Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions for First Generation Firebirds that have been asked and answered on FGF. Special thanks needs to be given to all the FGF members who took the time to respond to other member's questions.
Codes - Data Plates
Q: 1967 Body Tag Model Number and RPO Codes
I just bought a 1967 Firebird 400 and I picked up a Firebird ID Numbers book that covers 67-93. According to the book the “series” number is not correct. My number is 67-22637 which translates into 1967, Pontiac divission, series ? (27. The book shows 23 for Firebird), 2 door coupe. Can anyone shed some light? Also, where do you look for the RPO (regular production options) codes?
A:…The Trim Tag Model Number for 1967 Firebird deciphers as follows… 67- Year 2- Division (Pontiac) 2637- Style (26-Custom Trim, 37-Firebird Coupe) The “23” you mention refers to the VIN I.D. number (which didn’t denote Standard or Custom Trim).
The ‘RPO” (Fisher Body Accessory Codes) options are listed on the bottom of the 1967 Firebird Trim Tag. Examples: L, 2GW, 3F, 4Q *3F denotes the “400” option for 1967 Firebird.
A:You can find some more information about the RPO Codes which is often times called Five Group Accessory Codes:
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Content last modified: April 12, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Q: Body Tag Assembly Date
The body tag on my car is missing and I’m wondering what the assembly date would have been. Can any of the dates shown on the PHS documentation be coorelated to the assembly date? Was it a random generated number?
A: There are companies that reproduce the firewall Fisher Body Trim Tag. As for the Build Date Code on this tag, it was unique to the ‘shell’ of the vehicle and would not appear on the Billing History. The only other place this would appear is on the original Warranty Protec-to-Plate. Generally, the Body Build Date was about a week before the Billing History Invoice Date. Sometimes this varied but usually only on special order vehicles (RAII, Show Cars, etc). The difference being that the Body Tag Date was when the Body was sequenced for build by Fisher Body. The Invoice Date was when it actually was ‘cleared’ to leave Final Assy and Certification (just prior to shipping). So, from start to finish, it took about a week or so to build the complete car. If you send me your VIN, I can check it against the Registry Files and probably come up with a pretty close Body Build Date Code based on other VINs close to your’s.
A: Actually, the Fisher Body Unit Number was not randomly assigned. It was generated from ordering info and created by Sequencing (Broadcast). This number represented a specific build order within a batch for a specific time-frame. Factors that Fisher Body used when converting a dealer/customer order into a Body Unit Number included…. Exterior Colors, Models, Options, Special Orders. Just as it is today, cars were not necessarily built in the exact sequence they were ordered. In the world of mass produced vehicles, orders are processed based on production scheduling which in turn is established using many different variables. There was most certainly a process standard for assigning Body Unit Numbers however, I’m not aware of any factory documentation that survived. The Camaro Research Group has been trying to decipher this same issue for several years; What we do know is based primarily on common-practice and first-hand from former and current production plant employees.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:01 am
Q: Body Unit Number
The number on the body tag (firewall) and the Fisher Unit number, how were these sequenced.
Also, how does the build date on the Body Tag correlate to the Billing date from GM? How long did it take to put the entire car together?
A: The Fisher Body Unit Number found on the Firewall Trim Tag was unique to each assay plant and was not a sequential number nor was it sequential with the VIN or any other number or build-date information.
The Unit Number was an internal Fisher Body Number used for sequencing the build of a vehicle relative to certain production factors such as color, model, options, etc.
Once the order was placed by a dealership, PMD routed this to the Plant for scheduling by the Broadcast Dept. That particular order was assigned for build according to the above factors and not necessarily in the order it was received.
