decoding a vin on a 1972 buick gs 455

[Gary Hynous]

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

[bob k. mando]

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.

[flynbuick]

Bob it is a 72 model.

[Gary Hynous]

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

[Doo Wop]

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

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 k. mando]

Bob it is a 72 model.

"i'm a craaaaaack smoker, i like it dirty and cut with chaaaaaaalk...."

:Dou: :puzzled:

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.

[Gary Hynous]

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

[WE1]

"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.

[bob k. mando]

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 ( :Dou: ) 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: