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Patrick McCarthy

Recent Posts by Patrick McCarthy:

1955, 1956, & 1957 Chevy Colors and Paint Codes - Solid Colors & Two-Tones

In a recent blog post, we provided a comprehensive guide to interior trim codes for 1955-57 Chevy cars. This week, we're moving our focus from the interior of the vehicle to the exterior. Tri Five Chevy cars were offered in a wide range of eye-catching paint colors and two-tone color combinations, and these options changed with each model year. Read on for a guide to identifying 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevy colors and paint codes.

Many of the reference photos in this article are courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

1955-57 Chevy VIN Decoder & Trim Tag Decoder

If you've ever seen a 1955-57 Chevy classic car and wondered what its original specifications were, there's one way to find out for certain: examine the VIN plate and the trim tag. These two pieces of metal were riveted onto the body of all Tri Five Chevy vehicles, and each provides some valuable information on the way they looked when they left the GM assembly line back in the 1950s. Read on to learn how to use our 1955-57 Chevy VIN decoder and trim tag decoder to find out more about your own '55-57 Chevy, or one you're thinking about buying and restoring.

1967, 1968, & 1969 Camaro Trim Tag Decoder

Given the massive popularity of the first-generation Camaro, it's no surprise that owners of these classic cars are interested in learning more about their vehicles' origins. Some of them have been restored, some have been resto-modded, and a few have been turned into hot rods that greatly diverge from their original specs. Thankfully, it's still possible to check how each of these cars left the General Motors production line, as long as you know where to look. Our 1967-1969 Camaro trim tag decoder can help you learn important details about your Camaro's assembly plant, interior trim, exterior paint color, and more.

Buick GNX Specs - Examining the Ultimate Grand National

The year was 1987, and General Motors was preparing to phase out the popular rear-wheel-drive G-body chassis. In order to give this legendary platform a fitting send-off, Buick engineers got to work to create what some have called one of the most menacing cars to ever roll out of Detroit. The result was known as the Buick GNX, short for Grand National Experimental. A total of 547 GNXs were produced, and each began life as a fully-optioned Grand National. So, what's the difference between a Grand National and GNX? Read on as we take a detailed look at the '87 Buick GNX specs.

1967-2002 Trans Am & Firebird VIN Decoder

The Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am are among the most recognizable classic American cars of all time, alongside their GM cousin the Camaro. It's no surprise that car enthusiasts around the world are drawn to these sporty and elegant vehicles, and undertake restoration projects to bring them back to original condition. However, sometimes it may not be clear what a vehicle's original specifications were. In this case, a VIN decoder can be used to gain some insight. Read on to learn how to find your car's details using our comprehensive 1967-2002 Pontiac Trans Am & Firebird VIN decoder.

What is a Tri Five Chevy? - 1955, 1956, & 1957 Chevrolet Identification Guide

Many who are new to the classic car world have wondered, "what is a Tri Five Chevy?" The nickname Tri Five is used to represent a specific set of classic Chevrolet vehicles, namely the iconic 1955, '56, and '57 Chevrolet cars. This includes the well-known One-Fifty, Two-Ten, Bel Air, and Nomad models, as well as lesser-known sub-models such as the Delray coupe, and Handyman, Townsman, and Beauville wagons. In this article, we'll take a detailed look back at the various configurations, paint codes, and some noteworthy optional accessories for the 1955-57 Chevy Tri Five.

1960-1972 Chevy Truck Model Years Identification Guide (2024 Update)

We recently created a visual guide to identifying 1947-1959 Chevy trucks, including some of the subtle changes and options for each model year. In this article, let's take a look at more recent 1960-1972 GM trucks. If you've ever seen one of these classic trucks and wondered what year it is, or you're curious if the restoration parts on your truck match its original specifications, read through our 1960-72 Chevy truck model years identification guide below. As with the previous entry in this series, the images in this article have been scanned from original documentation, and show sub-models based on the Chevy C/K series truck platform for each model year.

1947-1959 Chevy Truck Model Years Identification Guide (2024 Update)

Chevrolet trucks have changed a lot over the years, with each model year and generation offering unique features that helped them redefine what a pickup was capable of. Classic Industries is committed to supplying owners of these timeless pickups with restoration parts, but we're also committed to preserving their legacy. To this end, we've updated our visual guide to help you identify Chevy truck model years and learn about their differences. In this article, we'll cover 1947-1959 Chevrolet trucks one year at a time so you can identify year-to-year changes and new features.

1958-80 Chevy Impala & Full Size Chevy VIN Decoder (2024 Update)

The Chevy Impala and other Full Size Chevy models, such as the Delray, Biscayne, Bel Air, and Caprice, have garnered widespread popularity among classic car fans. Whether it's an original-style cruiser, modified low-rider, or a pavement-pounding hot rod, there are many ways these cars can be restored and modified. However, one of the first steps in buying or researching your classic Impala is to understand exactly what model you're working on. Our 1958, 1959, 1960-64, 1965-71, and 1972-80 Chevy Impala VIN decoders can help you determine the year, series, model, assembly plant, and other important details about your car.

1962-1979 Chevy Nova VIN Decoder

The Chevy Nova was available in a wide variety of configurations, from practical sedans and wagons to exhilarating convertibles and powerful Super Sport coupes. It's estimated that General Motors produced more than 5,000,000 Chevy II / Nova models between 1962 and 1979, making them an excellent choice to buy and restore today. However, it's not always easy to identify the original specifications of a classic Nova by looks alone. Our Chevy Nova VIN decoder will help you use the vehicle identification number to determine the year, series, model / body style, engine, assembly plant, and other key details about your 1962-64, 1965-71, and 1972-79 Chevy Nova.