How to Decode a Camaro Z/28 Broadcast Sheet

For classic car enthusiasts, particularly fans of the Z/28 Camaro, owning and deciphering original documentation is a vital step in verifying the authenticity and value of a vehicle. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is the broadcast sheet. This document outlined the specific configuration and options installed on the car as it moved down the assembly line.

For a Z/28 Camaro, the broadcast sheet provides a wealth of information that not only confirms the car’s original specifications, but also verifies its unique package options, paint codes, and other factory-installed components. In this article, we'll break down how to decode the broadcast sheet for a Z/28 Camaro.

Understanding the Types of Classic Camaro Broadcast Sheets

During the manufacturing process for the 1969 Camaro, two broadcast sheets were printed: the body broadcast sheet and the chassis broadcast sheet. These were sheets of paper used during different stages of assembly to guide workers on the factory floor and indicate which factory options to include on a given car.

Broadcast sheets are very rare to find in the modern day because the manufacturer would typically discard them once the car was assembled. This means that most classic Camaro owners will not have access to a broadcast sheet as a tool for verifying authenticity.

• Body Broadcast Sheet: This document details the appearance options like paint, trim, and seats.
• Chassis Broadcast Sheet: This sheet typically included mechanical aspects like the transmission and rear axle.

How to Decode a Camaro Z/28 Broadcast Sheet

The codes on a classic Camaro broadcast sheet are different from other codes used to indicate particular factory options. Because these codes were intended for internal use in the factory, they are hard to decode without internal documents.

Thankfully a Camaro enthusiast magazine published an answer key for these codes in 1994. This answer key is difficult to find today, but the information is publicly available and many Camaro experts have access to printed versions of the key.

Key Identifiers: Locating Your Camaro’s VIN

The first step in decoding a broadcast sheet is to identify the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The VIN on the car’s body and the broadcast sheet must match to confirm that the sheet belongs to the car in question.

The VIN on a 1969 Camaro Z/28 is located on the dash of the car, visible through the windshield. You can then match the car’s VIN with the broadcast sheet. Look for the box labeled serial number at the top of the paper. This number should be the same as the vehicle’s VIN.

Identifying Paint Codes or Special Paint Designation

The broadcast sheet often includes the car’s paint information. If your Camaro had a standard factory color, the color code can be located on the broadcast sheet under the body color section.

In this example, the sheet showed dots instead of a paint code, indicating that this car was a special-order paint vehicle. Special paint cars also have a unique designation number, such as 10001 HA or AA, which indicates a custom paint job. This is an internal factory marker that alerts workers to handle the car differently from standard production cars.

Camaro Z/28 Model and Engine Codes

The next line on the broadcast sheet reveals the car's model and engine configuration. Here are the codes for the Camaro we analyzed and the factory options they correspond to.

• Model Number: 12437: The "12" designates that the car is a Chevrolet Camaro, and the "43" signifies a coupe with a V8 engine.
• Engine Code: G (DZ 302): The "G" denotes the engine’s RPO (Regular Production Option) code. This was a 3-digit code used to indicate factory options like the engine. In this case, the "DZ" indicates a high-performance 302 cubic inch V8, specific to the Z/28 Camaro.

Transmission and Interior Details

Moving across the sheet, you’ll find several codes related to the transmission type, seating configuration, and interior options. Here are the options and codes from the vehicle we analyzed:

• Transmission Code: 4: This code indicates the car was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, typical for Z/28 models.
• Interior Code: B: "B" stands for bucket seats, confirming the interior seating style.

Camaro Z/28 Performance Feature Codes

Other important details on the broadcast sheet reveal performance-related components that help confirm the car’s authenticity as a Z/28 model. Here are the codes for the Camaro we analyzed and what they mean:

• Rear Axle: PY (3.31 Positraction): The "PY" code on the sheet represents the rear differential, a 3.31 Positraction rear end, which aligns with the Z/28’s high-performance specifications.
• Rally Sport Option (R): This code signifies that the car was fitted with the Rally Sport package, which includes distinctive features such as hidden headlights and upgraded exterior trim.

Additional Options

The broadcast sheet also includes various other factory-installed options such as gauges, exterior moldings, and whether the car had stripes. Here are a few notable ones from the Z/28 we looked at:

• Gauges and Console (FA): The presence of a pound sign (#) in this area indicates that the car came with the optional gauge package and a center console, which houses additional instruments like the tachometer and oil pressure gauge.
• Exterior Molding and Wheel Well Trim (X33): The "X33" code marks the Z/28 trim package, including features like chrome wheel moldings and a special exterior appearance.
• Stripes (B): This letter refers to the Z/28’s signature dual racing stripes, a defining characteristic of this high-performance model.

Identifying the Radiator and Cooling System

Z/28 Camaros were equipped with a specific cooling system to support the high-revving 302 engine. The broadcast sheet includes a radiator code (RAD), which identifies the unique Z/28 radiator.

Another way to confirm the authenticity of a Z/28 Camaro using the broadcast sheet is by locating the small block fan shroud in the vehicle’s cooling system. This part is essential for maintaining cooling efficiency on a Z/28 Camaro.

Authenticate the Wheels and Tires on Your Z/28 Camaro

An important piece of the Z/28 identity lies in its wheels. Here is the code from the broadcast sheet associated with wheels for a Z/28 Camaro:

• Wheel Code: AD: This code refers to the 15-inch Rally Wheels, which were standard on the Z/28. The confirmation of original AD coded wheels will add value to most Z/28 Camaros, as these wheels are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
• Wheel Code: YH: If your Z/28 was produced from the middle of December on, you'll have YH coded wheels instead of AD coded wheels.

The Value of a Camaro Z/28 Broadcast Sheet

Decoding a Z/28 Camaro’s broadcast sheet is an intricate process, but it provides invaluable insights into the car’s original configuration and authenticity. From the 302 DZ engine to the special paint designation and unique performance features, every line of the sheet is useful to confirm what options the car had from the factory. For collectors and enthusiasts, having this piece of documentation is akin to holding the car’s birth certificate. It’s a key to verifying the vehicle’s originality and boosting its value in the market.

If you’re lucky enough to own or come across an original broadcast sheet for a Z/28 Camaro, take care of it, as it is an irreplaceable part of the car’s history.

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