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A friend sent me a link to a Facebook post from a restoration shop named Garner Customs & Restorations. Claims to be an all-original
/legitimate special order Plum Crazy “70 W30 Convertible automatic. To be revealed at this years MCACN. Don’t kill the messenger.
Its a correct true special ordered car in plum crazy, Allan with Garner restorations posted the whole ownership history..Jim Stolhman responded how he had saw cars special ordered in colors outside the wheel and model chart for that year. I have zero doubt it is as stated.
Garner Restorations has a serious and solid reputation on concourse restos of many many Oldsmobiles.
Olds had several RPO codes for special order paint, including non-Oldsmobile and even non-GM paint colors. Note Y62, Y66, and Y76 for the 1970 model year. The problem is that the cowl tag only says "- -". Other documentation is required to prove exactly what color that was.
I'm not sure why it matters what current day experts say about something that happened 50 years ago. Although anything is possible, I highly doubt that car got painted in Mopar paint on a GM line, and I'm not talking about the color, but, rather, the paint branding. Unless it was custom painted offline, I would think Lansing's paint department would stick with whatever paint brands GM bought. Although paints were less complex back then, I know Mopar paints would **** up my company's paint robots in a flash from being incompatible. I'm thinking that someone had a lot of pull, and ordered it with a custom color equal to Plum Crazy, but was mixed up with GM paint, so the paint used was some GM number that looked the same as Plum Crazy. I'm sure it was never officially mentioned anywhere and the thing may have been delivered to the customer's house directly, for all we know.
It would be very interesting to see the order form "Customer wants custom order paint to match Dodge Plum Crazy."
Edit: What Joe said. GM paint code equivalents to popular colors.
[QUOTE=Koda;1459269]I'm not sure why it matters what current day experts say about something that happened 50 years ago. Although anything is possible, I highly doubt that car got painted in Mopar paint on a GM line, and I'm not talking about the color, but, rather, the paint branding. Unless it was custom painted offline, I would think Lansing's paint department would stick with whatever paint brands GM bought. Although paints were less complex back then, I know Mopar paints would **** up my company's paint robots in a flash from being incompatible. I'm thinking that someone had a lot of pull, and ordered it with a custom color equal to Plum Crazy, but was mixed up with GM paint, so the paint used was some GM number that looked the same as Plum Crazy. I'm sure it was never officially mentioned anywhere and the thing may have been delivered to the customer's house directly, for all we know.
It would be very interesting to see the order form "Customer wants custom order paint to match Dodge Plum Crazy."
Edit: What Joe said. GM paint code equivalents to popular colors.[/QUOT
go on Garner Restoration FB site, he has all the history along with original photos posted. Hard to say whether it was GM derivative of Plum Crazy purple or what.
I certainly do not claim any status as expert on anything, more student status
go on Garner Restoration FB site, he has all the history along with original photos posted. Hard to say whether it was GM derivative of Plum Crazy purple or what.
I certainly do not claim any status as expert on anything, more student status
The name of the color is irrelevant. The paint shop mixed colors to a formula using tints and tinting base. So long as the paint shop has the formula for whatever special order color was desired, it could be mixed. This is how GM painted cars Yellow Cab orange or Mary Kay pink, neither of which were GM colors.
The name of the color is irrelevant. The paint shop mixed colors to a formula using tints and tinting base. So long as the paint shop has the formula for whatever special order color was desired, it could be mixed. This is how GM painted cars Yellow Cab orange or Mary Kay pink, neither of which were GM colors.
Exactly,we had gov. trucks painted with a special color yellow. They wrre all different brands,Phord,Chevy,Dodge,IH etc. but they all were the same color.
Bigmikey65 and Andy you are not crazy. I remember the car and the car was painted purple, whether the paint came from Dodge or G.M, The car is a 1970 442 convertible, automatic transmission, numbers matching, trim tag "-A" I remember photographs with factory overspray inside the trunk. I have many photographs of the car, including the VIN and I may have the engine and transmission VIN derivative. The owner had restored the engine and use to run the engine in the chassis. If I remember correctly, the trim tag was a single hyphen "A" (-A). The owner was trying desperately to sell the car and ran into multiple deadends due to color skeptics.
