’s been parked on blocks since 1978. only has 80,000 miles on it and in great shape,
07D
32732 body
826
905 paint
W3C what are these codes ?
07D body built 4th week of July
32732 is the sequential body number
826 green bench seat interior for Impala
905 Meadow Green paint
W tinted windshield
3C padded dash
What’s the vin and what else is on the cowl tag?
1965 Impala
Purchased: 08/30/2016
Owner: Me
VIN: 16437Y168778 164 = Series – Impala, 37=Model,
Y: Wilmington DE Asemb Plant, 168,778=Seq Prod #
Year: 1965
Make: CHEVROLET
Body Style 2S
Mostly looks fine, but I think they made a typo and left the 5 that should be before the 7 in the VIN. That’s the indicator it’s a 1965.
The data on the cowl is correct. But of course it doesn’t carry all the VIN infor and if you haven’t guessed by now, the real VIN plate in the drivers door is missing.
Hmmm…can I insert HTML here? Guess not. Maybe you can just copy and paste this link to see the cowl.
https://i.imgur.com/y2xzqiS.jpg
Any tips on how to straighten this out? Thanks.
Cowl tag is from an Atlanta car. Should start 164375A
You could check the top of the frame, rear driver’s side, for a partial vin stamp.
Warren
Hello! I’m from Brazil. Congratulations on the site. could you help me decode the vin and the cowl tag of my 1963 Impala. It’s is from Canada. the VIN is 3176977601, only 10 digits.
the tag is:
STYLE 1769 EX LD,
BODY N 163805,
PAINT E,
TRIM 866,
C48 U63.
Thank you!
1769 Impala 4dr sedan 6cyl
EX LD is export left hand drive
The N is before 163805?
E is blue paint I think. Normally in 63 it’s a number but Oshawa may have done it differently.
866 is fawn interior
C48 heater delete
U63 AM pushbutton radio
Great site! I am hoping that you can explain my ’65 Impala cowl code, thanks.
12A E
65-16637 STL004518
815 WW
W2KLR
3C4P5W
Impalas.org/numbers
Try looking there and I can help with anything you can’t decode. what’s the vin?
Very informative site and information!
Am I correct – in 1968 Chevrolet did not have a separate VIN number for a Super Sport. A SS car was a purchase option ($179) but there was not a unique VIN number? My car is a 1968 Impala Convertible made in The 2nd week of October ’67) cowl code 10B, STL – St Louis factory, there are eight (8) ‘SS’ emblems on the car …. Front grill, rear trunk lid, L & R side behind the front wheel wells, steering wheel, glove box and one each on the front door inside panels. The orig car was white w gold interior. The car has bucket seats, console and floor shift auto trans w a 327CI engine, power top and windows.
Thank you, TM
That is correct. You would go by the interior code on the cowl tag. Can you send me the vin and full cowl tag info? I’d like to add the car to my research database and decode it for you as well.
Hi we have just come into procession of my late father inlaws 1964 Chev Belaire, the car is an Australian import and the body tag appears quite different to those listed here. was wondering if you might still be able to help? The tag is written vebatium below:
General Motors Holden Pty Ltd
BODY IDENTIFICATION
Correspondence must bear these numbers
BODY 64-114-1497
TRIM 826-D10
PAINT 587-5096
INSERT
TOP 568-5084
Underneath the body tag is a small tag W090653
Wow, that’s completely different. None of those codes look similar except 826 is green interior for Belair.
W090653 is probably the Holden serial number. No tag on the driver’s door jamb?
I am looking to purchase a 1963 chevy/nova SS and cannot determine if the car is truly an SS as the cowl/trim tag has been removed.The VIN is 30437K160854 and is a 400 series sport coupe.It should show a Z on the cowl tag to be an SS but the owner says it was blacked out.He also says on the original title it shows the model as Nova which he says means its definitely a SS.Can you help me with this?The only absolute part that shows that it could be an SS is the 1 inch 5 piece chrome trim that runs down horizontally on the dash and the full pack of four instrument gauges.
Interior code on the cowl tag should be for bucket seats
I have a 63 SS Convertible, L-31 409 car.
