Hello all,
　
I just purchased this new ride to escape the doldrums of 20 years of the SUV. I am hoping you all can point me it the right direction to learn as much about this car as possible.
　
I am looking for source material (books, web sites,etc) to find out
　
1. where it came from
2. where I can get parts
3. what I can do to fix her up while keeping it original and maximizing its value.
4. storage and care (I live near the beach so rust is a concern)
I am sure there are many things I need to know so any help is appreciated.
The car will be delivered next Thursday so no pics yet.
　
I look forward to your replies.

Thanks,

CT

 

Welcome to Classic Olds. This is a good place to start.

You need a factory service manual. I just searched epay and didn't see any for 1971.
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparm...4.l1513&_pgn=1

Where it came from can be a fun investigation. If you can post a pic of your body data plate thats a start. Your VIN helps too to denote body style and location of assembly. Build sheets and broadcast cards are nice too.

You can get most engine related and suspension parts at the usual auto parts stores like Autozone,Oriellys,Napa etc.

Do a tune up if it needs it. Getting it running good and get some good brakes would be my priorties. Oh...and since its a convertable, I would want a good top on it. I've Never lived by the ocean, so I can't tell you what to do about storage.

Some one here can help you sort out the details. When you get the car take lots of pics!

 

Welcome aboard

1] Post the body tag located on the drivers side firewall and we can help ya out

2] I like Fusicks for repo parts

3] Check out all the normal stuff beginning with safety [like the brakes and front end] then start the engine work. Fresh gas, flush radiator, change belts, tune up and see how she runs

4] Beach storage is a tuffy. I'll let others chime in


Glad you signed up

 

Welcome to CO. Looks like all your questions have been amply answered. For some reason this site is like that, lots of knowledgeable people willing to help.

 

welcome, I have a 71 vert., too. You will probably want a garage for storage.
Larry

 

i know up north with the snow and salt trucks a lot of people powdercoat there bottom to help prevent the rust, but that salt water beach air is a "BEACH" on cars. took my durango to corpus christi right next to the gulf and it just rusted out from there lol.

 

Yup helpful folks and I appreciate it.

Do you know where I can find a chart showing me what each digit in the VIN stands for?

 

Yup helpful folks and I appreciate it.
　
　
Do you know where I can find a chart showing me what each digit in the VIN stands for?

 

This is the VIN decoder I used:

http://www.v8cars.hu/oldsvin/decode.php

 

Hi, do you live in Pacific Beach in San Diego? If so, what a great climate to have a convertible! I lived there for 11 years and now wish I had my convertible back then.

 

Welcome!

Perhaps keep a good coating of some sort of chrome protectant on the bumpers, as the salty air will slowly pit them. My car came from the right coast and mine are pitted. A garage with moisture barriers will be the best storage place. Are you in the south or north?

 

Welcome from Northern California, CO has been the best source that I have found yet, for info. Books are good, but they wont always answer your specific question, these guys, and gals, will. You've found a GREAT SOURCE !!! Dan

 

Sweet thanks. I learned
342671M166854
Year:1971Division:OldsmobileSeries:Cutlass SupremeBody:2dr ConvertiblePlant:Lansing, MichiganSerial Number:166854

 

I was also told I can determine the engine type and original color from the VIN as well. Any ideas?

 

YUP PB for the last 22 years! Cant wait for some of those Santa Ana days.

 

I am not sure about engine type, but color and date of birth is on the cowl tag. for example:

TR 989 - interior color
61 - main body color
67 - top color
02 - February
d - 4th week

Color codes are listed in the charts near the front of section 0 of the Assembly Manual, but if you post them here someone can tell you what they mean.

I'm not sure on engine ID

 

Near the beach-not sure about the east coast,but when you take it out,wash afterwards.The air carries salt,even the mist in the AM will be salty,high surf days.Keep it real clean to start out with.Even if you keep it out for a while,get a cover.Real nice car,good luck,and enjoy! ---bil

 

Good to see someone else from San Diego. Got my '66 dynamic convertible a year ago and have learned more than I ever thought possible. This board is the best I have found and a great starting spot. Your "A" body has a lot more suppliers than mine so parts will be no problem for you.

Here are some other sites

1. www.442.com
2. http://www.oldspower.com/

Don't know how mechanically inclined you are but I wasn't so as soon as you get her.. take her in for service to make sure everything works well enough (especially the brakes). I learned the lesson the hard way my first day... driving down the Texas Street hill in Mission Valley and the brakes went out

Nothing as good for a man's soul as taking the convertible out for a ride around the bay on a nice day.

Good Luck...Let me know if need any help

 

Hey Jamesbo,


The Body Tag

Body by Fisher

ST 71 34267LAN336377 BDY

TR 987 75 A PNT

03C

GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

What can you tell from this Tag? Where can I look this up?

I also got the Engine #1280683 off of the Oil Filler Neck. What does that tell me? Where can I look this up?

Thanks,

CT