Originally Posted by
amyfischer
So, does the location and script of the decals help indicate the model and years of these bikes?
Decal style can often be an aid in determining the era of a bicycle, though rarely a specific year. Most manufacturers used a decal style for several years. as for the model, the decal style was often used on multiple models, if not the full line, so it does not do not help with the model, unless there is a specific model decal.
In your case, the SMD decal on the top tube is the model designator. SM = SubMariner. I'm not sure what the D designates, though I suspect it indicate Dual purpose, as the D suffix was used on all the entry level model designations and these bicycles were commonly referred to as recreational/touring.
Your particular decal style was used for a short period in the very late 1970s. Based on period literature, it goes back no further than 1977 and, if TugaDude is correct in his Submariner 12 having been a 1979 model, the last year for your style was 1978. So, your bicycle's particular decal style may have lasted only 2 years.