Using information here and elsewhere, I’ve been able to determine its a numbers-matching engine, and original paint color. I can’t seem to find any info on the “ACC” code on the cowl tag. Mine reads “F-G-Y”
Per information found, I know its a rare bird. trying to figure out if the tach is in fact original, and if the red interior is original. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
F tinted windshield, G SS (if a St Louis car) and Y may be seat belts
She’s a St. Louis car, and has seatbelts. Thank you! Would there be any way of finding out production numbers?
There are some out there but I don’t have access to them at the moment
What a great site!
Hi, I am Seb I live in France, I bought an 1968 Impala SS 307 in Canada
The cowl tag is:
M35Z03
ST 68 16487 OS236318 BODY
TR 812 2-2-7 9PP PAINT
I can’t decode the paint and the options … I would appreciate some any help
thanks
PP is Seafrost Green. M35 Powerglide trans and Z03 is Super Sport. What’s the vin? Did you know you can contact Vintage Vehicle Services and get the original options list and other info?
How do I find imfro on my 1967 El Camino. Here is my cowl tag imfro
1. 01b 7653
2. T. 67-13420 man. 1761
3.tr. 766-a. R-2
4.w 21’
Line 4 is difficult to read & line2 May have a 3 in front of the t. Thank you.
I think MAN is probably KAN for Kansas City plant. R-2 is red with black vinyl top. W is tinted glass and 2L is M20 4spd
I have a 64 Impala with vin 41847L191953
Cowl Tag
Chevrolet Div. General Motors Corp.
06C Detroit, Michigan
Style64-1847 BodyVn18678
Trim 842 Paint 912
Acc W 2M 3C 5W
silver blue Impala sport coupe built 3rd week of June at Los Angeles. 842 blue cloth bench seat. W tinted windshield, 2M powerglide trans, 3C padded dash and 5W deluxe front belts with retractors
Thank you for all this great info. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind decoding mine. I doubt it’s an SS but couldn’t find the 16487 code. Thanks
Body By Fisher
11E536
ST 68-16487 BT03673 Body
TR 833 GT Paint
VIN: 164878R126446
You’re right. Plain Impala sport coupe. GG gold painy, 833 gold bench seat interior. 11E built 5th week of November at Arlington, TX
Bought a first generation 1969 camaro. The vin number seems to be off when comparing it to the cowl tag assembly date rxsale24. Off by atleast 3 months. In my opinion the vehicle orginal vin was replaced when the vehicle was restored inside and out. Is there a possible way to track down the orginal vin?
Look on the top of the cowl and behind the heater box for the partial vin
Thanks Warren for this awesome site.
My cowl tag is as follows:
06D
65-16637 FL213196
802- P-P
W. 2LSR. 3C
5W- 330599
Thanks to this site it was easy to decode and verify that everything is spot on with the car. My question is on the bottom line after the 5W seatbelt option code what does the 330599 mean? And would I be correct in assuming that being this was a late June production date and such a high number that this car was near the end of the production run. Thanks in advance for any info.
330599 is the ident number found in the top right of the window sticker. Flint production lasted into early August. Last built was 5F340026
Thanks for the info. Is the ident number different than the production number? Is the 213196 the production number? thanks again.
FL2 is Flint body plant 2 and 13196 is the body number
I’ve tried using your examples to decode this to no avail , could you help? 9D Detroit Michigan 2line 65-16437 body BW 1776 3line 814L paint NNA 4line 338 Thanks for your help this is an wonderful site
Sure
9D body built 4th week of September
65-16437 Impala sport coupe
BW 1776, 1,776th Impala Sport coupe body built at Wilmington, DE
814L is black vinyl bench seat interior
NNA is Maroon paint with black wheels
338 is the body run number found in top right of build sheet. What’s the vin and do you have the build sheet from it?
Warren
Hi
Can you help me with my cowl info ?
05D
ST 65-16637 FL211521 BODY
TR 815 A-A PAINT
W 2MS 3C
5W 293983
Sure. What’s the vin?
