Hey Folks,

I'm sure this question has come up once or twice, but I've been trying to figure out what these numbers and letter mean. Any assistance would be great.

ST71
34267LAN262204 (Vin)

TR 980 53 B (Door)

403 859 (Engine)

I understand that the "3" is for Oldsmobile and "4267" is for V8 Convertible. I do not see an assembly plant code anywhere? Does LAN = Lansing, MI? Also, how can I tell if eveerything is "matching". Please help! I haven't owned this car but for a few months. Any help would be much appreciated...

 

From the top:

ST71 - 1971 model year

34267LAN62204 - this is NOT the VIN, it's the body number from Fisher Body. The VIN will be on the cowl, visible through the windshield.
3 = Oldsmobile division
42 = Cutlass Supreme
67 = Convertible
LAN = Lansing, MI factory
62204 = Fisher Body sequential body build number (NOT supposed to be the same as the last six digits of the VIN)

TR980 53 B - interior trim and paint codes (I don't have that info at the moment)

403859 - casting number for 1970 #6 small block heads. Not the original heads for that car.

Search this site for the term "numbers matching" and you'll find this post:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/10480-post5.html

 

Question...I just found out that the heads I have are not the originals. They are #6 heads from a 70 Cutlass. Is there reasons why someone would change the heads? All suggestions welcome.

 

Many, one of the original heads may have had a burned valve, broken spring, worn guides, leaky seals, or perhaps somenone incorrectly troubleshot a problem and replaced the heads that didn't even need it.

 

Perhaps someone overheated the **** out of it and ruined the old ones.

 

Joe...and others,
Could he just have an early '71 model?
Could've come with '70 heads...leftovers?

Like my first '70 was built in Nov'69.
-Pete

Or were all parts stamped for exact the year car they came in?