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Thread: 1969 gs california cowl tag decoding

  1. #1
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    1969 gs california cowl tag decoding

    Hello to all, just joined the forum.
    Looking to decode the cowl tag on my 69 GS California. I bought this car about a year ago. It appears to be original except the color. It's red with a white vinyl top. The engine matches the VIN. It has a 2.73 open rear and all the info I can find says it should be a 3.23. Has a matching # Turbo 350.
    Thanks John



    20171014_155922 (2).jpg

  2. #2
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    ST 69-43327 BW 00392
    TR 114 C8BC60B8B9 40 B PNT
    11C 0085


    43327 = Fisher body style number
    4 = Buick
    33 = Special Deluxe
    27 = 2-door thin pillar coupe


    BW = body built at Wilmington, DE
    392 = 392nd 43327 built at Wilmington, DE


    Trim 114 = Parchment Vinyl with Bench Front Seat, available on style 43327


    Paint code 40 = solid Cameo Cream
    B = Black vinyl top




    11C = build date = November (11) 1968, third week (C)


    C8BC60B8B9 = option codes


    C8B is short for C08 (vinyl roof) and B for black
    C60 = air conditioner
    B8 is short for B80 = Roof drip scalp and windshield pillar molding
    B9 is short for B90 = Door window and center pillar scalp molding
    Sean Smith
    BCA# 42746
    MBCC# 2122
    SAH# 4186
    Buickman Award 2015

    1957 Special 4-door Riviera (hardtop) model 43

  3. #3
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    Thanks for the info. I've been a little confused about this car since I bought it. It has all the GS/CALIFORNIA badges, correct hood and air cleaner assembly. Correct 350 4bbl and turbo 350. When I got it, it had a factory looking single exhaust and the 2.73 rear. Everything I found said that the GS California had a 3.23 rear and dual exhaust. It has a completely original interior-which is correct. It has P/S, A/C, Had original AM radio, Tinted glass, light package, Deluxe steering wheel, Correct Super Sport wheels, recessed wipers, shoulder belts. I knew it was repainted, but was not sure about what color the top was. My next Move is to drop the tank and see If I can find a built sheet. My goal is to get it ready for the Pure stock muscle car drags. John

  4. #4
    it seems strange that they would build a Cali GS in Delaware. was that option available nationwide?
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

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  5. #5
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    It was marketing gimmick supposedly available only in California in 1967 and 1968 and then nationally in 1969. They were built at all plants including 59 built at the plant in Oshawa ON, Canada for the 1969 model year. Other dealers picked up on it and marketed GS Colorado's and GS Carolina's.
    Sean Smith
    BCA# 42746
    MBCC# 2122
    SAH# 4186
    Buickman Award 2015

    1957 Special 4-door Riviera (hardtop) model 43

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    Does your car still have the Protect-O-Plate in the glove box? It will show the original exhaust type and rear axle code.

    That's curious how those two items deviate from published standard equipment data. The 2.73 axle would have been standard for a Special Deluxe w/350 4bbl automatic setup. The axle usage chart doesn't show an optional economy ratio available for the GS350 or GS400.
    Last edited by TODD; 10-24-2017 at 02:27 AM.
    What has been, can be again. (Bob Wills, 1942)

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by TODD View Post
    Does your car still have the Protect-O-Plate in the glove box? It will show the original exhaust type and rear axle code.

    That's curious how those two items deviate from published standard equipment data. The 2.73 axle would have been standard for a Special Deluxe w/350 4bbl automatic setup. The axle usage chart doesn't show an optional economy ratio available for the GS350 or GS400.


    No Protect-o-Plate. Removed fuel tank no build sheet, checked everywhere for it.

  8. #8
    Other dealers picked up on it and marketed GS Colorado's and GS Carolina's.



    yeah, i was aware of those. there used to be a California GS web site but i think it's been down for a while now. when it was still around it had an article on the Colorado / Carolina options.


    It was marketing gimmick supposedly available only in California in 1967 and 1968 and then nationally in 1969.


    ah, there we go. that explains my confusion.

    would there be any chance that i could nag you into writing an article on these variants?
    The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.
    Vladimir Lenin

    Government schooling is about "the perfect organization of the hive."
    H.H. Goddard, Human Efficiency (1920)

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