Hi, all: I've just acquired a '69 GS400 convertible (my first Buick, although not my family's first); along with the owner's manual, dealer prep checklist and other goodies was the protecto plate. I see that some of the members have been kind enough to decode those for others - can someone help me out? The codes are: C. Eden (the owner's name...I figured that one out) 31 320 1750 S W 71 Place (owner's address) 2 17 69 (date of delivery) Miami Fla 33155 188 BB4 4466798228642 D263 PB I BA384 12 8 Thanks for any help anyone can offer. John Kazmierczak
Here goes, but I don't have any '69 specific reference info. Where's that Dave Walker when you need him ? o No: 188 - Body Trim No. BB4 - BB - Paint Code, 4 - Vinyl/Convertible Top Code 4466798228642 - VIN Code D263 - Engine Production Code No. BA384 - Transmission Production Code No. PB 1 - Axle Code, Month Built Code 1,2,8 - Option Codes: 1 - Power Brakes 2 - AC 8 - Power Steering
188 = Black Bucket Seat Interior BB = Burnished Brown exterior 4 = Convertible Top Color, Buckskin 4466798228642 should read 446679H228642 4 = Buick 46 = GS 4600 series 67 = Convertible 9 = Year 1969 H = Assembly Plant, Flint 228642 = Vehicle ID sequence number D 263: Engine D or PD( Mfg Code,RR stamped code ) = 1969 400-4 263 = Time Built Code PB = Economy 2.56 Rear Axle 1 ( no I ) = Month Built, January BA 384: BA = TH 400, usage GS 400 384 = Time Built Code 1,2,8 = Accessory Built Codes 1 = Power Brakes 2 = AC 8 = Power Steering Dealer Code 31-320 = Sheehan Buick, Miami,Fl. ( Courtesy of GSXregistry ) Interesting, Engine code "D" for 69 could be read as RD which is a 430-4 found in Electras. The axle code PB is the code for an Electra with 430-4,TH400,2.56R. Just another one of those "things" that make you go hhhmmmmm... Thats my 2 cents :TU: David
I find it particularly funny that the axle in my car is listed as an 'economy' axle - since I ran out of gas on the ~50 mile drive home (fuel gauge wasn't working, seller stated he filled the tank). How does one tell whether it's an open or posi rear? Thanks. John
Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear, both tires. Trans in neutral. Rotate one rear tire. If the other rotates the same direction, posi. If the opposite direction, or not at all, non-posi.
