Hi, I am wondering if the 67 Cutlass I bought for a parts car is considered a 67 model or a 66.The body # on the firewall tag says it is a 67, but the style # [3617] indicates that it would make it a 66.The vin # on the door post has the same 67 33617 stamped on the plate.This was built in Lansing, 12A for the build date.The bottom seat belt option is 5Y.Any ideas on what this car is?Thanks,Tim

 

It is a 67 Hardtop holiday coupe Cutlass and is not considered a 66 model.

 

They started building the next model years cars late in the preceding year. So despite the fact that your car was build the first week of December in 1966, the car is in fact a 1967 model year.

 

Just curious what about that style number makes you think it is a 66?

 

Thanks for the replies.Every book I see the # 3617 shows it to be a1966 F-85 Holiday Coupe.I do not see the # 3617 listed for the 67 model year.Is there a sight or book that would show this not to be true?The books that have this info are Cars and Parts Oldsmobile 442,W-Machines& Hurst/Olds ID Numbers 1964-91,Supercars Unlimited 442 By The Numbers.Thanks again,Tim

 

Secondary literature is often incorrect. Primary, Olds/GM literature shows the 3617 in 1967. Additionally, your VIN should start with 336177M.

 

336177M

3 = Oldsmobile
_36 = Cutlass of some sort- see FACTORY lit. for specifics
___17 = body style
_____7 = model year final digit [eliminating '66 model year possibility]
______M = Lansing Mi assembly plant

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"The bottom seat belt option is 5Y"
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Is that perhaps "5V" indicating the 442 package? Any other 442 indications? [No, not all 442's are manual trans! Not since 1965's offered an auto trans.]

 

Thanks again,I did continue to search and as you stated I did find the 3617 for the 67 model year.I wish there was a good book that was updated with the correct info.The very bottom #'s are as I stated 5Y and not the 5v or 5vy. What does the 5Y mean?Thanks,Tim

 

5 means group 5 of body codes. Within 5, V means 4-4-2 body trim and Y means deluxe seat belts.

 

Engine codes for the V8 would be prefixed by the letter W; 442's will use a V prefix. Info provided from 1967 Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manual.

 

None of those are GM-issued. Your definitive source is the factory-issues Chassis Service Manual, which decodes the VIN in first section.