Muscle Car Basics:
‘63-‘67 Chevy II Cowl Tags
by Patrick Smith
By 1964, the SS package graduated to its own body code ‘47’ on the cowl tag. The ‘Z’ code on the BSO tag was changed to another rare option worth finding; Z now meant metallic brakes. Another new code included ‘L’ for M20 four speed transmission. 1963 carryover options included ‘O’ chromed passenger mirror and ‘Y’ for deluxe seat belts.
For 1965, the Nova SS series had two separate model series codes, one for inline six and the other for the V8. Model 17 was the Nova SS inline six and Model 18 was the Nova SS V8. The BSO codes were the same. Oshawa, Ontario, started assembly of Novas that year. For 1966, things remained the same with respect to the cowl tag codes. 1967 had no new codes listed.
WHAT WON’T APPEAR
No matter what your pal at the burger stand tells you, there weren’t many high performance options that appeared on GM tags. For engines, all you’ll know is your Chevy II is inline six or V8 powered. It won’t tell you if you have an L79, a K66 transistorized ignition module, power steering or many of the engine options as it didn’t have anything to do with body production. That’s where the build sheet or sales receipt is so valuable. Remember the cowl tags are riveted in place, so be wary if it looks as if it had been reinstalled.
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