I was recently going through the codes on my 1986 Cutlass, decoding the VIN and Cowl tag just for fun really (I really enjoy learning the about the history of the car, where it was made, how it rolled out of the factory, etc.) and there is a number on the cowl tag that I cannot identify.

There is a "42" stamped on the tag, but it is rotated 90 degrees from the other numbers (see picture below). I am guessing this is an inspection number, or perhaps a production line number? It does not show up on any diagram decoding the other numbers, so I don't think it has anything to do with the production codes.

Also, according to the VIN, my cutlass was produced in Pontiac, MI (VIN code 'P'). However, every resource I find says that Oldsmobiles were not built in Pontiac. Apparently only Pontiacs and eventually some Chevys, GMCs, Buick and Cadillacs were built there. Does anyone have more information on the Pontiac, MI plant?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

First, the cowl tag is not the VIN. What is the actual VIN on the car? The eleventh character of the VIN is what matters. I suspect that is not a "P" on the cowl tag but actually an "R" for Arlington, TX.

 

I apologize for the confusion. I understand the cowl tag does not contain the VIN. My main question was concerning the number "42" on the cowl tag, as seen in the picture on the first post.

The question about the Pontiac assembly plant was meant to be a separate question, unrelated to the cowl tag question. I see know how that was confusing for others reading it.

Just for clarity, I have sent a picture of the VIN below. You can see here the 11th character is a "P".

 

our canadian cars dont always follow the same rules, i believe we have 2 less characters in the vin, at least on my car anyway.

 

Canadian VINs were changed to match US VIN formats starting with the 1967 model year.

 

good info as always, thanx Joe

 

The "P" it is for Pontiac assembly, and the "42" stamp isn't anything associated with the options of the car. In fact, most of the body tags from Pontiac plant on 86 -88 RWD Cutlass I've seen has some sort of rando stamp on them for some reason. Nobody I know of has had a good answer for it.

Appears from your VIN you have a 2-door 86 Cutlass Supreme Brougham with a 307 Y V8 engine.

U.S. 86 Cutlass was built in Arlington, TX, and in Pontiac, MI. Canadian-bult Cutlass cars were built in Ste. Therese.

If this car was built in Canada, it would start with a "2" in the VIN, and the plant code would also be a "2" for Ste. Therese assembly.

G= 1986 model year
10B- target production week (TPW) of 2nd week of October, 1985
3GM47- Olds, Cutlass Supreme Brougham 2-door notchback body style
P- Pontiac, MI assembly plant
030754- Fisher body number. It's on the build sheet somewhere, if you're lucky enough to find one. Seems the Canadians were a lot sloppier not cleaning out the cars than Michigan plants.
15L- Medium Gray Metallic, lacquer
762- Seat material, leather, burgundy
CD4- Pulse (delay) wipers (N33 tilt wheel was mandatory with CD4)
84T- vinyl top color, Medium Gray

The "42"??? Rando stamp, no idea. Jackie Robinson Edition? Nah. Have no idea.

 

Wow thanks 69HO43 for the comprehensive breakdown! I wish I could have found the build sheet for the car, but it was missing when I got it.

Thanks again!

 

Your 1986 should have a SPID sticker in the trunk.

 

Excellent info. One can also see that the cowl tag was stamped the other way for that 42. The jigged numbers go up, the 42 goes down.