I am possibly looking to purchase a 1969 Camaro X22 RS/SS car. The engine and transmission are long gone at this point. The color and black vinyl top match the cowl tag and the build date is 12B which I assume to be the second week of December 1968? I have seen cars listed as X22 that are not RS cars, I thought the X22 were RS 396 cars and the X66 were non RS 396 cars is this true? Also what would I look for to try and make sure this is a true RS/SS 396 car and not something someone built and stuck this cowl tag on? Any tell tale signs that this may or may not be a legit car? Just trying to not get bamboozled on this. Thanks, John

 

Look closely at the trim tag to see if it's been tampered with, make sure the correct style rivets are in place. X codes weren't on the 69 tags till some time mid year production, and only on the Norwood (NOR) built cars. Your build date is before mid year, which makes me wonder. And yes, X22 is SS396/RS. Without paper documentation, a matching numbers engine is the deciding factor on proving the car is/was an SS. Tell-tale signs can be faked. There are some physical body differences with an RS, such as headlight linkage holes in the inner fenders, diferent grill mount brackets on the sides, and reverse lights below the bumper. All of these want to look like the car came that way. If the seller will do it, ask to see beneath a reverse light (by removing one) to see if the cutout is factory or if it looks like it has been cut open later. The tail light harness will be different, and shouldn't look spliced, as a non RS has the reverse lights in the tail lights.