Can you tell if a 69 Nova is an SS by the trim tag

[Mr. Chevy]

Look at the VIN. If it starts with sequence 11427 this will tell you it was a V-8 car, this will set you on the right path...

Also look at where the heater hoses go into the firewall. On big block cars they will attach to the heater core through the heater core box on the far passenger side of the motor compartment. If it was a small block car they will go into the firewall directly behind the passenger side rear valve cover.. There are other indicators to look at like 3/8 fuel line, size of the radiator core support etc...

Rich