1970-1972 Chevelle Propeller Shaft Stripe Colors

Tables for what's known from build sheet information for 1970, 1971, and 1972 Propeller Shaft Stripe Colors. The tables DO NOT list every possible engine/transmission/model combination, the tables list ONLY those combinations I have build sheets on.

[ 1970 ] | [ 1971 ] | [ 1972 ] | [ Intro ]

Anyone having clear, readable pictures of build sheets and/or original drive shafts with colors still visible that can be added to the list please contact me here.

Include (1) date [block 10], (2) Assembly plant, (3) model [block 25], (4) engine RPO code, (5) transmission RPO code, and (6) prop shaft colors [block 19], or send a scan or readable photo of the build sheet itself.

Plant vehicles are grouped in order of engine, transmission type, then model. For example the L14 is listed first, then L22, then L48, etc.

Naturally not all plants would have the painted stripes applied the same and there could even be differences in the same plant throughout the year so it's practically impossible to say what is 'correct' and what is not. Images offered here are for illustration purposes only and not meant to used as absolutes for any given plant or engine/transmission combination as far as placement goes.

A 1970 Arlington driveshaft stripe set was measured as such:
Stripe #1 - 9.5-in from weld behind front U-joint and 5/8-in wide (first color)
Stripe #2 - 1/4-in from stripe #1 and 1/4-in to 5/16-in wide (second color)
Stripe #3 - 1/4-in from stripe #2 and 5/8-in wide (first color)

A 1970 Oshawa driveshaft stripe set was measured as such:
Stripe #1 - 17 3/4-in from weld behind front U-joint and 1/4-in wide
Stripe #2 - 1/2-in from stripe #1 and 1/4-in wide
Stripe #3 - 1/2-in from stripe #2 and 1/4-in wide

Here are some before and after photos of an LS6 driveshaft from a 1970 Baltimore car with blue and pink stripes. Note the larger stripes and the distance between them. Courtesy Rick Nelson, one of the premier LS6 restorers in the country - His workmanship can be seen at his shop's website at MuscleCar Restorations and Design, Inc.

Below is an example of a 1970 Atlanta drive shaft with stripes for L34 with M40 transmission. Build sheet codes the shaft as BL-BK. You'll notice the BK (black) stripe is the forward most stripe, the BL (blue) stripe is the center stripe and an orange stripe brings up the rear. Build sheet date on this car is 05-29.

Another L34/M40 driveshaft...before and after. This one has the black stripe towards the front yoke as well.


Courtesy Pat Lorimer

While checking your driveshaft colors, you may want to check the angle at the transmission and rear end.