hubleyman
09-26-2007, 06:43 AM
Since I'm in such a gabby mood (sorry guys), it's time for me to touch base on ECL (Exception Control Letter) Codes.....
There seems to be a great deal of confusion about them out there in "Forum" land.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe ECL codes are simply variations related to a particular option. That's it. No big mystery. Now trying to find the correct ECL code for a certain combination of parts could be a BIG challenge if you don't have enough "real" examples!!!
Typically it is a builder code to indicate some specific details related to assembling a car with that particular option and as it effects other option combinations too.
As an example, a console equipped four speed shifter vehicle might need a different shift boot and trim ring as compared to a non-console 4 speed car. Bench seat versus buckets - different shifter handles? Other options can also effect the assembly (brackets, wire harnesses, punchouts in sheetmetal or interior panels, etc.). So the ECL code for one trany combination might possibly be an AD while an AG could possibly indicate another with a minor difference.
While reading an exciting recent L78/M40 Camaro "discussion", I noticed others trying to figure out why the transmission ECL code would be different for a higher horsepower engine equipped with the M40 trans. There definitely is differences in the actual transmission (components, shift points, etc.) but I believe that would be covered by the final assembly code on the actual trany. The difference in the actual car assembly might be as simple as the bracket that supports the kickdown switch. A low horse engine Q-jet carb kickdown switch mounting bracket versus a high horse engine with a Holley kickdown switch mounting bracket. One basic variation could be a different ECL.
Being a Midyear Corvette enthusiast, I've used ECL codes from trim tags for years to help determine factory installed interior and trim options or variations. Each combination of options creates a different assembly code. Hardtop or not, headrest seats or standard, etc. A car with power windows is different than those equipped with manual windows because they need to punch out the console for the power window switch, and not punch out the door panels for the manual window cranks. Order the AM/FM radio in '65? There are 16 different ECL codes for that radio: With or without side exhaust?? Base or higher HP engine. W or W/O A/C. All different ECL's to show which radio suppresion ground straps to use, or which holes to punch... Is the radio any different....no... but the variations or options to go with it are.
It has also been mentioned that the ECL's might relate to the price increases for certain options during the year. While anything is possible, the "blueprints" for building the car probably don't have anything to do with the pricing. My guess is the ECL codes are assigned long before the vehicle is built and before the final pricing (which is determined when the vehicle actually is built) gets applied. But that's just my opinion......
So there, now it's time to relax with a nice glass of Wine. Thanks for laboring through my ramblings.... Charlie
There seems to be a great deal of confusion about them out there in "Forum" land.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe ECL codes are simply variations related to a particular option. That's it. No big mystery. Now trying to find the correct ECL code for a certain combination of parts could be a BIG challenge if you don't have enough "real" examples!!!
Typically it is a builder code to indicate some specific details related to assembling a car with that particular option and as it effects other option combinations too.
As an example, a console equipped four speed shifter vehicle might need a different shift boot and trim ring as compared to a non-console 4 speed car. Bench seat versus buckets - different shifter handles? Other options can also effect the assembly (brackets, wire harnesses, punchouts in sheetmetal or interior panels, etc.). So the ECL code for one trany combination might possibly be an AD while an AG could possibly indicate another with a minor difference.
While reading an exciting recent L78/M40 Camaro "discussion", I noticed others trying to figure out why the transmission ECL code would be different for a higher horsepower engine equipped with the M40 trans. There definitely is differences in the actual transmission (components, shift points, etc.) but I believe that would be covered by the final assembly code on the actual trany. The difference in the actual car assembly might be as simple as the bracket that supports the kickdown switch. A low horse engine Q-jet carb kickdown switch mounting bracket versus a high horse engine with a Holley kickdown switch mounting bracket. One basic variation could be a different ECL.
Being a Midyear Corvette enthusiast, I've used ECL codes from trim tags for years to help determine factory installed interior and trim options or variations. Each combination of options creates a different assembly code. Hardtop or not, headrest seats or standard, etc. A car with power windows is different than those equipped with manual windows because they need to punch out the console for the power window switch, and not punch out the door panels for the manual window cranks. Order the AM/FM radio in '65? There are 16 different ECL codes for that radio: With or without side exhaust?? Base or higher HP engine. W or W/O A/C. All different ECL's to show which radio suppresion ground straps to use, or which holes to punch... Is the radio any different....no... but the variations or options to go with it are.
It has also been mentioned that the ECL's might relate to the price increases for certain options during the year. While anything is possible, the "blueprints" for building the car probably don't have anything to do with the pricing. My guess is the ECL codes are assigned long before the vehicle is built and before the final pricing (which is determined when the vehicle actually is built) gets applied. But that's just my opinion......
So there, now it's time to relax with a nice glass of Wine. Thanks for laboring through my ramblings.... Charlie