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Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, We're Oldsmobile owners - we hold ourselves to a higher standard
I just traded for a 1970 Olds 442. Always wanted one of these. So much so, that I traded my 67 Camaro (That I loved) for it. I'm going to need lots of advice and answers so be prepared for questions.
ENGINE: 455 396021F
VIN pad on the block seems to be bare smooth. It's really hard to tell as the ALT brackets are in the way. Just got it yesterday. The blue paint looks rubbed off in that area. If it's bare, I've read that it's likely a warranty block. If so, would it be a "70" block - as how long was warranty offered on these cars?
Matador Red, Black interior, buckets, dual gate console, Turbo 400 (don't know numbers yet)
CARB: Quadrajet 7040258 3079 RK
INTAKE: Oldsmobile W-455 stamp (I think it's a 70 version?)
HEADS: F heads and read from left to right; CFD 404438 336 (these are little numbers on the far right side of left head)
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS: LH 402295 Can't see numbers on RH because of A/C set up.
REAR DIFF: W-27 cover, and I THINK it says "TM" on the passenger side upside down. Could be T4 - it's hard to read.
I don't know much about what the numbers mean and will need your help. It's my new favorite thing. I've already learned that the "nose" on a 442 hood will catch you by surprise! Attached pics.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Don M; October 29th, 2023 at 04:37 PM.
Welcome to the site! It looks like the pictures didn't come through, if you need help with that let us know. By the numbers it sounds like you may have a W30. Or at least there's W30 parts there. If the transmission is original it will have a tag on the passengers side with the code OW in ink and stamped into it. It sounds like you may have already found the vin number stamped into the drivers side. Lansing cars seem to have less chance of finding paperwork in them than other assembly plants. John
That's weird - I can see the images on my screen. I guess it may be more appropriate to post these specific questions in other areas. Apart from that - what would prove it to be a W-30? Just paperwork? This is the right side of trans.
it looks like it says: 70-0G 9791
Last edited by Don M; October 29th, 2023 at 02:56 PM.
VIN pad on the block seems to be bare smooth. It's really hard to tell as the ALT brackets are in the way.
CARB: Quadrajet 7040258 3079 RK
Don't give up on the VIN Derivative block pad. Yes, it is difficult to visualize w/ the ALT brackets in place. A thorough dowsing of engine cleaner or oven cleaner + a long handle wire brush can significantly assist.
Nice car. Validating a W-30 almost always requires paperwork documentation but other members have more keen awareness than do I in terms of assisting w/ other mechanical forms of helpful validation. Speaking of which, here is an excellent thread to read through regarding your carburetor. MUCH can be gleaned reading this post:
If the 01D was obtained from the cowl (data code) tag, it would be the 4th week of January, I believe. If so, this bodes well for the carburetor as has been suggested in the thread I provided to you:
3079 (Mon, 11-03-69) - 4th week of Nov 1969, 4th week of Dec 1969 (2)
OG is a 442 automatic transmission. It's not the W-30 version.
Did you typo your VIN? The 6th digit represents the model year. A 1970 hardtop 442's VIN should start 344870 with the 0 indicating a 1970 model year. You listed the VIN as starting with: 344872. This is an invalid 72 VIN as Oldsmobile used a slightly different format starting in 72.
Congratulations on your purchase. As someone who knows cars it's obvious you'll want to ensure you have the best library for your vehicle.
The bible for your vehicle is an original OEM paperback edition of the 1970 GM Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manual (CSM). Original paperback editions are far superior to any reprints or advertised as new manuals. CDs/DVDs are almost always illegible copies of the original. Many should be on eBay. In addition, the CSM contains your wiring diagram(s).
The second manual in your library should be the 1970 Product Information Manual (PIM) AKA Factory Assembly Manual (FAM). Reach out to member Hairy Olds who should have a 1970 PIM for your vehicle. The PIM/FAM contains the information regarding how your vehicle was put together on the assembly line from front to back
The third manual is the Body Fisher Service Manual - most likely pretty self-explanatory for you I suspect since owning a Camaro.
Best of Luck!
Last edited by Vintage Chief; October 29th, 2023 at 04:20 PM.
Reason: sp
OG is a 442 automatic transmission. It's not the W-30 version.
Did you typo your VIN? The 6th digit represents the model year. A 1970 hardtop 442's VIN should start 344870 with the 0 indicating a 1970 model year. You listed the VIN as starting with: 344872. This is an invalid 72 VIN as Oldsmobile used a slightly different format starting in 72.
You're right! I did make a mistake, Should be 344870. Vintage Chief, thanks for the help!
I'll try to get it on a lift soon and see what else I can find.
Last edited by Don M; October 29th, 2023 at 04:59 PM.
Welcome aboard. Looks like a great car to have fun with. Regarding the heads and exhaust manifolds, the heads will have a large letter cast in the iron and it's not too difficult to see. Look toward the front on the driver's side below the valve cover. The manifolds also have large letters cast in the iron on the forward end of each. I believe that car should have W and Z manifolds.
I like it and welcome to Classic Oldsmobile. Couple quick things. It has black fender wells and no W-30 holes. It also has non 70 mirrors. Looks like a nice solid car. I hope you enjoy it. How about some more under hood pictures. Especially the underside of the hood. Really looks like a great starting point. 👍
Ok, as requested I took a few more pictures. Feel free to ask for more. It’s still dirty from its trailer trip from another province and it has sat for years. I’ll get it washed this week and on a lift very soon.
