John Hancock

Is there a definite production number for 1972 Supreme U code cars?

Allan R

I don't know if the breakdown is specific to individual models. When I looked up the 1972 Olds production statistics from another site, this is the only info I could find.

John Hancock

Thanks Allan,was hoping to have something rare,being all original.

72 w29 all green

The answer is no, but a U code '72 Supreme is still more valuable than one with the 350.

Allan R

Well one thing we do know - U code and X code cars were few and far between in 72 in terms of overall production. So if you have a U code 72? It's definitely more rare than the 350 models.

What factory was it built at? If you're not sure, look at the VIN.
Yours should start like this 3J57U2*XXXXXX (the * will be a letter: M=Lansing, Z=Freemont, R=Arlington, G=Framingham, and the X's are the plants sequential number for your car). I'm assuming you have a hardtop. If you have a vert instead? the only thing that changes is the 57, verts are code 67

John Hancock

Yes,3J57U2R,Texas,but no build sheet

John Hancock

Are the build sheets ever behind bucket seat back or under the padding on the bench seats?

Allan R

They can be. Also look under the rear seat, parcel shelf, on top of gas tank, behind kick panel, or under carpeting.

More likely you will find broadcast cards, but they are also valuable in proving your cars heritage. If your car has not been apart before, there's a good chance you will find something.

Can you post a pic of your cowl tag? It may have more info on it that we can decode.

John Hancock

72-34257 r 14014 bdy
970 a51 53 b pnt
12b056

GAOldsman

Looks like Allan stepped out for a few, hopefully he won't mind me decoding it for you

72 = 1972
3 = GM Division (3 = Oldsmobile)
42 = Cutlass Supreme
57 = Hardtop Coupe
R = Arlington, Texas Assembly Plant
14014 = Fisher Body Unit #
970 = Black themed interior with Strato Bucket Seats
A51 = RPO code for Strato Bucket Seats
53 = Saturn Gold lower body color
B = Black Vinyl Top
12B = 2nd Week (B) December (12) 1971 Build Date
056 Would be a sequential code pertaining to the assembly line and will relate to certain blocks of the build sheet.

Allan R

LOL Scot, you know I'm not that kind of guy! Thx for the decode.

So, John - is that what your car looks like now or has someone done a repaint on it?

John Hancock

Well,what's not sanded and primed is still Saturn Gold. This car,which I just got,is completely disassembled. Only the dash inside and the body put back on the frame with only 4 bolts. I don't know if I'm up to this big of a project,but it has too many cool options to pass up.

GAOldsman

Yeah I know Allan, I was hoping I wouldn't step on any toes. LOL

So is it complete and all there or is it missing parts like seats, engine components, suspension, etc? I would definitely try to restore it because it sounds like a worthy candidate. We all love pics so post them up if you get a chance

John Hancock

It's missing rear bumper,windshield,some trim pieces,but rebuilt motor and trans with 11k,109k on car.minimum rust. It's just a big job,rolling car plus two truck loads of parts.

Allan R

Bumper, windshield easy to replace. Trim? What parts? There are lots of re-popped parts for the 70-72 Cutlass now, and we have some guys on this site who have a plethora of parts.

First thing to do is inventory the truck loads of parts. If you're not sure what they are or where they go, post a pic of them here and someone will be able to identify it and help you with its location on the car.

It already sounds like it may be a decently optioned car just based on the fact it is U code.

John Hancock

Thanks for the motivation,but it's for sale on this site. I've got a 71 supreme that's better off than this 72 just not worth as much done. A fresh 455 with slot of hi- po parts and t-400 & much more. I can't figure out how to get pictures from my iPhone to this site. I'll keep trying.

wmachine

Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. There were appox 3125 U-Code Supremes, so approx 2-1/2% came with that engine. More common in the Vista Cruiser, there were over 60% more making up over 15% of the Vista Cruiser production.

John Hancock

Thanks Wmachine,and only a certain percentage of that 3125 are still around. That gives me something to consider.

kbdecatur

Wow.. Something told me to look at my vin b/c i wanted to see what i had i knew it was a 455 but i didnt know they were that rare.. 3J67U2M...

John Hancock

You never know what you might find out by reading things on this site,Thanks to all!

Allan R

So based on the first part of your VIN, you have a 72 Cutlass Supreme convertible that was built at Lansing. Your cowl tag will tell you what month/week it was produced.

kbdecatur

St 72
34267lan501096
tr 979 53a
5d a65

Allan R

ST-72 = 1972 model year
3 = Oldsmobile division of GM
42 = Cutlass Supreme
67 = convertible
LAN = Lansing Production
501096 = body number assigned by Fisher (no relation to VIN)
TR 979 = Saddle color vinyl interior
PNT 53 A = Saturn Gold lower body/White convertible top
5D = Built on the 5 th week of May 1972 (May 29/30 or 31)
A65 = Split bench seat with folding armrest.

kbdecatur

you got it!!!!!!

vette442

Wow Kurt - when and where did that number surface during your research? When people would email me through my V Code site about U Code Supremes, I would tell them that under 12-15% of total production was a safe bet, but I didn't know how far under 15% that number actually was.
Terry

wmachine

Terry, I email you some info.