As I am looking for a 1969 SS I have come on some pretty obvious fakes. Some even try and pass along a Base car as a RS by just putting on emblems. However, I have a question about the VIN. On some websites it states that the 3rd number of the VIN will tell what type of engine came with the car. If there is a “3” it was a six cylinder and if the number was a 4, it was a V8. Then, on another site is says that that is not the case and the 3rd number will not indicate the engine size. Anyone know the correct answer?

 

Very respected site for all first gen info.

Camaro VIN, Cowl Tag, and other Numbers Decoding

 

Thanks, the reason I'm asking is on this site: Decoding 1969 Chevy Camaro Trim Tag it says different. I found a great looking Hugger Orange SS with a "3" in the third spot on the VIN and it confuses me, but I'm easily confused! Here is the website for the car: Gateway Classic Cars. I've attached a photo of the VIN. The car is Stock: #1978-LOU on their lot.

 

That was a 6 cyl. originally. Take a picture of the cowl tag, see what color it was new..

 

I don't think the color was the original color. I could overlook that, but I can't overlook the fact that it was originally a 6 cylinder.

 

I wouldn't have a problem with it if it was a well done clone with all the right parts and priced accordingly but if they are trying to pass it off as a genuine SS at a high dollar amount based on the value of a true SS well..........

 

The numbers on the VIN tag and trim tag aren't supposed to match. A 3 in the 3rd position of the VIN makes it a 6 cylinder car, a 4 makes it an 8 cylinder car. The 3rd digit on the trim tag is always a 4, whether it's a 6 or 8 cylinder car..

 

Thanks everyone. I wish that all dealers selling classic cars would display both the VIN and the Trim Code tag in their adds. Some do witch I appreciate, and some will not even send you a photo when asked.

 

I think that what you're finding is the reason why. Many dealers don't want you to ask these kind of questions because an original equipped or numbers matching car will almost always bring a higher price than a fake and they want the highest price they can get. In todays world, even a car with a lot of documentation is hard to be sure of what you're buying because of counterfeit trim tags and aged POP's that are available. If the dealer is not willing to send a picture of the VIN or trim tags, I would take that as a pretty good indication the car may not be what it's advertised as.