’71 Consumer Information Booklet Explained

Discussion in 'The "Paper Trail"' started by dynaflow, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    First, the disclaimer: Anything can be faked or switched…even “holy grail” items like VIN, Cowl Tag, and POP…so read accordingly.

    Trying to “restock” my glovebox with missing documentation, I learned a lot about the DOT-required Consumer Information booklet. It can be used to help with some aspects of ’71 identification. On the flip side, if you don’t have, and want one in your glovebox, this info will help you get the right one.

    There are 2 for GS and Skylark, a blue one with “DRUM BRAKES” and “B-1” on cover, and a red one with “DISC BRAKES” and “B-2.” Each is further identified by a bottom edge punch identifying Series/engine combo. Flip booklet over to see 4 lettered boxes on bottom edge. Punch “A” is for GS 455, “B” for GS 350, “C” for Skylark and Skylark Custom V-8, and “D” for Skylark 6. On pages with multiple tables, punch identifies relevant one.

    The booklet is evidence of which brakes and engine car originally had. Book identification number (B-1 or B-2) is also on top line of Flint window sticker, or space 93 on GMAD New Car Manifest.

    For completeness: No punch for other Series. Sportwagon ID is “B-4,” LeSabre and Custom and Centurion are “B-5,” Estate Wagon is “B-6,” Electra 225 and Custom are “B-7,” and Riviera is “B-8.”

    If you find a B-1 or B-2 without a bottom punch, as I did, they’re from dealer stock for cars without booklets, and punched when installed. The punch tool is the same as a railroad conductor ticket punch, and was also used on pre-computer Hollerith cards. Hollerith became IBM, likely why a Buick booklet used that “technology.”
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2018
    thepartsman likes this.
  2. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    If it helps you, what I have is:
    (1) 1236769 Protect-o-Plate
    (1) 1237075 Cold engine start tag
    (1) 1236774 71 New Vehicle Warranty
    (1) 1238083 Blue GS350 with drum brakes (yes, "B" is punched)
    (1) 1236773 71 Owners Manual
    And from what I recall, my 71 assembly manual states there should also be one more item. I would have to look it up to see what it is... unless it is the number for the dark blue folder these materials were stored in ( don't see a number on the folder).
     
  3. DBS

    DBS Well-Known Member

    Interesting. Will have to check mine out. I think I have all the orig. paperwork for it.
     
  4. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    If I recall correctly, the item I'm missing is the IBM punch card that was supposed to be removed at the dealer (which by the way lists every option delivered to the dealer and can be used to document a stage 1, etc).
     
  5. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    Like this.
     

    Attached Files:

  6. DBS

    DBS Well-Known Member

    Don't think mine has a punch card. Only car I ever recall having with one was a GSX, and it had the wrong one!
     
  7. dynaflow

    dynaflow shiftless...

    Wasn't supposed to stay with car, but returned to Buick. Anyone with one hit the documentation lottery...I can close my eyes and see new car prep guys throwing away everything laying around inside car. If it was in glove box from factory, it stayed, otherwise...:eek:
     
  8. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    I looked it up. I have everything listed to be shipped loose in the car. However, Item 1236770 is the actual folder without the number printed on it. And item 3865853 is the protect-o-plate that the dealer completes at time of sale, then adheres it to the holder carrier card 1236769.
    I thought it was interesting there is no mention of that IBM card? It must not have come from the engineering dept. then.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Feb 17, 2018

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