I posted in "the bench" but was referred here. Maybe one of you Olds guys can help. Went with a friend yesterday and bought a 1970 "442". The car is a 344 (442) car. However, this car has been owned for approx 15 yrs by a gentlemen who knew nothing about the car. He has done nothing to it in that time. It has sat for the better part of his ownership. He purchased the car from someone who had "legal" problems that many years back. Anyway, the car has 'most' all the earmarkings of a W-30 including red plastic inner fenders, rally pac with tic toc tach, dual gate his/hers shifter, 12 bolt rear, functioning ram air induction with factory dual snorkel hood, dual trumpet exhaust with bumper cutouts, correct block code, correct exhaust manifolds, it's a Lansing built car, W-30 emblems in correct position, etc. I realize some of these items were also available on regular 442's. However, if cloned it was done MANY years ago and someone went to quite a bit of trouble to do it. The only items that do not appear correct are the heads and intake. It has E heads instead of F and a cast 442 intake. Although it is possible someone swapped heads and intake at some point. I know it's a longshot and but, I'd love for it to be a "needle in the haystack" find. If you know anything to look for to tell for sure (we're trying to find a buildsheet) please let me know. To make things more interesting, it's a p/s, pdb, a/c, Convertible.. 34467 car.
Since it's an automatic, it should have the "OW" code TH-400. Look for the tag on the right side. Then verify the tranny's VIN derivitive stamped on the left side matches the car's VIN. The "OW" tranny is unique to the W-30. Being an automatic with PDB and AC, it should have the "SF" code rear end (3.23 posi). Look for the stamps on the right axle tube. Then look on the center section for the casting date and stamped build date to compare with the car's build date. The "SF" rear is not unique to the W-30, but was manditory on auto, AC, PDB W-30s. If you have any trouble finding or interpreting these numbers, let me know.
Are the fenderwells real or repros? Build sheets in 70's (or build card) are found many times under the carpet where you open the door(s)---remove the rocker plate and lift carpet and look under the outer edges of the carpet. Could also be stuffed in the springs of the backside of the buckets or rear seat. Check for numbers matching on the block---this will help verify some things. Brian (Black Gold) can help with casting date codes on the heads and intake, etc to see how they line up with the date code on the block (maybe the originals were removed and sold long ago). Sounds like an interesting find. Did you mention the trans--it's an auto so it should have the "OW" code on the plate on the P side of the trans....also I think there's a number STAMPED into the trans to match it to the car/body (like there is on a 4 speed). Good luck and sounds good whether it's a W30 or not. Patton Edit: on the 442/W30 unique parts you can check for original vs. repro status-Fenderwells, front grilles, hood, ram air cleaner plastic "flapper" assembly, a W27 rear end cover, etc......Basically you are playing detective and adding up all the evidence. Of course a build card/sheet would be pretty determinitive.
No 100% legit way to prove a real W car without original drivetrain parts unless you have the broadcast card! I had 4 of em over the years still love the 70 w-30 the best! :3gears:
My father just bought a 70 W31 and wanted me to help him verify it. The tale-tale on it was the fuel line. It had a different bend towards the front of the car and mounted on a different point on the frame. This is a 31 small block, but it may hold true on the 30 car. Sounds like an original car that has had top end work. Shame they removed the alum. intake and heads. A 70 intake brought near $700 last week on Ebay. F heads will cost over a grand. Could just die grind the tail off the bottom of the E (ha-ha). I have much info. on the W's if I can find it. If so, I will try to post anything that might help.
:Smarty: Hey John your dads W-31 should have this balancer http://www.supercarsunlimited.com/engine/bal_id.htm :Smarty:
:Smarty: John A 70 W-31 will have a #6 on the heads.... not a letter :shock: don't pay big bux for a set of heads you can convert a set you need 2.0 intake and 1.62 exhaust and a set of springs and a good machine shop go to http://www.supercarsunlimited.com/
:bglasses: :Smarty: other 70 W-31 info engine will have flat top pistons 474 308 cam #194 stamped on the back of the cam manual brakes.... only uzzled: non a/c..... only uzzled: letter M in the vin for Lansing MI black wheel wells not red like the W-30 can you post some pic of the car.. uzzled: o No: i'd like to see it :bglasses: as you can see I'm partial to the W-31 :Brow: :3gears: :TU:
Mark, Sounds like you know W's! That is the info. I had too. I put the car on a rack and inspected it. It had the big balancer, no air, no power brakes and the correct number on the heads. It also had the alum. intake. Fuel line was attached in the proper place. Black plastic inner fenders. The trunk sounded "hollow" when slammed and the firewall padding was thinner than my Buick's. It had the correct numbers on the plates too. He has it stored at the former owners garage for now while finishing a new building to store his cars in. As soon as we get the building finished, I will snap a few pics. of it. I am beginning to like these Olds cars! Dad bought a former senior winner Cutlass Supreme convertible last summer and now got this beautifully restored W31. He has our guy in the shop building a 70 442 now with a 71 W30 convertible clone to be started this summer. I think dad is an addict now. Thanks for the info.
