"Rare" Options
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 548
From: milwaukee
I restored this car a few years back.(I'd buy it back in a heartbeat if anyone knows it..went to IL) anyway. I bought it for the hood alone. It was an ebay purchase. Come to find out I found a build sheet in the back seat. hart to see but it had the B85 moldings, w25 induction, hurst dual gate and special order nugget gold paint all with a 2:73 gear??! Poor man's w-31? talk about a wierd option list.moreolds010.jpg
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
From: Richmond, TX
Slightly off year, the rarest option on my '69 is the C57 forced air ventilation. These are essentially a pair of additional blower motors in the dash for the upper vents. They look to be modified versions of the rear window defroster. One year option for the Olds A-body. Personally, I've only seen one other in an Olds...
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,859
From: Indianapolis
69ho,
I have a '69 GTO convertible that my great grandfather ordered new. It came with no AC from the factory but he did order what is essentially the same thing as yours. It has two little motors mounted in the outboard part of the cowl. They are held on by, I think, two studs with nuts? I occasionally use them, but I have been told they get to hot & quit working if you leave them on to long. I forget the exact name for it, but there is a little rocker switch on the dash next to the convertible top switch. I did not know it was a one year only option, thanks.
I have a '69 GTO convertible that my great grandfather ordered new. It came with no AC from the factory but he did order what is essentially the same thing as yours. It has two little motors mounted in the outboard part of the cowl. They are held on by, I think, two studs with nuts? I occasionally use them, but I have been told they get to hot & quit working if you leave them on to long. I forget the exact name for it, but there is a little rocker switch on the dash next to the convertible top switch. I did not know it was a one year only option, thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,866
From: Carrolllton Texas
Slightly off year, the rarest option on my '69 is the C57 forced air ventilation. These are essentially a pair of additional blower motors in the dash for the upper vents. They look to be modified versions of the rear window defroster. One year option for the Olds A-body. Personally, I've only seen one other in an Olds...
I remember seeing somewhere in a manual that option being available in 1972 in the Buick Skylark only - no other A body division offered it.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
From: Richmond, TX
69ho,
I have a '69 GTO convertible that my great grandfather ordered new. It came with no AC from the factory but he did order what is essentially the same thing as yours. It has two little motors mounted in the outboard part of the cowl. They are held on by, I think, two studs with nuts? I occasionally use them, but I have been told they get to hot & quit working if you leave them on to long. I forget the exact name for it, but there is a little rocker switch on the dash next to the convertible top switch. I did not know it was a one year only option, thanks.
I have a '69 GTO convertible that my great grandfather ordered new. It came with no AC from the factory but he did order what is essentially the same thing as yours. It has two little motors mounted in the outboard part of the cowl. They are held on by, I think, two studs with nuts? I occasionally use them, but I have been told they get to hot & quit working if you leave them on to long. I forget the exact name for it, but there is a little rocker switch on the dash next to the convertible top switch. I did not know it was a one year only option, thanks.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,802
From: Northern VA
Astro ventilation. It's described in the 1969 Fisher Body Manual, but I've never seen one in the wild.
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,614
From: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
Not mentioned
Since they were not mentioned, perhaps these are not rare. I'm just wondering how many ended up (one way or another) with any of the police options. 
B01 Police Apprehender - City
B07 Police Apprehender - Highway
J55 Heavy Duty Brakes
U11 Certified Speedometer
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In.
Or perhaps these were not available on the "A" body. (?)
B01 Police Apprehender - City
B07 Police Apprehender - Highway
J55 Heavy Duty Brakes
U11 Certified Speedometer
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In.
Or perhaps these were not available on the "A" body. (?)
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,393
From: Austin, Tx
Since they were not mentioned, perhaps these are not rare. I'm just wondering how many ended up (one way or another) with any of the police options.
B01 Police Apprehender - City
B07 Police Apprehender - Highway
J55 Heavy Duty Brakes
U11 Certified Speedometer
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In.
Or perhaps these were not available on the "A" body. (?)
B01 Police Apprehender - City
B07 Police Apprehender - Highway
J55 Heavy Duty Brakes
U11 Certified Speedometer
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In.
Or perhaps these were not available on the "A" body. (?)
Henry
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,223
Astro ventilation was standard on the '69 (probably later models as well) sport coupe and convertible models. The air comes in from the cowl vents, enters the interior through the dash and kick panel vents, then goes under the rear seat and into the trunk. Finally, it goes forward into the quarter panels and exits the car through those black plastic vents you see when you open the doors. It's supposed to give constant air exchange for the interior.
Registered User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 486
From: New Westminster B.C.
