I just purchased a 73 SS and I'm trying to get verification on the emblems. Side front fender states "El Camino SS Classic". Tailgate has "SuperSport". Steering wheel has "SS" logo. VIN shows it to be a original 454 car. Is this original to an SS?

I haven't owned a '73, but here's what the showroom brochure and a couple of old test drive reports say about the '73 SS: "Here's what El Camino SS adds up to: first you specify either the two- or four- barrel version of the Turbo-Fire 350 V8 or the Turbo-Jet 454 V8. And order the Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, the wide-range 4-speed manual (350 V8), or the close-ratio 4-speed (454 V8). Then outside you get matching right and left sport mirrors, with the LH mirror adjustable from the inside a black-finished grill, your choice of black or white body side striping, 14" x 7" GT wheels and C70-14 white lettered bias belted ply tires, bright wheel opening, drip rail, tailgate and upper body moldings, and SS emblems on the grille and front fenders and tailgate. Inside there are SS medallions on the door trim panel and wheel and a special instrument cluster with black bezels."

Both pictures I have do not show anything on the front fenders except the SS decal and stripe, along with the engine size emblem.
Hope this helps.

Sounds like and outstanding fouth gen. SS. Send us some pics!

Thanks for the response. Whats really got me stumped is the "SS Classic" emblem on both fenders, and "SuperSport" on the upper left hand corner of the tailgate. The dash, steering wheel, mirrors, match what you have said. There is no emblem in the grille. There are no stripes or decals.

Thanks for the help

Does the Super Sport graphic on the tailgate look anything like this one? http://www.necoa.org/images/supersport78_83.jpg

No its not a decal its a metal emblem written in script "SuperSport" in the upper left hand corner.

I put pics in the gallery, look at the emblems. She needs work, but she's mine . . . .

Grey,
Some previous owner has placed earlier Chevelle emblems on the Elky. What's that white stuff in the background?

So you think the emblems were added?? You say the SS markings are originally decals?? thanx for the info . . . the steering wheel is SS, the dash is the SS dash. Was the 454 only offered in the SS? I'm trying to verify that it is an original SS. Where are the build sheets usually on these? (Boy this guy's got alot of questions, geesh . . . .) Any more info or clues would be more than appreciated.

Hey ElkySS, (nice car by the way . . .) the white stuff is "Northern rain . . .", whats that green stuff behind yours? :wink: lol, Grey

The 454 option was not limited to the SS. "Build sheets" were often placed on top of the gas tank, and sometimes under the carpet or under the headliner. Check out this link for ordering a "restoration packet" for your year El Camino: www.chevytrucks.org/tech/restpak.htm

Hey there...How cool someone else owns a 73 SS! I bought mine 2 years ago and am still working on the restoration. It is currently in the paintshop. Mine was pretty rough and missing most all of the emblems when i got it. Mine did come with the grille with the SS emblem and the matching sport mirrors. The proper tailgate emblem for the 73-77 years from what I've been able to figure out is the block lettered
"El Camino"with a bowtie attached on the end. I am still trying to figure out if mine should have SS emblems on the front fenders or 350 emblems along with the smaller version of the El camino lettering.
Mine originally came with the 4 barrel 350 motor and I have a brandspankin' new GM 350 crate motor in it just like the original only better equipped(added an Edelbrock torker manifold and carb, dual stainless steel exhaust and headers and threw in a B&M shift kit to go with the posi rear end )(one of these days I might actually find all the parts I need and get to drive it!) I think some of the 73-77 SS models did come with 454's in them.
Let me know what you come up with as far as what a proper SS should have for emblems and fixtures. A truly challenging year to restore with replacement parts availability being limited so don't give up....2 years later I'm still working at it and it will all be worthwhile when i hit the road for that first road trip! :) caminocowgirl77

Hey, great to hear from you cowgirl. It is nice to know there are others that own these great cars. It is also nice to know there are 73 SS owners too. Mine is pretty rough, and I haven't touched it yet. Seems I have a few other "priorities" ahead of the ole girl! Sounds like you are a bit ahead of me, but I'm not in any hurry. You take care. . . Grey