I finally got my Chassis Service Manual for my 70 Olds Vista Cruiser. Trying to understand the various "designation" numbers. Could someone please confirm that the 1970 Olds Vista Cruiser is:

1. "A" Body
2. "48 Series" (Guessing this from the Body number "34865" where 3 is Olds / 48 Is Vista Cruiser (also know in the book as the "Series") and the 65 is 3 seat.

Still working my way through getting to the engine and tranny "codes" and matching them to the series. Pretty sure when was born with the 455 / 4 bbl and a TH400 tranny. Trying to find the codes on the engine and tranny today.
Thanks
r/jb

 

jb,

Correct on both counts.

Page 0-2 confirms the chassis designation of your car as 34865.

Neighbor Gary

 

Thanks Gary.

 

Glad to see your CSM arrived. It's the BIBLE.

 

Ominous Dominus. Spectacles, *********, watch, wallet. Toro, toro, taxi; see you tomorrow, my son.

 

Sadly Norm, it has very little on the tailgate. Hairy Olds recommended a Fisher Body manual for the tail gate. Found one on eBay, and waiting for it now. It appears that my Dual Action Tailgate was replaced by one that has only a swing open action...the fold down is not there. After working with some pictures, I have determined that all the mechanisms for latching and swinging are there, I am really only missing the fold down gate release handle, mechanism, and push rods/wires (?) that act to release the gate to let it drop. Definitely having some issues finding those parts. If the Fisher manual has really good pics, I will see if I can adapt something over (or have my welder-son-in-law make me some pieces?? ; )' that will get me through til I find the right parts. r/jb

 

I just got in the house - outdoors most of the day. Hairy is correct - Hairy also sells the best PIM manuals in case yours arrives & you can't read half of it.

I know exactly where the tailgate section is located in the Fisher Body Service Manual (FBSM). I'll have a look in a bit.

 

jb,

There have been a few instances on CO where dual-action tailgates didn't work correctly because parts were missing.

Almost every case was only solved by buying a complete C28 tailgate and swapping parts. One fellow in Canada looked unsuccessfully for an internal part for 3 years before he bought a complete tailgate just to get a linkage rod.

You are also missing the stainless glide strips and the serged carpet on the tailgate interior.

Gary

 

jb - There are 50 pages pertaining to the various GM tailgate assemblies including dual-action tailgates, covering removal, adjustment, panels, cables, wiring, assembly....yadda, yadda, yadda, etc., etc., etc. I'd be here a month of Sundays posting images, etc. Since you're going to do this correctly & you'll benefit from the correct manual, I suggest you buy one.

Here's a link to one which sold this afternoon (was it you?). Scroll down the page a little you can see it. I'm sure there must be more listed on eBay.

BTW, in case you don't know, haven't figured it out, etc. Wiring for all the power windows & switches is also contained in the 1970 FBSM - strongly suggest you buy one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/375577967943

 

Awesome!! That is the kind of thing I am looking for!

It could have been me buying that manual! ; )' It says mine is enroute so I will be looking for it to arrive. If I can find a reasonable C-28 gate I will definitely purchase it. (even if just to have a spare at this point!) I have been looking and calling around. Any recommendations would be welcome. I have been in touch with Scott Winn. He does not have any (but has also been very helpful)...He sent me some pictures of his C-28 tailgate on his VC...I was able to piece together most of the things I am missing. I am looking and will keep at it.

Thanks for the tip on the FBSM...is that "Fisher Body Service Manual"? I have an Olds CSM Chassis Service Manual that is pretty helpful....More books and manuals are alwaus useful (unless it is Chiltons...I gave up on them back in the 70's! ; )'

 

FBSM = Fisher Body Service Manual