jonn

Hi folks,
Does anyone know why power door locks were not available on W Machines in 1970-1972 cars? Always questioned this non available option.
Thanks to those who reply.

rocketraider

I can't remember the exact year they switched A-bodies from vacuum operated power locks to electric, but my guess is it had something to do with the low vacuum the W30 cam generated. Even with a vacuum storage can those vacuum locks were hogs- and prone to leaks.

my72olds

I thought most wanted the w as light as possible .... So they go FASTER

Allan R

PDLs were not vacuum operated on 70-72 A bodies, they are electrically operated solenoids. Where is the documentation that doesn't allow this option foe W cars in 70-72?

joe_padavano

And yet, you could get A/C and power brakes in 1970...

Of course, only with the AT, which came with the 285/287 cam, not the 328/328 cam.

Koda

I am not convinced that this was a prohibition; probably just a couple of rare options that hardly ever occurred simultaneously.

Rocketbrian

I have never seen documentation that you couldn't get power door locks on a W machine for those years. It was a rarely chosen option on any A body, however they were available on W30s and W31s. I am attaching a photo of a 72 W30 with factory installed power locks.

Allan R

Thanks Brian. I was hoping you'd post that because I couldn't remember off hand if yours did or didn't.

I looked through my 72 SPECS and Dealer ordering guide and couldn't find any caveats that specified PW or PDL, P trunk, P seats etc couldn't be ordered with the W29 or W30.

That goes for 70 and 71 W cars too. Only things I can see that do have caveats is the PB, AT, AC and HD options.

marxjunk

i parted a 71 W30 when i was 20 or so...in missouri, with no title it killed the car and was, at that time impossible to get around (30 years or so ago)

It was the most loaded A-body i ever had or saw

Black with white stripes
power steer
power disc
power windows
power locks
electric seat back locks
power drivers seat
tilt
sport wheel
tach and gauges
am fm stereo
8 track
dual gate
hood lock

and all the stuff a w30 gets...

so..if ya had the money...you could get what ya wanted..looking back now..i wish i would have had options but i did what i did and it parted down and all..and i mean just about everything went on other cars...so i live with it.

jensenracing77

We had a 70 W-30 with power door locks and was documented. Also my 72 W-30 I had was a power door lock car. I know for a fact that both were original to the cars.

jonn

Thanks for quick replies.
Believe I seen in dealer sales pocket book in 70
This has not been issue since models were built with it.
Found funny they asked to omitt since option add $$.