So I just bought this 64 oldsmobile cutlass convertible. F85. I love it. But as I look at other cars I notice some differences. Mine has a column shifter while others have floor shifter. the console is on the floor but the shifter is on the column. The engine seems to be from another olds. I say that because the number on the head and the number on the exhaust don't match. They start thd same. 411 but the last numbers are different. Does anyone know if there were any made with column shifters?

 

Column shift standard, floorshift optional for both automatic and stick cars. Though I think most Cutlass converts had buckets/console/floor shift.

Does the console have a slot and indicator for a shift lever? Could possibly have had one put in over 50 years. Same with bucket seats.

A 1964 330 engine should have #1 heads with some late production engines getting #2. There are differences in the rocker arms between them. Look at the lower front of the left head/ lower rear of the right head to see the number cast into it. Lower radiator hose should come off driver's side of the water pump on a 64 engine.

 

So I just bought this 64 oldsmobile cutlass convertible. F85. I love it.
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Congrats
I have had a '64 or two but not a convert '64


But as I look at other cars I notice some differences.
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No two are identical, of course. Much like snowflakes.


Mine has a column shifter while others have floor shifter.
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ok

the console is on the floor but the shifter is on the column.
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YOUR console is on the floor [of course, where else could it be] but has no shifter in it? Therefore someone added the console for fun and profit. Or, less likely, added a column shift steering column to an original floor shift car.

The engine seems to be from another olds.
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Very likely

I say that because the number on the head and the number on the exhaust don't match. They start thd same. 411 but the last numbers are different.
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My PN database not handy right now but from memory the only 411xxx head is 411929 with a very large "8" on the corner near #1 or #8 plug. This is by far the most commonly used engine to put in as a replacement- 73-76 smog era 350 with EGR. If you see differing final three digits, it's probably just error in reading. Oh, wait, you are saying the exhaust manifold number does not match the heads' number. Of course not, they are different parts. With rare exception each major casting of the engine assembly got a unique identifying large letter or number and a unique 6+ digit [usually] part # &/or application number.


Read around here and find out where to look for other numbers, and

PLEASE GODS OF CO MAKE A DAMN STICKY on how to tell what you have by finding casting and application numbers. Photos of where to look. All in one place handy.



Does anyone know if there were any made with column shifters?
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Yes, someone does know that :-)
Column shift was quite common. One of my '64 Cutlasses, a 4-dr, actually had the 3-onna-tree [Manual Trans shifted via a stick on the column].

 

Welcome to the site, post some pics of your new ride when you get a chance.