ok. I'm new to this site, but i am looking at a 1966 Buick [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]Skylark[/FONT][/FONT] GS and was wondering if anyone here has some knowledge on where I start on validating it's authenticity and I heard this was the place to start. Number wise and components. I know I'll be asking about a protecto-o-plate if that's what Buick called them back in the day, but I'm not sure what the cowl tag, [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]engine [/FONT][FONT=inherit !important]numbers[/FONT][/FONT], frame numbers, special parts only to GS models, ect.. should look like if no POP. I know there is some very knowledgable people here when it comes to these GM classics, so any help is much appreciated. I've attached a pic of the cowl tag as well that the guy sent me. Looks weird, but feel free to comment. Thanks.
Looks normal to me. GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION 06E ST 66-44617 FL1 284562 BODY TR 198-B K-2 PAINT W 2XG 4F 5Y BODY BY FISHER 06E = body build date = June (06) 1966, fifth week (E) ST = style 66 = 1966 model year 44617 = Fisher body style number 4 = Buick 46 = Gran Sport 17 = 2-door hardtop coupe FL1 = body built at Flint, MI 284562 = sequential body number, no relation to VIN TR = trim Trim 198 = Black Vinyl with Bucket-Type Front Seats, available on styles 44307, 44407, 44607, 44617, 44667 Seat code = B = Bucket seat Paint code K = solid Turquoise Mist Metallic 2 = Black vinyl roof Option codes: Group 1: W = Tinted windshield Group 2: X = ST-300 auto trans G = Long console Group 4: F = Remote controlled outside driver's mirror Group 5: Y = Deluxe Seat Belts
The VIN should also start with '446176F'. VIN tag is is drivers side door jamb near the cowl. The last 6 digits of the vin should also appear on the engine (if it's original to the car). Engine numbers are stamped just in front of the valley pan, on the drivers side. Engine ID code is on right side, should be 'MR' for the 401 GS engine. GS will also have a boxed frame.... look at the frame under the doors. Standard frame is a 'c' shape, open on the inside. Boxed frame has a reinforcement welded on, making it closed or 'boxed', more like a 'D' shape.
The "MR 543" Engine code is on the passenger side ahead of the valley pan and the VIN match is on the driver side stamped ahead of the valley pan. Is that the correct placement? What does the 543 mean? Thanks.
'MR' is correct for a '66 Skylark GS 401 engine. The '543' is a production/date code. Yours is a high number, signifying an engine built late in the model year, which matches the June 1966 build date of this car.... The car build date is in the upper left corner of the owl tag= 06E = 5th week of June 1966. Looks like a real GS so far.... correct vin and cowl data plate, and matching engine. Did you check for the boxed frame yet? The GS also has hd suspension (stiffer springs and fatter front sway bar), brakes (larger wheel cylinders) and hd rear with larger wheel bearings. And of course, 'GS' and 'Gran Sport' emblems on the exterior.
I did verify the boxed frame as well and it had it. However, i dont know how to compare the "hd suspension" without specs or a regular skylark car's springs, sway bars, etc... to compare to. Emblems were all in correct locations and present as well. Wish there was documentation, but to no avail. Any input of course is appreciated.
Pull the rear seat bottom and see if the build sheet is stuck in the springs of the seat bottom. I found one there on my car. But it sound like you have a true 66 GS to me. Walt has given you all the right information.