If the same dealership ordered 2 different Firebirds on the same day, one a 6cyl verdoro green coupe and the other a Ram Air I black conv, chances are the coupe would be sequenced for build first. Both may have similar VINs but the Body Unit Number could vary quite a bit. Here’s an example:
VIN- 164250 Body Unit No.- 4886
VIN- 164279 Body Unit No.- 7679
The Build Date on the Trim Tag was assigned by Fisher Body when the Sequence Number was assigned and scheduled for build. This represents the Month/Week when the body began to take form in the body-shop (Body in White- BIW). Again, there are factors here that dictate how long it took for a Body in White to be fully assembled and roll off the Final Assy Line. Part availability, Drivetrain availability and color all factored in. Generally, it took less than a week from the time a body received it’s Trim Tag until it left Final and the Certification/Buy-Off Line. Once a vehicle was painted and transferred from the Fisher Body Facility to the Final Assy Plant, it generally only took a day to complete the car.
The Billing History Invoice Date was the date that the vehicle was “bought-off” after Final Assy. This is buy-off initiated the billing and delivery process. It’s not uncommon to find some vehicles with a few weeks between the Body Build Date and Invoice Date due to special orders (colors, engines, etc.).
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:04 am
Q: Fisher Body Sequence Number
My body tag has 111 to the left of the build date code (05C) on the top line. What does this code mean?
A: The three digit codes in this location are most likely Fisher Body Sequence Number (for production).
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:05 am
Q: 1967 Five Group Accessory Code System
Need help decoding the following for a 1967 Convertible, if anyone could help out i would really appreciate it. i noticed that running the vin # and body tag number on oakmediacreations firebird page the production numbers of the vehicle didnt match one another.
=========================================================== Firewall Tag: (as close to possible in the actual locations) 278 07B ST 67-22667 LOR 9854 Body TR 256-Z K-2 Paint EX 2EWGH 3M 4F 5Y =============================================================
A: 278…. This code sometimes found in the upper LH corner or the Trim Tag is most likely the Fisher Body Sequence Number (for production).
A: The consecutive build number codes (9854) found on the body tag will not match the sequential production number code (102345) on the VIN. These numbers had different meanings at the plants.
A: Group codes and their meanings. If you have numbers that are different, register your car with Generation-1 Registry since they are working on deciphering the meanings to these codes. There are many codes that are unknown. These codes were used at the factory to determine what cars needed special modifications. These modifications then correlated with additional options/modifications. Unfortunately for the restorer, these codes were discontinued after the 1967 model.
1st Group (Digit not shown)
D…. Power Convertible Top
E…. Soft-ray Tinted Glass (All Windows)
L…. Folding Rear Seat (Firebird)
O…. Two-tone Paint (Chrome separator strip)
T…. Power Seat – bucket, left seat only
V…. Remote Control Deck Lid Release
W…. Soft-ray Tinted Glass (Windshield Only)
X…. Power Windows
Y…. Power Seat – Bench
2nd Group (2)
A…. Foam Bench Seat Cushion (non-GTO)
B…. 3-spd Manual Transmission Floor Shift
C… ???
E…. Air Conditioning, diff ducting (Firebird, GTO)
F…. ???
G…. Console
H…. Heater Delete
K…. A/C
L…. 4-spd Manual Transmission Floor Shift
R…. Rear Seat Speaker
S…. Rear-mounted Manual Antenna
T…. Rear-mounted Power Antenna
U…. Stereo 8 Track Tape System
V…. Verba-Phonic Rear Speaker
W…. 2-spd Automatic Transmission
Z…. 3-spd Automatic Transmission
3rd Group (3)
B…. Rear Window Defogger
C…. ??
D…. ??
F…. 400 Option (Firebird)
H…. Rally Stripe (Firebird)
J…. custom option (?)
K…. Dome Courtesy Lamp
M…. 326 HO Option (Firebird)
N…. Roof Rail Reading Lamps
W…. ??
4th Group (4)
F….. Outside Remote Control Mirror
Q…. Fullsize Spare Tire (Firebird)
5th Group (5)
B…. Luggage Light (KAN plant only)
C…. Shoulder Belts, Front Seat (Firebird)
J…. Underhood Light
M…. Rear Center Seat Belt
P…. Luggage Light (FRA and PON plants)
Y…. Deluxe Front Seat Belts
Z…. Shoulder Belts, front seat (GTO)
A: If you have more special codes to add to this list and want to help solve some of the mysteries, send them to us using the “Report a Problem” button at the bottom of this page or use the contact link below and found in the pull-down menu above. Every little insight will help solve these mysteries.
