Im new to this site and have a 1969 Cutlass 442. Numbers matching and was wondering how to tell if it is a w-30. I have the red inner fender wells and the block numbers match the vin. I am getting ready to sell it, to buy a house and its worth a lot more if it is the w-30. Thanks for any help i can get.

 

you can start here:

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofwmc.htm

 

Thanks I have been on that site already. My problem is I dont have original distributor or carb and there is no rear end tag. Any other suggestions?

 

OK, a few more things to check. Look at the vin to see if it was built in the Lansing plant. Lots of 442's were built there so that doesn't say for sure it is. But all W30's were built there, so if it was assembled at any other factory its not a W30. Does it have D heads on it? Does the casting date make sense with the build date on the trim tag and casting date on the block? If the heads were cast after the car was built... that wouldn't make sense and would indicate the heads are not original. Does the transmission vin match the engine/car vin? If it's an automatic transmission the W30 had a tag with an OW code painted and stamped in it. If its just a 442 I believe it would be an OG code. Very very few of these have paperwork in them. But have you looked through the common locations to see if you can find a build sheet? You said you have the red fender wells, do they look factory or repop? Do you have holes drilled in the core support for the scoops to attach to? If your not sure about some of these things then take and post some pictures and we'll try to help. What general part of the country/world are you in? Maybe someone from here or one of the Oldsmobile clubs could stop by and look at it with you. John

 

For starters, does it have D heads? Keep in mind that even if it is an original W-30 car, if all the W-30 parts are gone (heads, carb, distributor, air cleaner) then it's just a 442.

 

Auto trans with OW trans and VIN stamped trans case is the only way I know of to verify such a thing short of a broadcast sheet.

However, a lot of things can RULE OUT w-ness, starting with "not built in Lansing"

If it was sold in Canada they may still have records.

Photos?
Where is it?

 

well I bought the car about 6 years ago from an older gentleman moving to Florida. He was a WW2 Vet with a bum leg, so he took out the 4 speed and put in an automatic. I have all the parts (clutch pedal ect.) Just not the original trans. he told me it may be a w30 and that he had never checked. I have replaced the carpet and looked for a build sheet when i first bought it. About 3 years ago I stripped it down and painted with my Dad and brother and at that time I also dropped the gas tank to look for a build sheet and nothing. last year I had a lobe sheer off and had the motor and trans rebuilt with a few extras like stahl converter, line lock, carb ect. The carb that was on it checked out to be from a 70's mopar. I know I have the D heads and the car was built in Lansing. I live in Southwest Michigan and the car was in Indiana when I bought it. I also have seen no rear end tags ect. What type of gears does the 442 have. I have been trying to post pics but it is not uploading. Thanks for the help.

 

Without documentation i'd say not.

 

Welome to CO, hopefully you are able to figure out what model you have. Either way, you still have one of the best looking Olds ever made.

 

pictures