I have a 69 buick with all the trim of a GS/california. I know that a GS should have a 34 in the vin # but mine has a 33. Is there any possibility that there was a GS/california built with a 33 in the vin #? The car appears to be all original. My father in-law has owned it for the last 25 years and has always said its was a GS/california. Any help would be appreciatetd.
Thanks for your reply. Yes it is 43327. That makes me feel much better. I did not want to have to tell my father in-law that he had been mis-informed. So in all likely hood, I have a true GS/california? Is there any other type of marking that would verify it? Thanks again.
I think the only real proof would be on the build sheet or maybe the original window sticker. I'm sure there are specific physical items that need to be present, not sure exactly what they are.
Yes, it is a post car and has all the GS badges, hood and california emblems on the 1/4 panels. Thanks for your help, I just don't want to be proclaiming I have something that isn't true. My next quest will engine identification. Where would I find the id codes for that?
Engine code "RP" should be between the #1 & #3 spark plug holes on the block face. The serial number should be stamped on the front of the block and can be tough to find without removing parts. The last six or so digits should match the last digits of the VIN found on top of the dash. The RP engine code and matching serial number is the easiest way to verify a GS California. The 43327 throws a lot of people and you'll have some tell you you don't have a "real" GS because of that. Just smile and tell them thanks for the info!:beer
Thanks for all the help and info. Well I took the power steering pump off to find the engine stamp on the front and those numbers are 49z121949. The last few digits match my vin. What does the 49z mean? Or it may even be 492, it was a little pitted in that area. The block is also stamped RP 380 between the 1 & 3 plugs. Thanks again for the help.
4 stands for buick (1= Chevy, etc), 9= model year (1969) Z= build plant (Fremont, California, I believe) then the last 6 digits of your VIN..:beer
Thanks for the quick reply. I am some what supprised to find that in all likelyhood this is an all original numbers matching '69 gs/california. Not that I would sell this car but what would the value be after a ground up restoration. The car is currenly very solid although it does need rh inner fender and a radiator support. Could use fenders but they could also be fixed. Other than that the rest of the car is in good shape. At least until I strip it down.
NU- everyone has an opinion on value. It is all in who buys the car at what price. Take a look on craiglist, ebay, here in the classifieds to get a feel for the price. Personally, I like GS Cali's. Not too many people do o No: :bglasses:
