VIN Decoding
Body Number Plates
Cowl Tags
GM RPO Codes
Paint & Color Codes
Trim Codes, etc...
VIN and Other Number Decoding Services
for your 1960-1979 American Car
General Motors, Mopar, Ford only.        Sorry, no trucks.

  Coverage:
1960-1979 GM cars (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac)
1960-1979 Mopar cars (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth). VIN only. No fender tags.
1960-79 Ford cars (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)
Chevy El Camino (1964-79)
Ford Ranchero (up to 1972 only)
Sorry . . . NO other trucks.

  What these services are NOT!
  • This is NOT a vehicle "history" report service! There are only certain agencies that are able to provide vehicle history, such as current ownership, past owners, collision reports, etc. We are not one of those agencies. To obtain that info you would probably need to contact your local Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your local Police Dept.
  • We also "do not" issue new or replacement build sheets or cowl/body tags. To the best of our knowledge, that is illegal. We "decode" your numbers for a fee. That is it.
  •   How it works
    In this day and age it has become increasingly important to decode and verify a vehicle's VIN, whether your interested in purchasing a vehicle or interested in conducting some research prior to beginning a restoration process.

    The term VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It is also sometimes referred to as a Serial Number or a Vehicle Warranty Number.
    We can decode your VIN for a $5.00 fee (1960-1979 American cars only).
    Important Note!     This is very important to keep in mind! Not all VIN's supply the same amount of info. Some may only verify year, make model and production number. Others offer a little more info like assembly plant, engine size, sometimes transmission, etc. So, if you request a VIN Decode and do not get the answers you had hoped for, its because the info provided in the VIN varies greatly depending on the year, make and model.

    There are other tags on vehicle can be decoded for a fee as well.
    The fee will usually run anywhere from $3 and up, depending on how many tags need to be decoded.
    These tags or codes can be cowl tags, body tags, RPO codes, engine codes, rear end codes, etc...
    The Body Tag, also known as the Cowl tag, Body Number Plate, or fender tag will re-verify some of the info found on the VIN Plate, as well as offer additional info such as interior and exterior colors and build date. Like the VIN tag, this info also varies depending on the year, make and model of car.

    Shown on the right is an example of a GM Cowl/Trim Tag. The design tends to change somewhat depending on the year involved. Our decoding services for these GM tags apply to all areas of the tag, EXCEPT the area we highlighted in yellow. This area is used occasionally to reveal accessory or option codes. Sometimes they don't mention them, sometimes its only one or two. In most cases, we do not have decoding info for this area. If we do . . . we will include that info in our findings to you. The fee for these tags, however, DO NOT necessarily include that area. It does include the rest of the tag though, such as style info, build date, interior colors, exterior colors, etc...

    Our Decoding Fees are found at the bottom of this page.

    How do I get my numbers decoded?
    First, you need to be a registered member of our site. Registration is free and consists of basic contact info.
    PayPal is the only accepted payment method for these services. You do not need to be registered with PayPal. If your not registered, and do not wish to be, you can simply enter your credit card info through their secure server system, just like any other site. Registered PayPal users are just able to make the payment in fewer steps.

    Step #1 To get the ball rolling, Register Free!
    We do verify you are a registered member of our site before any research is started!
    Once you are a registered member of our site, or if you already are, move on to Step #2.

    Step #2 Email us your decoding request.
    Failure to follow these exact instructions will result in a non-reply.
  • Your request MUST come from the email address you entered at registration. We will not reply to any other!
  • Include your member username (very important!) not your email address!
  • Year of vehicle (approx. if not known for sure)
  • Make of vehicle (Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, Chrysler, etc... )
  • Number(s) to be decoded.
    Please type in the numbers exactly as they appear on the tag!
    Double check your typing before you send the email!
    We occasionally get typos and it just slows down the whole process.
    If its a tag other than the VIN, try your best to use the proper number of lines and spaces when representing the look of the tag!

    If it is possible to send a photo of the numbers as well, please feel free to do so.
    If you have any questions pertaining to where a particular code number is located on your vehicle, I have provided links for that info near the bottom of this page. If you don't see what you need, send me an email and I'll do my best to help you.

    Step #3 This step first involves us verifying your membership with Backyard Automotive. If all is well, we do a quick determination as to whether we are able to fulfill your request. 98% of the time there is no problem.
    If there is, it is usually due to a typo on your part. One letter or number out of place can make a world of difference. If we determine there is a problem, such as a possible typo, we will email you and have you correct it, before we move on.
    If all is well, and we are able to decode the numbers for you, we will send you an email with a fee quote and a link to our PayPal payment center.

    Step #4 If you decide to continue with the service, you will need to follow the link we send you to our payment center. Follow any instructions and complete the payment.
    * This is important! DO NOT sent paypal payment by any other method than through the "specific" link we will send you in an email! It MUST go through our paypal checkout system, or your request will be ignored.

    Step #5 Once payment is received, we complete the decoding research and email you the results.

    IMPORTANT:       Due to our busy schedule, it may take us up to 48 hours (once we receive payment) to complete your request . . . and occasionally a little longer. Know and understand this before you send your request. We apologize for any inconvenience.



    When you are ready, send me an email with your request!
    Please remember to mention your member username in the email.
    My reply to you will be greatly delayed without it. Thanks.


    More helpful Decoding Info on the way in the coming months!
  • Decoding Fees:
    $5.00
    VIN # Only
    (GM, Ford & Mopar)

    PayPal credit card system is our only accepted method of payment for these services. You are not required to have a PayPal acct. to make a payment. Its simply that registered PayPal members have fewer steps in payment process.

    $5.00
    Cowl / Trim / Body Tag
    (GM & Ford products)

    $8.00
    Both VIN and Cowl/Body Tag
    (GM & Ford products)

    $3.00 and up
    Any single code (paint, trim, engine, rear end, etc...)
    For Mopar cars, we only decode VIN's. No Fender Plates, or other codes. Sorry.


    Examples of various Vehicle Tags, Codes and their locations
    Click on the links below to see sample images of various vehicle tags and locations.
    VIN or Serial Number Tag Cowl/Trim Tag - Body Number Plate