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I will try to stay current and update this thread as much as I can.
I purchased this car on April 20th of 2021 and about a week later it arrived to its new home here in northern, GA. A February built California plant QB code Cutlass S. Born with a factory 3 spd. 3.08 "O" rear.
This car still retains all of its factory California emissions equipment including the Air cleaner w/ port hole at the inlet to hook to the charcoal canister.
Over this year which has been complete madness for me between work, having a new 5 month old and along the way losing important family members over the course of the year.
To start, with my older brothers help who is the ultimate Oldsmobile guru and mechanic, fabricator, tuner of anything we've ever owned we decoded the car to make sure all numbers matched the paperwork that came with the car, note whatever stamping we could to verify all parts were born to the car concluding all of which were except distributor and carburetor. Since then I have sourced a correct carb for the car and installed but am still searching for proper distributor.
So here's where I go a bit different route than most. I'm no millionaire and I don't have free time hardly ever. That being said, I will use whatever spare time I have to get this car back to where it should be but, will not be restoring it. I will maintain it as if it were my daily driver but it will not see inclement weather.
October 16th 2021 we removed the trans to replace the clutch set and cut the flywheel. As well, the rear u-joint was replaced because of a tight spot. Trans fluid drained and refilled. Oil and filter changed. a new clutch fork adjustment rod installed (needs new Z bar and bushings)
The car runs and drives very well considering but, I have a long way to go to be where I'd really like it to be.
I will be looking for parts if you have any to sell!! There is a lot to UNDO and REDO the right way on this car!
Loading in Wisconsin Loading in Wisconsin Unloading in Augusta GA Walk around inspection Drove 2 miles to my house because the development was too tight for tractor trailer Next morning after arrival!
Sourced the missing trim rings for the correct ss1 wheels from my brothers collection. Incorrect carb from a 1980s era GM truck removed Correct carb being installed Correct carb mounted Fast forward to end of July 2021, my family lost my father July 17th. Our lives had come to a screeching hault, I hadn’t touched the car in a couple months. My brother was down so we wrenched a bit together to busy our minds. Tuned the new carb and checked over a bunch of things to get the car dialed enough to drive. At this moment, clutch slips big time so that’s next!
Last edited by A1970QB; November 5th, 2021 at 06:29 PM.
I will try to stay current and update this thread as much as I can.
I purchased this car on April 20th of 2021 and about a week later it arrived to its new home here in northern, GA. A February built California plant QB code Cutlass S. Born with a factory 3 spd. 3.08 "O" rear.
This car still retains all of its factory California emissions equipment including the Air cleaner w/ port hole at the inlet to hook to the charcoal canister.
Over this year which has been complete madness for me between work, having a new 5 month old and along the way losing important family members over the course of the year.
To start, with my older brothers help who is the ultimate Oldsmobile guru and mechanic, fabricator, tuner of anything we've ever owned we decoded the car to make sure all numbers matched the paperwork that came with the car, note whatever stamping we could to verify all parts were born to the car concluding all of which were except distributor and carburetor. Since then I have sourced a correct carb for the car and installed but am still searching for proper distributor.
So here's where I go a bit different route than most. I'm no millionaire and I don't have free time hardly ever. That being said, I will use whatever spare time I have to get this car back to where it should be but, will not be restoring it. I will maintain it as if it were my daily driver but it will not see inclement weather.
October 16th 2021 we removed the trans to replace the clutch set and cut the flywheel. As well, the rear u-joint was replaced because of a tight spot. Trans fluid drained and refilled. Oil and filter changed. a new clutch fork adjustment rod installed (needs new Z bar and bushings)
The car runs and drives very well considering but, I have a long way to go to be where I'd really like it to be.
I will be looking for parts if you have any to sell!! There is a lot to UNDO and REDO the right way on this car!
Very cool. Is it a column shift three speed or floor shift with the Muncie trans?