Rare Options
I am not sure what year it was offerd but i believe there was an option for a blower defroster for the rear window of convertibles. I have never seen one, but a fellow CO member and friend has some pieces and is trying to complete the set-up. Also block heaters were pretty much standard for Canadian destin cars, where-as finding AC was relativly rare in Canada.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
From: Richmond, TX
I am not sure what year it was offerd but i believe there was an option for a blower defroster for the rear window of convertibles. I have never seen one, but a fellow CO member and friend has some pieces and is trying to complete the set-up. Also block heaters were pretty much standard for Canadian destin cars, where-as finding AC was relativly rare in Canada.
1971 442 conv
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 908
From: Austin, Texas
Loving this thread!!! Here are photos of some of the options mentioned including the tissue dispenser, rim blower steering wheel, safety door lock guards, automatic seat back release, spare tire lock. Not sure how many of these were factory installed on this car:
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 80
From: PA
Ok, I now know for sure that air shocks were few and far between, My low optioned 70 442 has them, but like everyone else with air shocks I'm going with conventional gas shocks, I dont care to keep that an option on my hot rod
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,587
From: West Michigan
Since they were not mentioned, perhaps these are not rare. I'm just wondering how many ended up (one way or another) with any of the police options.
B01 Police Apprehender - City
B07 Police Apprehender - Highway
J55 Heavy Duty Brakes
U11 Certified Speedometer
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In.
B01 Police Apprehender - City
B07 Police Apprehender - Highway
J55 Heavy Duty Brakes
U11 Certified Speedometer
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In.
Olds Nut
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 864
From: Powhatan,va
rare options
OK, I mined the production data for ultra-rare options in 1970. See below. Sorry, I don't have the gumption to look at other years. Maybe someday.
-----------------------------------------------------
*** Ultra rare options in 1970 ***
F-85 series (A-bodies) only.
Data accurate only through June.
Percentages are for all F-85 models on which you could legally order that option.
Note: Some options may appear to be rare because they were in fact standard on a particular model or already included as part of a popular package or mandatory when another option was ordered. For example, the G92 3.42 rear axle was standard on most 442s and thus was not as rare as the numbers below show.
AS1 Standard Front Shoulder Belts 0.1% (16 total)
AS4 Deluxe Rear Shoulder Belts 0.1% (213 total)
AS4 Standard Rear Shoulder Belts 0.0% (77 total)
AU5 Electric Seat and Door Locks 0.1% (206 total)
G66 Superlift Rear Shocks 0.8% (2290 total)
G88 3.91 Performance Axle 0.8% (1921 total) (but 6.4% of 442s)
G92 3.42 Performance Axle 0.7% (1655 total) (but 2.6% of 442s)
K30 Auto Throttle Control 1.7% (5037 total) (but 6.5% of wagons)
M14 Manual 3-speed 0.9% (1755 total)
M20 Maunal 4-speed 1.2% (2190 total)
M55 Aux Oil Cooler 0.8% (2171 total)
PC2 Wheel Option 0.2% (457 total)
P06 Wheel Trim Ring 0.6% (1582 total)
T81 Head Lamp Off Delay Control 0.8% (2469 total)
U89 Car Trailer Harness 1.0% (3040 total)
WJ5 Delete Emission System 0.0% (14 total)
W27 Aluminum Axle Carrier 0.2% (351 total)
W31 Air Induction System 1.3% (1352 total)
W32 455 4 bbl Engine 1.1% (852 total)
Y66 Special Paint Two Tone 0.1% (185 total)
Y76 Special Firemist Paint 0.0% (36 total)
-----------------------------------------------------
*** Ultra rare options in 1970 ***
F-85 series (A-bodies) only.
Data accurate only through June.
Percentages are for all F-85 models on which you could legally order that option.
Note: Some options may appear to be rare because they were in fact standard on a particular model or already included as part of a popular package or mandatory when another option was ordered. For example, the G92 3.42 rear axle was standard on most 442s and thus was not as rare as the numbers below show.
AS1 Standard Front Shoulder Belts 0.1% (16 total)
AS4 Deluxe Rear Shoulder Belts 0.1% (213 total)
AS4 Standard Rear Shoulder Belts 0.0% (77 total)
AU5 Electric Seat and Door Locks 0.1% (206 total)
G66 Superlift Rear Shocks 0.8% (2290 total)
G88 3.91 Performance Axle 0.8% (1921 total) (but 6.4% of 442s)
G92 3.42 Performance Axle 0.7% (1655 total) (but 2.6% of 442s)
K30 Auto Throttle Control 1.7% (5037 total) (but 6.5% of wagons)
M14 Manual 3-speed 0.9% (1755 total)
M20 Maunal 4-speed 1.2% (2190 total)
M55 Aux Oil Cooler 0.8% (2171 total)
PC2 Wheel Option 0.2% (457 total)
P06 Wheel Trim Ring 0.6% (1582 total)
T81 Head Lamp Off Delay Control 0.8% (2469 total)
U89 Car Trailer Harness 1.0% (3040 total)
WJ5 Delete Emission System 0.0% (14 total)
W27 Aluminum Axle Carrier 0.2% (351 total)
W31 Air Induction System 1.3% (1352 total)
W32 455 4 bbl Engine 1.1% (852 total)
Y66 Special Paint Two Tone 0.1% (185 total)
Y76 Special Firemist Paint 0.0% (36 total)
My 442 came with U89 trailer wire harness. The original owner towed a camper with it.