05D body built 4th week of May 1965
65-16637 65 Impala SS coupe
FL2 11521 11,521st 65 Impala SS coupe body built at Flint
815 black bucket seat interior
A-A Tuxedo Black paint
W tinted windshield
2M powerglide trans
2S rear antenna
3C padded dash
5W deluxe front seat belts with retractors
293983 is the ident number found on the window sticker
Great site, I could identify a few things from the cowl tag for my 67 impala sport coupe. Here’s the info on mine and hopefully we can help each other out.
10A E217
ST. 67-16487 LOS 1884
TR. 888-A C-C
EX 2EMSR
5Y
Vin # 164877L105922
sure. tag shows body was built 1st week of October 1966. E217 is the work order number, internal plant use
67 Impala coupe built at Los Angeles, 1,884th of that body style
White with gold interior
tinted glass, power windows, air, powerglide trans, rear antenna, rear speaker and deluxe seat belts
164398L167506
Hey guys I have a 1968 Impala but I don’t know what the vin number means, can you please help, thanks in advance.
68 Impala four door hardtop built at Los Angeles, CA. post the info from the trim tag on the firewall and I can tell you more about the car
1969 Impala Sports Coupe 427 400 12bolt, Barn find 59000 miles, every thing works and runs great. Vin # 164379J117354. Thanks in advance
ST. 69. 16437. JAN138075. BDY
TR 837. 61. 63 PNT
09C
09C body built 3rd week of September
top line is 69 Impala sport coupe from Janesville. 138075 is ident number found on the window sticker
837 gold cloth bench seat interior
61 63 is Burnished brown with Champagne roof. Cool color combo! Would love to see pics!
I just buy a Chevy Impala 1968 convertible. It is a Canadian model with a 13 digits NIV. I can’t find a decoder for that. It was 1646782175408. The body tag is that:
MADE IN CANADA
7B M35
ST68 16467 ST579419 BODY
TR 806 203024 QQ PAINT
Can you help me?
vin shows a 68 Impala convertible built at the St Therese plant in Canada.
M35 is powerglide trans.
7B means body was built 2nd week of July.
806 is black interior and QQ is the paint code, which I am not sure of off hand as it’s Canadian only for 68.
I plan on purchasing a 1966 Impala SS. Could you please tell me the Cowl information
12A
ST 66-16837 ATL 2631
TR 837-8 or TR 837-3 (INSCRIPTION HARD TO READ)
EX 2KMFSR 1
1
D2
light blue Impala SS coupe with blue interior built 1st week of December at Atlanta.
tinted glass, power windows, air, pg trans, console gauges, rear antenna and rear speaker. What’s the vin?
On the Cow Tag I have a four digit number that I am not sure what it represents(1827). It is at the far right of Cow Tag. It may be the body style but not sure, any help is more then what I have.
sequential body number of whatever body style the car is
What does the 4D code on the lower left of the cowl tag mean on an 1967 Z-24 option car or SS-427
car I have noted some have this and some don’t. Can you help?
4D means SS427 package but not all assembly plants used that style of accessory codes.
HI Again
Did the STL plant use the 4D code for their SS-427 cars?
yes, they used 4D for SS427. sending you an email with a decode. let me know here if you don’t get it
I have a 1967 Impala SS convertible produced in Canada. The Vin plate on the “A” pillar says :
CHEVROLET D.D.
MADE IN CANADA
1686772134878
My title indicates the VIN as 16867F2134878. This car has been sold and re-titled several times and I presume that sometime during the course of new titles being issued some DMV employee made a mistake in typing the the new title and the “incorrect Vin” has followed it on the subsequent titles.
As the first 5 digits of the VIN indicate body style and engine and the last 6 digits are the sequential serial number, what do the 6th and 7th digits represent? There doesn’t appear to be a letter for the assembly plant in the VIN plate on my car.. Before I have the title “corrected” can you tell me what my VIN is indicating? I presume I should have the title changed to match the Vin plate.
