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Hello Everyone,
I just purchased a 1970, 442 and I'm hoping you can help me decode the body cowl tag.
This is what I have so far (correct me if I'm wrong);
70-34487 BF 01040
940 B80 73 73
01D 270151 030089
FIRST LINE:
70 = 1970 (year)
3 = Olds (make)
44 = 442 (model)
87 = 2D Holiday Coupeville (Body Style)
BF = Fremont, CA (Assy Location)
01040 = Body Production Number (FYI, does not match VIN)
SECOND LINE:
940 = Black Vinyl (Interior Trim Code)
B80 = Chrome Roof Drip Moldings
73 = Rally Red (Upper Body Color)
73 = Rally Red (Lower Body Color)
THIRD LINE:
01D = Jan/4th week (Time Built Code?)
270151 = __________?
030089 = __________?
From the data tag decoder link below:
Year 1970
Make Oldsmobile
Model 442 Hardtop Coupe
Assembly Date Fourth week of Janurary
Assembly Plant Fremont, CA
Fisher Body Sequence
Lower Color Rally Red (Special Order)
Upper Color/Conv Top Rally Red (Special Order)
Wheel Color
Top Color
Interior Option Black Vinyl Bench
Welcome to the group... I am sure you will be able to obtain any information you may need here on the site... Now let's see a few pics of your new acquisition...
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
The last 2 series of numbers are related to the actual build sheet boxes 1 and (IIRC) 10. I've seen this before mostly on Freemont cars. Not sure why it wasn't consistent with other assembly plants.
Attached are additional photos. Let me know what you guys think.
Per the last owner, the car was a project car that him and his grandson undertook. From what I was told, they did a little bit of body work and they painted the car. The engine and transmission are not original. The original block cracked and the original transmission was sent out for rebuild but the shop owner left town with transmission in hand. The transmission provided is a gm 3speed so I'll have to swap it out for an Olds transmission. The body looks straight and I have yet to find any rust. Is there an area where these cars are prone to rust?
As you can see from the photos, I have a few things to do before she's road worthy.
Here are my planned actions:
1. I was thinking of pulling the engine out of the car and removing the heads and oil pan in order to see what it looks like inside. I was able to spin the motor at the crankshaft pulley.
2. I'll need to get a transmission (any suggestions?)
3. I need a new radiator since the original one was stolen.
4. Verify fuel and brake lines are good, as well as brakes.
5. Clean up interior. The driver seat will need to be reupholstered and I'll need a new headliner.
As for me, this is my first project car. I have always worked on my own vehicles so I know a few things but I am no expert mechanic. Having said that, I am definitely open to suggestions, ideas and/or guidance from you all. My goal is to keep this car as original as possible without spending a fortune.
Last edited by Olds69442w30; August 3rd, 2017 at 08:32 PM.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Looks like it also needs a new set of springs for the back. The fenders are from 71/72
Yes, Pull the engine and go through it if you have that skill.
How about a 200 4 R transmision? Do you have any idea what rear end it has?
Judging from the under hood shot you also have a rats nest of wiring to figure out and clean up. Probably some in the dash too.
Good luck with your project, it will likely take more time and $$ than you were hoping to avoid.
it will likely take more time and $$ than you were hoping to avoid.
Allan is probably right. Not meaning your car is too far gone, it's just the nature of the beast.
You mentioned the car came with a GM 3 speed. Was it a TH 350 or TH 400 with a Chevy bell housing?
Based on the pics it looks like the engine was gold. I suppose it's an Olds 350. If so, you could use either a TH 350 or TH 400 behind it. If you have a 455 it's smarter to go with the TH 400. Of course, a manual is always more fun.
1968 442 . Looked for 5 years, without the benefit of a VIN, and ultimately tracked down the VERY 442 that my Dad sold in 1972.
Very emotional moment for me personally to see it unloaded last weekend
July 24th, 2017, 09:11 PM
I found my Dad's 442
