I just bought a 1972 buick gs 455. The car originated in Kansas. The correct vin is 4G37UM114236 which is on the dash; however, when the car was last registered and titled in Arizona the vin on the title changed, probably due to a typo, and now reads 4G37U2H11436. I cannot find a vin decoder that shows me what the M means vs. the incorrect H. Can anyone help me out? I'm the Gary who, a while back, was going to buy a 1970 stage one with the first part of the dash vin defaced. Again a vin issue but easier this time. The stage one deal turned out to be a nightmare and I'm having difficulty getting my deposit returned. I backed out as the motor was not a stage on non matching number motor, as advertised, but a standard 455. Thanks guys! Gary the newbie
4 G 37 U M 114236 4 = Buick G = GS 37 = 2dr Hardtop Coupe U = incorrect, this is the date code and should read "0". "U" or any other letter is meaningless here M = in 1970 i'm showing the Lansing, MI Oldsmobile plant. i REALLY doubt this is correct. available plants for Buick production in 1970 were C = Southgate CA, D = Doraville GA, G = Framingham MA, H = Flint MI, K = Leeds MO, X = Fairfax KS, Y = Wilmington DE, and Z = Fremont CA 114236 = sequential production # post the trim tag numbers, all of this info will be duplicated on that and it will give us something to error correct with.
Thanks, Bob. The true vin after looking more closely at the eBay vin dash photo is 4G37O2H114236. If I understand you, the 02 would be 1972 and the H is Flint, MI.? I'll have the car next week as it's coming from Texas and will then post the Trim tag and order the Sloan report. Gary
4G37U2H11436 would indicate a '72 455 GS Breaks down as follows 4...Buick G...(series) GS 37..2Dr Hrdtop 2...455 (non stage) H...Flint 114236...sequential number Title appears correct.
Bob it is a 72 model. "i'm a craaaaaack smoker, i like it dirty and cut with chaaaaaaalk...." ou: uzzled: sorry, i guess i really am feeling a little off tonight. i guess i'm not the only one, corrie confused the year code for the engine code and forgot the year code altogether. not a good night all around. welcome to the club corrie. :beer 4 = Buick G = GS 37 = 2dr Hardtop O = now THIS isn't a valid engine. this is probably where your "U" belongs, correct? "U" = standard GS 455 motor with dual exhaust NOT stage 1 2 = 1972 H = Flint, MI 114236 = sequential production # If I understand you, the 02 would be 1972 nah, the year code is single digit.
bobkmando, Your first message says that the U is correct and not an O. Your later message says the U is wrong and it should be an O. From the vin photo it looks more like an O. Which is correct? Thanks, Gary
"U" is correct. standard 455 in GS A body. "2" is year. "H" Flint. then the 6 sequence production number for that car. I'm at work and maybe my brain is in neutral too......wouldn't be the first time. Should read 4G37U2H114236.
Your first message says that the U is correct and not an O. Your later message says the U is wrong and it should be an O 1972 is the first year of the new VIN codes that have a place for the engine. 71 and earlier have a similiar format but are one digit shorter. in my first reply i tried to decode your number as a 1970 ( ou: ) after you had clearly stated this was a 72. in 1971 and earlier codes "U" wouldn't have meant anything. as this is a 1972 VIN, you need an engine code and "U" is valid. there is no "O" engine code this year. sorry for the unnecessary confusion. i hereby spank myself. :spank:
