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In my 69 cutlass 350 4bbl i found something strange in the vincode/stamp.
everything looks normal but it starts with 69Z.
I always thought that Oldsmobile starts with a 3.
The rest of the numbers looks original to this car.
Anybody know why it begins with the 6?
Is it newer than the rest and maybe somebody made a mistake when he couldn't read the old 3 and put a 6 because of 69?
Last edited by Jelmoer; April 30th, 2024 at 04:47 AM.
What is the number on the VIN plate located on the driver side (LH-side) of dashboard behind windshield? Post a picture of the VIN. I'm assuming the image you posted is the VIN derivative located on the block of the engine? The number '6' indicates Cadillac division which if correct would suggest it's a converted 350 diesel or gas engine, I think - not sure. Cadillac Sevilles used the Oldsmobile 350 I think. Post a picture of your VIN plate let's see what the leading number is on the VIN plate. Good chance the VIN derivative and the VIN plate number are not going to match on this car. The first image below is the transmission VIN derivative, the second image is the block VIN derivative, the third image is the VIN plate number. Notice the number '3' should align.
Last edited by Vintage Chief; April 30th, 2024 at 05:05 AM.
I'm stumped at this point. I believe it was the 1969 GM model year which began the mandatory usage of VIN derivative numbers - not really positive. The fact the car was built in Fremont doesn't help since Fremont plant apparently had their own way of doing things. One of our other members w/ more knowledge than myself will have to assist. Very interesting and I'll be following to learn what develops.
Thanks for your help so far.
Maybe somebody made a mistake.
I was just wondering if it could be a six from the factory or a mistake by some previous owner.
I'm living in Europe so maybe it was just a mistake when somebody couldn't read the complete vincode.
we wait for some more information on this Forum.
Greetings from Holland.
I've been to Hague numerous times - love the Netherlands - friends in Maastricht, Amsterdam & Rotterdam. Had a private tour of the ICJ several years ago and really enjoyed the Peace Palace.
The number '6' could maybe indicate a service replacement engine also. We'll see what others say. Have a pleasant day/evening.
I've been to Hague numerous times - love the Netherlands - friends in Maastricht, Amsterdam & Rotterdam. Had a private tour of the ICJ several years ago and really enjoyed the Peace Palace.
The number '6' could maybe indicate a service replacement engine also. We'll see what others say. Have a pleasant day/evening.
I live in a small town near The Hague.
ever been to the Saturday night cruise in summer months.
It is a meeting every first Saturday of the month.
The "6" in the first position designates Cadillac division. Obviously Caddy didn't use Olds motors in the 1969 model year and didn't build cars in Fremont, so that's clearly a mistake. These stamps were done by humans on the assembly line. Mistakes are rare, but not unheard of, and the fact that the last eight characters match the VIN says this must be an assembly line mistake. Fremont built cars for Chevy (1), Pontiac (2), Oldsmobile (3), and Buick (4) in the 1969 model year (in addition to Chevy and GMC trucks), but no Cadillacs. Yes, Caddy DID use an Olds 350 in the 1979 Sevilles, but that would have been a windowed main block with casting number 557752 3B and not the 395558 2 casting number of the early blocks. Also, no Sevilles were built in Fremont.
April 30th, 2024, 04:37 AM
