1969 GS 400 Stage 1 Transmission codes

Discussion in 'The "Paper Trail"' started by ribuick, Nov 13, 2020.

  1. ribuick

    ribuick Well-Known Member

    Hello, Can anyone help me out with a few numbers on this car. It has been in my family since 1970 and after 40 yeas in a garage, I am finally doing a resto. While pulling together as many numbers as i can. I noticed that the transmission, which i always thought was a Turbo 400 BB code. It turns out to be a BT code, BT 68, 233934 is what is on the tag, stamped- 8h370386. I did a little research and this BT code was said to be used on Electra/Wildcat/and Riv's. This car has been in my families possession since 1970 and in a garage since the 80's. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
     
  2. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    The 8H.... goes with the BT code. That’s the end of the VIN from the ‘68 (8) Flint built (H) car that donated it. It’s VIN was 4xxxx8H370386.
    Patrick

    If you want to verify the car as a Stage 1, post the distributor, carburetor, block code and trim tag info.
     
  3. ribuick

    ribuick Well-Known Member

    Thank you for your reply pbr400. Then distributor i have looks wrong, i actually have two. 1111962, prod. code- 8 j 12. the other is: 112541. Looking at the 4/83 parts book i have the correct one should be: 1110466. I did lose the correct carb during a swap back in the 80's, but found a close one for rebuild: 7029242lg0319, ( 37828). The block is right: 49H192474, Date code- RS207. Head casting- 1231109, they should be correct. Trim Tag: St 69 44667 FL1115394, Trim 164, 53A pnt, 12b. So far I have done a body off rotisserie, floors and trunk, chassis resto, full suspension, brakes and all lines, full steering. Any info is helpful, I do not have the build sheet, I found that on a family vacation when I was 7 yo and of course that is long gone. The option sheet on the gas tank is pretty rough, very little to see anymore. Thanks again for your help.
     
  4. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

  5. Duane

    Duane Member

    It was very common, back in the day, to replace an automatic transmission with another one rather then rebuild the one from the car. It was faster and often cheaper to do this, and many shops specialized in doing just that.

    I myself paid an extra $150 to have my trans rebuilt rather then get another one installed on my 67 Mustang convert in the late 70's.

    Do you know if the car ever went in for a trans rebuild?
    Duane
     
  6. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    The RS with matching VIN verifies it as a Stage 1. According to Team Buick, the factory Stage distributor should be 1111962, which you have. The 8J68 code would be September 8, 1968, which is before your 12B second week of December ‘68 build. (I think distributors were built in batches, making yours correct). So it appears you have a ‘69 GS Stage 1 convertible, Crystal Blue, white top, Parchment bench interior.
    Patrick
     
  7. George D.

    George D. Platinum Level Contributor

    Pat- the 69 stage distributors were batched...
     
    pbr400 likes this.
  8. ribuick

    ribuick Well-Known Member

    Unfortunately with my dad gone, can't go right to the source. But I am asking my nieces and nephews if they know anything. I don't ever remember that car ever having a trans problem. When I was a teenager I could get the tires to chirp on all shifts. Cant wait to at least drive it again.
     
  9. George D.

    George D. Platinum Level Contributor

    Chris- if you need help, advice, or anything else, I am right up the road in North Attleboro... I have owned a bunch of the 69's and will help any way I can. Just PM me!
     
  10. GS Spoken Here

    GS Spoken Here Well-Known Member

    Did the 69 Stage1 use a OG coded trans? I have one from years ago out of 69 Stage1 car coded OG-69-8542
     
  11. George D.

    George D. Platinum Level Contributor

    no... Just BB for auto, M-21 for manual
     

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