JanLuhan

Hallo, can you help me realize if the engine is original or not? I have OLDS 442 model 68 convertible and there is not the etiquete on the oil filling tube. There is the number of the block 396026G. VIN is 344678E170450. Is anywhere else some more identification? Thank you Jan

lemoldsnut

Just below the head on the drivers side is a pad on the side the Power steerinb bracket often makes it hard to read, with numbers on it. Check this to see if the number matches the last of your vin.

Larry

oldcutlass

That number would be here:

rcorrigan5

The 396026G number says you have a 400 cubic inch engine, which is what the '68 4-4-2 had. To tell whether or not the block is original to your car, look for the numbers where Larry and oldscutlass said to look. Often, that are is covered in dirt and oil and is hard to see without first cleaning it. As well, if the engine is in the car, there is a bracket that goes right over the top of that area which makes it doubly difficult to read. But if you get a clean surface, I've been able to read what's there with a mirror and a flashlight. This number is often referred to as the VIN derivative. The first number should be a "3" and the last 8 digits of that number should match the last 8 digits of you VIN for the block to be original to the car.

The VIN derivative is also stamped into the driver side of the transmission casing.

Randy C.

JanLuhan

Hallo all and thank you. There is no number visible, even part of it. Seems somebody wants me not to realize the true. Also the label on oil filling tube is gone. I am dissapointed because the seller told me the car is numbers matching. Also the transmission is not original becase there is the plate with number 75-OR-34902. Thank you all with best rgds. Jan

joe_padavano

The oil fill tube number is meaningless. Unless the block has been replaced with a service replacement, there IS a VIN derivative stamp. It was required by federal law. You will need to remove any brackets that might be in the way and clean the pad thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any grease, paint, or rust. Sometimes you will have more success with a pencil rubbing of the pad rather than reading the number directly.

JanLuhan

Hallo Joe,
thank you. I will try once more to clean it, but really seems the print is completely gone. The number shoul be printed or stamped or what technology?
Joe what do you think about the transmission? Is possible to fix transmission from the year 75 to the block from 68? The number on the transmission plate shows 75-OR-34902.
with best rgds Jan

Fun71

Below is a picture of a block VIN stamping. This pad looks to have been cleaned very well.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ers-match.html