Dash Cluster Tag for 69

[ko-lek-tor]

I was only able to find only 1 post regarding the tag on the dash cluster. I was almost positive I had seen more posts or pictures on here, but can't find what I wanted.

I was wondering if a compilation of all 3 years of tag number deciphering exists with someone on here? Of course, me being a 69 guy, I would like to know more about that specific year.

Some information I was trying to determine:

Why do some tags have red print and others blue? (at least I have seen those 2 colors).

What are all of the 2 letter codes and what do they correspond to on all years, 69 for my benefit? My non gauge ones are NA, the gauge cars I own, the clusters are not removed and I am not crawling under the dash to look at them either.

I am just desiring to get some information that may benefit the whole community, here, and I thought it might be a worthwhile topic to explore.

[bcmiller]

Two letter codes likely broadcast codes (think bbc - Body Broadcast Copy) block 34 labeled CLUSTER.

Colors on tag ink? Probably doesn't mean much or decide to anything.

Let me see what I have. Will try to post some pics (67-68) - I don't think that I have any 69 gauges.

[ko-lek-tor]

Hey, good assumption on bbc. I bet you are right? I thought maybe along with the code, the color was an additional identifier for line workers? Then again, it could be a shift production thing? Then there is, I am led to believe, different numbers/letters for dash colors which I have never had anything but black. I thought it good to vet this so it can easily be referred to when doing a search down the road. I wonder if Don Lightfoot makes these(I don't need any), just wondering? On a side and not related, I see where Don sold his Chevelle. Please, no comments regarding the Chevelle...it could mess up the purpose of the post, thanks

[bcmiller]

Probably not a good idea to distribute all of the codes. There are those out there that like to duplicate paperwork.

[william]

In his 1973 book "On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors" John De Lorean used the complexity of 1969 Camaro dash clusters as an example of how out of control Chevy was when he became General Manager in 1969:

"At one time there were an unbelievable 2,720 possible alternatives for Camaro dashboards. By 1972 that was reduced to 96, a drop of 96 percent."

Although I have been able to duplicate that number it is incorrect as it assumed combinations that were not available such as a Z/28 with a power top. Also, I believe clusters were painted after assembly.

If you want to include the 5 colors there are 1,940 possible build combinations. If color is not a factor, 388 combinations.

[ko-lek-tor]

Probably not a good idea to distribute all of the codes. There are those out there that like to duplicate paperwork.

Good point. I was not aware of the sensitive nature of these numbers. thanks.

[bcmiller]

Those codes all by themselves don't mean much. But together with other codes, then yes they do.

[hubleyman]

FYI - the ink colors on the gauge cluster tags for midyear Corvettes mean something.  Red ink is standard, green ink was used when it had the speedminder / speedwarning option.

As an example, a red ink "LA" coded cluster was the base model low HP engine gauge combination (low redline tach, 60 lb. oil pressure gauge), but a green ink "LA" coded tag was the exact same gauge combo with speedwarning.

Charlie

[Spooky]

I have 2 clusters, 1 red and the other blue. Both barely readable. Both the same NA code as yours Bentley. Both are non gauge clusters

Scott

[Mike S]

 For 67 my 67 NOR has a black NH for the speedo cluster and a green PA for the console gauge cluster.

Mike

[ko-lek-tor]

Charlie - great info, thanks for the FYI.
Spookster, my affectionate spin on your site name (Scott), my own recollection too, seeing red & blue labels. I got a better cluster and carefully put this label from the old onto this better one. I also duplicated the grease pencil slash across the label.
Mike- Very helpful, thanks.

But guys, Bryon already said this topic is a road we do not want to go down, that is, to divulge info, so be respectful of the request and do not post anymore label info or IDs to connect them. Thanks. PM would be OK

[Mike S]

  I have mixed feelings about not posting. If false documentation, protect-o-plate's and window stickers can be detected then why keep research a secret?
 
Mike

[KurtS]

There always that tension - post info that helps people including scammers or don't post info.
In this case, I'm fine with posting. There's quite a few combinations and I don't think the info is that helpful to the fakers (and is of interest to people).

[bcmiller]

Mike the problem is, each day they get better.

I guess I should have just stayed silent on the issue and let things play out.

[X33RS]

Talking about gauge clusters?  I don't think that's a huge concern in my eyes to worry about.  I mean how many people that are looking at real cars to buy going to rip apart the dash assembly and start looking for cluster codes???  LOL      Not to mention what owner is going to let a potential buyer do that?
  As interesting as the gauge codes are, and learning is always a good thing, the firewall data tags and drivetrain codes are much more important to a buyer, and I just don't believe they would concern themselves with gauge codes.  I see no money in it either which is the big motivator to cloners.
  My car being an example of that.  Thanks to William he helped me decipher that my car was originally a gauge car using many other clues on the car.  However my dash cluster (the plastic fascia) had been swapped decades ago with a standard setup.  No clock, no tach, and fuel gauge gone, and had not been cut on.  However it had a console and gauges setup.  I knew something was a miss. 
  Turned out it is a factory gauge car, the oil line grommet was present in the firewall and in the correct location, the engine wiring harness was correct for a gauge car, and we determined the console was also correct and original for the car.  So someone simply changed the fascia on the dash and never put the clock or tach back in it.  I do believe the speedo to be the original though.
  None of this however changes the fact that it's a real Z with a real data plate and original drivetrain.  So the entire gauge cluster in the dash isn't original now, but codes or not I don't feel it has any effect on the overall grand scheme of things.  There are many other clues on a car to look for to determine what gauges it may have been optioned with.    Thanks William