Last edited by twilightblue28A; Oct 22, 2022 at 04:29 PM.
Same thing only different. My uncle had a 70 LS5 Vette in the mid 70's. Was purple. After I got into cars I found out it was a special paint order. But If I remember correctly it was delivered in primer and painted at dealer. I will have to ask again to clarify.
He did say it was Plum Crazy though.
I'm not sure why it matters what current day experts say about something that happened 50 years ago. Although anything is possible, I highly doubt that car got painted in Mopar paint on a GM line, and I'm not talking about the color, but, rather, the paint branding. Unless it was custom painted offline, I would think Lansing's paint department would stick with whatever paint brands GM bought. Although paints were less complex back then, I know Mopar paints would **** up my company's paint robots in a flash from being incompatible. I'm thinking that someone had a lot of pull, and ordered it with a custom color equal to Plum Crazy, but was mixed up with GM paint, so the paint used was some GM number that looked the same as Plum Crazy. I'm sure it was never officially mentioned anywhere and the thing may have been delivered to the customer's house directly, for all we know.
It would be very interesting to see the order form "Customer wants custom order paint to match Dodge Plum Crazy."
Edit: What Joe said. GM paint code equivalents to popular colors.[/QUOT
go on Garner Restoration FB site, he has all the history along with original photos posted. Hard to say whether it was GM derivative of Plum Crazy purple or what.
I certainly do not claim any status as expert on anything, more student status
Right, I meant people like this Stohlman.
Yes, Joe and I are saying the same thing. Custom GM mixes to match another makes' color. That, I totally believe.
Yes, Joe and I are saying the same thing. Custom GM mixes to match another makes' color. That, I totally believe.
Yeah, but they aren't "GM mixes" or "Chrysler colors". They are simply paint mixed in the paint vendor's system (PPG, DuPont, RM, etc). The tints don't know which manufacturer's car they are used on. If you go to an auto paint store, the paint isn't "GM paint", it's PPG or RM or DuPont paint, with the appropriate formula created from tints in a mixing station. The paint used in the factories was no different.
Same thing only different. My uncle had a 70 LS5 Vette in the mid 70's. Was purple. After I got into cars I found out it was a special paint order. But If I remember correctly it was delivered in primer and painted at dealer. I will have to ask again to clarify.
He did say it was Plum Crazy though.
Correct...trim tags noted "primer" on these cars...As a side note, the NCRS requires these cars be presented on the judging floor finished in primer or recieve a full deduct on the exterior finish line item. Not much joy in that...
I dig it. I love unusual cars. This car with all the documents is too cool.
When I was a kid there was a 70 GS 455 in factory metallic pink. White top and interior if I remember correctly. Sat in this storage lot for years. Then one day it was gone.
I talked to the owner of a Chevy dealer in Cleveland, they ordered a big block vette back in the day, paint delete. It still has its primer on from the factory.
I talked to the owner of a Chevy dealer in Cleveland, they ordered a big block vette back in the day, paint delete. It still has its primer on from the factory.
Man, I could imagine a primer gray Corvette, no options, delete anything that could be deleted. ***** out.
I talked to the owner of a Chevy dealer in Cleveland, they ordered a big block vette back in the day, paint delete. It still has its primer on from the factory.
I saw it, it died coming in the hall, I jumped it with a Jap car, classic 🤣
Huh? Maybe the fact that it is the only one ever built, it is still around 52 years later and happens to be a W-30 on top of all that?
How do you know it's the only one ever built? Every Olds with a "- - " paint code is special order paint. My 70 W30 has a "- -" paint code (OK, technically it's "- B" for the vinyl top). The actual color it was painted from the factory requires iron clad documentation beyond that.
How do you know it's the only one ever built? Every Olds with a "- - " paint code is special order paint. My 70 W30 has a "- -" paint code (OK, technically it's "- B" for the vinyl top). The actual color it was painted from the factory requires iron clad documentation beyond that.
I guess I was actually questioning why fleming442 seemed to crap on 75 W-30 H/O's excitement to see a (more than likely) one-of-one odd-ball that still survives today. But maybe I'm just a little biased because I'm excited to see it too. To each his own. Btw, what special order color was your W-30 painted?
How do you know it's the only one ever built? Every Olds with a "- - " paint code is special order paint. My 70 W30 has a "- -" paint code (OK, technically it's "- B" for the vinyl top). The actual color it was painted from the factory requires iron clad documentation beyond that.
Does it, though? Who is to say it isn't 1 of 1? When you combine the physical evidence from the tear down (which I've seen), along with the anecdotal stories, it becomes difficult to refute. There is precedence for non-GM colors being applied, and they weren't applied at Fisher Body. Just because someone doesn't have a piece of paper from 52+ years saying PAINT CODE xxx, you can't discredit the history from the people that were there and their stories.
"Maybe it is 1 of 1. Cool car, if so. Onward and upward."
Last edited by WTHIRTY1; Oct 25, 2022 at 09:09 AM.
First, I think the color is hideous. Second, in the end, it's just another rare musclecar destined for some high dollar auction, only to be mothballed in somebody's "collection". Then, they die and the cycle repeats. Y'all can get all worked up over it if ya'unto, but it does absolutely nothing for me. I hope the stories and eyewitness accounts get iron clad verification, otherwise it's a Dodge colored Oldsmobile.
First, I think the color is hideous. Second, in the end, it's just another rare musclecar destined for some high dollar auction, only to be mothballed in somebody's "collection". Then, they die and the cycle repeats. Y'all can get all worked up over it if ya'unto, but it does absolutely nothing for me. I hope the stories and eyewitness accounts get iron clad verification, otherwise it's a Dodge colored Oldsmobile.
And that's your opinion which is cool. I think it's great that the car is being restored. Regardless of the color, it's still a desirable '70 W-30 convertible!
Seems like too many naysayers. Show a broadcast card..."that looks like a reprint." Show a window sticker..."that was done by so and so and made to look old."
I'm happy another cool muscle car is being restored.
Does it, though? Who is to say it isn't 1 of 1? When you combine the physical evidence from the tear down (which I've seen), along with the anecdotal stories, it becomes difficult to refute. There is precedence for non-GM colors being applied, and they weren't applied at Fisher Body. Just because someone doesn't have a piece of paper from 52+ years saying PAINT CODE xxx, you can't discredit the history from the people that were there and their stories.
"Maybe it is 1 of 1. Cool car, if so. Onward and upward."
I've been the one who provided the RPO codes for non-GM colors, and while Corvettes allegedly came in primer, I've pretty sure this one did not. Think of the level of disassembly that would have been required to correctly paint a car that was delivered in primer. You can't leave exposed primer because is isn't waterproof, so weatherstrip, chrome trim, and interior pieces would all need to be removed to properly paint the car at the dealership. This is about as feasible as Demmer installing the drivetrains on H/Os.
I have no personal knowledge of the car in question, nor do I seek to discredit it. All I am saying is that there are no records to prove or disprove any one-of-one claims. People who make outrageous claims bear the burden of proof. Frankly I'm really tired of people who worry about that and make up numbers to make themselves feel better. There are so many unsubstantiated rarity claims in various ads that it really does get old. I'm with flemming on this. Such claims are all about inflating one's ego and showing off. The car will never be driven. That's the bigger loss.
I've been the one who provided the RPO codes for non-GM colors, and while Corvettes allegedly came in primer, I've pretty sure this one did not. Think of the level of disassembly that would have been required to correctly paint a car that was delivered in primer. You can't leave exposed primer because is isn't waterproof, so weatherstrip, chrome trim, and interior pieces would all need to be removed to properly paint the car at the dealership. This is about as feasible as Demmer installing the drivetrains on H/Os.
