1968 GS400 Cowl Tag Assistance

[JCSpringer2005]

I have also been attempting to decode my cowl tag, but I still have some gaps. Also, would like to know if I am on the right track or if I have made any errors. The red font indicates my gaps. Am I close??

First Line - 02E 0787

02E = February (02) and the 5th week (E)
0787 = unknown

Second Line - 68 - 44667 BW00041

68 = 1968
4 = Buick
46 = GS400 (1967-1969)
67 = 2 door Convertible
BW = Final Assembly Plant Code BW=Wilmington
00041 = unit number

Third Line - 178 060 T2

178 = Trim number: Black Vinyl Bucket Seat
060 = Seat type (assuming from the 178 code this means bucket seats)
T = Lower Body Color: Desert Beige (my hidden areas behind the fenders look more white than beige)
2 = Folding Top (color unknown at this time)

Thanks,

[Mike Trom]

Have you had any luck finding factory build sheets in your car? The Wilmington built cars are know to have 2 or 3 stashed inside. I have found two complete build sheets for mine so far.

My '68 GS400 Conv. was also built at the Wilmington plant, the 4th week of april. Body ID # BW00133.

The 0787 is a factory sequence number I believe and it would also be on your build sheet. My cowl has 0005 and that number is also written on my build sheet.

Not sure what the 060 is, my tag does not have another number there.

The -2 is for black convertible top.

:beers2:

[JCSpringer2005]

Mike ~ Thanks for the reply and the additional information concerning my cowl tag.

I have one build sheet under the passanger seat, however it is not very useful as the car was parked in my old man's back lot for 27 years waiting for me to retire from the Army and get settled. I retired in 2006 with 24 years service.

I finally, got her to our new home in June 2009 to start the restoration process.

I looked for another build sheet under the gas tank mat, but no joy. The carpets were removed in the mid 1980's and there was not one there.

The body is on blocks while I am working on the frame, rear end and suspension resto.

It has been suggested to look under the dash, behind the rear seats (not there) and Wheelz suggested I look in the windshild frames, but I have done that yet.

Any other suggested locations would be great! I am wondering if you would be willing to send me a copy of your build sheet since the cars are sisters?

[JCSpringer2005]

Cowl Plate Updated: Still need to figure out what the 060 means....

First Line - 02E 0787

02E = February (02) and the 5th week (E)
0787 = Factory Sequence Number

Second Line - 68 - 44667 BW00041

68 = 1968
4 = Buick
46 = GS400 (1967-1969)
67 = 2 door Convertible
BW = Final Assembly Plant Code BW=Wilmington
00041 = unit number

Third Line - 178 060 T2

178 = Trim number: Black Vinyl Bucket Seat
060 = Seat type (assuming from the 178 code this means bucket seats)
T = Lower Body Color: Desert Beige (my hidden areas behind the fenders look more white than beige)
2 = Folding Top: Black

Also, I have been messing with a build sheet reproduction from the little bit I have, see attached.

[JCSpringer2005]

Cowl Tag update additional assistance provided by PM from another board member.


Body Cowl Tag Decoded


First Line - 02E 0787
02E = February (02) and the 5th week (E)
0787 = Fisher Body Job No. or Data Process No.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.v8buick.com/ /><o:p></o:p>
02E = February (02) and the 5th week (E)<o:p></o:p>
<FONT face=Arial>0787 = <A href=""</o:p>
00041 = unit number (see note below)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Third Line - 178 060 T2<o:p></o:p>
178 = Trim number (http://www.v8buick.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1663879#_Trim_Information): Black Vinyl Bucket Seat <o:p></o:p>
C60 = A.C., Manual (http://www.v8buick.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1663879#_Email_Sat,_June) <o:p></o:p>
T = Lower Body Color (http://www.v8buick.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1663879#_Paint_Color): Desert Beige<o:p></o:p>
2 = Folding Top (http://www.v8buick.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1663879#_Mike_Trom's_Notes): Black


Thanks to everyone that assisted me along the path, I have updated this post in case there are other opinions out there.

I still have a question about the C60 = A.C., Manual line; my car has factory A.C. installed, but is a '68 GS400/400 what does the Manual imply?

[BlackGold]

GM had a fancier version of Air Conditioning which, I believe, regulated the temperature automatically -- sort of like the thermostat you set in your house. Off the top of my head, I think it was option C61? :Do No:

[JCSpringer2005]

Thanks Brian!