Yep, and I just read from the Camaro Assembly Process that the cowl tag was riveted to the firewall prior to painting thus way before VIN assignment.
The VIN was assigned and stamped on the shell at the same time the Body Broadcast Sheet was created.
Hmmmmmmmm
Did you have a chance to check the other "secret" VIN which is usually on the firewall below the heater box and thus hidden when the heater box is installed?
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI