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| The 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne four-door sedan |
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1963 Chevrolet Biscayne
Brand new body lines brought crisp new looks to the full-sized 1963 Chevrolet Impala, Bel Air and Biscayne. Chevrolet was on a role and topped the production charts in 1963. The Chevrolet Impala remained the most exciting of the bunch with more luxury and options than one could imagine. While comfort wasn't the only thing on Chevrolet's mind - Chevrolet produced a new 427-cubic-inch competition V-8 that outran everything early in the season at Daytona. Chevy also aided its racers by offering dealer installed aluminum front bumpers and front sheetmetal. Still "real fine" was the famous 409, offered in three versions including a; 340-hp 4 barrel, the unchaned 409 hp and the new solid-lifter-high-compression power house offering 425hp.
1963 Chevrolet Biscayne Specifications and Production
| Model Number | Body/Style Number | Body Type & Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Total Production |
| Biscayne Series 1100 - Six-Cyl | |||||
| 11 | 69 | 4 dr Sedan - 6P | $2,376 | 3,280 lbs | See Notes |
| 11 | 11 | 2 dr Sedan - 6P | $2,322 | 3,205 lbs | |
| 11 | 35 | 4 dr Station Wagon - 6P | $2,723 | 3,685 lbs | |
| Biscayne Series 1200 - V-8 | |||||
| 12 | 69 | 4 dr Sedan - 6P | $2,483 | 3,415 lbs | See Notes |
| 12 | 39 | 2 dr Sedan - 6P | $2,429 | 3,340 lbs | |
| 12 | 35 | 4 dr Station Wagon - 6P | $2,830 | 3,810 lbs | |
Notes:
Production totals for Chevrolet = 4 dr sedan - 561,511; 2 dr hardtop sport coupe - 399,224; 4 dr station wagon - 198,547; 4 dr hardtop sport sedan - 194,158; 2 dr sedan 135,636. Production of all station wagons was 198,500.
Chassis Data
| Model | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Width | Front Tread | Rear Tread | Tires |
| Chevrolet | 119 in | 210.4 in | 79.0 in | 60.3 in | 59.3 in | 7.00 x 14/7.50 x 14 |
| Chevrolet Station Wagon | 119 in | 210.4 in | 79.0 in | 60.3 in | 59.3 in | 8.00 x 14 |
Vin Decoding
Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code.
| First Symbol - Year |
| 3 = 1963 |
| Second & Third Symbol - Series | |
| 01 = Chevy II (4-cyl) | 14 = Impala SS (V-8) |
| 02 = Chevy II | 15 = Bel Air 1500 Series (6-cyl) |
| 04 = Chevy II Nova | 16 = Bel Air 1600 Series (V-8) |
| 05 = Corvair 500 Series (6-cyl) | 17 = Impala 1700 Series (6-cyl) |
| 06 = Corvair 600 Monza Spyder (6-cyl) | 18 = Impala 1800 Series (V-8) |
| 07 = Corvair Deluxe 700 Series (6-cyl) | 53 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (6-cyl) |
| 08 = Corvette | 54 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (V-8) |
| 09 = Corvair Monza/Spyder 900 Series (6-cyl) | 55 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (6-cyl) |
| 11 = Biscayne 1100 Series (6-cyl) | 56 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (V-8) |
| 12 = Biscayne 1200 Series (V-8) | 57 = Chevelle Malibu SS (6-cyl) |
| 13 = Impala SS (6-cyl) | 58 = Chevelle Malibu SS (V-8) |
| Fourth & Fifth Symbol - Body Style | |
| 11 = 2dr Sedan | 41 = 2dr Sedan |
| 15 = 2 dr Station Wagon (6P) | 45 = 4dr Station Wagon (9P) |
| 19 = 4dr Sedan | 47 = 2dr Sport Coupe |
| 27 = 2dr Sedan | 49 = 4dr Sedan |
| 35 = 4dr Station Wagon (6P) | 67 = 2dr Convertible |
| 37 = 2dr Hardtop or Sport Coupe | 69 = 4dr Sedan |
| 39 = 4dr Hardtop or Sport Sedan | 70 = Sedan Delivery |
| (A) Atlanta, Georgia | (L) Los Angeles, California |
| (B) Baltimore, Maryland | (N) Norwood, Ohio |
| (F) Flint, Michigan | (O) Oakland, California |
| (G) Framingham, Massachusetts | (S) St. Louis, Missouri |
| (J) Janesville, Wisconsin | (T) Tarrytown, New York |
| (K) Kansas City, Missouri | (W) Willow Run, Michigan |
| Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence |
| Started at 100001 |
Engine Data
Location Of Engine Code: 6-Cyl - stamped on a pad behind the distributor on right side of block. V-8 - stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.
| Letter Code | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Carburetor |
| A | 6-230 | 140 | 220 | 3-Speed Manual | 1 BC |
| AE | 6-230 | 140 | 220 | 3-Speed Manual | 1 BC |
| B | 6-230 | 140 | 220 | Powerglide | 1 BC |
| C | 8-283 | 195 | 285 | 3-Speed Manual | 2 BC |
| CB (p) | 8-283 | 195 | 285 | 3-Speed Manual | 2 BC |
| CD | 8-283 | 195 | 285 | Overdrive | 2 BC |
| CL | 8-283 | 195 | 285 | 3-Speed Manual | 2 BC |
| D | 8-283 | 195 | 285 | Powerglide | 2 BC |
| DK | 8-283 | 195 | 285 | Powerglide | 2 BC |
| QA | 8-409 | 400 + | 425 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| QB | 8-409 | 425 | 425 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 2 - 4 BC |
| QC | 8-409 | 340 | 420 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| QG | 8-409 | 340 | 420 | Powerglide | 4 BC |
| QM | 8-409 | 400 + | 425 | 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| R | 8-327 | 250 | 350 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| RA | 8-327 | 250 | 350 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| RB | 8-327 | 300 + | 360 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| RK | 8-327 | 300 + | 360 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual | 4 BC |
| S | 8-327 | 250 | 350 | Powerglide | 4 BC |
| SA | 8-327 | 250 | 350 | Powerglide | 4 BC |
| SB | 8-327 | 300 + | 360 | Powerglide | 4 BC |
| SG | 8-327 | 300 + | 360 | Powerglide | 4 BC |
| XE (s) | 8-327 | 300 | 350 | 3 & 4-Speed Manual, Powerglide | 4 BC |
Notes: |
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Transmission Codes
| Transmission | Location |
| 3-Speed Manual | Stamped on rear face of upper right corner |
| 4-Speed (Corvair) | Stamped on boss on lower left side of case just below side cover. |
| Powerglide (Corvair) | On top of the case in the rear at 11 o'clock. |
| Powerglide | Stamped on the bottom of oil pan |
| Plant and Type Designation Prefix | Plant | Transmission Type |
| W | Warner Gear | 3-Speed |
| S | Saginaw | 3-Speed |
| M | Muncie | 3-Speed, Overdrive* |
| C | Cleveland | Powerglide |
| T | Toledo | Powerglide |
| D | Saginaw | Overdrive |
| K | McKinnon | 3-Speed |
| E | McKinnon | Powerglide |
| O | Saginaw | Overdrive |
| A | Cleveland | 2-Speed, Manual Powerglide |
Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions (exc. Warner Gear) will carry a production code number such as: C1116N (C = Cleveland Powerglide, 11 = November, 16 = 16th, N = Night Shift). The Warner Gear transmissions will carry a production code number such as: WG1031 (W = Warner Gear 4-Spd., G = July, 10 = 10th, 7 = 1967, 1 = First Shift).
Axle Codes |
| Location Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo, Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Buick, Oldsmobile, and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side, letters and numerals 3/16 in. high, 3 in. outboard of carrier. |
| Codes - Non-Locking | Codes - Locking | Ratio | Inspection Cover |
| AA, BA | AK, BK | 3.55 (std. lining) | 12 Bolt |
| AB, BB | AM, BM | 3.36 (std. lining) | 10 Bolt |
| AC, BC | AH | 3.70 (std. lining) | - |
| AE | AN | 3.55 (metal lining) | 12 Bolt |
| AF | AP | 3.70 (metal lining) | - |
| AG | AQ | 3.36 (metal lining) | 10 Bolt |
| AJ | AR | 3.08 (metal lining) | 10 Bolt |
| AL | 4.11 (std. lining) | - | |
| AS | 4.56 (std. lining | 12 Bolt | |
| AT | 4.11 (metal lining) | - | |
| AU | 4.56 (metal lining) | 12 Bolt | |
| AW, BW | AX, BX | 3.08 (std. lining) | 10 Bolt |
Paint Codes - Exterior Colors
900 - Tuxedo Black |
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922 - Ember Red |
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905 - Laurel Green Metallic |
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923 - Riverside Red |
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908 - Ivy Green Metallic |
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932 - Saddle Tan Metallic |
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912 - Silver Blue Metallic |
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934 - Cordovan Brown Metallic |
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| 914 - Monaco Blue Metallic Lucite® Code - 4391L Dulux® Code - 181-96000 |
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936 - Ermine White Lucite® Code - 4024L Dulux® Code - 93-93774 |
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916 - Daytona Blue Metallic |
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938 - Adobe Beige |
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918 - Azure Aqua Metallic |
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940 - Satin Silver Metallic |
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919 - Marine Aqua Metallic |
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941 - Sebring Silver (FIRE-FROST) Lucite® Code - 867-96417 |
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920 - Autumn Gold Metallic |
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948 - Palomar Red Metallic Lucite® Code - 4389LM |
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| Paint Code | Color Name | Paint Code | Color Name |
| 950 | (Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Tuxedo Black (900) |
970 | (Upper) Adobe Beige (938) (Lower) Autumn Gold Metallic (920) |
| 954 | (Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Laurel Green Metallic (905) |
971 | (Upper) Adobe Beige (938) (Lower) Saddle Tan Metallic (932) |
| 959 | (Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Silver Blue Metallic (912) |
972 | (Upper) Adobe Beige (938) (Lower) Ermine White (936) |
| 962 | (Upper) Silver Blue Metallic (912) (Lower) Monaco Blue Metallic (914) |
973 | (Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Ember Red Metallic (922) |
| 963 | (Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Azure Aqua Metallic (918) |
984 | (Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Satin Silver Metallic (940) |
| 967 | (Upper) Azure Aqua Metallic (918) (Lower) Marine Aqua Metallic (919) |
NOTES: General Motors paint code plate for all models except Corvair and Corvette is located under the hood at the top of the firewall on the left or right of the upper shroud. Corvair paint code plate is on the left rear wheel housing. Corvette paint code plate is under the dash, below the glove compartment.
Paint Codes - Interior Colors
Ivory |
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Dark Green Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss) Lucite® Code - (flat) |
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Medium Fawn Metallic |
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Medium Aqua Metallic |
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Dark Fawn Metallic |
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Dark Aqua Metallic |
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Medium Saddle Metallic |
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Light Red |
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Medium Saddle |
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Medium Red |
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Medium Blue Metallic |
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Medium Red Metallic |
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Dark Blue Metallic |
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Black |
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Medium Green Metallic |
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NOTE: Unrubbed LUCITE® will generally produce a gloss comparable to original unrubbed interior semi-gloss finishes. If lower gloss is required, use DuPont #4528 flattening compound to reduce gloss.