Trying to remember member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,112
From: Ohio
In '71, the W37 was available with either 4-spd (M22 and M20) in the 442 , in '72 it was available in any of the 4-spd applications (M20 only in '72).
Production was 268 units in '71 and about 250 in '72.
M22 rock crusher 4spd was '71 442 only, with 386 so equipped.
Production was 268 units in '71 and about 250 in '72.
M22 rock crusher 4spd was '71 442 only, with 386 so equipped.
Registered User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,688
From: Delta BC Canada
Ve1
Good one!. This is a seldom seen option.
Option VE1 Bumper Insert, Rear-Guard Rubber
KGrHqEOKnIE5tGmc1hBOemKC0Ew60_3_zps70aa617f.jpg
Last edited by oldsmobiledave; Dec 18, 2013 at 08:54 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,057
From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Can you possibly post photos of these unique cars and options?
I will jump in here with some thoughts on rare options on W-30 cars.
My 1972 W-30 came with the B-85 wide exterior trim option as well as plain steel wheels with dog dish hub caps. Also Radiant green is seldom seen color & when seen it is usually with black or white interior. Very rare to see one with the green interior.
My buddy Bill Bergeson in Medicine Hat AB has a 1972 W-30 4 speed car. it is original paint flame orange with saddle interior. Bill is the second owner of the car. This car was ordered WITHOUT a radio (it is not a radio delete car since a radio was not standard equipment on a 1972 Cutlass). The dash is uncut to this day.
There is a 1972 W-30 automatic in Gibbons AB that is Flame orange with saddle interior & white stripes. The rare option on this car is the factory two tone paint with a painted cream colored roof.
The last car is a 1971 W-30. This is a Matador Red automatic. The car has black hood stripes but the side stripes are white. Show me another one optioned that way. Bye the way this car is original paint & has less than 30,000 mi on it. This car is in a collection in Saskatoon SK.
My 1972 W-30 came with the B-85 wide exterior trim option as well as plain steel wheels with dog dish hub caps. Also Radiant green is seldom seen color & when seen it is usually with black or white interior. Very rare to see one with the green interior.
My buddy Bill Bergeson in Medicine Hat AB has a 1972 W-30 4 speed car. it is original paint flame orange with saddle interior. Bill is the second owner of the car. This car was ordered WITHOUT a radio (it is not a radio delete car since a radio was not standard equipment on a 1972 Cutlass). The dash is uncut to this day.
There is a 1972 W-30 automatic in Gibbons AB that is Flame orange with saddle interior & white stripes. The rare option on this car is the factory two tone paint with a painted cream colored roof.
The last car is a 1971 W-30. This is a Matador Red automatic. The car has black hood stripes but the side stripes are white. Show me another one optioned that way. Bye the way this car is original paint & has less than 30,000 mi on it. This car is in a collection in Saskatoon SK.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,057
From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Probably the rarest W-30 option is the Disc Brake Delete option. Is was offered, but have never seen a documented W-30 with the this option. Probably offered for racers that wanted free-wheeling drums brakes all around.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
From: Richmond, TX
Registered User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,688
From: Delta BC Canada
pics
I do not have pictures of the 71 W-30 with mixed stripe colors.
My 1972 W-30. Note I do not care for the 14" steel wheel & dog dish look on this car but here she is wearing repo SS11 rims. The factory B80 wide window sill mouldings were too beat up to put back on the car. I still have them in storage.
DSCN6720.jpg
DSCN6736.jpg
Bill Bergeson's 1972 W-30 4 speed car. Uncut no radio dash.
Two tone paint 1972 W-30 automatic. Owner lives in central Alberta & is not a member here.
Last edited by oldsmobiledave; Dec 20, 2013 at 04:12 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,105
From: central Indiana
I have a friend with a 70 Skylark, it has these mounted in the cowl, with stud that are visible with the hood open. I don't know if they were factory, or added later. I think its a neat option, how often have you been in the car on a warm damp day? The added airflow is nice!
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,105
From: central Indiana
Sammy70 455 Supreme
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,069
From: Port Perry, Ontario
interior window chrome...
Is the interior window chrome like this standard on the 68 and 69 442?
I think it was here that I read that some was wide and some narrow....just trying to clarify..
I think it was here that I read that some was wide and some narrow....just trying to clarify..
