Going to look at a 68 442 convertible. Is there specific numbers on the cowl tag or body to know if its the real deal? Thanks

 

vin # starts with 344

 

Yep. It's pretty cut and dried for a '68. Any other sequence is not a 442.

 

Also, do not be surprised if the cowl tag body style numbers are 3667 instead of 4467. This is well documented in the Fisher Body Manual that Olds did this for the 1968 and 1969 model years. The VIN is what matters. A real 1968 442 convert will have a VIN that starts 344678.....

 

Great, thanks for the tips

 

Where is the engine stamp to see if they match?

 

Photos of Casting Number Locations, Engines:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s-engines.html

 

Perfect

 

You can call or text me at 517-four 49-oh 43 two
if you need to. Real time '68 expertise, such as it is.
Chris

 

Thanks for the offer. I will be checking it out hopefully this Friday and drop you a dime. Pat

 

I can't generally do long personal calls at work, but a text to inquire I can deal with when I get a minute, maybe take a break for a phone call. Smokers can take 5-10m off when they need to, so can I.

 

The good thing about this 68 is it can be validated even without docs, unlike 72. Hope the car passes inspection - it's a beautifully designed looker. First year of new body style.

 

Chris, looking at the phone, I think there is a digit missing. Pat

 

oh-43 two

 

Well here's the vin 336678M304688. Got it ahead of time so figure there is no point since who knows how cobbled together it may be.

 

Not a 442 just a Convertible Cutlass.

 

Behind the water pump on a 400 cu in.

Must start with # 396...

 

Decoded vin if you want more information.
http://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/vin...=336678M304688

Also, shameless plug for a project 68 442 convertible I have for sale. In one of the albums I show a picture of where you can see that the engine block numbers matches the VIN. https://i.imgur.com/nx9pIr9.jpg.

Hope that information helps! Sorry to hear what you were looking at wasn't a real 442.

 

Actually it's not behind the water pump. It's cast onto the block on the horizontal shelf to the right of the oil pressure sender (but I know what you mean) as are all 68 and newer block castings. Specifically the 68/69 400 should be a 396026 G and the Engine Unit Number is on the oil fill tube. The heads have a C casting and CFD numbering 394548. The engine will also have the cars VIN derivative on the engine stamping plate.

 

Actually, all 1964-1990 Olds V8 blocks have the casting number there (except, as always, the 1964 394). Only 1968-1990 have the VIN derivative stamp, but the casting number location has been the same since the first 330 block.

 

The block ID is certainly "aft" of the water pump.
C heads are 394548 but admittedly the teensy numbers are often poorly formed and hard to read. If the C is there that's really all you need anyhow.

 

Thanks Chris, now I have to think about where I pulled that 646 from....it could also be my eyes and not the casting number..I'll go back and fixit.

 

Pretty picky. As it's mere inches away. But your description is a good one.

 

I know you know that I knew that, just was responding to the reference of 68 in the original post.

A side question since there really don't seem to be a lot of L6 engines out there (sort of like the number of 442s that exist now are greater than the number originally produced)...where would the stamping pad be on them? I know that up till 1971 the L6 was the standard engine for the A body, and most likely peeps didn't want it so they or dealers ordered the bulk of their cars with V8's. I've looked at the exploded views of the L6 and can't seem to find the location of a stamping pad or manufacturing tag attached to the block. I thought you might know.

EDIT: Never mind. Found it. It's on the right hand side close to the distributor. Shoulda looked harder at the Assembly Manual.

L6derivative_zpsc049d87d.jpg

Yeah, I know. Sorry bout dat Greg, my bad. Everyone has a way of describing things and I just went a little too far on my reply.

I forgot my manners in my first post by not saying 'Welcome aboard'. That was your first post and I apologize if it left a bad impression. So where in Canada are you and maybe a little more info about you and your car??

 

I just got back from looking at this car. It is a cutlass with 442 emblems poorly installed. It would make an OK driver but needs LOTS of work. it is a 40 footer at best. Almost no options other than bucket floor shift convertible. Not the original engine or transmission. has rust and poor body work. I plan to go to the auction but not likely going to go home with it.

 

I figured an impound car would not be legit but you never know.

 

Are you going to be there?

 

No, that was the only car and I have tons of project stuff. Gotta get a busted head bolt out of a 61 F85 today if possible.