I have a couple other questions. I understand there was an option Z24 which was the 427 S.S. option, Did this option have the unique hood
(with aluminum scoop (look) and different badging than non Z24 Super Sports? I’ve seen photos of many so-called Super Sports (some maybe bogus) and I notice that badging is often different (some have the SS Impala badge behind the front wheels others do not and some have the SS Impala badge on the trunk lid above the right tail light and other say Impala in script).. Many of them have the white plastic lenses (or tits) just to the outside of the headlights where as others are black and silver metal (as are mine) that match the grill;. I know of one 427 SS (not a Z24) that is authentic / original that has the black and silver.. What is the difference?.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
I emailed you a reply but will do so here too. First 5 of vin is body style, then year, then plant then last 6 of serial. Plant code 2 is St Therese.
Can you post the cowl tag info?
I am considering a 65 impala SS in pretty bad shape. No motor, seats are gone but body still in pretty good shape.
Great site, thanks for all the info
Cowl Tag
04D
65-16637 Jan14671
802 A-A
E 2LP 3C
VIN
166375 J 240354
Nice car! Tuxedo black with the ivory bucket seat interior. build 4th week of April at Janesville. options on tag are tinted glass, wide ratio 4spd, comfort and convenience group and padded dash. Guessing it probably had a 327 engine when new?
I have a build out of Oshawa Ontario.
Style 16637 (SS) 2-7-26 ???
Body No. 182661
Paint A (Tuxedo Black)
Trim 815 (Black Bucket Seats SS model)
B70M35 (Padded Dash / Powerglide Transmission)
What does the 2-7-26 represent?
7-26 July 26th and the 2 in front of it is 2nd shift I believe
Had my 64 Impala SS for 27 years.
Mine says GM Canada on the VIN plate but not sure if it was made in Oshawa or Oakland
as I thought some west coast cars were built in CA
VIN: 41447O19841
Cowl tag reads:
Style 1447 2-11-27
Body No. 119516
Paint F
Trim 831
B70U63M35
What is the U63 in the accessory code?
Thanks
Rob
That’s definitely an Oshawa car. U63 is pushbutton AM radio. The 2-11-27 means body was built 11/27, 2nd shift
Hello,
Very informative site. Thank you.
I’ve decoded most of this tag but the last bit of information is difficult:
STYLE 16467 (V8 Convertible) 2-4-14 (2nd shift – Apr – 14th)
BODY NO. 158447
PAINT R (Regal Red)
TRIM 814 (Black Vinyl)
U75T-10 (Power Rear Antenna, ???)
VIN 616467057649 (66 V8 Convertible built in Oshawa, #57649)
What is that last part of the options line…T-10?
Thanks.
Kevin
Neat car! Yes U75 is power antenna and the T-10 is the convertible top color. Think that’s white. Have you got the option info from vintage vehicle services on this car?
I have a Fisher body that vin says sport coupe but the badging is all ss. Has factory air factory and spinner style 14″ ss but has bucket seat and its automatic
Fenders do not appear to be molested nor the grill all bolts and clips show like have never been removed at all.
All trim is present and ss. Any thoughts would be appreciated
Thanks
Mike
What year?
Bought a storage locker and inside is a, or what I believe is a 1965 impala SS 4 speed convertible, Can you please decode the Vin# and cowl tag for me .we would really appreciate it if you could help us out
VIN
CANADA O,O
516667073866
COWL TAG
STYLE 166671-6-8
BODY NO, 176814
PAINT Z
TRIM 879
B70M20T0P10
REALLY INTERESTED IN the size of motor that would have come with the car
vin shows 65 SS convertible built at Oshawa Canada
cowl tag shows same but body built 6/8 1st shift
Z is the paint code, not familiar with that one
879 is red bucket seats
B70 padded dash
M20 wide ratio 4spd
TOP10 is the convertible top color. Might be white but not certain
Looks up vintage vehicle services. you can get the original option info for the car!
I am looking at a 1969 Caprice that has 427 badges. Has a12 bolt rear, no trans or motor. Vin is 166479c019647. cowl 69-16647 bc02074 bdy tr-856 59 59 pnt tr 856 12 c thanks
cowl tag shows 69 Coupe built 3rd week of December at the Southgate, CA plant. 59-59 is frost green paint and 856 is med green bench seat interior
How can I get some help decoding a trim tag. I believe I am looking at a 67 SS 427 (or what’s left of one). I am considering buying the remains and resurrect the car.
