Where is the cowl tag on a 1957 Chevy?
The cowl data tag on a 1957 Chevrolet is mounted on the passenger-side firewall in the engine compartment, typically near the heater box and along the top edge of the cowl. It’s a small metal plate riveted to the cowl, visible with the hood raised.
The cowl tag, also known as the body data tag, records production details such as the assembly plant, build date, body style, and option codes. It serves as a useful reference for restoration work and for verifying originality.
Where to look on the car
To locate the cowl tag, begin by opening the hood and inspecting the engine bay on the passenger side of the firewall. The tag is usually near the top edge of the cowl, commonly adjacent to the heater box or the dash area behind the front fender.
Note that some cars may have the tag obscured by paint or components, so a careful cleaning and good lighting can help read the stamped codes.
- Look along the passenger-side firewall in the engine compartment, near the top where the cowl meets the dash.
- Find a small rectangular metal plate with stamped alphanumeric codes; it is typically riveted in place with 2 or 4 rivets.
- If you don’t immediately see it, check around the heater box area and the cowl seam; some models place it slightly lower or behind other fixtures.
- If the tag is missing, verify whether it may have been removed or replaced, which is not uncommon in older restorations.
In most 1957 Chevys, the primary location remains the passenger-side firewall in the engine bay, and reading the tag requires good light and a clean surface to decipher the codes.
What the tag records
The data plate on a 1957 Chevy encodes production details that help identify the car’s original configuration, including where and when it was built, its body style, and trim/paint options. Understanding these codes typically requires a decoding guide, which collectors use to authenticate restorations.
- Assembly plant code and build date, indicating where and when the car was produced.
- Body style and model line (Bel Air, Two-Ten, One-Fifty, etc.), identifying the original body configuration.
- Paint and interior trim codes, describing exterior color and interior materials
- Optional equipment and production sequence indicators that may affect originality and value.
Accurately reading the tag can help corroborate matching numbers with other components and confirm whether a restoration remains faithful to the factory configuration.
Summary
For a 1957 Chevy, the cowl tag sits on the passenger-side firewall inside the engine compartment, near the top edge of the cowl and the heater box. It’s a small riveted plate that carries production and option codes essential for restoration and verification. With proper lighting and a careful wipe, the tag provides a snapshot of the car’s original specifications and build history.
How to tell a 57 Chevy?
The simple aspect of the grille that identifies the '56 are the huge, square-ish signal lamps encompassed within the grille, where the '57 has round signal lamps and huge round bumperettes. Both '55 and '56 have a smooth hood, but the '57 has a pair of 'Rockets' that make that hood specific to that year.
Where is the cowl tag on a 57 Chevy?
1955-57 Chevy Trim Tag Decoder
The trim tag, also known as the cowl tag, is attached to the right hand side of the cowl panel under the hood. The plates represented a vehicle's most basic body characteristics from Fisher Body, the coachworks contracted to build vehicles for Chevrolet Motor Division.
What is the most sought after 57 Chevy?
1957 Chevy Bel Air Popularity
The '55 and '56 models had developed a reputation for reliability and, when needed, simple and cheap repair. This carried through into 1957. The abundance of 1957 Bel Airs also helps account for why the car continues to be popular.
Where is the VIN number on a 1957 Chevy pickup?
And service repairs refer to your owner's manual for more information about your car. A simple tip to know your car. Better chevrolet find new roads.