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Content last modified: October 2, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Q: Body Tag Code K464
I haven’t been able to find the K464 code anywhere. Has anybody ever seen this code?
05D K464 ST 68-22437 LOS 3573 BODY TR 253 I-2
A: This number was an internal sequence number used at the Van Nuys Assembly Plant. It does not have any connection with the Body Unit Number, VIN, Engine Unit Number or Invoice Number. It was strictly a Plant Sequencing Number. So far, no GM or Fisher Body documentation has been discovered that would decipher this number. On the Body Broadcast Copy and Chassis Broadcast Copy (‘Build Sheet’ sometimes found under the seat, etc), there is a box for “Sequence” Number. Lordstown did not use the same numbering system as Van Nuys nor did they put it on the Trim Tag. Unfortunately, Van Nuys Firebirds rarely (if ever) left the plant with either of these sheets still in the car. (If anyone has ever found one, I’d be very interested in a copy). The Sequence Number is derived from the Dealer Order Number. There are a few Firebirds in the Registry with very close VINs that do not have sequential Body Number and/or Sequence Numbering. In other words, the Plant Assigned Numbers do not have a direct association with the VIN.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:10 am
Q: Body Tag Code C363
What does the c363 mean I cant find it any where.
04d c363 ST 68-22637 LOS 1721 TR 259 I-I
A: The code you refer to comes from the Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant. Since no formal documentation has surfaced as to exactly what that code represents, the best guess is an internal plant – Fisher Body sequencing code. Somewhat connected to the vehicle order number. It has no significance with regard to the VIN, Body number, date or options.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:12 am
Q: Body Tag Special Codes
I have a question about a 1969 body tag. The second line has TR, 208, then a 1967, then “B”, PNT (Black Morrokide interior, Burgundy exterior, black vinyl top). Their third line has the 12D in it (December 1969 build date) and about an inch over is a “T339”. What would T339 code for on the 1969 tag?
============================= Firewall Tag: ST-69 22367 VN 516941 Body TR 208 67B Paint 12D T339 =============================
A: Each Plant in 1969 (Los Angeles, Lordstown, Norwalk) used a different code system for In-Plant tracking, special-options, etc. The code “T339” is one of them. Since no records from the plants have ever surfaced, this is hard to decipher.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:13 am
Q: Vin, Body Tag, and Engine Code Information
Running the vin number and body tag number on oakmediacreations firebird page the production numbers of the vehicle didn’t match one another plus what do the codes on the engine stand for:
Block Casting numbers on R/F of engine (only numbers I can see)
GM4
Stamped numbers on the right front of engine block
508743
YJ
A: This is correct, these two numbers found on the body tag and the VIN will not match. The numbers on the VIN represent the Sequential Production Number. The numbers on the Body Tag represent the Unit Number or consecutive build number. The last tells in sequence when the car came off the assembly line. Again, the body tag number will not match the actual sequential VIN number.
Block Casting numbers on R/F of engine (only numbers I can see) GM4
I do not know what these represented on the block.
Stamped numbers on the right front of engine block
508743 = Motor Unit Number
YJ = 8 cyl, 326 cid, 250 hp, 9.2:1 comp. ratio, 2 bc carb, auto trans.
Sources: Firebird Red Book, Catalog of Firebird ID Numbers 1967-93, Pontiac Historic Services, Year One Catalog
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Content last modified: January 24, 2014 at 9:53 pm
Q: Paint Code is SPECIAL-1 on My 1968
We are trying to get the body tag for our 1968 Firebird. The problem we are having is with the paint code. It says the paint code is special-1. Is there another code for that?
A: You have the “Special Paint Option” which is indicated by ‘special’. When the original owners ordered their car they wanted a color that Pontiac did not offer as an optional color. These colors in 1968 were normally Pink Mist, Carnival Red, Marigold Yellow, or Windward Blue Irid (Irid. means metallic with all others solid).
