Could some decode this for me?

Little yellow plate on pass side has the following stampings.
236
72-CY- 1179.
Also where would I find the VIN stamping?
Have most of the grime off and still can't see it.
Thanks in advance.

Okay I will take a shot at this. First of all is this how the ID actually looks? Or does it look more like this?
1179
72 CY 236?

Since you said was on a plate that clues me into being pretty certain it is a Turbo 400. 1179 is probably the last 4 digits of your VIN (possibly)
72 is the model year 1972
C is where it was made Cleveland
Y is model application 350CI/255HP Camaro
236 is date of manufacture, 236th day of 1972 (August). If it is displayed exactly as you described then all the numbers would probably mean the same but in a slightly different order. I am about 90% sure all the information I have described is accurate. Hope this helps you.

Bob R

------------------
1973 Z28 Original Owner
Full Restoration
Yes I am that old.
#'s match

I'll muddy the waters... it's probably safe to say this is a 1972 unit.

Code CY in 1972 was used in the 396 Camaro and 454 Chevelle & Vette.

That's assuming the "CY" referenced is in fact the trans code. The vin will be to the left of the TCS switch, just above the oil pan rail. From this we can see if the original car was a Camaro/Vette/Chevelle or "D" (none of the above).

Well now the fun begins....
The tag was in the order that I stated.
1179 has nothing to do with the VIN.
Found the stamping where Mike said, but it was stamped uneven and is not legible (only a small portion of the tops of the numbers exist.)
If your sure that 236 is the day of manufacture it cannot be the original tranny as I believe they were on strike then and that would be to late for a '72 year car.
The "Y" code as Rob R stated would fit with the engine though.
Is it original???? Who knows?