COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

The post about Dave's new Chevelle got me to wondering, and we've been over this info in the past, but the info has been scattered about between a few posts. So, I am taking the liberty of putting all of this previously posted info on one post. So, anyone see a pattern?

Jim Mattison:

Could you possibly explain what the Bxxxx (which corresponds to box 24 "DP SEQ NO" on the build sheet) and Mxxxxxx (which corresponds to box 60 "SPEC ORD" on the build sheet), along with the extra digits at the top/bottom, might possibly mean?

Oh, here's the list:

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/21841-TrimTagInfo.JPG

[Note: if you car is listed above, and you would like it removed, let me know, and I will take it off. Like I mentioned above, though, it's info that the owners previously posted, and I am just combining it.]

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Great post Thanks.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Merci! I updated the list, and I guessed on the chronilogical order of the cars. I don't have info on Pete's car(s), but they seem to fall right in the middle of the other 3. Those extra numbers have to mean something!

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Asked John Z. He said:
'I have no idea, but in those days, "DP" referred to Data Processing - all the "computer stuff" was called "DP" - long before the days of "information systems", etc. Could have something to do with the data entry process that generated the order info or the Broadcast Copy.'

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Makes sense, Kurt. I'm kind of surprised by the response I've got. While no one has posted any more info, I have gotten some emails about adding or updating some of the tags above!

So, anyone else have some tags that could help with the puzzle? Joe?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I waits of another Tag info,
This is a <font color="red">top Secret </font color> info,or what ??.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I added the shipping date of Larry's car above, and updated the page above as well.

Almost 400 views, yet no one is adding any info? [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img] I bet more than one of those 400 has printed the above info for their files...but with that said, thanks to those that have emailed me info for the list!

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Rob

(1)For many people Secret info= $$$$
(2)For other people Secret info=Car destroyed before found.
(3)For other people Secret info=Open the door for more fake car.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Rob, I also own the "A69COPO" car. The restoration will be complete by this Christmas. Is there any other info you need from me?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Your is the 408202
the bottom/number is a 8 or a 9. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
on the tag pics the number look a 8 not a 9.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Dave:

I think the only info I am missing is the VIN#, which would be greatly appreciated! So, when do I get pictures and a write-up?![img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Sorry to sound so negative in the post above, I just thought the info discussed in prior threads warranted it's own thread, and I honestly expected a bigger reaction. No big deal. Thanks again to you guys who have helped me fill in the blanks on the info above!

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

VIN.# IS 404108, I WILL CHECK THE 8 OR 9 ISSUE WHEN I GET HOME.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Its a 8

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Rob I will get you my COPO trim tag info as soon as I can

Bob

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I'm a slow learner but just to clear this up, YENKO has 2 Chevelles? One Canadian and one a US car???
Peter

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Yes Pete, I have 2. I acquired the fathom green car a month or 2 ago.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Free info.
I have one 69 BAL in my registry with the MXXXXXX code
I take this Tag number in a private scapyard in Quªbec/May 1995.
This is probably not a COPO.
Right top corner 9
VIN 136379B32048* ST 69 13637 BAL 15377* BDY
TR 755 55 B PNT
11A B <font color="red">M058382
</font color> no digit bottom/left.
*this is not my car.
Other people have a 69 Baltimore Chevelle Tag.
Malibu or SS or other. Please Share.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I updated the page with Dave's info, and hopefully made it all a little easier to read. Thanks for the info, guys!

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Rob,Here Goes:
8
ST 69 13637 BAL280440 BDY
TR 755 10 B PNT
07B1947 B M205175
8

VIN 402880 Tuxedo Black COPO 9566BA Black Vinyl Roof
Auto on Column Black Bench Seat Interior
A01 Tinted Glass; B37 Floor Mats; C08 Vinyl Roof
M40 Turbo 400;NC8 Cambered; U63 AM U80 Back Seat Speaker
28 088 Columbiana Chevrolet Columbiana Ohio.
Let me know if you need anything further.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Test for the first digit after the M code. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
Digit 11 nov Bal15 =M0
Digit 6 June Bal22 =M1
Digit 7 July Bal28 =M2

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I am working on updating the list as we speak. Thanks for the info, fellas! Ed, is there an extra number in your "Mxxxxx" on your tag?

So, which determines which car was built first: earlier body # or earlier vin #?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I would say the body number would be the closest to the completion date on any of the cars, in most cases but not all and that the date of an MSO would be the official completion date.

There are numerous reasons why a car would not be completed for release to a particular dealer, in sequence with the vin and body tag.

Just my $00.02.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I know we have been down this 'chicken and the egg' discussion before, but did we ever conclude which came first? I thought the body number indicated the order of the car's production, but I think KurtS had a different flow of events - I forget. Kurt?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

The assigned body number and ultimate cowl tag date ,as well as vin do not always flow in sequential order.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I will check the extra digit out tonight. You can tell my eyesight isn't what it once was!.

In reply to your other question, my understanding is that the body number was used by Fisher Body and Chevrolet to keep track of the order from the beginning to the end. The last 6 digits of the VIN being scheduled for a car was totally dependant on the schedule for assembly at the Chevrolet plant.
Body numbers and VIN's are not necessarily sequential in order. A body could have been sent back for paint touch up and been issued a VIN hundreds off from one that it was in line with that morning.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

I updated the list on page 1, but I took a guess on Ed's vin#, so it may not be right! I also added my shipping date, which I forgot I had.