A: Keep in mind that some of these colors were a Spring release, late year option. Also any color was avaliable as an option if the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) could supply it. I’ve seen Cars with SPEC on data plate and they had an extra QT of paint shipped with them.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:16 am
Q: Paint Code PRIME-2 on 1968
We are having a problem with the paint code found on the body tag. It says the paint code is PRIME-2. Is there another code for this?
A: I’ve heard of several cars with special paint codes or PRIME-XXX Various reasons for this I’m sure.. special order, race cars, company cars requiring special paint. Not a common thing to see. The ‘2’ represents Black top.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:17 am
Q: SHOW-1 Paint Code
My body tag has “show 1” where the paint codes should be. What does this mean.
A: In regards to your question about a “Show 1” Body Tag, yes I have seen those before on a GTO as well as other makes/models. They are quite rare because they were generally very early production vehicles (but not always). Even to this day, the auto companies produce “SHOW” vehicles early in production. Working in Advance Mfg. at DaimlerChrysler, I see vehicles with these same Body Tags… “SHOW 1”, “SHOW 2”, etc. Also see: “PILOT” and “SPEC” as well.
Generally, these special build vehicles were scheduled during the pre-production phase by Engineering or Styling. A “SHOW” Build is built on the regular Line but is treated special and fit/finish are very usually a little better. Paint is also unique and given an extra shine. As with most pre-production or even some early build vehicles, many were destroyed due to various test requirements. A “SHOW” vehicle would have survived if no other Dept. requested it after it’s purpose of “Show” was over. Example: Usually, every fall, the Plants will run a few “SHOW” vehicles for Detroit AutoRama. When the new Grand Cherokee came out in ’92, I personally remember seeing (3) “SHOW” vehicles built. All were Red and each had an ‘escort’ to ensure all trim/exterior parts were show worthy. In addition to the Body Trim Tags stating the vehicles purpose (BTW, at Chrysler, these Tags are temporarily ‘wire-tied’ to the front lower cross member until mid-way through the Chassis Line). “SHOW” vehicles have special Broadcast Sheets as well as hand-written sheets attached to all sides to let Operators know that this vehicle is to be treated special. To find a “SHOW” 1st Gen. Firebird is indeed a rare thing. Finding the Broadcast Sheet would be an interesting discovery. If I can answer any similar questions, feel free to let me know.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:18 am
Q: Special Paint Option CODE SPR and Carousel Red for 1969
I have a couple of questions regarding the info I have received on my Firebird from PHS.
What is the significance of the special paint option CODE SPR? Mine is carousel red. What is special about that ?
Does anyone know what the last 2 items on the options list are. They are:
OPTIONAL LOC CODE 011
ADV.ASSN.COL CODE 011 $10.00
A: * Carousel Red was a Special Order Paint in 1969 for Firebird
A: The ADV.ASSN.COL that is shown on a dealer invoice means “Advertising Association Collected”. The local dealer advertising groups will charge a certain amount for each car to fund the tv and local newspaper ads.
OPTIONAL LOC means that the car was unloaded by the driver of the car carrier at the dealers “Optional Location”. Many dealers have a different location or storage lot, where they store their new-car inventory.
I assure you that neither of the notes on an invoice are showing this car, or any car as being used for promotional purposes! By the way………… lots of invoices had these notes. They are nothing special.
The story on Carousel Red is a good one, but there is absolutely no truth to it! Pontiac did release four (4) special order colors for 1968. These colors were:
Windward Blue, Goldenrod Yellow, Pink and the equivalent of Carousel Red. These colors were available on all 1968 Pontiacs, not just the Firebird. To the best of my knowledge, the reasoning for releasing these special colors was that both Ford and Chrysler had some very popular “bright” colors, including an orange in their color lineup. Remember, this was the psychedelic era! This was GM’s response to those offerings, nothing more!!!
