ostricker

I am looking into a '72 Cutlass S 442 Hardtop located about 1,000 miles from me. It is immaculate, and I think the price is right, almost too good to be true IMO. It is listed as having the build sheet, Protect-O-Plate, original manuals, and even the welcome letter from Oldsmobile to the original buyer - photos of which have all been sent to me via e-mail.

The car is listed as all original with A/C. HOWEVER, I noticed on the build sheet there is no C61 rpo code, which indicates A/C for the '72 model year. Should I be concerned that the build sheet is possibly not authentic, or are there cases where a build sheet would not show all options? (Not insinuating current owner would know build sheet is not authentic, he may not know if it is.)

I know fake build sheets are an issue with Chevelles and Corvettes, but should I be worried? Am I overthinking this? Any advice is appreciated. I'm including a copy of the build sheet for reference, w/last of VIN blacked out.

anthonyP

When I opened the attachment it was too light too read most of it, but is not C60 the option code for A/C? From what I could read, it seems well optioned. If you pass on it, and from your evaluation, please let me know where it is.

Fun71

Yes, AC is option code C60.

I can't read that pdf, it's too blurry. You should try to get a scanned copy so it is clear like this:

BlackGold

It would help if the picture of your build sheet had enough resolution so that we could read it.

Does the VIN on the build sheet match that of the car? It is not uncommon for cars, if they even get a build sheet, to have one from another car.

Regardless, C60 is the code for A-body air conditioning. C61 is Comfortron A/C which had automatic temperature control. It was not available on A-bodies.

joe_padavano

Actually, C61 is the Comfortron automatic A/C, which was only offered on the full size cars. The Four Season A/C in the Cutlass line was still RPO C60. Interestingly, I do see what appears to be "C56 UPR AIR VENT" on the build sheet, which I believe refers to the upper dash ventilation on the Holiday Coupes and Convertibles withOUT air conditioning.

ostricker

Yes, my mistake, C60 is the code missing. It is well-optioned, and I'm leaning towards getting it - I'll give you a heads up if I don't.

ostricker

Hmmm, would it have been common to get a/c installed by the dealer at a later time, possibly by a subsequent owner or as part of a rebuild?

ostricker

The seller just sent me zoomed-in photos of each section of the build sheet. Definitely no C60, I'll ask him what he knows about it. Thx for all the replies.

joe_padavano

Retrofitting factory A/C is a major big deal that requires significant disassembly of the car. Front end has to come off, dash has to come out, etc, etc. Not impossible but not likely.

BlackGold

Again, does the VIN on the build sheet match that of the car?

ostricker

VIN matches, hence my concerns of a possible fake build sheet. My gut tells me I'm overreacting, but having read about fake build sheets in the past I'm trying to be cautious.

jharsh

Just me, but I can not understand why the top row of numbers is so dark compared to the rest of the document.

ostricker

I asked him by email if he knew the history on the a/c since it doesn't appear on the build sheet. His response was simply, "I don't see the option code either. Not sure why."

Just don't have a good feeling about it. Oh well, thanks again for all of the input.

davebw31

possible re-bodied car? Firewall is very, very different between A/C and non-A/C.........Firewall replaced? The build sheet sure looks legit to me.........I think the car was re-bodied..........Check the Fisher Body Plate rivets.......and dash VIN plate rivets......

ostricker

Ugh, if we're talking possible rebody I need to walk away from this one. Too many unanswered questions. Seller's reply to my question about A/C rpo not on build sheet was simply, "I don't see the option code either. Not sure why."

MDchanic

An all-original car with options not shown on the build sheet is not all-original.

A fake build sheet would almost definitely reflect the options actually on the car, otherwise why go to the trouble of making a fake?

So the car has been changed (in a fairly major way) and is not original.

How important is that to you?

- Eric

droptopron

JMO but a build sheet only adds sop much value to a base model car (no offense). I wouldn't walk away due to this irregularity. I could also see a scenario where earlier in the build it had the wrong firewall installed so they just went with it.

RetroRanger

It's. A 72 442 if it's not a V or U code how do you prove its a 442 ?

joe_padavano

It says W29 on the build sheet (bottom section, RH column, third line down).

RetroRanger

So it does I just gave up trying to read it to soon I guess

davebw31

droptopron : BS. What planet are you from dude. There were very strict requirements on correct Production Plant Build Sheets and Fisher Broadcast Sheets! Federal requirements dictated this. Get real man.

friskyjake67

I found mine with a 1967 copper penny attached to the build sheet with masking tape. The car is a fremont build 1967 442 convertible 4 speed . It was behind the drivers side rear passengers panel. When I removed the sheet I took the penny & taped it to a written message by me & left it in the same spot. Friskyjake 67