Now, for the numbers question. Was a vin assigned before the sheetmetal was assembled? Otherwise, how did it get stamped in those "hard to reach" places?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

From researching 1970 Chevelles built at the Leeds plant,I would think the VIN# would be assigned once the paper order was taken,and all the specified options as well. It does make sense,but I am not an expert.
How else woud they know to stamp the VIN# on the Block,Body,Trans.,Rear D/S frame rail if at all.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

This discussion was covered on the Camaro site in the past and it was stated by someone (John Z) who actually worked in various plants that the VIN was assigned on the Chevrolet side of the plant, not on the Fisher Body side. Therefore the VIN came after the Body #.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

A body number which was a work order number for Fischer Body was more than likely assigned on paper, prior to the body trim tag having been stamped and dated. Just because a body work order was initiated prior to a later number doesn't necessarily mean that it was completed prior to the other in all cases.

COPO is that were you have been hanging out?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Interesting observations...

<pre><font class="small">code:</font><hr>
Build Delivery
VIN# Body# date date
------------------------------------------------------
32048x 15377x 11A M058382
------------------------------------------------------
385973 225797 06A 6-10-1969 B1284 M182066
------------------------------------------------------
402880 280440 07B B1240 M205175
------------------------------------------------------
404108 283042 07C B1795 M206750
------------------------------------------------------
407670 289486 07D 7-24-1969 B1082 M211415
408202 289489 07D 7-24-1969 B1076 M213132
408235 289492 07D 8-04-1969 B1240 M213171
------------------------------------------------------
412667 283926 7E 7-30-1969 B1617 M218908
412687 283927 7E 7-31-1969 M218933
</pre><hr>

What I did was group them together by build dates. Anyone see any patterns?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Very interesting.
and the 408235 have the last Body# 289492 of this list, and the last shiping date August 4 1969 [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

So, is the build date (example: 7E) a "projected" build date?

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

7E=Thursday 31 july 1969.And this is the same shipping date of the 412687 (Built and shipped same day) [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

In 69, body #'s were the order #'s. VIN's are (mostly) in sequence, orders can be delayed waiting for components / scheduling.
VIN's didn't come down the line sequentially, they were mixed up a little by the queue going into the assembly side of the plant.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

"7E" would be the fifth week of July for the body build date. So the body could have likely been built July 28-31 (assumming they didn't work on Sunday July 27). The shipping date would help to narrow down the exact build date.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Rob,
My build date is 07B not 07D. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

According to a retired foreman from Fisher Body, the VIN was assigned by Chevrolet when the order was received. The Fisher Body tag/# was introduced when FB actually began building the car. The tag was attached once the sheetmetal had been welded together and primered, but before going to the FB paint shop, FB trim shop and then on to Chevrolet for final assembly. Thus, VINs would not go down the line in order, as Chevrolet might need to hold a certain car(s) due to the lack of a certain part. On the other hand, FB numbers would go down the line in order. So, the Fisher Body number would determine the order in which the cars were actually built. Tom

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Try this on for size...

In my mind, I've always been thinking that part of the numbers on the trim tags above were a more specific build date, like the actual day of the plant's yearly build cycle. Well, I noticed something interesting last night on the list posted above, which fell into place once Ed corrected my error on his car's build date. There is an 07B car and an 07C car, with the first 3 digits of there Mxxx number just 1 digit off. Different weeks, but just one number, or ONE DAY off. Remember, A69COPO mentioned that the last 3 digits of the Mxxxx code were listed in box 24 of the build sheet, so the other 3 digits have to be there for something. Luckily, Jeff had just posted a link to a 1969 calendar, so I sat down with it this morning, and put a pencil to it.

Starting with the 07B car, since it is theoretically 1 day off from the 07C car, but different build weeks, then they must be Friday/Monday cars, respectively. So, I placed the 07B car on Friday, July 11, 1969, and place the 07C car on Monday, July 14, 1969. I then used these cars as "place holders" to figure the build dates for the other cars. Another interesting find was my car, the 06A car. It had an 06A build date, but wasn't shipped until the next Tuesday, June 10, 1969. So, I assume it was built on a Friday, too late to get shipped. Using the place holder cars above, it works out, if it was built on Friday, June 6, 1969, and that the factory took July 3 and July 4 off for the holiday.

I then took a look at the 07D and the 07E cars. Again, using the place holder cars, I get a build date of Monday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 23 for the 07D cars, and Wednesday, July 30 for the 07E cars.

Now, I tried figuring the exact build date for the 11A car, but this one is a little more difficult, due to the amount of holidays. But, if my math was right, then the very first day the Baltimore plant started up should be around the 3rd week of August or so.

So, is this close? [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

Tom,

Your post conflicts some with the information provided by John Z on the Camaro site. I believe he stated that the VIN was not assigned until the body went to the Chevrolet side of the plant. This also seems consistent with many of the COPO Camaros that typically have a lower body # than a non-copo car with the same VIN sequence. I think the body # was the order # until the VIN was assigned as was posted earlier by Ed C. The cars would be generally built in sequence to VIN and not the body #.

Re: COPO Chevelle trim tag data
 

For 11A 1968 Calendar [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]