I am going tomorrow morning to look at a 1966 442 convertible with an E block tripower engine and am trying to decode the vin and cowl tag. All sites require a 17 digit vin, this has a 13 digit vin. can someone help me to determine if this is the original engine? I'm not sure if I am able to post photos. thank you, Bert

vin 338676M124951

TAG:
10B
ST(?) 66-33867 LAN 481 BODY
JR(?) 980-B J-2 PAINT
EX 2KLG
5VY

 

Unless you have paperwork like the POP to match the numbers stamped on the head, you cannot tell if it is the original engine. In 66 no vin numbers were stamped on the engine. If you post a picture of numbers stamped on the front of the passenger head, we could say if that was or was not an original tri carb head. Also if you take a good picture of the throttle bell crank mounted on the firewall a judgement can me made about whether it is for a 4 barrel or a tri carb 442. But, since it is 2nd week of October build date, I would say someone added the tri carb to a 4 barrel 442.

 

Thank you very much! Would it also be that there is no engine code in vin or tag?

 

The cowl tag shows it was a factory 4 speed, 4 barrel 442 convertible with a lot of options. The first tri carbs were introduced mid year for 66 models after this car was made. I have a friend with a December 65 made 66 tri carb that he bought off the transporter new. That is the earliest car that I personally have seen. Others here can relate their own experiences with the earliest tri carbs.

 

Indirectly yes. Its Group 5, letter V accessory code means it has the 442 option. That option only came with a 400 E engine in 1966. I do not think you can verify if this particular 400E block is the same one that was in the car when it left the factory.

 

What do you know about the E Block? Could that be original, which may warrant the tri carbs? Where does my tag/vin indicate date of production?
I really appreciate your help and whatever decoding you can explain would be welcomed!

 

Cowl tag indicates date of production. In your case: "10B" 10 = 10th month October. B = 2nd week.

 

From American Car ID numbers book, somebody can double check me

VIN
3 = Oldsmobile
3867 =Cutlass V-8 convertible
6 = 1966
M = Lansing
124951 = sequential serial number

Trim tag
10B - 2nd week Oct
ST = Style, same as above
Body 481 not sure
JR assume should be TR / TRIM - 980 = black
PAINT - assume is B would be Nocturne Mist
rest are option codes I assume; book does not list

 

Thanks Al

 

The 10B means the build was the 2nd week of October 1965.


Oldsmobile released some paperwork regarding the L69 option introduction which is the Tri-carb option. My recollection is the option was introduced for late November—December 1965 release. From memory a little over 2100 were made by the factory.

I was around back then. A good number of factory 4-barrel cars were later changed to add over the counter tri-carb carbs and manifolds. Except for the June 66 made w30 cars, as far as I know, the blocks and rotating assembly are the same. The fuel pump, fuel bowl assembly and fuel lines are not. The heads changed from B to C in 67 cars. 66 factory 4 barrel and tri-carb cars both had B heads but the tri carb cars received a unique "T" suffice stamp. Internally, I am not aware of any differences.

 

I would say it has a J colored body which is Forrest Mist. My recollection is that the letter B in the trim code, 970-B, means it has factory head rests. My own 66 has the same option. It is rare.


The number 2 is the convertible top color. I recall it is the code for black.

 

Thanks! Makes better sense. Book does have J = Forest Mist. Strange does not have a table for convertible top color codes, but for my 69 is does and 2 = black.

Head rests would be a rare option!

 

Thanks. it does not have head rests.

 

The L69 tri carb option was made available 12-1-65 and any car built before then can't be a real factory built unit-period.

 

‘any idea the latest build dates for L69 cars sir?

 

Almost all...

http://vinmagic.com/1964-oldsmobile-vin-decoder/

That's all that really matters, everything else is a maybe or can't be ...

 

07e

 

That cowl tag decodes as follows:

10B = built second week (B) of October (10), 1965
ST 66 = Style 1966 model year
3 = Oldsmobile Division
38 = Cutlass Model Line
67 = convertible
LAN = Lansing assembly plant
481 BODY = Fisher Body sequence number
TR 980-B = black bucket seat interior
J-2 PAINT = Forrest Mist (J) with black (2) convertible top

ACC codes:
E = Tinted Glass
X = Power Windows
2K = Firewall cutout for A/C
2L = Hole and mounting plate for M20 four speed shifter
2G = Hole and mounting plate for console
5V = W29 442 option
5Y = Deluxe front and rear seat belts

 

07E would be the week starting on July 25, and an "07A" build week would be one day, July 1, correct?

 

 

Thanks for everyone's help with E block, decoding questions. Anyone know where I can find upholstery kits for a 1966 442 convertible?

 

I would assume Legendary has them.

 

Legendary for sure, but there may be delay while they are being made. Nevertheless, stick with Legendary.

Shop around for the best price. Legendary dealer prices can vary. Consider shipping costs can vary a good bit too.