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Newbie needs help decoding 442 Protect-Plate and more help with other
Hi all, New here, great reading all the forums.. have had several classic cars.. my brother had a 68 hardtop 442 back in highschool and we both have wanted one. I am flying across the county to loook at a car.
I am not sure about the color codes.. its a convertible. Could someone help me figure out the POP on the thing ? And also, how do you feel about painting it whatever color you want as it is primered at this point.. My son was going to help me work on it, we had worked on a couple Chevy ii Nova together but he wasnt really into it, he really wanted to get another car and start from scratch with me and he wanted a 442... well I talked him into it. And here I am. He passed away before i could get the car so I will be putting black plates on it to memorialize him.. any way and he had us paint every thing Canary Yellow.. which I have seen a few 442 on line and they look awesome
the POP reads;
344678M404574 947-Y1
SC 6 QR8558665
03200 OG16976
Can ya'lll tell me where to look on the tranny again and where to look on the block to make sure the Block is the Vin Derivative... is it true the block should read 38m404574 ? First character to of VIN plus last 8 characters ?
Also what do I look for to make sure the Tranny is original ?
I think that the car's VIN says it is a Olds 442 Convertible Mfg in Lansing and it was the 404574th car. The 947-Y1 I cant fathom... is it safron yellow and the 1 indicates Convertible ?
It has a 4 speed automatic and a facotry 0rdered 8 track. Does anybody have a lead on where i can go to talk to a decoder or maybe purchase one ? I found one for 1969 but it didnt have the right codes. Also, the Fisher Body Tag I have read about that would give you the color code seems to be missing according to the Seller.
Any help would be appreciated and I apologize if the writing is a little disjointed.
Be well everyone and I sure hope the car is solid. the attachment show my goal.. one of the cars i worked with with my Son Shiloh RIP and the Schwinn bicycle we rebuilt and of course in canary yellow. the 442 is in yellow but i want it in canary yellow... and again, since the car is in primer only now, how much will it affect resale price.. I have heard arguments saying only if it is the Original Paint with No redos is it a value adder. That the price of the car would be affected by how desirable it is by the target audience. Canary yellow isn't a common color, but it isn't mud brown either. Any thoughts, advice > The new 442 has brand new interior with black and yellow accents.. actually big swaths of yellow and canary yellow at that.
Jon
Last edited by jonnyslim63; Sep 17, 2019 at 10:59 AM.
Reason: edit title so I get better feedbak
thanks for the reply, can you point me where I can get the Protect-o-plate decoded ? Also do you have a good picture of correct placement of the stripe ?
Last edited by jonnyslim63; Sep 17, 2019 at 10:56 AM.
Reason: of not or*
the POP reads;
344678M404574 947-Y1
SC 6 QR8558665
03200 OG16976
Can ya'lll tell me where to look on the tranny again and where to look on the block to make sure the Block is the Vin Derivative... is it true the block should read 38m404574 ? First character to of VIN plus last 8 characters ?
Also what do I look for to make sure the Tranny is original ?
Yes, the VIN derivative on both the engine and trans should be 38M404574. In addition, the metal tag on the trans will be stamped with 68-OG-16976 per the P-O-P if it's the original trans. And Olds started numbering the VIN sequence numbers at 100001, so your car is the 304,573 rd built at Lansing. Other assembly plants also started at 100001.
Hi Joe, I wrote the webmaster, and sounding like the novice that I am to this sight, could you tell me how I add to my signature what cars i have had and have Like you do ?
On a side note, Joe, where do you find the sketches/drawings like this? Do you own the physical copies or are they online somewhere?
Thanks,
This particular drawing was posted on CO by another member some years ago. These are typical of the drawings in the Product Information Manuals (Assembly Manuals), however this particular page is not included in the commonly available reprints of the PIM.
This particular drawing was posted on CO by another member some years ago. These are typical of the drawings in the Product Information Manuals (Assembly Manuals), however this particular page is not included in the commonly available reprints of the PIM.
Thank you, I'm an engineer and I love seeing those old hand drawn sketches with dimensional call-outs like you see on that page. I'll try to look for some more. Thanks!
Splain to me what the raised index finger and the little finger on each hand means ?
HA! University of Texas uses this, it's the "hook 'em horns!" sign. Also, very popular in the rock/metal community as devil horns. Ronnie James Dio would always flash the horns onstage during shows.
Yes, the VIN derivative on both the engine and trans should be 38M404574. In addition, the metal tag on the trans will be stamped with 68-OG-16976 per the P-O-P if it's the original trans. And Olds started numbering the VIN sequence numbers at 100001, so your car is the 304,573 rd built at Lansing. Other assembly plants also started at 100001.
And QR8558665 is the engine code (QR is 400 4 bbl automatic engine). 8558665 should be stamped on the engine fill tube
SC is a 3.08 rear without power brakes
Last edited by allyolds68; Sep 19, 2019 at 12:47 PM.
How can you tell it's not the original transmission?
There was no four speed automatic available in the 1968 model year in any GM car. If your car has a four speed AT, someone installed a newer trans. The only automatic available in a 1968 442 was the three speed TH400.
Thank you both. Yeah. I was hoping maybe it was a special factory order since the numbers match. Maybe seller isn't seeing it correctly. I'll know soon enough. Long trip from CA to OH to buy it. Ouch.
