Classic Factory Tags
GM Cowl / Trim Tag Decoder
Read Fisher Body cowl tags for 1967–69 Camaro and Firebird and 1968–72 Chevelle, Malibu, and El Camino: style, plant, build week, paint, trim, and 1969 Norwood X-codes.
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How to Use This Tool
- Pick Camaro, Firebird, or Chevelle/Malibu/El Camino and enter the model year from the tag.
- Type the ST style number, plant letters plus body number, build-date stamp, TR trim, and PAINT/PNT codes.
- Add extra bottom-line stamps such as 1969 Norwood X-codes (X11–X77) when present.
- Use the VIN decoder or a build sheet for engine and transmission — the cowl tag usually does not record them.
What a Fisher Body Cowl Tag Can Tell You
Fisher Body built the body and riveted a small aluminum tag to the firewall as each body started down the line. The tag is strong on body style, paint, top, interior, plant, and build-week scheduling stamps. It is usually silent about engine, transmission, and most performance options, which the car division added later. Camaro style numbers use 12xxx with 37 coupe / 67 convertible; 1967 also used a third digit for standard vs custom interior. Paint codes flipped format in 1969 (letters then numbers). Mid-1969 Norwood Camaros added X-codes as body-trim aids — Van Nuys cars did not. Always treat swapped tags and incomplete option stamps as possible; PHS or a build sheet remains the documentation that counts for clone debates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cowl tag?
On the firewall in the engine bay, typically on the driver’s side near the brake master cylinder. It is a small riveted aluminum plate stamped by Fisher Body.
Can the cowl tag prove SS, RS, or Z28?
Not by itself. 1967 tags sometimes carry option-group letters, 1968 tags generally do not, and 1969 Norwood X-codes only hint at body trim packages. A build sheet, Protect-O-Plate, or invoice is the evidence that settles package claims.
Is decoding uploaded anywhere?
No. All lookups run in your browser from onboard code tables. Body numbers are never sent to CarCultureHQ servers by this tool.
Why did my paint code not match?
Special-order paint, two-tones, mid-year deletions, and plant differences all happen. A dash or odd stamp often marks fleet/special paint. Unknowns stay marked instead of inventing a color name.