Olds Rants & Raves

Check the rectangular tag on the passenger side of the TH400 transmission. Does it have "OD" or "OG" on it?

If OD, it is an L-31. If OG, it is a W-32.

Thanks for all of the great information. I have been really enjoying finding out lots of information about the car. I belive now that is for sure the Ruby Red special order color. Also am pretty sure it is a W-32 car.

The interior code 997 translates to an ivory notch bench seat . . . interior code 977 translates to ivory bucket seats.

Because your car was built in May 1970, it did not have an L33 engine (a 2 bbl engine that was available only until the end of February 1970. Your convertible had either an L31 (4bbl engine from the 98) or a W-32 (4 bbl engine from the 442).

There are part numbers that would indicate that whether it was a W32 or an L31 - but the easiest way might be to check the numbers on the transmission. If the number on the driver's side match the VIN, then you will need to check the rectangular tag on the passenger side for an OD (which came with the L31) or OG (which came with the W32). There are a number of other part numbers that differ . . . the W32 was a 442 with a Cutlass Supreme body.

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He guys, new to the site, its pretty cool. Is there any way to tell paint code of my sx. The color is a dark orange color which is the color it came with from the factory. I know this because I have pictures of it new when my dad bought it. Is this a standard color or a custom order color? I don't have a build sheet. Also How can you tell the w-32 from the L-33 engines and one more question what does the "M" in my vin number indicate. Thanks

Pease post pictures as your car maybecame with Rallye Red Paint which is a special order. W-32 was a 4bbl motor and the L-33 was a 2 bbl motor. The "M" indicates that your car was built at Lansing Mi. Also answers why you do not have a build sheet. Supposedly Lansing car nver came with a build sheet.

TR-997 = Ivory bucket seats
-- = special order paint (Sebring Yellow, Nugget Gold, Aegean Aqua, or Rally Red)
A = White top
05B = car built in 2nd week of May, 1970

The VIN derivative stamp on the engine pad is located on the driver's side, towards front, just below the cylinder head (see illustration attached). It is often hidden by the alternator bracket if you have an a/c car. I usually have to go from underneath the car with a mini mirror.

Since the car was purchased in Canada you are fortunate to be able to retrieve background information unlike US delivered cars. Use this link to request data based on the VIN. http://www.vintagevehicleservices.com/options.html

So on the body tag it reads
ST 70 34267LAN446595 BDY
TR-997 _ A PNT
05B
I think that it may be a W-32 car by the carb being stamped 7040257, but as far as the motor the stamp behind the water pump is 329041F. When the car was about 6 months old the main bearings in the motor spun and that was fixed on warantee but my father thinks that they just changed the crank and bearings and not the whole block.I know that the motor was blown in 1975 after my dad had sold it but I was hoping that maybe it was the same block just rebuilt but I can't find the stamp on the motor anywhere. I put it up on a lift and looked around on the bottom side also. Any more tips where I could find it would be very much appreciated. Also where on the trans the stamp might be would be great. Any more info you guys have is great. Thanks

Hi Jared,

Welcome to the site. The paint code is found on the cowl tag which is on the driver's side just under the corner of the hood. 2 paint codes will be listed on the 2nd row at the far right (below the Fisher body number). My guess is you'll see two dashes "- -" preceeding "PNT" to indicate special order paint. Per your description it sounds like you have a Rally Red car (which appears as dark orange in my opinion).

The letter "M" in the VIN indicates the assembly plant of the car: Lansing, Michigan. Cars built there in 1970 did not have come with a Build Sheet. Therefore, you can't confirm all the options unless you have a dealer sales sheet, window sticker, etc. I'm sure someone else can chime in as to how to prove a W32 car built in Lansing.

Oh, don't forget to verify the engine is original to the car. There are a series of numbers stamped on a so-called 'pad' on the engine that should match the last 6 digits of the VIN number.   By the way, W32 cars came with a 4bbl carb with stamp 7040257.

If you don't have a Chassis Service Manual for 1970 then you should look into getting one.

Mike

He guys, new to the site, its pretty cool. Is there any way to tell paint code of my sx. The color is a dark orange color which is the color it came with from the factory. I know this because I have pictures of it new when my dad bought it. Is this a standard color or a custom order color? I don't have a build sheet. Also How can you tell the w-32 from the L-33 engines and one more question what does the "M" in my vin number indicate. Thanks