So, from what I can put together searching around on this site (great site by the way!) is it has a W-30 carb, W-30 intake, W-30 heads, W-30 differential, 4 core rad, not sure of block stamp yet and trans is an OG - not an OW. Which is a shame as that would have been definitely the item that could figure this car out. How ironic it’s the only item that could be missing.
Those are leaves on the mesh of the hood and I swear I’ve bumped my head 10 times on the nose of the hood.
***edit*** I just had to add how great you have been with the responses. Super appreciated!
Last edited by Don M; October 30th, 2023 at 05:35 PM.
Check the VIN that's stamped on the transmission that may give you some more info. If it matches the VIN on the car then you can be pretty sure it wasn't a W-30
Welcome aboard. You'll find tons of good information here from guys willing to help. Great car, I'm looking forward to your process of bringing her back.
Check the VIN that's stamped on the transmission that may give you some more info. If it matches the VIN on the car then you can be pretty sure it wasn't a W-30
This is definitely the next thing to do. If that 'OG' trans matches, then the car's not a W-30. If it doesn't, then it might have replaced the original 'OW' unit and the game's still on!
My "expertise" is more the '68 and '69 models so this question is for one of the guys who have more knowledge of the '70-'72's: did GM use that corrugated plastic wiring harness tubing in '70? I thought that didn't show up until '71 or '72?
A question for the OP: you mention the car having a 'W-30 rear' - what do you mean by that? As far as I know, nothing on the differential identifies it as belonging to a W-30 car. Are you talking maybe about a W-27 cast aluminum cover? If so, be careful. Those are repopped and are an extremely common bolt-on "accessory". That doesn't identify the rear as a W-30.
My "expertise" is more the '68 and '69 models so this question is for one of the guys who have more knowledge of the '70-'72's: did GM use that corrugated plastic wiring harness tubing in '70? I thought that didn't show up until '71 or '72?
A question for the OP: you mention the car having a 'W-30 rear' - what do you mean by that? As far as I know, nothing on the differential identifies it as belonging to a W-30 car. Are you talking maybe about a W-27 cast aluminum cover? If so, be careful. Those are repopped and are an extremely common bolt-on "accessory". That doesn't identify the rear as a W-30.
I'm still learning as I go here - and you all have been great help!
I mean that the Code on the differential is stamped TM. I was under the impression that was a W-30 only rear? It does also have the W-27 cover. In my heart, it's unlikely that it's a W-30, BUT - it has W-30:
Carb
Intake
F heads
Exhaust Manifolds
Differential
Radiator
Seemingly original hood.
Missing though, are the trans and red inner fenders. I can't see VIN on trans yet as shifter cable bracket is in the way. Can't see engine VIN yet as ALT bracket is in the way - but when I take it in for a once over service, I'll get it on a lift and find out. If it's not a W-30, then someone went to a lot of trouble to find those parts and put them in.
If I discover that it's NOT a W-30, then I have a conundrum... do I make a W-30 tribute as I have most of the legit parts, or do I sell them for fair market value to someone that needs them and just make a great 442?
If I discover that it's NOT a W-30, then I have a conundrum... do I make a W-30 tribute as I have most of the legit parts, or do I sell them for fair market value to someone that needs them and just make a great 442?
No conundrum. If it's not a W-30, don't try to pass it off as one. Even if your intentions are pure, who knows about subsequent owners down the line? Instead, sell the parts and make it a great (and authentic) 4-4-2.
1970 fenders are not crumple fenders. IOW, they have no ridge crimps in them. Federal law dictated in 1971 the usage of crumple fenders so they would collapse more easily protecting occupants from more serious injury. I have photos (somewhere) I'll post.
No conundrum. If it's not a W-30, don't try to pass it off as one. Even if your intentions are pure, who knows about subsequent owners down the line? Instead, sell the parts and make it a great (and authentic) 4-4-2.
Well, it’s official - it’s not a W-30. I crawled under the car and took the tranny bracket off and checked numbers. The good news is the numbers match the VIN, so at least it has its original tranny.
What that likely means now is I’ll have W-30 heads, Carb, intake, exhaust manifolds and differential for sale sometime. I have a pic of the tranny numbers and the car all cleaned up before putting away for rest of winter.
That's weird - I can see the images on my screen. I guess it may be more appropriate to post these specific questions in other areas. Apart from that - what would prove it to be a W-30? Just paperwork? This is the right side of trans.
it looks like it says: 70-0G 9791
Originally Posted by 2blu442
What was the code on the passenger side of the transmission? On the tag? That would be OG if its a 442, OW if its a W30
John - What am I missing? OP states the above tag is from the RH side of the transmission (passenger side that would be). The tag demonstrates 70-OG = 442. I'm not an expert on this, but doesn't it suggest it is not a W-30 since the W-30 should be OW? Maybe I've lost my mind...
I'll just grab a cookie on my way out the door...😉
John - What am I missing? OP states the above tag is from the RH side of the transmission (passenger side that would be). The tag demonstrates 70-OG = 442. I'm not an expert on this, but doesn't it suggest it is not a W-30 since the W-30 should be OW? Maybe I've lost my mind...
I'll just grab a cookie on my way out the door...😉
For some reason I can't see the photo with the tag. Just the one with the drivers side transmission. OK, that does confirm its a 442 but not W30. Sorry for the confusion!
For some reason I can't see the photo with the tag. Just the one with the drivers side transmission. OK, that does confirm its a 442 but not W30. Sorry for the confusion!
October 29th, 2023, 10:25 AM
Attached pics.