I have no personal knowledge of the car in question, nor do I seek to discredit it. All I am saying is that there are no records to prove or disprove any one-of-one claims. People who make outrageous claims bear the burden of proof. Frankly I'm really tired of people who worry about that and make up numbers to make themselves feel better. There are so many unsubstantiated rarity claims in various ads that it really does get old. I'm with flemming on this. Such claims are all about inflating one's ego and showing off. The car will never be driven. That's the bigger loss.
Who says the car was delivered in primer? I didn't see that in the previous comments. Again, there's precedence for how this was done with special order colors.
I agree with you on the 1 of 1 comments. It's unfortunate that nobody has taken the time to cull through the microfiche and seek the data we need.
We can agree to disagree on the car not being driven. His money, his collection, I see no issue there. Kudos to him for making the investment to restore a W-30 convertible and bringing it to a show for the masses to see.
If you read the story the car has been traced back to the time it rolled off the transporter at the dealership being purple and confirmed by people at the dealership and previous owners. I also don't think ALL people who have proven one of one cars say it to brag. Surely some do but I think a lot are just proud to own a car that is 50+ years old, still survives, and was the only one like it ever made.
If you read the story the car has been traced back to the time it rolled off the transporter at the dealership being purple and confirmed by people at the dealership and previous owners. I also don't think ALL people who have proven one of one cars say it to brag. Surely some do but I think a lot are just proud to own a car that is 50+ years old, still survives, and was the only one like it ever made.
Again, I'm not arguing the fact that this car came in purple. My point is that any one-of-one claims cannot be proven. And frankly, given the wide variety of options available, many cars from that time were one-of-one or similarly small quantities. My 68 W30 with power windows, seats, UHV ignition, and factory 4.33 gears is probably pretty close to one-of-one. I have no proof and frankly don't care.
I live in Sarasota, not far from Garner Restoration, the guys doing the car. I was just up there on another matter this morning. I was checking out the car, it’s definitely going to be a beauty..They have many pics of the car during the tear down to restore, many parts with the original purple over spray etc. My understanding is the car will see some street time..On FB Garner site is many pictures along with a long history of the car. I do not believe any dealer invoices or special order paper work was found, but I could be wrong..None the less, beautiful w30 drop top..Garner does fabulous work, great guys to work with as well.
Again, I'm not arguing the fact that this car came in purple. My point is that any one-of-one claims cannot be proven. And frankly, given the wide variety of options available, many cars from that time were one-of-one or similarly small quantities. My 68 W30 with power windows, seats, UHV ignition, and factory 4.33 gears is probably pretty close to one-of-one. I have no proof and frankly don't care.
Thats pretty dang cool, 4:33’s with power windows and seats.. dude was to busy running the dog poop out of it to worry about hand cranks..interesting all the different combos..my 70 w car, 4 speed, power windows..post a few pics of your 68 w30, rarely ever see those cars..if your so inclined Joe..
When dealing with a car like this the best thing you can do is talk to everyone you can and document everything. Former owners are key as they won't be around forever and details tend to fade over time.
If you want to sell the car and brag it's a 1 of 1 you should be prepared for some blowback and be ready to present your documentation.
If you just want to tell everyone your car's special then go ahead and in reality 99% of the people really won't care what you say anyway. Just watch out for the "one-percenter's" though.
Personally I just dig the fact that it is an actual convertible W car with docs. I am in. So many fake B's cars out there anymore. This car has documents etc. And it is a unique color. I love it. Purple may not be for everyone but if you were alive in the sixties and seventies you might get it. This car has been known for years.
Cool *** car. Getting reborn by probably one of the most respected and proven number one and trusted Oldsmobile restoration shops. I am all in.
Last edited by no1oldsfan; Oct 25, 2022 at 01:32 PM.
