I am looking at purchasing a '69 RS/SS convertible 4-speed and I have a question about the cowl tag. I've been able to decode everything except for an alphanumeric code below the trim and paint codes, on the same line as the 02A date code. It reads "E028". Any help is appreciated. I'm new to the Camaro world but I have known about this car for 20+ years that has been sitting untouched in my neighbor's garage since the mid '90's. The owner recently passed away and I wanted to make his widow a fair offer for it but I want to make sure it's a true RS/SS and confirm the authenticity of the drivetrain before I proceed. Hugger Orange with Midnight Green int.
Wow that is an uncommon color combination! LA did not include any option info in the TT. The E028 just means the 28th car during the E period (roughly a day I think).
The links on the main page offer a lot of info to continue with you decoding. You need to find all the numbers you can and post them up as well as pics of details to see how original the car is.
https://www.camaros.org/numbers.shtml
https://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml
What I can see from the pics you provided is a VERY original looking and highly optioned car. Correct 4 speed shifter with correct ball, Console gauge package, deluxe interior, bumperettes, Looks like a small block (should have engine code HA for manual trans).
The car should have a 12 bolt (3.31 with M20 was the standard config), front disc brakes, 5 leaf springs, 4 bbl Qjet carb.
Start digging and take more pics :) Congrats!
Additional CRG information on the RS option:
https://www.camaros.org/options.shtml
Thank you for the information on the alphaumeric code, I will be looking at this car on Sunday and I'll bring 4 jack stands to get a look at the underside and check the #'s on the transmission and rear axle. I have a picture of the engine code but it is barely visible. I'll do some more cleaning and play with the lighting to get a better look.
Oh boy, more rare options! Factory 8-track (you will need to see if all 4 speakers are there and multiplex unit is behind the ashtray). Multiplex unit is very hard to find if missing. Probably will take some $$$ to get restored.
Rosewood wheel ($1,000 to $1,500 by itself), tilt column (another grand or so), looks like a power top too.
The person who ordered this car, basically checked off a whole page or 2 of options.
Also, this being an LA build, there is a possibility that the paper build sheet is on top of the gas tank (between the trunk floor and the tank).
If you get the car (you better!) It is very important to carefully drop the tank and preserve that piece of paper. Any factory LA documentation adds to the value of the car.
Also, SS Camaro's ordered with Rally wheels (in your picture) came with 14x7 rims with code YJ by valve stem. The rims are dated in that location as well. You can carefully take off the trim rims (careful not to scratch) to validate, If they are original, they are probably dated K-1-9 in January, K-1-8 November or Dec is possible too.
https://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#Wheels
Oh yea, the car may have had a repaint long ago. The stripe is not quite what the factory did. All good though!
Thanks Kevin. Yes, it appears to have a respray. If this is a decent survivor with a respray, what might be a fair offer? 15-20k? I understand that it needs a lot to be a safe driver as I have restored '60's cars before. It still has an intact A.I.R.
My guess is it would go for $30k+ on the open market. Anything south of $25k would be a no brainer.
We have not talked about rust yet, right? If rockers are rusted through, it's a big job. If fairly solid and the drivetrain has life, 25 to 30+ for sure.