First line 10D. = 4th week of October
Second line. ST 67-16887 STL001082
Third line. T? 813-B. Y-Y. Paint
Fourth line. W2LR
Fifth line. 4D5Y 118186. And then there is a stamp that looks like three dots and 15
Sent you an email to the address provided
Hello, I need help decoding my cowl tag
09B
ST 65-1367 KAN 2060 BODY
TR 772 A-A PAINT
2MP 4P 5
09B body built 2nd week of September
65-13637 65 Chevelle Malibu coupe
KAN 2060 2,060th 65 Chevelle Malibu coupe built at the Kansas City plant
772 Medium Red interior
A-A Tuxedo Black paint
2M powerglide trans
2P comfort and convenience group
4P unknown, related to 2P
Hi, great site !
This is for my Impala wagon.
Vin: 41845L135316
Cowl says:
12C
Style: 64-1845
Body: VN 750
Trim: 870
Paint: 920
Acc: E, 2KM, 3C, 5V
Thanks!
Almond Fawn 3 seat Impala wagon with fawn vinyl interior
built 3rd week of December at Los Angeles
E tinted glass
2K factory air
2M powerglide trans
3C padded dash
5V deluxe front seat belts
Thanks for your great site. Hope you can help on this one. Have a 66 Impala 2 dr hdtp. A pillar tag has 164396 followed by J236892. Then the cowl Vin tag has 03E \ 66-16437 Jan 22055 \ 814A L-2 \ E 2W \ 5Y.
Both tags have the original rivets in them.
Also, what number should the title show for a vin in this case?
Vin should show 164376 to start. If it actually says 164396, it could be a factory error. If so, I’d like to see some pictures.
Can u help me with my cowl tag pls I was left a 1969 impala custom coupe cowl tag is
St 69 16447 jan343597 bdy
Tr 837 40 40 pnt
06a
Yellow 69 Impala custom coupe with gold interior built at Janesville, WI first week of June. What’s the vin?
164479j271239 is the vin sir
Thanks. Didn’t have that car in my database. I have entered 164479J271222, a custom coupe built very close to it!
hello, great website! can you help me decode my vin? I recently purchased a 1964 ss convertible, it has teal blue paint, aqua blue interior, white convertible top, 409 motor with a 4-speed manual trans.
top left corner 3B
Style 64-1467
Body JA 1436
Trim 805-1
Paint 948
ACC W M R C J
Sending you a direct email
Hi there, I am about to buy an impala 67. The VIN is 16339GLU00315N according to the seller. This does not seem to jive first because instead of a “7” we have a “G”, but G is the 7th letter, so is this a different way to say it is an impala 67? The L means it was made in Los Angeles, but the U I dont understand either, it should be a list of six numbers, and the N at the end I don’t know if it is a typo or extra letter.
The owner seems a very nice man, he says the VIN tag fell off the door frame, I am going to ask him to show me a picture. First is it possible for the VIN to “fall off”? Aren’t these things stamped on the frame, so they can’t “fall off”?
Lastly, is there another place where you can see the VIN stamped in the car to double check? It says above that it is in the “Cowl” passenger side, is that the wall on the other side of the dashboard, inside the engine compartment? Is there anywhere else where the actual VIN is on the car?
Thanks for your help
Rick
Where are you located? I believe that is an accurate vin but for a car built at a foreign assembly plant. The GLU probably is the assembly plant. Is that the number on the tag that is missing? I’m not sure foreign plants stamped the vin on the cowl. It would be interesting to figure out which assembly plant it was built at.
Hi there, thank you very much for your reply. I live in Northern California but the impala is in Central mexico. I am trying to get a pic of the tag that supposedly fell off to confirm the number I gave above.
