BigBertha442

Sorry for another post but can't get help from anybody!

???????????Howdy All ??????????????

NEED HELP??????????

New to the olds world.
I just bought a 1972 Cutlass S HT Coupe 442.

Vin # 3g87u2r153242 on car also last 6 dig # on 455
and same on 400 tranny!
Any help on the vin would be great!!!!

I do have C code heads? What should they be ?

Cowl tag is

ST 72-33687 R 16644 BODY
TR 940 A51 75 B PNT
01C074

Would the value of this car be worth a lot more bringing it back to 100% original shape? Ground up? How can you get the build sheets? is there any place to get them?

BigBertha (My wifes name for this beauty) has the front and back sway bars - dual exh - cut out bumber - bucket seats with center console - automatic turbo 400

Thanks for you help!!!

joe_padavano

Sal,

Very cool. Any 72 with a big-block VIN is a find. To be a true number matching engine, the nine character VIN derivative on the block (and also on the trans) should be 32R153242 for your car. If you really have a U-code 72 with numbers-matching engine and trans, I'd definitely restore it to stock.

C-heads were only used in 1967-1969. Your car should have Ga head castings.

The only place you'll find the build sheet is in the car. Olds did not keep a record of them. There is no equivalent to the Pontiac Historical Services (for example). Behind or under the back seat cushions is the most common place, but I've found one on top of the gas tank. Others have found then inside the front seats, in the side trim panels, and under the package shelf. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that you'll find one at all.

BigBertha442

Thanks Thanks!!!! where is the package shelf at?

Where can I get the vin and cowl tags coded.

Yes I have all matching numbers on vin-engine-trans.

Can on a numbers matching car the internal parts be changed with devauling the car? Crank? Pistons? cam? etc.

2blu442

Hi Sal
The package tray is the place behind the back seat under your rear windshield. Also I found a build sheet under a console once, so if you don't find one somewhere else that's another place. Here's a stab at your trim tag:

The top line says it’s a 1972 Hardtop and was built in Arlington Texas

The second line shows the interior is black and it’s the strato bucket seats with Matador Red paint, and a Black vinyl top

The third line shows that it was built the third week in January (01C) I don’t know what the 074 means

I got this out of a book printed by Supercarsunlimited called 442 by the numbers. Others can chime in if they see any mistakes I made, or can shed more light on the subject. John

Olds64

Welcome to the website. Post pics when you get a chance.

Sam Barrett

There are some good reference guides on Vin and body tags. For Oldsmobiles the Authentic Restoration Guide - Oldsmobile 442 & W-Machines is excellent and Year one has the codes decode in the front of thier catalog..

Your VIN says 3-Olds, g- Cutlass, 87-Hardtop Coupe, u-455 L75 250hp, 2r-'72 made in Arlington Texas

The body tag indicate a Matador Red with Black pin stripe, with White bench interior.

I believe the Assembly Manual has these codes as well.

Good Luck with Big Bertha.

BigBertha442

Thanks all for your help this is a great site !!!!