Mikep442

Hi, I bought this car a month ago and found this under the back seat.
I'm trying to figure out some these codes.
I figured it was a three speed, that's about it.
Just trying to figure the other codes out.
Thanks

jaunty75

You have apparently found a portion of one of the Holy Grails of old car collecting, the proverbial "Build Sheet." Unfortunately, it appears that most of it is missing as it should be about 9 inches by 12 inches in size. Yours appears to be cut off cleanly on the right side as though it was cut with a pair of scissors. Perhaps there are other pieces of it still to be found where this was found? I'd take a look if you haven't already.

Most of the codes in the boxes don't mean very much, I don't think. It's the list of options down below that matters because they prove what the car originally came with.

Here's what a build sheet typically looks like, although they're often found in less than pristine condition.





What's the year and model of the car in question? Can you post the VIN? Can you post a photo of the body cowl tag? It is under the hood on the firewall most likely on the driver's side. It's about the size of a credit card and is usually riveted in place.

Mikep442

It's a 71 442, 4 speed.
I found the sheet under the back of the back seat, I had the whole interior out looking for just that.
I haven't found anything else, yet.

jaunty75

My guess is that it's unlikely you'll find any more of the build sheet. It was never meant to be part of what the customer receives when taking delivery of the car, and it appears yours was torn or cut for some reason, and only a portion was left behind.

Lansing-built cars are famous for not having build sheets in them as that plant was more meticulous about not leaving them in the car. When people do find them, it's a car that wasn't built at Lansing, and they've been reported found in many places (taped to the top of the gas tank, under the front or back seat as you found, behind a door panel, underneath the headliner, under the carpet, and under the rear package shelf).

Your body cowl tag decodes as a '71 442 hardtop coupe built the second week of January 1971 at the Framingham, Mass assembly plant (thus not built at Lansing, which explains the presence of the build sheet). The upper and lower body colors are the same and were called "bittersweet," and the car has a black vinyl bench seat.

The cowl tag shows options installed by Fisher Body. Mechanical specifications and options, like the type of engine, transmission, etc, are not included on the cowl tag. That's where having the build sheet can be so valuable.

Can we see a photo of the car?!?! People will be asking for this.

Mikep442

Pictures coming soon

Mikep442

I know it's the wrong color. And not a w-30. But a real 442 manual trans.
Body is great, floors solid. Engine numbers match. Seats were worn so they are sent out now.

jaunty75

Looks nice!