Another question for you, reading on your blog and other places it says that there is an actual second full VIN stamped on the car that we could double check with (not the one on the door jamb, a second almost hidden one and not the cowl tag either). However, I don’t fully understand where it actually is. It says “behind the rear wheels” on the frame and that you might need a mirror to see it etc, but I don’t fully understand exactly where this is so I can look. Do you have a picture of where it is or a more precise description of exactly where on the frame it is and whether parts need to be removed to see it? I am not well versed on the various parts of the car so I don’t understand the references I have found so far as to the exact location.
Thanks again and regards,
Rick
It may be stamped on top of the frame rail behind the drivers wheel. The actual vin tag is normally on the door jamb and riveted to that pillar so it can’t fall off.
1966 CHEV IMPALA SS
VIN# 168376J193138
IS THIS A 427 425HP ORIGINAL
Not sure. Need better pictures of engine pad numbers and other drivetrain dates
1968 Impala, 427/425 hp, rock crusher 4 speed. Bought this car in the 70’s and sold few years later. The only vin number I have is from invoice when purchased. Any way to find out if it is still registered somewhere? I had it in Fla. vin 164878d180605. Thanks, Mike
I didn’t have the car in my research database but will add it! What color combo was it? Was it an SS427 with the domed hood? And/or Super Sport with bucket seats? I’m not sure how to search states records. I know some will do it. Would be awesome if the car was still out there.
I need some help decoding my cow tag
1st line 10D
2nd line 64 1447 3805
3rd line 856 932
4th line WX 2KMPSR 3C 26
10D Oct 4th week
64 1447 1964 Impala SS V8
3805 ????
856 Fawn Seats
932 Saddle Tan Paint
WX Tinted front windshield & Power windows
2 ???
K AC
M Power glide trans
P ???
S Rear antenna
R Rear speaker
3C Padded dash
26
Any help would be great
Thanks
Mic
2 is the group number for the group 2 options. 2P is comfort and convenience.
3805 is the sequential SS coupe body number
26 should be day of the month body was built, which makes sense for 4th week of October
I am about to buy a 66 Impala that doesn’t have an engine. Can you kindly give me a hand for what I don’t know? Thanks.
Cowl tag is as follows:
First line: 10 A (built during first week of October)
Second line: 66-16437 FL2 3170 (SS 8cyl) FL2 is Flint Michigan…. but what does the 3170 mean?
Third Line: 814-A (Would that mean tuxedo black vinyl seats?)
Fourth Line: 4F (“Convenience Package”? …..what all is included in that? 5Y (Custom frt/rear seatbelts with front being retractable 11167…..What’s that?
Thank you so much. Also, which of the numbers would tell me what the original engine and tranny were?
Thanks again. This website has been extremely helpful.
3170 is 3,170th 16437 body built at Flint, MI (16437 is plain Impala coupe, not SS)
814-A is black vinyl seats. The A means regular bench seat. The paint code is under the 3170
4F is comfort and convenience package with remote mirror. also got day night rear view mirror with that
11167 should be a 6 digit number. that’s the ident number found on the window sticker.
No transmission code on the cowl tag so it was an automatic or 3spd on the column. No way to tell the engine unless it has the original fender emblems
I have a 1966 Impala conv. Vin 164676T141057. Cowl Tag built in Tarrytown on the 3rd week of Nov., trim 814-A, Y-2 paint. Below trim I have W455Y. do you know what this means? Car has a 396/powerglide
W is tinted windshield. 45 is probably 4F, convenience group with remote mirror. 5Y is deluxe belts. What’s the TAR body number? Original engine?
What is the proper way to tell what driver train actually came im my 68 impala convert?
The car has 396-325 hp ,400 trans,and 12 bolt all with 68 date codes but how do I tell if it came off the assy line this way?
Thanks
Look for the engine pad numbers stamped on front of pass side cylinder head
Style 64-1447
Body BC 1419
Trim 815
Paint LL
ACC B70
I decoded everything but the paint.
Palomar red
Hello,
I am trying to help out my father in law. He bought a 1968 convertible impala back in the early 80’s and did not get a title. he’s trying to register and filing for lost title, but the DMV has no record and VIN doesn’t come up.
Not sure if it has the cowl plate, I asked them to look on the firewall but the VIn# is: 164678R124264
Yeah see if you can get the cowl tag info