I have a '74 Classic, and I have all the mouldings to finish it (it's a work-in-progress). I just bought a "parts car" that's a '73, and is supposed to be an SS. I think the body is in better shape, and may choose to switch. If I do so, what are the moulding differences between the '74 Classic and the '73 SS? I'd like to have an idea as to the approximate cost before I dive into this.

Also, how do I verify whether or not this is a REAL SS? The VIN shows that it had a 454 (I'm getting it without engine and tranny), but I recall that the 454 was also available in a non-SS car. What else should I look for?

Anybody?

73 should have a Y in the 5th digit to be an original 454. As far as trim and SS, check your data plate. PM me the digits, I'll try to decode them for you with the books I have.
Regular Production Options (RPO) codes vary.....the SS454 had a Z15 code in 73 (according to my book/Cars&Parts/Catalog of Chevelle, Malibu& El Camino ID Numbers 1964-87).

The trim on the SS 73 model shows just stripes around the side, a picture in the El Camino & SS Muscle Portfolio 1959-1987 book (published by Brooklands Books) looks GOOD like that, IMHO.

I have a 73 Sprint that was a factory BB, no trim on it. My 74 didn't have any when I bought it, the 77 Sprint sitting waiting for floor pans (when I get time) has trim like a Classic. Go where your heart tells you, you have to be happy with it!

Good luck,
Lee

Do a picture search and you will see that SS cars have MUCH less trim to worry about, they have stripes instead. The car should also have an SS dash emblem on the pass. side.

EDIT: a '73 SS should also have SS emblems on the door panels.

73 should have a Y in the 5th digit to be an original 454.It does.As far as trim and SS, check your data plate.I would, but it appears that some idiot decided that the car looked better without the plate, and removed it. Is there any other way to get this information?The trim on the SS 73 model shows just stripes around the side, a picture in the El Camino & SS Muscle Portfolio 1959-1987 book (published by Brooklands Books) looks GOOD like that, IMHO.I thought that I had read that the SS had wheel opening moldings, and that they were different from the non-SS. I checked some parts catalogs, and they show that the rear moldings are the same, but the fronts are different. I have a complete good set of wheel opening moldings from a Classic. I'd like to know what moldings came on it from the factory.

The wheelwell moldings are not the same. The Classic moldings are shorter in length to accomodate the stainless trim at the bottom of the front fenders and the rear quarters. I bought a set of 4 moldings (NOS) of which I could only use two as the other two are for an SS car so I still need the rear classic moldings and have 1 front and 1 rear SS molding.

Actually, I could use another set of classic moldings for the wagon as the original owner parked "by ear" and wounded them all going in and out of the garage.

I still need the rear classic moldings and have 1 front and 1 rear SS molding.

Actually, I could use another set of classic moldings for the wagon as the original owner parked "by ear" and wounded them all going in and out of the garage.The set I have is complete, and is for a Classic. I also have a complete set of the stainless trim (I haven't checked the condition recently - body's under a tarp). Perhaps we could do some sort of trade? Email me if interested.


I'm still looking for a way to get a list of the original build options. I recall reading somewhere here that there was a way to get this from GM. Does anyone recall, or have a link to the post?

I'm sure we could work something out, I'll email you after the Holiday. What's the condition of the trim?

You can also forget about GM helping on the original specs, there was a plan to do that the way PHS does for Pontiac but the deal fell through.

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