anthonyP

Oldsmobile Bulletin dated July 9, 1969 - notes cancellation of W-30/W-31 lightweight frames, new inclusion of aluminum intake manifold for the W-31, addition of new P37 option of SS-III 15x7 rims with G60-15 RWL tires and disc brake requirement, and many of other revisions: http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...nd_W31_1-3.pdf


Unfortunately, the P37 option was cancelled in late August 1969 without any reason given. There is an Oldsmobile Bulletin available noting this, but I cannot locate it at this time. Out of any of the GM Divisions, it should had been Oldsmobile with the 15" rims and G60 tires, as the '69 Hurst/Olds already had the 15" rims with an F60 tire. At least the '71 442/W-30 should have had the G60 tire option, as the Chevelle SS and GTO both moved up to G60 tires in 1971.


It would be interesting to find out from an Oldsmobile employee why Oldsmobile cancelled the G60 tire option in 1970, and more so, did not offer them in 1971/1972 when all of the other GM Divisions had the G60 tire option for their A-body models. This question has dogged many Oldsmobile enthusiasts for many years.

mmurphy77

I've wondered the same thing many times as, like you stated, most all of the other A-bodies already have or were about to get the 60-series tires on 15" rims. Incidentally, the Chevelle SS's F41 option also got the F60 tire in '71, not G60. I believe the Buick GS and the GTO were the only GM A-body musclecars that got G60 tires (the GS in '70 and the GTO in '71).

anthonyP

Oops, you are correct, the Chevelle did have the F60 tire is '71 & '72. I guess the only one worst off than the 442 in 1970 was the Chevelle SS, with F70-14 tires, but at least they made up for it the next year by adapting the new 1970 Z-28 tire/rim package.


I'm trying to recall who it was on this forum that worked for Oldsmobile during that period, maybe he can solve the mystery about the 15" rims/G60 tires being cancelled in 1969, or why they were never offered for the 1971 model year.

Dave Siltman

I'm pretty sure Dave Bunch worked for Olds in that time frame.

oldspackrat

I've read a few things posted by Dave B. & would love to somehow attach a sd card to his brain & display all his Olds. related knowledge here for everyone else to learn from.
He really should write a book so that info. is not lost.