I am having an issue connecting the dots with my olds block, I bought it in pieces but the heads seem to be off of the motor originally. Both were gold, research has shown that the gold ended In 72 and went to corporate blue. The heads are number 8's but if the 8's are gold than how are they from 1973-1976? The blocks code is 395558 2, again research shows that apparently that was a 68-70 block which doesn't match the VIN derivative number which is 34L118233 so that says it is a 74 block but the paint sources say that gold ended in 72
I'm sure people have the answer here, I would love to know where I am wrong!
And am I right thinking that the L in the derivative is for the NJ plant?

 

The answer is simple: The "sources" are wrong. Welcome to the Internet!

You have an Oldsmobile 350 block manufactured at the Linden, NJ plant for the 1974 model year.
The 395558 block number was used until 1976.
Olds small block engines were painted gold until mid-1974 or '75 (I'm not sure what the exact cutoff was).
#8 heads are correct for 1974, and many were originally painted gold.

Show us some pictures of the Ωmega!

- Eric

 

Gold was used through the 1974 model year. 1975 was the first year for "corporate" blue.

 

Ah but of course, I do wish I had some print sources, that does all make sense though. I appreciate the information

As for the Omega, it's waiting to go to the body shop for a floor pan, rockers, quarter and other metal work, although I've been waiting quite some time...

 

From when it was picked up... It hasn't seen much sunlight in a year

 

Whoa. For an Ωmega?

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just find a different rust-free car? Those things are not expensive, compared to the cost of extensive, high quality body work.

- Eric

 

It came with everything to complete the car really, it came with new rockers and new quarters, the body shop is a good friend, his work is phenomenal, and I won't get killed on cost. It was actually a great deal, new front inner fenders and the fenders already primed, it is really much better in person. If I didn't have a body shop friend and if it didn't come with most of the metal I wouldn't have bought it. That would have been REALLY expensive!!!!
Also, I have never seen another Omega in Canada, I know they are here, just haven't seen one.

 

Well, in that case...

- Eric

 

I saw a nice 73 in good shape, was tempted to go get for under 5 grand. You are right, not many up here.

 

Even when they were new there weren't as many sold as the Nova or Ventura. Omega and Apollo were the wallflowers at the dance it seems. Good to hear you got a good deal on the car and labor. It might be a candidate for information available from the GM Heritage center. Did you find any Fisher docs or maybe a build sheet anywhere in the interior?

 

To be honest I didn't have any knowledge of the GM Heritage center, I am going to look into it, the previous owner gave me the build sheet, it is rough but I have it and I photocopied it (can't be too careful) and I have the body tag, what sort of information can I find?

 

I'm a big fan of the early 70's ones, I would like to find one to build down the road, a very underrated car.. Possibly because few in the car world know much about them, quite the underdog

 

If you have the actual build sheet (BTW photocopying is a good way to protect the heritage, so is taking a digital picture), there's nothing that GM Heritage Center can provide you that you don't already know. Steady on with your course.

 

It was a green on green car. The exterior was a decent dark green, interior was border line ugly. One of the reasons I like my Challengers interior, based on the classic black leather late 60's muscle car interior. I do like the early Omega's, should have bought it, just would have needed an interior upgrade.