Will be watching your progress with interest as I too have an unrestored burgundy mist QB car. Is this the car that was for sale in Wisconsin?
You may have already researched this but there is a good document in the archives of ClassicOldsmobile that identifies the differences with the QB model cars. A local friend will be bringing a twilight blue QB car back from the dead in the future too. Any pictures in its current condition?
I’d love to see yours! This car has been repainted for sure!!! But I’m gonna fix that. Touch ups here and there but luckily a california car and it’s so damn solid. No frame, floor, body mount, trunk rot anywhere. Passenger rear lower quarter has a big bubble. The first bit of pics is when I first got it however it was condition wise. I’ve started mainly on mechanicals to make it run smooth, drive straight and stop correctly. Last will be cosmetics most likely. I just want the survivor story teller car. Not all dolled up but driven and maintained properly.
Originally Posted by Ctls442
Will be watching your progress with interest as I too have an unrestored burgundy mist QB car. Is this the car that was for sale in Wisconsin?
You may have already researched this but there is a good document in the archives of ClassicOldsmobile that identifies the differences with the QB model cars. A local friend will be bringing a twilight blue QB car back from the dead in the future too. Any pictures in its current condition?
I’d love to see yours! This car has been repainted for sure!!! But I’m gonna fix that. Touch ups here and there but luckily a california car and it’s so damn solid. No frame, floor, body mount, trunk rot anywhere. Passenger rear lower quarter has a big bubble. The first bit of pics is when I first got it however it was condition wise. I’ve started mainly on mechanicals to make it run smooth, drive straight and stop correctly. Last will be cosmetics most likely. I just want the survivor story teller car. Not all dolled up but driven and maintained properly.
Yes, factory burgundy mist with white hardtop! Stripes are obviously incorrect and will be fixed along the way 🙄. I will load some interior pictures here soon.
Originally Posted by no1oldsfan
You just gotta love a coupe. Cool car. Factory colors? Do you have any interior pictures? Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Joe Puleo welcome, and you gotta love your QB Coupe. It looks good now, and with a little tlc, it can be a knockout.
I resided many years in Augusta, but have now relocated to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Montains in North Georgia. Sorry to learn of the loss of your family members. That can be hard as we all know.
Enjoy working on your car as that is the way is should be. Happy Motoring!
October 14 2021- loaded up to head to New York for a 10 day vaca South of the Border first stop northbound Arrived in New York 10/15/21 Unloaded to remove trans and replace clutch Brothers 69 w-car Trans removed Tag intact and RM stamping still evident Vin matched Flywheel being cut Clutch reinstalled, now testing adjustment.
I most certainly did not! But, this clutch has definitely been replaced before. It was not the original and honestly we think the wrong throughout bearing is still in there?!
Originally Posted by tnswt
Curious to know if you found one of these under your clutch fork?
And I don’t know if you should have one since you have a M14; my car has the M21. I just assumed it should be there. Most all these clutch fork stud rings have been tossed, misplaced, or purposely left out of re-installs in the past.
It’s my understanding they are not reproduced, and are rather rare finds today, and that is the reason I asked. I was lucky enough to find this ring installed when I replaced the clutch in my ’70 442 last year. I saw a post on here at one-time where a guy actually reproduced the part himself. Assuming again, that the purpose for this ring is to enhance the clutch pedal experience.
Just one small piece out of thousands that one finds on a car. By the way, what name-brand clutch did you install?
Last edited by tnswt; November 6th, 2021 at 01:58 PM.
Neat article/car and wonder where they came up with a QB production total # like this stated in article "531 QB-code Oldsmobiles were built in late 1970"
Really great Score ! I bet that thing is tough on that RR tire ! I suspect my F85 Rallye M21 3.91 was a QB but will never be able to prove it, parts were long gone. They are strong runners and from what original cars I have found data on they run very close to the times of stock W31 car.
Originally Posted by A1970QB
I will try to stay current and update this thread as much as I can.
I purchased this car on April 20th of 2021 and about a week later it arrived to its new home here in northern, GA. A February built California plant QB code Cutlass S. Born with a factory 3 spd. 3.08 "O" rear.
This car still retains all of its factory California emissions equipment including the Air cleaner w/ port hole at the inlet to hook to the charcoal canister.
Over this year which has been complete madness for me between work, having a new 5 month old and along the way losing important family members over the course of the year.
To start, with my older brothers help who is the ultimate Oldsmobile guru and mechanic, fabricator, tuner of anything we've ever owned we decoded the car to make sure all numbers matched the paperwork that came with the car, note whatever stamping we could to verify all parts were born to the car concluding all of which were except distributor and carburetor. Since then I have sourced a correct carb for the car and installed but am still searching for proper distributor.
So here's where I go a bit different route than most. I'm no millionaire and I don't have free time hardly ever. That being said, I will use whatever spare time I have to get this car back to where it should be but, will not be restoring it. I will maintain it as if it were my daily driver but it will not see inclement weather.
October 16th 2021 we removed the trans to replace the clutch set and cut the flywheel. As well, the rear u-joint was replaced because of a tight spot. Trans fluid drained and refilled. Oil and filter changed. a new clutch fork adjustment rod installed (needs new Z bar and bushings)
The car runs and drives very well considering but, I have a long way to go to be where I'd really like it to be.
I will be looking for parts if you have any to sell!! There is a lot to UNDO and REDO the right way on this car!
Loading in Wisconsin Loading in Wisconsin Unloading in Augusta GA Walk around inspection Drove 2 miles to my house because the development was too tight for tractor trailer Next morning after arrival!
Sourced the missing trim rings for the correct ss1 wheels from my brothers collection. Incorrect carb from a 1980s era GM truck removed Correct carb being installed Correct carb mounted Fast forward to end of July 2021, my family lost my father July 17th. Our lives had come to a screeching hault, I hadn’t touched the car in a couple months. My brother was down so we wrenched a bit together to busy our minds. Tuned the new carb and checked over a bunch of things to get the car dialed enough to drive. At this moment, clutch slips big time so that’s next!
thanks! I’m siked about it. That’s too bad! I run the Facebook QB registry and am trying to fill all or most of the 531 spots to which QB cars still exist today! It’s a good runner still needs some tweaks and whatnot! This is a 3spd 3.08 open “O” rear.
i may one day consider pulling the drivetrain out and putting something else in for “fun” without risking blowing up a number matched drivertrain/powertrain.
Originally Posted by GEARMAN69
Really great Score ! I bet that thing is tough on that RR tire ! I suspect my F85 Rallye M21 3.91 was a QB but will never be able to prove it, parts were long gone. They are strong runners and from what original cars I have found data on they run very close to the times of stock W31 car.
thanks! I’m siked about it. That’s too bad! I run the Facebook QB registry and am trying to fill all or most of the 531 spots to which QB cars still exist today! It’s a good runner still needs some tweaks and whatnot! This is a 3spd 3.08 open “O” rear.
i may one day consider pulling the drivetrain out and putting something else in for “fun” without risking blowing up a number matched drivertrain/powertrain.
or bore and stroke it 4.0" to over 420 CID !
What is the earliest Body Cowl tag body date in the QB registry ?
So far I think my car being built in February is the earliest one we’ve found so far, but I have a feeling there has to be 1 or a few built before then. Still searching and adding to my list, hopefully within a few years I’ll have a solid spreadsheet of owners along with any and all documentation with dates available.
Originally Posted by GEARMAN69
or bore and stroke it 4.0" to over 420 CID !
What is the earliest Body Cowl tag body date in the QB registry ?
