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Hi Ray
Welcome to the site! Unfortunately much of what makes a W30 can be bolted on. First, does the trim tag show it was built in Lansing? Lots of 442's were built there, but all with the W30 option were built there. Does it have an automatic transmission? If so check the tag attached on the passengerside to see if it has the OW code. This helps, but one can buy reproduction tags so even that's not a for sure thing. You really need a build sheet, but Lansing built cars seldom have the paperwork still with them. Locations might be under the back seat, under the plastic back of the bucket seats, under the console, under the rear package tray, on top of the gas tank. Those are the places I've found paperwork.
Welcome to the site! Short of having the broadcast car or build sheets or the original paperwork when new, there really is no way to prove it is a real W-30. If he can't provide documentation then you should not pay a W-30 premium price. Nothing in the VIN or cowl tag will say if it is a W-30.
The one thing that would prove that it's NOT a W30 would be if it was build anywhere other than Lansing, MI. That was the only plant to build them. That will be a letter M in the VIN.
Hi Ray
Welcome to the site! Unfortunately much of what makes a W30 can be bolted on. First, does the trim tag show it was built in Lansing? Lots of 442's were built there, but all with the W30 option were built there. Does it have an automatic transmission? If so check the tag attached on the passengerside to see if it has the OW code. This helps, but one can buy reproduction tags so even that's not a for sure thing. You really need a build sheet, but Lansing built cars seldom have the paperwork still with them. Locations might be under the back seat, under the plastic back of the bucket seats, under the console, under the rear package tray, on top of the gas tank. Those are the places I've found paperwork.
Thank you for your information. Is it true that the vin number is only 13 digits?
13 is correct. It should start with 344(67, 77, or 87 depending on body style)0M followed by the unique six digit production number. That only proves it’s a 1970 442 built in Lansing though, not that it is a w30. Post a picture of the code on the tag on the transmission. That will give your best evidence. I think regular 442 used OG and w30 used OW. That’s only if it’s an automatic and it’s the original numbers matching tranny.
Last edited by 4speed455; April 14th, 2020 at 10:25 AM.
This thread shows wear the partial vin stamps would be on the motor and transmission. The tag with the transmission code is on the passenger side. If it’s dirty be careful when cleaning it because it scratches easily.
I think that link showed the vin location, but not the tag. Here's what the tag looks like. I'll try to come up with a photo of the tag on a transmission.
OK, the tag is on the passenger side for this vintage of car. Here's a couple pictures of a core transmission, but the tag would be the OW tag on a real W30. Let us know if you have any additional questions. John
April 13th, 2020, 03:40 PM
