1968 Oldmobile Ram Rod 350

[K code Mustang]

My buddy just bought a 68 Cutlass S that is believed to be a Ram Rod car. I read there were only 679 produced, but I really don't know much about Oldsmobiles...can anyone give me any tips on where to look for verification. The car has a four speed and 391 rear, but it is missing the original air cleaner and exhaust manifolds. I will try to get some pictures up as soon as I can. Thanks guys.

[442w30]

What makes you think it's a real W-31 car?

That's one car that's pretty tough to certify without docs.

If you describe it a bit (color?) perhaps I can float it by a few Oldsmodudes and see if they know it.

I've seen several in NJ, a red one and a Saffron Yellow one.

[Postsedan]

Is this a Coupe or a Post Sedan? Pics, Pics, Pics.

Dan

[K code Mustang]

The car is a coupe and it is a pale yellow color. it was registered in Virginia and driven occasionally since an early 80's repaint. the car shows 40K miles and the title backs that up. The interior is original and pretty damn nice. There is plastic in the fenders and 1/4s and headers replace the original manifolds. He has some docs... actually a print out, and a break down from GM (I guess) that shows the options and production numbers. If I am not mistaking, the paperwork said something about canada. I will try to get pictures soon.

[K code Mustang]

Heres the only one I have right now.

[442w30]

Ah . . . Canadian docs sure help!

Would be interested in seeing the docs too!

Word of warning, though - people can forge that stuff. It may not be a bad idea to step up to the plate and order another invoice.

[DW31S]

If that is a REAL W-31, he stole it according to the windshield.

[DW31S]

If it was BUILT in Canada, it isn't a W-31, all were built in Lansing, MI. Now, it may have been shipped or transported into Canada during it's lifetime. Need more info. I don't see the bumper scoops, but you said the breather was missing.

[K code Mustang]

According to the docs it was built in lansing. The air cleaner is missing, as are the bumper scoops, but the brackets are still there. Are there numbers I can look for in the VIN or under the hood that would give me more info?

[300deluxeL79]

i see 2 cdn doc sheets on the dash.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif

[K code Mustang]

Yeah, those are the docs I am talking about.I just know how easy it is to fake them and I am a Mopar and Mustang guy trying to make sure this car is what it is claimed to be. My friend that bought it also has a 68 442 and he almost vapor locked when he saw it. He saw all the teltail signs he knew, but just wants more verification.

[StriperSS]

If it was sold new in Canada, you can order the documention through GM Canada historical services. I've never seen either a 68 or 69 W-31, but did own 2 1970's. That would be a cool find!

[agtw31]

i was going to buy this car in '07,but didnt want to spend 7500 for it

it's not a ram-rod,just had the emblems on it.

i can put you in touch with the guy that had it back then if you want

[K code Mustang]

this is why I put this up on this forum. The car has the special damper, # 5 on the cylinder head, holes in the fenderwells for the ram air hoses...but i wanted to just make sure.could you give me a number for the previous owner? Are you sure it is the same car?

[Fast67VelleN2O]

The last car he thought was the same car ended up not being the car he was thinking of.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/462547/1

[agtw31]

you know,i run into aholes like you all over the net

not one of you ever show up,either.

im sure you wouldnt ,either

[K code Mustang]

I'm not looking for this to turn into an argument or start a fight... I just want some help authenticating my friends new purchase.

[PeteLeathersac]

Back to the car, getting your own GM Canada paperwork is a very simple process also cheap and quick too...click on the info below.
Not likely in this case but w/ Copos also a few other vehicles we've looked at here in the past be absolute it is and always has been the same car, not a donor w/ Canadian VIN and documentable identity.
Best of luck w/ everything!


<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete



================================================== ==

<span style="text-decoration: underline">GM Canada Vintage Services</span>

http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/shopping/parts/vintage

PH. 905-440-7689

[email protected]

================================================== ==

[njsteve]

George Zapora is very helpful. I talked to him when I was trying to decypher some stuff on the Firebird. I also got some paperwork from him on that IROC Z28 I had a few years ago. He ended up not charging me for the invoice fee because he thought the microfiche copy was kind of blurry. That's a stand up guy in my book!

[GreenLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: agtw31</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you know,i run into aholes like you all over the net

not one of you ever show up,either.

im sure you wouldnt ,either

</div></div>

Girls, girls ,girls... your both pretty!!!! Let's get back to the car...

[DW31S]

Can the Canadian paperwork decipher a car that was built elsewhere and imported into Canada, or can it authenticate a car that was only BUILT in Canada. If this car was built in Lansing and imported into Canada, it could be real. I have no gun in this fight, but my curiosity is roused a little.

[CDNL-78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DW31S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can the Canadian paperwork decipher a car that was built elsewhere and imported into Canada, or can it authenticate a car that was only BUILT in Canada. If this car was built in Lansing and imported into Canada, it could be real. I have no gun in this fight, but my curiosity is roused a little. </div></div>

American built cars such as my nova that were imported and sold new in Canada can be documented from George.

[StriperSS]

Any GM car sold in Canada, no matter where it was from will be verifiable. As long as someone didn't swap vins on the car, it should be good.

[K code Mustang]

I am at work right now so he is looking the car over. He ordered another set of docs and is crawling all over the car, here are some of the things that check out so far: it was built in Lansing, has a # 5 on the left cylinder head, 4 speed, 3.42 posi-traction, manual brakes, thicker harmonic balancer. One fender well has the hole for the ram air tube while the other doesn't.

[DW31S]

P/B or A/C present? What is the number on the carb.? And....please ask your friend to let us view the Canadian docs. I own a '69 W-31, and I really hope he scored here. You never know anymore with these old cars, but in all sincerity, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your friend. It never hurts to have another &quot;Olds&quot; guy in the bunch!!! Also, if he could post pics of the trim tag. It could be real and took a shot on one side; hence the missing breather, scoops, and one &quot;hole-less&quot; fender liner. Looks like the plot is thickening.

[PeteLeathersac]

To clarify, vehicles documentable by GM Canada Vintage Services include:
- 1964 and later vehicles built in Canada or elsewhere but sold new in Canada (like it sounds this subject Olds may be)
- '64 and later vehicles built in Canada but sold new elsewhere (like Jeff L's Berger delivered '69 Chevelle SS Post car)
- Most all '77 model year and later North American built GM vehicles regardless of being built/sold new in the US or Canada.
- Limited info is also available for vehicles shipped new out of Canada in knock-down form also Canada built or sold vehicles prior to '64.

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[K code Mustang]

M/b no a/c have to find out carb number. He also has a 68 442.:

[DW31S]

Like I said earlier, I'm pulling for your friend. '68 W-31s are indeed rare and it would be cool if it turns out to be the real deal. I'm wondering about the engine....you said one of the heads had a #5---is it that he couldn't see the other? There is a pad where some numbers are stamped including the vin---knowing those numbers would help. Please keep us informed of any updated info.

[K code Mustang]

I will definitely keep you guys informed. I hope it is real too, it would really be a score.