W-30 rags

**PhilS** · #1 03-14-2006, 08:57 AM

Is anyone keeping track of these? I haven't heard of a registry but thought someone might shed some light on it.

442w30 · #2 03-14-2006, 06:56 PM

No registry. I am trying to build a website and have entertained the idea of having a page for these cars, but they are hard to document. Who's to say one registered is not a real car?

**Canuck** · #3 03-14-2006, 09:04 PM

I have kept a "database" on the 71 442 W-30 ragtops. I agree with Diego,with the exception of the 72's they are hard to document. The data base I have consists of 67 out of the 110 cars produced. I can only verify that 47 are the real thing. The other 20 may be as well,but without visual inspections and paperwork it is hard to prove. Case in point,an owner sent me info and photos on his car because he wanted it in the registry. Nice photos including a photo showing the serial number on the trans as being the same as the serial number on the car. The next photo was the OW trans tag-that photo was another car's OW tag. The rusty exhaust was the clue that the photos were from two different cars. If there is a registry the people will want their car "in the registry". Notice how a mopar is described as "one of three in the Mopar registery" or "# 12 of 14 in the Mopar registry". That statement does not support total production,just how many have submitted their information. No offence to the work done by Galen Govier. I wish there were better records to support all makes of automobiles.

**mockingbird812** · #4 03-15-2006, 01:57 AM

Canuck,

Galen will not put a car in the Chrysler registry unless he has either inspected the car himself or the owner has submitted sufficient documentation to convince Galen that it is real. Not a fool proof method, but none the less one that is established and is backed by the experience of a man who is intimately familiar with the Chryslers and who has an eviable reputation. Just because a car is in the registry does not make it a numbers matching/original drivetrain car either. This is actually stated at the bottom of his registry letters. Also, the number that your car represents in the registry (i.e. 12 of 14) is a reference to VIN sequence relative to the other cars in the registry. I think a registry can serve an important purpose such as to call attention to a unique or interesting car and to provide a means to help other owners or want-to-be owners to congregate and discuss their cars, find difficult parts, restore, show, judge, etc. As long as the registry qualifies how a car is entered into the registry (i.e. documented/undocumented) there should minimal chance for misperceptions. I know you're not bashing Galen, but wanted to set the record straight.

**PhilS** · #5 03-15-2006, 09:34 AM

47 out of 110 is really good considering how difficult these cars are to document. Do you consider an original OW as proof by itself? I'm curious about the 70s especially. I have a documented 70 auto with ac which like W-30 shows on the body card. I haven't seen another one documented but am sure there have to be a few.

442w30 · #6 03-16-2006, 04:14 AM

My car has no docs but has the tranny tag with the VIN. Still, that's not enough for those who want the creme de la creme.

**Stefano** · #7 03-16-2006, 04:24 AM

The trans tag will also have a julian date/many fakes are off the mark date wise, along with the proper code. The VIN is stamped into the trans on the opposite side.

FYI; An NOS supply of original GM broad cast sheets was found several years ago and they have been finding their way into the W30/W31 community.

Good history on these cars is an absolute must.

**WILMASBOYL78** · #8 03-16-2006, 06:49 AM

Stefano..check you PM box..full.tw

**PhilS** · #9 03-16-2006, 10:11 AM

The sticks are nearly impossible to prove. Conversations I've had with other owners indicate fewer than 10 documented 70s known. I believe the production was 96.

**olredalert** · #10 03-16-2006, 05:51 PM

------Just missed a 70 stick/W30 convert (red/black) that was in Port Huron MI. its entire life. Car had 50000ish miles and was mostly rust free, never wrecked, and completely original. Needed a total resto and the guy who got it paid $75,000. He was supposedly from Conneticut. I had a customer for it at $100,000 (I really did) but the flipper involved still sold it for the $75,000. Bad day for me as I wanted to be a flipper too!!!!!!

-------I believe you are correct on that 96 figure........Bill S

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