|
How can I decode my Firebird's cowl tag (data trim plate)?
How can I decode my Firebird's cowl tag
(data trim plate)?
In 1967, the cowl tag or data trim plate was a small
metal tag riveted to the left side of the firewall in the engine compartment.
It has 3 lines of codes, the first of which contains the "build date" code.
This consists of two numbers (1 thru 12 corresponding to each month of the
year) and a letter (A thru E corresponding to the week of the month). For
example 11C means the car was built in the 3rd week of November. The second
line contains the style ('ST') information as long number that starts with the
two digit model year, followed by a three digit division series code (usually
'223'), followed by a two digit body series code ('37' coupe and '67'
convertible). The division series and body series codes should correspond to
the first five digits of the VIN. The next three letters represent the assembly
plant ('NOR' Norwood and 'LOS' Van Nuys). The final six digits should
correspond to the last six digits of the VIN. The third line of the tag
contains the trim ('TR') and color coding. The first three digits are the
interior colors and type (standard or custom), the fourth is a letter
indicating the body color, and final digit indicates the the color of the vinyl
or convertible top, if so equipped.
In 1968 the tag/plate was redesigned and relocated.
It was placed at the base of the windshield (under the hood) on the driver side
(hence the term cowl tag). It is most likely black with several numbers and
letters on it. The first line now contained the style ('ST') codes of the year,
division, and model (as correspond to the VIN). The second line contained trim
('TR') codes of the interior and exterior colors. The exterior paint code was
also broken up into lower, body ('L') and upper, top ('U') colors. The build
code was moved to the third line and also included a "modular seat code" which
confirms the type of seats installed in the car. Also, a separate plant
production number was added in the third line along side of the build code.
Back To Top
|