68 camaro VIN question

jeffsc5 · 08-31-2009, 03:50 PM

I am looking into buying a garage buddy for my corvette, a 68 camaro ss convt. I have the VIN but here is my question. Is there a way from the VIN to determine the original engine that came with the car? Or is there a way to get a look at the build sheet without paying a bunch of cash or waiting forever for it to be mailed? I am having a mechanic check it over later this week, just wanted to make sure it was a true SS and other things were still stock before I continued. Thanks for any help. This is the first "older" car I have bought. On a side note, he wants $26k. The interior is a 9 out of 10, new top and seals, pretty fresh paint. From looking around, this appears to be a fair price. Yes / No?

64roadster · 09-02-2009, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffsc5

I am looking into buying a garage buddy for my corvette, a 68 camaro ss convt. I have the VIN but here is my question. Is there a way from the VIN to determine the original engine that came with the car? Or is there a way to get a look at the build sheet without paying a bunch of cash or waiting forever for it to be mailed? I am having a mechanic check it over later this week, just wanted to make sure it was a true SS and other things were still stock before I continued. Thanks for any help. This is the first "older" car I have bought. On a side note, he wants $26k. The interior is a 9 out of 10, new top and seals, pretty fresh paint. From looking around, this appears to be a fair price. Yes / No?

I have some Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletins from the 60s 70s and 80s.

The 3rd digit identifies if the engine was an 4/6 cylinder or a V-8. An odd number was used for L-4 L-6, an even number in the third position identifies the vehicle as having been produced with a V-8. Other than that, the VIN does not ID the size of the original engine.

VIN starting with 12337 or 12437 would be for a 1968 Camaro Sport Coupe, 6-Cyl and V-8 respectively.

VIN starting with 12367 or 12467 would be for a 1968 Camaro Convertible.

Hope this helps.

Allthrottleandsomebottle · 09-03-2009, 12:54 PM

Here is a good read:

http://www.camaros.org/diffs68.shtml

also here:
http://www.camaros.net/
http://www.chevy-camaro.com/faq/chev...ro-faq-SS.shtm

I have helped them compile info over da years...............in a nutshell, w/o the Protect-o-Plate or build sheet usually found on top of the fuel tank/under rear seat............a SS can be faked

1968 vin does not speak to an SS or not.........
be careful because there are places that make reproductions of both trim tag and protect-o-plates..........

Steve

juiceman03070 · 09-09-2009, 04:39 PM

I dont know if it holds true in a Camaro ,,but 1968 was the last year Chevrolet use the vin number starting in 138 as a designation for SS package in a Chevelle ..

The way I read it it might need a 4p in the cowl tag...??

ZZMike · 09-10-2009, 12:21 PM

There will be no 4P on a 68 tag.

Original parts are the only true clues to deciphering what the car originally was. When it comes to 1968 Camaros, the best bet is to assume that a car without documention is nothing more than a plain jane car. There are a few things that the tag fakers have not yet figured out that the discerning eye can uncover. I would post pictures and questions over at camaros.net in the "What's It Worth" section. Those guys know their stuff.