Thank you both. Yeah. I was hoping maybe it was a special factory order since the numbers match. Maybe seller isn't seeing it correctly. I'll know soon enough. Long trip from CA to OH to buy it. Ouch.
Following along - this (above) appears the first time you've stated the numbers match. That would be quite interesting if it's true. It would mean both the engine & the transmission (matching numbers) were taken out of another (same matching numbers) vehicle and put into the vehicle you are purchasing. Wild.
Last edited by Vintage Chief; Sep 21, 2019 at 07:04 PM.
Following along - this (above) appears the first time you've stated the numbers match. That would be quite interesting if it's true. It would mean both the engine & the transmission (matching numbers) were taken out of another (same matching numbers) vehicle and put into the vehicle you are purchasing. Wild.
From the OP's first post, he was asking about the VIN derivative on the block. I suspect he has been told by the seller that it's matching, but has not yet seen the car himself. I also suspect that the trans is a TH400 and not a "four speed automatic". Taking the engine and trans from another car would make them match each other, but not the VIN of the car he's talking about, so that isn't "numbers matching" There also isn't any car that came with a G-block 400 and a four speed AT.
4 speed autos came behind 1980s 307s, Buick V6s, and Cebby motors. Ifthe seller is claiming matching numbers, they dont know what that means, or are misrepresenting the car to increase value. Inspect the car carefully before handing over any money.
From the OP's first post, he was asking about the VIN derivative on the block. I suspect he has been told by the seller that it's matching, but has not yet seen the car himself. I also suspect that the trans is a TH400 and not a "four speed automatic". Taking the engine and trans from another car would make them match each other, but not the VIN of the car he's talking about, so that isn't "numbers matching" There also isn't any car that came with a G-block 400 and a four speed AT.
I was confused on who said what to whom and whether anything had been validated (including the VIN). I agree w/ you I suspect the transmission is a 3-speed TH400.
Sorry for slow reply. Verified it's numbers matching and he mistated. It is a 3 speed automatic. Thanks for all the replies. Been on airplanes shuttles part stores Banks etc ..now flying home using WiFi on the airplane to finally check in. Thanks again to all
the POP reads;
344678M404574
I think that the car's VIN says it is a Olds 442 Convertible Mfg in Lansing and it was the 404574th car. The 947-Y1 I cant fathom... is it safron yellow and the 1 indicates Convertible?
Closing the loop on the VIN. 3 = Division (Oldsmobile) 44 = SERIES (442) 67 = BODY STYLE (CHASSIS DESIGNATION - [34467]) (Convertible) 8 = Model Year M = PLANT (Lansing) = as has already been noted
Jon, did you purchase the vehicle? Since you went to the bank I'm assuming - yes. Glad it is numbers matching and the correct TH400.
Order up a CSM (Chassis Service Manual) and a FAM (Factory Assembly Manual). The CSM is mandatory, the FAM optional but a great reference. Buy the paperback edition of the CSM - try to grab an original - many still available - don't get the digital CSM since you want the CSM next to you when working on the car, of course). With a little research you may find better prices, this will get you started.
Hi and thanks for the manuals links. Ill order those right now. I replied earlier, but I guess I didn't send it.. catching up on email and paperwork and dogs needing attention and I must have spaced it.
So yeah, I got it, it runs great and sounds great . Ohio requires the Title transfer to be notarized but in reading up on CA DMV and remembering when I have bought other cars from out of state, all i needed was odometer statement and original signed statement and to get car smogged but we had it notarized at the bank anyway. Only difference this is it is smog exempt. I'm hopeful for NO CA DMV issues. Anyway.. lots to do. mostly little things.. trunk latch, heater core and fan, left front turn bulb probably out or not seated, turn lenses, emblems... lots of money to be spent and lots of TLC given. New top needed eventually. Anyone have any input on the plastic versus the glass for the convertible top window? The car will be garaged and when not garaged will be covered and and the top will be booted when outdoors in use. The OIL idiot light stays on and that is all that works on the original cluster, (oil and water temp work on after market cluster, don't think volt meter is hooked up) headlights don't work. trunk latch needed. and on and on. But the interior of the car is new. The seats restored. Power Train probably 600 miles on it. Have a OPGI magazine and I just emailed them and told me to send me two of everyrhing. yukkity yuck.
Hi and thanks for writing. What are your thoughts on plastic versus glass window when I replace the top ? the plastic now is cloudy, s the second top and needs to be replaced once I recover from the trip and purchase. I plan on booting top when I'm using it, and covering car when in the driveway. Once I sell my El Camino it will be garaged when not driving it.
What are your thoughts on plastic versus glass window when I replace the top?
Jon - Here are my thoughts.
There may or there may not be any chance anyone currently following this thread has knowledge/experience regarding your question - plastic vs. glass convertible top. This question is buried here in this post and does not necessarily reflect the title of your post "Newbie getting a 442 he has wanted forever."
Suggestion for your current 'issue/question' and other issues/questions moving forward. Post a separate/different thread topic. You will get far more CO viewers and suggestions since CO members view the titles of threads. Post a separate thread in the appropriate forum section e.g. Cutlass and w/ a thread title similar to i.e. "Convertible top - plastic or glass"
You'll probably have more than a handful of answers/suggestions tonight.
An even better title might be: "68 442 convertible top - plastic or glass?"
Last edited by Vintage Chief; Sep 22, 2019 at 01:09 PM.
