Hello, I am trying to document that my car is a #'s matching car. to my knowledge, the whole car is the way it was when it rolled off the assembly line. I was wondering where location of the stamped VIN would be on the 350 ci. engine block , transmission on a TH350 tranny, and a 10 bolt posi rear axle. Also, where would the casting or assembly dates be on the previous mentioned items?? Thanks in advance as I am trying to document this car as I found out it is a SCO code which is stamped onto the Cowl Tag. The SCO is Special Car Order - 707. The car is one of 26 vehicles that came as a special order with bucket seats with a powerized unit on the driverside. Thanks for the help in advance. Brian
Hi Brian - If you have a 1971 chassis manual, the information is there. I'm not sure where the stampings are on the 350 or the TH350, so I don't want to give you any misinformation. I can tell you the VIN is not stamped on the rear, only a letter code (3 digits for 1971). This is supposed to be stamped on the passenger side axle tube (on the top middle), but Buick was not known for it's 'stamping diligence' and the code could be found just about anywhere. Sorry I can be of more assistance to you. PS - Where did you get the 26 vehicle count for power seat?
The Sloan museum said that there were 876 1971 Buick GS converts that came with the standard bench seat. If you wanted the power bucket seat, you needed to specially order the car, hence the SCO code on the cowl tag. They said out of the 902 1971 Buick GS converts made, 876 came with the standard bench seat, which left 26 cars unaccounted for, therefore being power bucket seats as they were the only other seat choice. Also found out from the info packet they sent me, our car is a 1 of 158 for the color top we have. The sandlewood was the second least ordered colored top. The one that was ordered the least.....Green convert top. ou: Why anyone would have wanted a Green top is beyond me....
Brian - The SCO on your car is due to bucket seats in a convertible - a special order in 1971 and 1972. You'll notice there's NO count for bucket seat interiors for 1971 model 43437.
Brian - Read This Post If you want to call me to discuss this, I'll PM you my work #. Just let me know.
Brain, The VIN on the 350 is located on the front of the block on the drivers side. More or less behind the power steering pump. The VIN on the TH350 should be stamped on the lower left side of the case, next to the manual shaft, according to the Service Manual.
Darren. I found my VIN on the block so I have an original block in there. The engine code which is in the little half circle of an area on the driver side between the first and second cyl on the driverside was not there though but that was probably gone when they decked the motor when it was rebuilt. As for the trans, I checked out the service manual for my 71 and it said on some cover should be the year and date of manufacture. This is on the pass. side of the trans. I checked and there appeared to be no numbers on that round cover. The VIN on the driverside didnt come anywhere close to matching what my VIN was and I highly doubt that in 60,000 original documented miles that the trans would have been replaced. The only option was that it might be a warranty trans. Any way you can tell if it is a warranty trans?
Brain, You'll need to find the model ID code, which is the info missing from your accumulater cover. It contains the date code and the calibration code. On some units, these two codes are in different locations. I'll try to explain where to look for these. Date codes can be on the right (pass.) side of the fluid pan, the governor cover ( left side toward rear, round with a big wire clip holding it on), or possibly a tag riveted to the right side of the case. The tag only applies to later units, but I'll give you all the options. On Buick built units, the date and cal. codes should be together and should 8 or 9 digits long. On Chevy built units, the date and cal. codes are in different places. On these models, look for the cal. code on the bellhousing or torque converter areas. On later units, it might be either inked or stickered instead of stamped. Once we have this info, I can tell you the origin of your tranny, although my chart doesn't list a code for warranty units.
Darren, I did find some stamped numbers on the round governor cover which is held on by that metal spring clip. Would that be the date code? If that is the case, I know I saw something with 71 on it. But why would the VIN number be different than the one I have??? I will try and get the numbers off of the governor cover.
Darren, The numbers on the governor cover is : LB271N76. The numbers stamped into the left side near the trans pan is: 44Z118030. My vin is 434671H192642. Also, would you know how to decode a rear axle stamping and carb number? Carb # 7041544 MH 1251 Rear # LS B145 2 Any help with decoding any of the above, including that number on the governor cover would be much appreciated. Thanks, Brian
Well.... if the rear is a 3.08 posi, that explains why I cant lay rubber with it. Oh well. I am so used to my 69 Charger with 3.55 and my 70 elky with 3.73. oh well. I guess thats ok, save some money on having to keep replacing tires. lol. What is the date code on the rear axle and carb. My car was built the 4th week of May.
Jim, Thanks for the break down on those things. Does the codes give you any specific date range? I am trying to see whether or not these are factory installed date correct parts for my car. Thanks, brian
First of all, the easy ones. 7041544 MH is the code for a '71 350 w/auto for the 43, 44 and 45000 series cars and is correct for the GS 350. Same one I have on my car. LSB is indeed the code for a 3.08 limited slip (lucky you). BTW, I have a 3.08 open rear and would kill to get the thing to hook up! 145 indicates the day of year built. 2 indicates shift built. This is also correct for a '71 GS 350 Now for the bad news. The trans. is from a '76 Olds Cutlass. The code breaks down as follows: LB - '76 350 Cutlass 271 - day of year built N - night shift 76 - year built It is a Buick built trans, however.
Almost forgot...in the carb number the 4th digit is the year made. The second to last indicates the make of car installed on. Makes are as follows: 0, 1, 2 - Chevy, truck or GMC 3 - Cadillac 4 - Buick 5 - Olds 6 - Pontiac
Darren, Thanks for the breakdown on the carb, rear, and trans, I thought that the trans was not the correct one as the VIN on the left side near the pan was not even close to what was on the dash. Now I am curious as to why the trans was swapped out??? Oh well. Much appreciated on the info though. Brian
Darren - Brian stated the The VIN on the TH350 is 44Z118030 This breaks down to... 4 - Buick 4 - Model year 1974 Z - Freemont CA plant 118030 - serial number of the car it originally came with. All Buick serial numbers (GM actually) follow this pattern. What do you think? o No:
Yep, thats right Marco... Guess I'll add the the carb was built 125th day of 1971 (April 5th) and was a factory installed unit.:TU:
