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Another valuable source of documentation is the
Protect-O-Plate. This metal plate the size of a credit card was used from 1965-1972 to assist dealers in tracking the options of General Motors vehicles for warranty purposes. The
Protect-O-Plate was never meant to be used as restoration documentation but having the plate can validate the authenticity of your vehicle. Here is a sample
Protect-O-Plate decoded from a 1969 Caprice:
| T1204LE | 166479U156713 | R |
| 69Q373 | FW0109B | 1 |
| | 11333 | |
| | John Customer | |
| | 69 Caprice Ave. | |
| | Chevyland, USA 12345 | |
So what does that mean?
T1204LE: This code signifies the engine build location, date, and block code. The T in this case stands for Tonawanda, NY with a build date of 12/4/68. The LE code is for a 427ci/335hp engine. The LE code is also stamped on the engine block.
69Q373: This code stands for the transmission / engine combination along with the build date. The 69 signifies the vehicle came with a Turbo-Hydra-Matic transmission and the Q documents the engine as a 427/335hp. The 373 represents the date. GM dates were in a 2 year cycle so the production code means 1/7/69.
FW0109B: This code represents the rear axle code. The FW represents a 2:56 Large Gear Rear End. The 0109 is 1/9/69 and the B is the assembly plant.
11333: This code can consist of up to 7 numbers depending on the vehicle's options. The first digit represents Power Steering, 2nd digit is Power Brakes, 3rd digit is radio, 4th digit is Front Disk Brakes, and 5th digit is Air conditioning with Automatic Temperature Control. Additional codes are often seen for power windows and seats.
R: This code signifies a Rochester Carburator.
1: This code signifies a build month of 1/69.
166479U156713: This is the vehicle's vehicle identification number. This vin is decoded on the
VIN decode page.
Customer Name: This is the original customer name. The original purchase date is also generally on the warranty card that the
Protect-O-Plate is attached.