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:19 am
Q: Deviations from Normal Codes on a 1969 Body Tag
I recently purchased a 1969 Firebird with a body tag as follows:
ST 69-22367 VN514538 BDY TR 206 73 G PNT 12C S093
What I am puzzled over is the G in the body tag. I have pictures with what is supposed to be the original top and I have the original boot. Both items match the color of the interior which is midnight green. What does the G stand for????
A: I’d have to say that the “VN” is just a variation for the Van Nuys Plant loc. code. There are others within the Registry with this same variation. One is a “2B” date code….. VN512949 and the other is a “12C” date code….. VN513857. “73” is obviously the Fisher Body code ofr Verdoro Green. The only listing I find using the “G” is Pontiac Factory Coding which used “G” for Antique Gold. This may be a legit color that has just not been published in any lists yet or, it could be a typo or mis-read. My guess is that the paint was Verdoro Green and the conv. top was Antique Gold which is listed on the 1969 Order Form as an “Upper Color”… “G”.. Antique GoldPlease fwd. the photo again of the Trim Tag (as a .jpg please). I couldn’t get it to open.
A: The information that is found on Fisher Body tags, especially the 1968-9 tags, don’t tell you anything about a car, except the body style, color and the trim. Even then, I’ve seen some deviations in this information, from one plant to another and even from shift to shift at the same plant! Remember these cars were built in “BC” (Before Computer) and a lot was left to human interpetation.
For the most part Fisher Body used the GM corporate codes for body color and top color, as opposed to the codes that were used by the divisions, in this case Pontiac. Code “73” converts to Pontiac code “Q”, for Verdoro Green. The “G” that immediately follows, converts to Pontiac code “9” for Dark Green. At least the trim codes are the same for #206, or Standard Green Vinyl. Confussed??? So are all of us so-called experts!!! 1969 is the worst of the bunch!
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:20 am
Q: 1969 Upper Body Color is “F”
I have a 1969 Firebird with a paint code of 61F. The paint is Expresso Brown the original vinyl top was dark brown but I cant find a code or match anywhere. Any suggestions?
A: Let’s see if this helps. I believe “PNT 61” is correct for Expresso Brown, I am going on a questionable memory here as I can’t put my hands on my paint charts. In 1969, the colors were designated by a confusing crossover of numbers from the Order Form to the firewall Data Plate. If you ordered Expresso Brown, you checked off letter “B” on the form, and if you wanted a vinyl top option (called the Cordova Top) you checked a number, in this case number “8” for Dark Fawn.
My 1969 Firebird Order Form shows 5 available Cordova Top colors:
2=black
3=dark blue
5=parchment
8=dark fawn
9=dark green
In the case of convertibles:
1=white
2=black
3=dark blue
9=dark green
On the Firewall Data Plate, they are shown as:
A=white (convertible)
B=black (all)
C=dark blue (all)
E=parchment (coupe)
?=dark fawn (coupe)
G=dark green (all)
I cannot remember ever making note of what dark green and dark fawn are represented by in letter form, but the ones I DO know are the corresponding number positions of those letters in the alphabet, but I am willing to guess there’s more to this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen letters “H” and “I” on Data Plates. If this sequence follows, then numbers 8 and 9 for dark fawn and dark green would be the 8th and 9th letters of the alphabet, but I cannot find anything to prove this. Looking at the sequence with question marks in place of letters, one might imagine letters “F” and “G” fitting there.
My guess then is that code “F”, the 6th letter, likely represents the Dark Fawn Cordova Top Option.
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Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:21 am
Q: 1968 Body Tag – Interior Code 281
My body tag has interior code 281. I can not find this in any of the resource books. My interior is brown if that helps.
A: Brown/tan interior *was* offered in 1968. I can attest to this because my 1968 FB was ordered with and has the saddle (tan) leather interior (trim code 281). In addition, the car if original, should have matching brown/tan/goldish dash pad. Lastly the convert boot and deluxe wheel (if applicable) should also be tan/brown to match the tan/brown interior. Keep in mind though that 281 leather option was a late year addition (early June) so check your invoice date (billing history) to see when your bird was invoiced.
