I just picked up a '72 Cutlass 350, is there any way of confirming the original options on this vehicle...it comes with front disc brakes, center console, remote mirror, 442 tags, boxed rearend, sway bars, 8 track, wood grain dash etc...just don't know if their original or not.

 

Without the build sheet, that data is not available unless the car was originally built or sold in Canada. GM of Canada has those records, but the ones for US cars are long gone.

 

sadly, without the build sheet or original invoice the options can't be determined. I assume you've looked on top of the fuel tank and in the springs of the rear seat cushion.

 

I wouldn't assume this. Pulling out the rear seat to look in the springs is one thing. Dropping the gas tank to look on top of it is quite another! I'm not sure I would do it if the only reason for doing so was to see if, by chance, the build sheet was there.

 

I'm pulling the car apart anyway, the gas tank seats etc...are all out...no build sheet. I was told build sheets were'nt particularly regulated back in "72, attaching the build sheet to the car was pretty much at the whim of the assembler.

 

depends on how badly you want or need the info.

 

Look behind the bucket seat backs. Also, look inside each door.

 

I don't think there was ever ANY regulation of build sheet placement or policy that it be placed in the car at all, pre-1972 or otherwise. As you say, it just depended on whether or not the last person on the line to see the car did something with it or not. These things were used on the assembly line and were never meant to come into the hands of the final purchaser. The fact that those of us who have found them have found them at all is just luck (or perhaps we should thank the laziness on the part of that line worker!).