fitzcraig77

I have a 442 that I have had for some time and I have been trying to figure out if it is original or not and I have not had any luck. I was hoping to see if anyone had any idea. Anything helps. thanks
Protecto-plate:
080-w2 338676m376395
v117843t j pth
s-4 00180

Run to Rund

what is the build date on the top left of the cowl tag, something like 11D or 04B? The engine sequence number indicates it is a factory tri-carb car, made somewhere around April 66.

fitzcraig77

it is O5D

hurst68olds

05D - body build week = May - 4th week, calendar year 1966
080 - interior = black bench seat w/center arm rest
W2 - exterior = silver mist w/black convertible top
338676M376395 - VIN = Olds Cutlass convertible 1966 built at Lansing, MI
V117843T - engine unit number; V = Hi-Compression 400 & T = Tri-Carb
J PTH - rear axle; J = May build & PTH = Pontiac axle w/3.90 anti-spin
S-4 - transmission = 4-speed manual "synchromesh"
00180 - accessory codes; 1 = deluxe radio (AM) & 8 = ??

wmachine

fitzcraig77, you can get this info from the Assembly Manual available free of charge at Wild About Cars, go to the first section and look for the POP page.
The 00180 actually tell you more than just that you have an AM radio. It tells you that you *don't* have power steering or brakes, tilt, AC, HD cooling, power windows or locks.
Also, the V117843T engine unit number says your convert is an original Tr-Carb car, and if that number is on your cylinder head, at least the head is original to the car.
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...aldisplayed=50

Dan, the 4th digit "8" is interesting in the the '66 I had forever and just traded to a friend has an 8 there on the POP too. Cowl date 6A, I have never been able to figure out what the 8 was doing there. There is not an 8 show in column 62, it only goes up to 4 even on the broadcast code page. Also figured it must have been a typo. But now I'm really wondering.



Wild About Cars. http://wildaboutcars.com. An information supersource, especially Oldsmobile. More Olds content than anywhere else on the internet and continuing to grow.
You'll find Chassis Service Manuals, Product Information Manuals (AKA Assembly Manuals), Inspector's Manuals, and other documents that will contain this and much much more.
Dealer Brochures, magazine ads and articles, and the Automotive History Preservation Society library growing daily.
Free to join, free to learn.

fitzcraig77

thanks folks, I will look into the wild about cars page

fitzcraig77

I have another question. I met someone who said that this car has the L69 option, how do I find that out.

Run to Rund

L69 is the order code for the Tri-Carb 442 option.

MDchanic

In answer to the OP's original question, I would ask (since I am not an expert in this),
Did Olds make non-4-4-2 tri-carb cars?
If not, then, obviously, your car is a 4-4-2.
If they did, then that must have been a hellaciously rare option (non-4-4-2 tri-carb), and your car may be even more valuable.

- Eric

wmachine

Okay, more specifically, the L69 is the Tri-Carb option that requires the L78 442 option. So no non-442 L69s.

aliensatemybuick

Who is to say someone couldn't take a Cutlass and add the 442 specific options as well as the tri-carb setup as well while at it? I know for a fact that its been done. Happily for the O.P, he now knows his car is the rear deal on both counts.

MDchanic

So, to clarify, as I had suspected but did not know, the answer to the OP's question is,

"Yes, your car is an original 4-4-2."

Thanks, Kurt!

- Eric

hurst68olds

Reproduction & FAKE Protect-O-Plates/body tags/documentation have been around for decades.

aliensatemybuick

I have no doubt when it comes to cowl tags; had a very similar car to the one the O/P has (NOT an original tri-carb car) that a subsequent owner changed the tag on to make the car better match the car's current configuration (it had a color change too at one point) in order to maxmize his profit on re-sale.

But I have never seen a fake P-o-P from this era, and am curious just how good a fake could be make. Indeed, the repro cowl tags can be detected.