BTW, what do your door panels look like? The 281 option used tan/brown vinyl with a “faux leather grain” finish. (Quite bizarre looking actually…)
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 9, 2014 at 12:23 am
Q: Vehicle ‘Tracking’ Numbers For 1968
What are the important numbers for my car and where are they located?
A:
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Assigned to a Body once it has been scheduled for build (Body in White) prior to Final Assembly (while at Fisher Body). This 13-Digit Number included the Division(Chevy, Pontiac, etc.), Series, Model, Year, Assy Plant, Engine (V-8 or 6cyl). The last 5-Digits were the specific Serial Number. The VIN was stamped into a metal tag riveted to the top LH side of the Dash. New for 1968 was the stamping of the VIN (minus Series & Model) onto the Engine Block and onto the Manual Trans Case. This would have occurred at the Vehicle Assembly Plant just prior to (or during) installation into car.
BODY NUMBER
This was the consecutive body number as assigned by Fisher Body. For 1968, there were 2 Assembly Plants, LOR (for Lordstown, OH) and LOS (for Van Nuys, CA). This number was stamped onto the Firewall Trim Tag and will appear anywhere from a 2-Digit number up to a 5-Digit number. This number will also appear on the Broadcast Sheet. There is no consistent (numerically consecutive) pattern between the VIN and Body No.
ENGINE UNIT NUMBER
A 6-Digit Number was stamped onto the front RH face of the Engine Block. This was a tracking number used for sequencing an Engine to a specific car. All V-8’s started with a 2 while the 6-Cyl’s began with a 6. This number was most likely stamped at the Engine Assy Plant prior to delivery to the Vehicle Assembly Plant. Also found on the Car Billing History Sheet and on Owner Warranty Data Plate. No consecutive connection to the VIN as this number was not unique to a specific Model.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Once a car was ordered, an Identification Number was created and routed through to the Assembly Plant for scheduling. This 6-Digit number was entered into the Broadcast System at Fisher Body and the Final Assembly Plant. This number is found on the Broadcast Sheet and along the bottom of the Window Sticker. There is no direct sequential connection between this number and the VIN although the Identification Number is usually higher than the VIN and does climb higher as VIN does.
SEQUENCE NUMBER
Found only on the Broadcast Sheet, this number was used within the Plant as assigned by the scheduling dept. Usually a 3-Digit number with no sequential connection at all to the VIN, Body Number or IDENT. Number. Perhaps assigned in batches and/or daily.
INVOICE NUMBER
A 6-Digit number proceeded by a letter. Used for Billing purposes and found only on the Car Billing History. No connection to any other vehicle number.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 11, 2014 at 8:27 am
Q: Custom Trim Option
I am confused that my car has the custom option trim (554) but it only has standard interior.
A: The Custom Trim Option with custom seats for the 1968 Firebird was identified on the Firewall Trim Tag as Style 22667 (conv) -or- 22637 (coupe). (22467 and 22437 were Std. Interiors). According to the sales literature, the Custom Trim Option (code 554) included the following…..
-
Deluxe Wheel Discs
-
Deluxe Steering Wheel
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Door and Quarter Trim (molded vinyl)
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Vinyl and Weave pattern Seats
-
Roof Rail Mldgs
-
Wheel Opening Mldgs
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Instrmt. Panel Grip (Grab Bar)
-
Pedal Trim
-
Dual Horns
There are other features that were apparently associated with the Custom Trim Option that were not so obvious such as the different (longer) window regulators. Some items have also been speculated to have been also included such as…
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160 mph Speedo
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“BIRD” Emblem on Glove Box Door
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Custom (Deluxe) Seat Belts (brushed metal buckles w/GM button)
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Small white “BIRD” etched onto fwd/lower corner of front side glass
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Windshield ‘A’ pillar Mldgs (interior) ??
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Wheel Trim Rings (when ordered w/Rally II wheel option)
All items in the Custom Trim Option could have been ordered individually on a 22467 (or 22437) car except the Deluxe Interior, 22667 (or 22637).
