Style 48-3607D
Body C-4
Trim 4
Paint 23
Top ACO
Please help decode, and where can I find VIN?
THANKS

 

I'm sure others will provide more information, but I don't think your car has a VIN as we know VINs today. The current 17-character standard went into effect in 1981. Prior to that, manufacturers did whatever they wanted as far as a VIN, and cars prior to the mid-50s generally had a serial number stamped on the engine and/or other major component.

 

The car does have a VIN. The cowl tag is usually where the name says, on the cowl above the firewall. Mine is on the L side in front of the passenger. The VIN tag should be on the front of the drivers door post, by your L foot, by the door hinge. Not sure if your location will be the same, (55 88) but the VIN is a separate tag from the Cowl tag.

 

 

Thanks for the info

 

48-3607D is a 1948 (48) Oldsmobile (3) 70 Series (6) Club Sedan (07) with De Luxe equipment (D). Sometimes the 70 Series was referred to as the Dynamic Series, or the Dynamic Cruiser. They were available as 6 or 8 cylinder cars. Nothing in the style number confirms engine installation. The serial number will either start with 76 for a 6 cylinder, or 78 for an 8. De Luxe equipment on the 70 Series included - two-tone trim design with deluxe upholstery, deluxe plastic steering wheel and horn ring, foam rubber seat cushions, deluxe instrument cluster, deluxe chrome door trim moldings, plastic face glove box door, E-Z-I rearview mirror, automatic glove box light, deluxe electric clock, chrome wheel trim rings, rear seat center armrest, front compartment floor mat with carpet inserts, rear compartment floor mat deluxe carpet, rear fender panels and 7.60 x 15 extra low pressure tires. Some of those items were available individually, at extra cost, on Non-De Luxe models.

Body C-4 designates the Fisher Body plant where the body was built, and the body number for the above style. I am guessing that C is for California. I have nothing to back that up. 4 could mean that it was the 4th '48 70 Series De Luxe Club Sedan built a that body plant. I have nothing to back that up, either. Usually we see body numbers that are higher - but someone had buy the 4th one off the line.

Trim 4 designates Two-Tone Brown Broadcloth upholstery.

Paint 23 designates Tawnee Buff upper and lower body paint, an Amber hood ornament insert, and Buff wheels.

TOP is where the code might appear for the convertible top color.

ACC is where accessory codes might appear that affect the build of the body - like an L for hydraulic window and seat control on closed body 98s.

I'm thinking your serial number should be on the firewall - just a small tag that starts with 76 or 78, then a C for the South Gate California assembly plant, then a 5 or 6 digit number.

 

Thanks for the info, still searching for vin/ser# tag

 

TOP is blank, ACC is blank, thanks again

 

Should be located on the windshield pillar on the driver's side.

 

Thanks, I will definitely check that spot!

 

Found the vin tag
76C 18008
Drivers side door jamb,

 

Looks like I was right about the body being #4. '48 76 Series serial numbers at the South Gate plant started at 76C18001. You've got the 8th 76 to come off the line at South Gate. Must have been the first day of production for South Gate '48s.

 

Thanks again, now for the rest of the restore,this is a true barn find, in back of garage behind a pile of stuff, has not seen the light of day for a long time. Working on making a path to get it out, there is a super eight next to it. More to follow.