1969 RS/SS cowl tag question

[Nailhead]

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.

[KevinW]

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!

[GMAD_Van Nuys]

Additional CRG information on the RS option:

https://www.camaros.org/options.shtml

[Nailhead]

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.

[KevinW]

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.   

[KevinW]

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

 

[KevinW]

Oh yea, the car may have had a repaint long ago. The stripe is not quite what the factory did. All good though!

[Nailhead]

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.

[70L34]

My guess is it would go for $30k+ on the open market. Anything south of $25k would be a no brainer.

[KevinW]

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. 

[BillOhio]

I saw a 69 Z in those colors years ago.  Interior looked black until you put your head inside. 
I have been watching for a nice rs ss 350 4 speed and don't see them pop up too often.  Loaded up car there!

[Nailhead]

I was not able to jack up the car but I was able to get a good pic of the engine ID. I believe that this might be a CE (crate engine). 1977? Possibly a 1976 engine due to the Chevrolet orange paint vs corporate blue? No sign of serious rust issues. Protect-o-plate in glovebox. What does the C, 2, bowtie on the far right (in column 29) designate?

[KevinW]

Shame about the CE engine, Dealerships did replace quite a few engines under warranty at the time. 7 years later is surprising though.

POP info is here: https://www.camaros.org/numbers.shtml#POPCodes

1st line is the VIN, (LA vert, should match the VIN on the dash), C is for a Carter carb.

2nd line: T0121HA engine code matches a SS350/4 speed, all good there
           BS0117G is the rear, 3.31 posi, should match stamped numbers on pass axle tube), 2 is for Build month (Feb). 
3rd line: P9B01 trans (Muncie 4 speed, 69 model year, B month (Feb), 01 day of month.  Probably a M20 as no letter code after the 01. 1133 is for options (power steering, power brakes, any radio & disc brakes)
Bowtie was just a symbol used, all POPs had that.

Having a POP for an LA car (any 1st gen really!) is fantastic.  Proves what you have. You can use the trans and rear numbers to see if those parts are original too. 

One pic of the rocker is a good sign, but you would have to get car on the lift to really dig into it. If car has been stored in a good climate and you don't see any obvious rust behind wheels and under rocker, that is a very good sign.

One way to know if rockers are compromised on a vert is to see how doors open and close. Verts sagging will have very tight doors at the rear. If doors don't open or you have to pry them up to get them unlatched that is a bad sign.  Door hinges also sag, but there is a big different in hinge sag versus rocker sag.

But the question remains, why is this not in your garage yet?    
 

[KevinW]

One more thing, if you get the car and have to replace anything, (DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY!). 

Under dash pic is a good, power top wiring is there.

Engine pics also look good, smog is still there, PS cap is original, Radiator look orig, codes are stamped on the tanks to verify original ( https://www.camaros.org/coolingsystems.shtml). 

Chrome air cleaner top is factory, correct gas filter with 1/4" return line is correct, RS wiper motor with headlight washer valve (RS) is there, finned valve covers might be an add-on or part of engine dress up option, those need further research.

Engine has the motor mount recall brackets/cables. Only two thing stands out, the fan spacer looks too long, might be a replacement.  And carb springs look missing (might just be hiding).

[396 SS/RS]

Very nice! I'd like to see that out of the garage where it can be combed over well. With the options it could have originally been a "Brass Hat" car like mine is.