1970 Chevelle
Welcome to the ultimate factory decoding guide and technical authority for the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. Widely considered the high-water mark of the classic muscle car era, the 1970 Chevelle introduced aggressive, squared-off body lines, an updated interior layout, and the legendary SS 396 and SS 454 performance packages. Highlighted by the iconic LS5 and street-dominant LS6 454/450hp Big-Block V8, along with the functional Cowl Induction hood (RPO ZL2), the 1970 model stands as an undisputed legend. Whether you are authenticating a true Super Sport, decoding a Fisher Body cowl tag, or restoring a Chevelle Base, Malibu, El Camino, SS, station wagon, sport coupe, or convertible, this guide delivers factory-correct documentation. Access complete reference charts for VIN plate breakdowns, engine suffix codes, build sheet decoding, interior trim combinations, Ditzler exterior paint codes, rear axle ratios, power teams, and RPO production numbers to properly identify and restore your 1970 Chevy Chevelle.
Chevelle, El Camino, or Monte Carlo?
Decoding Information Links
- Engine Suffix Codes – 402 & 454 Production Numbers & Engine Pad
Listing of engine ID codes for size, horsepower, and transmission type. - Engine Horsepower/Torque Specifications
Table of standard and optional engine horsepower ratings and torque specifications - Exterior/Interior Color Combinations & Convertible/Vinyl Top Colors
Exterior paint colors and recommended interior trim codes. - Fisher Body Number Plate Decoding
Decode your Fisher Body Number Plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Fisher Body Number Plate General Breakdown
General decoding of Fisher Body Number Plates (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Is it an SS396 or SS454?
How to tell if a 1970 Chevelle is a true SS. - Interior Trim Codes
Listing of all interior trim codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Interior Paint Colors
Ditzler interior paint colors. - Interior Trim Combination Chart
Listing from GM parts book on all Chevrolet trim numbers, materials, and applications. - Paint Codes
Listing of all exterior paint codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards
Decoding Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards ~ See samples via Chevelle and El Camino links below. - Rear Axle Codes
Axle ratio, date, manufacturing plant - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Breakdown
Generic decoding of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates.
Other 1970 Reference Material Links
- Build sheet Examples ~ Reading a Build sheet ~ Information Matrices ~ work in progress, coming online soon
Examples of some of the often asked questions like drive shaft stripe colors, engine/transmission, etc. - Trim Tag Examples
Examples of every assembly plant’s trim tags for Chevelle and El Camino. - Trim Tag Analysis
Analysis and breakdown of trim tag formats for the various assembly plants. - Engine Photos
Partial VIN stampings – Production Numbers of 396 and 454 V8 Engines - Interior Photos ~ Bench Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Bucket Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Monte Carlo
Examples of several Monte Carlo interiors by code number. - Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous paperwork/dimensions/weights/model identification/El Camino Features/D88 Sport Stripes, etc. - Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet
Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet - Options by Quantity/Cost
Options listed as RPO and/or Accessory. - Options by Series/Model Number
Options listed by RPO and series/model the RPO was available on. - Physical Year Calendar Weeks
January 1 through December 31 - Power Teams
Engine, transmission, rear end combinations. - Production Year Calendar
September of 1969 to August of 1970. - Production Numbers By Plant
Last VIN reported by GM for each assembly plant. - Production Numbers By Series/Model
How many of each style, model, and engine type (L6 vs. V8) was produced. - Radiator Numbers
Radiator matrix. - SS396/SS454 Myths & Facts
Myths & Facts about 1970 Chevelles with one of the two SS Equipment options. - Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment
Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment by Chevelle series. - Steering Wheels/Door Panels/Instrument Panel
Different steering wheels, door panels, & instrument panel by Chevelle series. - Trim, Moldings, and Front Sheet Metal
Part numbers from GM Parts & Accessories Book. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ Chevelle/Monte Carlo
Examples of Chevelle/Monte Carlo Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ El Camino
Examples of El Camino Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - 1970 Chevelle Sport Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, & Station Wagon Photo Gallery
Photos of 1970 Chevelles in almost every color offered. - 1970 Chevelle El Camino Photo Gallery
Photos of 1970 Chevelle El Caminos in almost every color offered. - 1970 Monte Carlo Photo Gallery
Photos of 1970 Monte Carlos. - Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1970 Chevelle dealer brochures. - 1970 Trivia
Just for fun stuff.