1965 El Camino Protect-O-Plate Warranty Card
I have more examples but only list a few examples on this page. If you request help with yours, contact me and I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. Include a photo of the Protect-O-Plate as plants often deviate during the model year.Note that 1965 was the first year the Protect-O-Plate was introduced and, as you'll notice, different final assembly plants created their Protect-O-Plates a little differently - particularly Fremont, CA.
Note: GM offers 2 explanations on decoding the VIN.
Using the common 13680 as an example:
1. When describing the VIN plate: 1 ~ Chevrolet Division, 36 ~ Malibu
V8, 80 ~ 2-door sedan pickup
...and...
2. When describing the POP: 13 ~ Chevelle, even number (4 or 6) is a
V8 - odd number (3 or 5) is a L6, 80 ~ 2-door sedan pickup. The engine
designations of 4 or 6 for a V8 engine, and 3 or 5 for a L6 engine was
determined by the series. Since there is no Malibu SS El Camino, neither
7 or 8 engine codes would be valid.
A V8 300 Deluxe would be 4 and a Malibu would be 6.
A L6 300 Deluxe would be 3 and a Malibu would be 5.
Fremont, California
Courtesy Ken Davis
1st line:
750 ~ Interior Trim: Med. Turquoise Ramada Cloth/Imitation Leather
CCA ~ Body Exterior Paint (lower-upper-wheels): Ermine White (A-black
wheels)
J50 ~ Power brakes
N40 ~ Power steering
2nd line:
C60 ~ Air conditioning
13680Z113500 ~ VIN
13680 ~ Chevelle (13), Malibu V8 (6), 2-dr sedan pickup (80)
5 ~ Year of Production: 1965
Z ~ Final Assembly Plant: Fremont, CA.
113500 ~ Sequence Assembly Number: 68,885th vehicle at Baltimore
3rd line:
F0828DE ~ Engine Number: Flint, MI. (F), August 28 (0828), 283/195hp,
Powerglide trans (DE)
R ~ Carburetor Source: Rochester
C1109D ~ Transmission Number: Cleveland Powerglide (C), November 09
(1109), Day shift (D)
4th line:
CB1202W ~ Rear Axle Number: 3.36 ratio (CB), December 02 (1202), Warren,
MI. (W)
K ~ Vehicle Build Month: December
Owner/dealer info: Original owner's name/address removed for obvious privacy reasons.