Last week new PYPES exhaust system installed. Finally got rid of the junky cherry bomb duals with horrid tips. If only I could figure out how to upload a video clip of the exhaust note now. What a change 1 year was. I’ve loved my brothers car forever, partially because it’s all I’ve known for 34 yrs but also because I think it’s the stylish design through the years of our era vehicles. There’s nothing else like them. The 70 model has certainly grown on me, I just have a thing for all classics in one way or another. *Note the historical timeline wall of my brothers ‘69 f85 w-31 car. 1 of 212 made. Hoods up in the Olds cave
So far I think my car being built in February is the earliest one we’ve found so far, but I have a feeling there has to be 1 or a few built before then. Still searching and adding to my list, hopefully within a few years I’ll have a solid spreadsheet of owners along with any and all documentation with dates available.
My stick Rallye is 01C body tag date. My gut says the bulletin came out very close to Rallye introduction and may have been related to spice up the stick new Rallye
"The Rallye 350 was introduced on February 18, 1970, by Oldsmobile General Manager John Beltz and made its debut at the 1970 Chicago Auto Show. However, some were built as early as the second week of January 1970."
My Rallye 350 parts car was a 01A body tag so probably was a 2nd week Jan built car.
"The QB engine first starts showing up in the engineering drawings in late November, 1969. But it wouldn't surprise me if it took some weeks or even months to be installed on the line."
Last edited by GEARMAN69; November 9th, 2021 at 09:51 AM.
So far I think my car being built in February is the earliest one we’ve found so far, but I have a feeling there has to be 1 or a few built before then. Still searching and adding to my list, hopefully within a few years I’ll have a solid spreadsheet of owners along with any and all documentation with dates available.
Joe, Thank you for taking the lead on the registry as this will be good historical information. I too have wondered what the threshold date was for QB engines to be start being installed. My car was built very late in the model year so it won't answer the start date question. These cars are under the radar so to speak as many knowledgeable Oldsmobile people have never heard of a QB code 1970 Cutlass.
absolutely! I look forward to you following along and sharing your car on the registry if you’d like! Slowly we can bring to light the rarity of the QB code.
Originally Posted by Ctls442
Joe, Thank you for taking the lead on the registry as this will be good historical information. I too have wondered what the threshold date was for QB engines to be start being installed. My car was built very late in the model year so it won't answer the start date question. These cars are under the radar so to speak as many knowledgeable Oldsmobile people have never heard of a QB code 1970 Cutlass.
Maybe im not totally sure. “O” rear parts are hard enough to find so I may put a different rear in there to not compromise the number matching rear.
My 70 Cutlass Cruiser wagon came with a open 3.08 1970 Type O and with diligence I scored the correct unit from a member here and mated up to my original gears and the pinion has never been out ! Plus they are rebuildable similar to a Corp 8.5 design
if I could score a setup like that I would absolutely consider it! Would love to have a posi rear but then again it’s not how the car came. Seems as though my car may be 1 of less than 60 cars available with a 3 spd optioned the way it is so I’m being somewhat careful with it.
Originally Posted by GEARMAN69
My 70 Cutlass Cruiser wagon came with a open 3.08 1970 Type O and with diligence I scored the correct unit from a member here and mated up to my original gears and the pinion has never been out ! Plus they are rebuildable similar to a Corp 8.5 design
if I could score a setup like that I would absolutely consider it! Would love to have a posi rear but then again it’s not how the car came. Seems as though my car may be 1 of less than 60 cars available with a 3 spd optioned the way it is so I’m being somewhat careful with it.
Well I would keep the 3 speed for sure. #671 differential is what ya need so back tire wear together
#673 = 2.56 & 2.78 ratios, 28 spline #671 = 3.08 & 3.23 ratios, 28 spline (got one in my 70 wagon) #588 = 3.42 & anything numerically higher, 28 spline (got one in my 70 F85 Rallye 350) #672 = 3.42 & anything numerically higher, 31 spline (had one but sold it)
Last edited by GEARMAN69; November 10th, 2021 at 09:36 AM.
November 5th, 2021, 02:16 PM
Limited Slip Differential 