Run to Rund

AARGH!!!! No the L69 did NOT require L78 nor include L78. It was parallel. You ordered either L69 to get a Tri-Carb 4-4-2 or L78 to get a 4-barrel [quadrajet] 4-4-2.

wmachine

Right, of course. That was a major brain freeze for me. The L69 included the 442 package, but was an either/or as far as the RPOs go for ordering.

fitzcraig77

Thanks for all of the info folks, I will try to get some pics up as soon as I can get my camera to work with me,

rocketette

I wish Octania was here to weigh in on this subject. I can remember him talking about this. I came here to see if anyone had any idea on how much the complete set up is worth? Complete except for glass fuel bowl. It's currently parked on top of what I believe to be a rebuilt 455 w K heads. Octania built it while still a student at MSU, 24 years ago. Been sitting on an engine stand in the garage, waiting until he could "get to that project". If anyone has any input as to the value, please email me at my3sonswitt@yahoo.com or just reply here.

android 211

I have a '66 and would like to go Tri Carb but I'm intimidated by the prices for parts. There is a restored setup on ebay at times, asking a little under $5,000 firm. I saw a glass bowl for $1,200. Reasonable facsimiles are available much much less. Bare intakes seem to bring around $2,200 right now. All depends on what someone wants to pay. I'd expect a correct set of carbs would go for at least a grand.

rocketette

Thank you android 211

66-3X2 442

I will buy every complete correct set of L69 buildable carbs for $1K you can find.

rocketette

I think these are fairly complete. I don't think I'm currently willing to separate the intake and carbs from the never been run engine they're sitting on. I'm not as good at recognizing sarcasm as my husband was? Perhaps you're joking?

rocketette

Okay. I get it now.

MDchanic

If this is a complete setup that Chris put together several decades ago, then it is very likely that it is original and in good condition.

You will need a high roller to go for this assembly - it is quite valuable, as noted above - so you may not get many appropriate offers.

I would start by PM'ing 68-3x2, as he's got some knowledge and experience about these, and also Joe Padovano, who seems to have a very good idea of what's going on in the market. You may find on honest soul on here who can take it to one of the big meets, where people can see it, which might get you better offers.

How are you guys doing? Many of us are still a bit in shock, and most of us never even met the guy.

- Eric

66-3X2 442

Yes it was said in jest,thus the smilie face. I have sold complete unrestored units for $3500-$4K. With the fuel filter missing,it does hurt the value somewhat. I just realized who you are and would never do anything to hurt you. You have already been through enough as it is. I would put a $3750 value on what's pictured and it does look correct. You might get $4K from the right guy and I hope you find him. The only way I would separate would be find somebody wanting just an intake and somebody wanting just the carbs. You might come out a little better that way.

rocketette

I would hope it's no surprise that this is the first place I would go for help. I know there's a few good Oldsmobrothers out here. I appreciate your​ input and honesty.

rocketette

Yes Eric, this is Chris's set up. It was always too good to use. Never had the right car for it, nothing was worthy. I appreciate your advice and 66-3x2 was very helpful. You Oldsmoboys are my first go to for information.
We are actually okay. Lots of adjusting. Kids are doing well in school and thanks to a lot of you folks and Joe Padavano, we got through the holidays pretty well. We remain a close family and not day or a motorcycle goes by without us thinking of him. He is greatly missed but I know he would wants us to carry on. Thanks for asking.
QUOTE=MDchanic;1014266]If this is a complete setup that Chris put together several decades ago, then it is very likely that it is original and in good condition.

You will need a high roller to go for this assembly - it is quite valuable, as noted above - so you may not get many appropriate offers.

I would start by PM'ing 68-3x2, as he's got some knowledge and experience about these, and also Joe Padovano, who seems to have a very good idea of what's going on in the market. You may find on honest soul on here who can take it to one of the big meets, where people can see it, which might get you better offers.

How are you guys doing? Many of us are still a bit in shock, and most of us never even met the guy.

- Eric[/QUOTE]