Is 402 a legitimate trim code for 1971? My buyer's guide lists 400 and 403 for black vinyl and leather in 1971, but not 402 (it was used in '68 and '69).  The "black book" does list 402 as legitimate for '71 though! Which is correct?

I replied with the same info on your other post. Could it be that the Black Book is wrong on this one or are the ones we have wrong? 

It is also worth mentioning that the trim tag appears to be engraved (it is a little difficult to tell in a photo - the car is located half way across the country) as opposed to stamped. Are authentic trim tags stamped?

The NCRS judgeing manual for 1971 & 1972 does not have a 402 code.

As for the engraving on a trim tag, I've never seen it.

Here's something else I failed to mention in my earlier post. I'm seeing lots of of these on ebay lately.

1971 Interior trim codes:
400 black vinyl   403 black leather
407 red vinyl      412 dark blue vinyl
423 dark green vinyl
417 saddle vinyl   420 saddle leather

402 is correct for 1968-1969

Source:NCRS 1953-1972 Pocket Spec guide

Scott

Chevy did not "engrave" anything on these cars. All tags/plates were either machine, or hand stamped.

The '70 model year was short, due to the long '69 production. GM basically made the (early)'71 production an "addition" to the '70 M.Y.(to a point) It is quite possible the trim tag is legit, as a "leftover" from '70. This would really depend on the date of production. I wouldn't expect to see this type of carry-over on a later production car, but a very early built car I think would be realistic. Can you get the production date, or even the VIN for the car? That would tell us.

It was in fact an early production '71 produced in september '70.  My concern is that 402 was not legit in '70 either - just '68 and 69.

Thanks - These are the same codes I have in my buyer's guide.  Who produces the Black Book (which lists 402 as a '71 trim code) and which is considered the official guide?

Guys - it appears that trim tags are readily available and so you can match the tag to the colors/trim package in place with the car today.  How do you verify authenticity? How do you know what the car was originally built with if the trim tag is so easily recreated and there is no build sheet?