Missing Cowl Tag

[sstone69]

I have found a 1969 CST - 396 short bed truck that I want to buy.
There is no cowl tag / data plate.
Is that normal? I can't even find where the holes would have been. Doesn't look like any bondo or any repairs in that area.
There is a data plate in the door frame that matches the title.

Should I be concerned?

[Shane]

the VIN tag is in the door opening of the driver's side door ... not on the dash in these year trucks.

[ChevLoRay]

to the forum! You will find that there are people on here who are extremely knowledgeable and willing to help. It's a family, and that's why it works.

But, your question has been answered. You are evidently young enough to be accustomed to having a VIN tag visible through the windshield. That is something that didn't happen until the early Seventies. Truck VIN tags are on the rear of the door opening of the '67-72's, but older trucks may have them at the top of the opening or on a kick panel. Until the windshield VIN tags were mandated, there was no cut-and-dried SOP to say where they would be found. Also, the rivets that hold 'em on, are special rosettes. The outer edge of each rivet should have a scallop.

[OJ1988]

HE is asking about a cowl tag data plate, not a vin plate.

I was wondering the same about mine. Perhaps the trucks did not have then.
It's not an age thing either. My 1955 bel air has one.

List all the important stuff, paint code, trim level, options, etc.... A vital price to any classic car.

I guess the glove box rpo sticker was all the trucks got.
Posted via Mobile Device

[sstone69]

Thanks for the quick responses,

You are correct about the data plate and not the VIN.

By the way, I appreciate the compliment about my age, I was 8 years old when this truck was born.

This issue came up when I was having this truck appraised by a 3rd party and the appraiser brought it to my attention.

Just didn't know if this is a big issue, just trying to make sure I know what this truck is.

[Shane]

no offense, but if the so-called "appraiser" didn't know these trucks did not have cowl tags then I think I might find me a new appraiser.

just sayin' ...

[sstone69]

He called it a data plate and then said it was a cowl tag.
They did a good job and this may be a minor issue, but they seemed to be concerned about the missing data plate, so I thought I would ask you guys.
Its a nice truck, has some rust on it.
But it is nice to hear the 396 after driving a 6 cylinder for many years.

[too much stuff]

All your info will be on the inside of the glovebox door. If that is gone you may get lucky and find a build sheet in the seat springs. Kind of a long shot however.
The guys are correct on no cowl tags for these years. Eric

[Shane]

Originally Posted by sstone69

... They did a good job and this may be a minor issue, but they seemed to be concerned about the missing data plate ...

not sure I understand how they did a "good job" if they don't know what should and what should not be on the truck?

[sstone69]

Originally Posted by Shane

not sure I understand how they did a "good job" if they don't know what should and what should not be on the truck?

They spent 5 hours checking every aspect of this truck including measuring the thickness of the paint to see if it had been re-painted.
A thorough 23 page report of the status of the truck with 25 pictures is what I meant by a good job.

They referred to the data plate in the report and then referenced a cowl tag when I talked to them on the phone.

The information sheet is in the glove box and it matches what is on the truck.

[sjarrett71]

I've never seen a cowl tag on one of these trucks and second what Shane said.

[Shane]

... as long as your happy

[71swb4x4]

I agree with what the others have said. No cowl/data plates on the 67-72 GM trucks.
It looks like you get to teach your appraiser something.

[cheyenne shortstep]

If the appraiser referenced the "missing" trim/cowl tag in the report that would be a ding in the value of the vehicle, which should be of concern to you. An experienced appraiser should do some homework pertaining to the vehicle being appraised so as to put an accurate value on the vehicle. I would get a second opinion, especially if you are having this done for insurance or resale.
Just my 2 cents.

[ChevLoRay]

I have seen portions of the body style written on the firewalls, like "10734" written with a grease pencil.

I also learned that FoMoCo (for instance) had a VIN tag mounted on the Passenger side of the dash between the pad and the windshield, in '68. I don't know if the other MFR's did that then, or not. I was overseas and had nothing but a Honda 90 and a wish list a mile long.....

I'm going to bet at some point in the future, there will be a question on here about their VIN tag not having a Bar Code.....