A: The body tag series number changed to reflect the custom trim option (Code 554) and had a different number for custom interior (26) or standard interior (24):
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22437 std interior with custom trim option (coupe)
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22467 “” (CONV)
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22637 deluxe interior with custom trim option (coupe)
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22667 “” (CONV)
A: Use following link to find more information about the Custom Trim Option on FGF: More Information
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Content last modified: January 25, 2014 at 10:11 am
Q: Date Codes
While comparing the date code on my 1967 engine to the Fisher Body Tag, the dates are about three weeks apart. Should I be concerned my engine is not original even though it has the correct engine code (matches docs)?
A: As for date coding, the general rule of thumb for drivetrain components compared to Body Assy Date is anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. I’ve seen documented cases where some components were the week before Body Build and as distant as 3 months for things like an alternator. Generally, 6 weeks is the usual maximum. Keep in mind that there are no absolutes when it comes to date coding. Inventory Control 30 years ago was not like it is today. Most people will say that NEVER should a drivetrain component be dated AFTER the Body Build Date however, “never say never”. There have been special cases where the entire engine assy had a casting date after the Body Build Date. This could have been the result of production shortages and/or special build orders.
Also, remember that the Fisher Body Build Date on the firewall Trim Tag is not the final assy date. This Month & Week Code denotes the week that the body shell was assembled at Fisher Body. Again, in special cases, the body shell might have been pulled or put aside from the regular production flow due to a special order or part shortages. The Final Assy Date can be found on the Billing History. Listed as the “Invoice Date”, this is when the car left the final assembly line and was ‘certified’ to be shipped (bought-off). Once again, there could have been factors that delayed this date from being assigned to the vehicle or shipped. Part shortages, mis-builds, repairs would delay buy-off.
Your Firebird body shell was scheduled and assembled during the 4th week of October 1967 (23rd – 27th). This was the basic painted shell with glass, carpet, headliner, seats, some trim. From there,. it was transferred to the Final Assy Plant (Lordstown, OH) for Final Assy. This is where the front fenders, hood, bumpers, trim and drivetrain were installed. The Invoice Date on your Billing History would tell you when the car left Final Assy. The “WK” Engine Block you have (I177) was cast on Oct. 17th 1967. From there it was sent to the Engine Assy Plant and then to the vehicle Final Assy Plant where additional components were added to it before being installed to the vehicle. One could estimate that if it was cast on the 17th (Tues.) then it was probably not assembled until the 20th or 23rd. Figure another couple of days until it arrived at Lordstown for Final Assy into the car. In this hypothetical scenario, there is a chance that this particular engine COULD have been installed into a Body built during the 4th week of Oct. 1967. Variables would be how long it sat at the foundry, shipping time, scheduling and routing through selectivity banks, etc.
Often times, lower production vehicles were built according to a batch order. This would result in many of that particular model, color, engine being routed through production within the same week or period of time. This explains the Body Unit Number found on the Trim Tag and special in-plant codes found on the corner of the Trim Tag (usually found on Van Nuys or Norwood cars in late 1968 or 1969).
Hope this helped. As always, this information is from various sources and research others or myself have done. Exceptions usually DO exist to every rule.
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Content last modified: January 11, 2014 at 8:39 am
Q: “Numbers Matching”
How do you know if you have a numbers matching car.
A: People still call cars “numbers matching” if all of the Part Numbers and Casting Codes are correct and pre-date the car by the correct 1-3 months (in general).
A:
Use the following web pages on the First Generation Firebird web site as a guide:
1967: https://FirstGenFirebird.org/1967-info/1967-technical-information/1967-drivetrain-id-number-information/
1968: https://FirstGenFirebird.org/1968-info/1968-technical-information/1968-drivetrain-id-number-information/
1969: https://FirstGenFirebird.org/1969-info/1969-technical-information/1969-drivetrain-id-number-information/
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 15, 2014 at 12:21 am
Content last modified: September 15, 2023 at 11:15 am