Do GS 400 Convertibles Built in Fremont, CA have Z in VIN?

Hello,

Since all 1968 GS 400 convertibles were built in Fremont, CA should the VIN start with 4 46 67 8 Z, where the Z stands for Fremont, CA?

My VIN starts with 4 46 67 8 H which decodes to

4-Buick
46-series GS400
67-convertible
8-1968
H- Flint MICHIGAN

https://www.tpocr.com/buickvin4.html

My car has a 430 engine in it, and I am finding other things, like what appears to be a coolant overflow tank like is on a 68 Riviera, which also had the 430 engine. My fuel tank may be larger, maybe 21 gallons instead of 20.1 gallons that is supposed to be in the 68 GS 400, but I am still investigating. Hopefully I’ll be able to tell somehow from the sending unit. I’m still trying to determine if my radiator is original but it also appears different than what I see in 68 GS 400s. That could have been replaced at some point though.

So anyway, I am wondering if my convertible was built in Flint since the VIN decodes to that or if all 68 Convertibles have an H in their VIN signifying Flint even though they were built in Fremont, CA?

Thanks.

 

If your vin number starts with 446678H------

Then it is a 68 Flint built GS 400 Convertible.

Why do you say they were only built in Fremont?

Regarding the Gas tank and engine, as far as I know there was only 1 type of gas tank for the 68 Buick A-bodies, and all the 68 Skylark GS cars came with 400 engines not 430's.

Coolant overflow tanks did not start on the a-bodies until the 1970 production year.

If you post some pics of the radiator, we could tell if it is the original style.
Duane

 

GS convertibles were built at Flint, Fremont, Wilmington, Leeds (KC). Flint actually built the most.

 

There've always been stories of a few '68's that orig. came w/430 (w/400 valve cover decals). Idk if that's just legend or if any are documented (i.e. #'s matching).

 

Flint built the most in 68 too?

 

Well, maybe I shouldn’t believe Wikipedia. There isn’t a reference to the statement, but it says,
“All of the GS400 convertibles were built at GM's Fremont, California assembly line.”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Gran_Sport

Here are some photos.

 

Nice looking car and Wikipedia should always be taken w/a grain of salt. 430 is likely a replacement engine but definitely check the #'s.

 

Thanks, can you tell if the radiator is original and is one for 430? I can take other photos if needed.

So I am working on trying to get the gunk off the block to read the codes. I actually was having the engine bay professionally cleaned today, but now it is raining, so has to wait.

But on the 68, 430, should they be on drivers side like this image?

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/ident_engine_where.php

 

The radiator is a replacement. The filler cap is on an angle like the 72 and newer rads. The caps on the 68-71 rads are basically parallel to the ground.
Duane

 

Thanks. I saw that angle too. That’s why I didn’t think it matched the 400s. The 68 Riviera also looks more flat.

 

I'm no '68 expert but I believe that's wjere the #'s would be.

 

Im No expert But those look like my 67 BBB valve covers..... One Year only

Your Coolant overflow tank pictured in post 6 is a after market tank that you buy on any street corner autoparts store...

 

The left side valve cover is a '67 400-430, left side only. The giveaway is the integral spark plug wire looms that Buick spot welded in place, plus the rubber plug in front and fill cap ('67 would have used a breather as a fill cap) at rear. I think the right side cover is '68-'69 400-430, and I think that started life as a left side cover, too. No wire looms and TWO holes, one for the air cleaner connection, plus another oil fill cap. Odd!

Devon

 

Maybe it is a 67 430, and I can then put on a Star Wars air cleaner.

 

Have you checked the block casting number? That might help narrow things down. see lower down the page here:

https://www.teambuick.com/reference/ident_engine_where.php

Devon

 

Trying to find it and clean it off. I assumed it was on drivers side. I was going to have a professional detailer clean the engine bay today so I could hopefully see it, but it’s raining. I couldn’t read it after degreaser. If it is a 67 430, then I may be looking in the wrong place.

 

I see what you are saying about the oil caps. The oil fill cap is supposed to be on which side?

 

Driver’s side toward the rear.

 

It may be mucked up a bit, but it might be easier to find the block casting number rather than the stamped number. It'll require a flashlight, with air cleaner off, and you climbing up into the engine bay to have a look at the back of the engine where the transmission bolts up.

This photo is what you would see if you were sitting in the middle of the front seat, and leaned forward with x-ray vision.

Devon

 

Yes, most years since Flint produced the most "A" bodies