Author Topic: Dash Cluster Tag for 69 (Read 8476 times)

ko-lek-tor · « **on:** May 21, 2016, 04:29:39 PM »

I was only able to find only 1 post regarding the tag on the dash cluster. I was almost positive I had seen more posts or pictures on here, but can't find what I wanted.

I was wondering if a compilation of all 3 years of tag number deciphering exists with someone on here? Of course, me being a 69 guy, I would like to know more about that specific year.

Some information I was trying to determine:

Why do some tags have red print and others blue? (at least I have seen those 2 colors).

What are all of the 2 letter codes and what do they correspond to on all years, 69 for my benefit? My non gauge ones are NA, the gauge cars I own, the clusters are not removed and I am not crawling under the dash to look at them either.

I am just desiring to get some information that may benefit the whole community, here, and I thought it might be a worthwhile topic to explore.

bcmiller · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2016, 04:39:44 PM »

Two letter codes likely broadcast codes (think bbc - Body Broadcast Copy) block 34 labeled CLUSTER.

Colors on tag ink? Probably doesn't mean much or decide to anything.

Let me see what I have. Will try to post some pics (67-68) - I don't think that I have any 69 gauges.

ko-lek-tor · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2016, 05:01:17 PM »

Hey, good assumption on bbc. I bet you are right? I thought maybe along with the code, the color was an additional identifier for line workers? Then again, it could be a shift production thing? Then there is, I am led to believe, different numbers/letters for dash colors which I have never had anything but black. I thought it good to vet this so it can easily be referred to when doing a search down the road. I wonder if Don Lightfoot makes these(I don't need any), just wondering? On a side and not related, I see where Don sold his Chevelle. Please, no comments regarding the Chevelle...it could mess up the purpose of the post, thanks

bcmiller · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2016, 05:39:35 PM »

Probably not a good idea to distribute all of the codes. There are those out there that like to duplicate paperwork.

william · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2016, 05:59:55 PM »

In his 1973 book "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors" John De Lorean used the complexity of 1969 Camaro dash clusters as an example of how out of control Chevy was when he became General Manager in 1969:

"At one time there were an unbelievable 2,720 possible alternatives for Camaro dashboards. By 1972 that was reduced to 96, a drop of 96 percent."

Although I have been able to duplicate that number it is incorrect as it assumed combinations that were not available such as a Z/28 with a power top. Also, I believe clusters were painted after assembly.

If you want to include the 5 colors there are 1,940 possible build combinations. If color is not a factor, 388 combinations.

ko-lek-tor · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2016, 06:15:36 PM »

Quote from: bcmiller on May 21, 2016, 05:39:35 PM

Probably not a good idea to distribute all of the codes. There are those out there that like to duplicate paperwork.

Good point. I was not aware of the sensitive nature of these numbers. thanks.

bcmiller · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2016, 06:35:09 PM »

Those codes all by themselves don't mean much. But together with other codes, then yes they do.

hubleyman · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2016, 11:42:45 PM »

FYI - the ink colors on the gauge cluster tags for midyear Corvettes mean something. Red ink is standard, green ink was used when it had the speedminder / speedwarning option.

As an example, a red ink "LA" coded cluster was the base model low HP engine gauge combination (low redline tach, 60 lb. oil pressure gauge), but a green ink "LA" coded tag was the exact same gauge combo with speedwarning.

Charlie

Spooky · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2016, 01:50:21 AM »

I have 2 clusters, 1 red and the other blue. Both barely readable. Both the same NA code as yours Bentley. Both are non gauge clusters

Scott

Mike S · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2016, 02:02:20 AM »

For 67 my 67 NOR has a black NH for the speedo cluster and a green PA for the console gauge cluster.

Mike

ko-lek-tor · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2016, 02:15:10 AM »

Charlie - great info, thanks for the FYI.
Spookster, my affectionate spin on your site name (Scott), my own recollection too, seeing red & blue labels. I got a better cluster and carefully put this label from the old onto this better one. I also duplicated the grease pencil slash across the label.

Mike- Very helpful, thanks.

But guys, Bryon already said this topic is a road we do not want to go down, that is, to divulge info, so be respectful of the request and do not post anymore label info or IDs to connect them. Thanks. PM would be OK

Mike S · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2016, 02:43:51 AM »

I have mixed feelings about not posting. If false documentation, protect-o-plate's and window stickers can be detected then why keep research a secret?

Mike

KurtS · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2016, 03:20:50 AM »

There always that tension - post info that helps people including scammers or don't post info.
In this case, I'm fine with posting. There's quite a few combinations and I don't think the info is that helpful to the fakers (and is of interest to people).

bcmiller · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2016, 04:38:11 AM »

Mike the problem is, each day they get better.

I guess I should have just stayed silent on the issue and let things play out.

X33RS · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2016, 01:46:37 PM »

Talking about gauge clusters? I don't think that's a huge concern in my eyes to worry about. I mean how many people that are looking at real cars to buy going to rip apart the dash assembly and start looking for cluster codes??? LOL Not to mention what owner is going to let a potential buyer do that?
As interesting as the gauge codes are, and learning is always a good thing, the firewall data tags and drivetrain codes are much more important to a buyer, and I just don't believe they would concern themselves with gauge codes. I see no money in it either which is the big motivator to cloners.
My car being an example of that. Thanks to William he helped me decipher that my car was originally a gauge car using many other clues on the car. However my dash cluster (the plastic fascia) had been swapped decades ago with a standard setup. No clock, no tach, and fuel gauge gone, and had not been cut on. However it had a console and gauges setup. I knew something was a miss.
Turned out it is a factory gauge car, the oil line grommet was present in the firewall and in the correct location, the engine wiring harness was correct for a gauge car, and we determined the console was also correct and original for the car. So someone simply changed the fascia on the dash and never put the clock or tach back in it. I do believe the speedo to be the original though.
None of this however changes the fact that it's a real Z with a real data plate and original drivetrain. So the entire gauge cluster in the dash isn't original now, but codes or not I don't feel it has any effect on the overall grand scheme of things. There are many other clues on a car to look for to determine what gauges it may have been optioned with. Thanks William

bcmiller · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2016, 02:18:10 PM »

X33RS you missed the important stuff. Code is on the bbc.

X33RS · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2016, 02:45:32 PM »

Yeah I get the broadcast code thing. If you wanted to print a fake broadcast sheet I can see concern with that but so many cars sell for big money without those that I don't make too big a deal out of it. I was referring more to the gauges themselves and those stickers or stamps that may or may not be intact. Even though there is still the dilemma of verifying it all, I haven't seen that done yet and wonder myself if this part of it is really all that important so I kind of see where Mike and Kurt are coming from.

When it comes to these cars, especially norwood cars in particular, it's the data plates and drivetrain stamps that mean the most. That along with a JM certification is usually all it takes for a buyer to be happy. On the 69's anyway. You 68 guys have a little tougher time with it so I see what you're saying Bryon.

bcmiller · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2016, 03:17:26 PM »

Carry on...

HawkX66 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2016, 06:00:59 PM »

Hey Bentley. Here is my original if it helps. Clock, in dash tach, console, U17. I see one difference. Yours looks like it says gas gauge and mine says tach.

x77-69z28 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2016, 03:41:33 PM »

I have an extra gauge cluster with a blue PA. Says cluster and console. Hmmmm

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #20 on:** May 23, 2016, 04:22:38 PM »

Here is a photo of the label on my original instrument pod... not sure what all the different colors and letter codes mean? There are dates stamped on the back of each instrument; could the big letters indicate the 'date' that the entire cluster was assembled? (although there might be a date stamped on this label as well.. that I could not read clearly)..

Camarocards · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2016, 06:22:36 PM »

Quote

could the big letters indicate the 'date' that the entire cluster was assembled?

The big letters (NN) indicate the broadcast code. Although you might not be able to see it on your decal, each decal is date stamped. The picture below is what I found on my '68 cluster assembly.

What is interesting about your tag is the color. I've never seen a purple one before.

Bob

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Author Topic: Dash Cluster Tag for 69 (Read 8476 times)