Help with 70's series identification

[MrEarl]

Jeeze things sure got complicated between the 50's and 70's. I can read a '54 data plate like a Tom and Jane 1st grade reading book but trying to decipher some of the diagrams in the '79 Service Manuals and everything relates to series letters, and there's a zillion of them,  then I look at my data plate and try and match it up with what is shown in the book and I'm even more confused. 

 

So can somebody tell me what series my '79 Estate Wagon is.  Going by comparing some of the diagrams to my car I was under the impression it was a C but going by this picture from the manual,  it's a freakin  RRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

 

 

 

Edited April 30, 2019 by MrEarl (see edit history)

[Brad Conley]

B Body Lamar...

 

4BR35.

[dmfconsult]

4BR35 is the Estate Wagon model number.  There was no separate LeSabre or Electra Estate Wagon, just Estate Wagon and Estate Wagon Limited.  "X" Engine was the Buick 350, I believe you should have the "K" code  Oldsmobile 403 in your EW. 

[MrEarl]

2 hours ago, Brad Conley said:

B Body Lamar...

 

4BR35.

 

Why does it refer to it as “B Series” in the diagram. And why is there an R under Series in the Body Number Plate Information diagram? What am I missing here. 

[sean1997]

Fisher body tag decode:

 

BODY BY FISHER

ST 79 4BR35 X 263615 BDY
TR 62J AM6 54L 54U PNT
06E 230723

 

4BR35
4 = Buick
B = B-body platform (C-body platform was used for the  Electra)
R = Estate Wagon (series)
35 = 4-door station wagon

 

X = Fairfax, KS

 

263615 = body number

 

Trim 62J = Dark Camel Tan Cloth and Vinyl

AM6 = seat option code = SEAT ASM, FRT SPLIT W/CTR ARM REST (60-40)

 

Paint code 54L54U = solid Light Yellow

06E = build date = June (06) 1979, fifth week (E)

 

230723 = batch or broadcast number, also found on buildsheet

 

 

Buick VIN decode:

 

4R35K9X163358
4 = Buick
R = Estate Wagon (series)
35 = 4-door station wagon
K = 403 V8 by Oldsmobile (L80)
9 = 1979
X = Fairfax, KS
163358 = sequential number, range for Fairfax in 1979 was 100,001 to 164,120

[MrEarl]

Thanks Sean, I’m honored to have you done that. 

Bit of a learning curve with this, got a lot  to figure out.

[Brad Conley]

Sorry Lamar, I was out of town until today and didn't see your reply.  Thanks for the help Sean!

[MrEarl]

Thanks @Brad Conley   I'm still not really understanding the series/body call outs as I spoke of in my post above. Just trying to be able to use the Service Manuals better....  I could use a  "70's Buick numbers for dummies"  book I guess.

[NTX5467]

Mr. Earl, back when there were just ONE basic Buick body, but two wheel base length versions, sometimes referred to as "Junior"/"Senior". them the main deal with the model name, BOTH the wheelbase length, engine size, and trim level were defined in the "Series" designation.  Only in the '70s+ nomenclature, "series designation" was replaced with "Platform designation letters and model numbers".

 

In the prior times, there were still platform designations (B, C, D) but only GM worried about that.  In Buick, it was all about "Series" numbers" and body styles thereof.

 

Even in the '60s, LeSabre was a 5000 series, Riviera was 9000 series, etc.  All noted in the factory service manual "information" section.  For example, 5000 = basic LeSabre, 5400 + Lesabre Custom.  Replace the last two zeroes with "67" and you have LeSabre Custom Convertible.  Just as your wagon is "BR35"  4-dr sedans were "69"

 

The late model VIN is an international format for all vehicles.  Not only does it contain the OEM manufacturer designation, but also many other things, too.  The left half (from the check digit leftward) defines the basic vehicle.  The part of the VIN Rightward from the check digit defines "the build" of the specific vehicle.  Once you figure it out, it works pretty well.  Whether it's a GM car, Ford, Chrysler, or otherwise.  

 

Somewhere, there should possibly be a "Service Parts ID" label.  aka SPID Label.  It has all of the car's option codes and such, just as the build sheet does.  The car's "birth certificate", so to speak.  Plus paint codes.  Initially, on sedans and coupes, they were on the inner side of the deck lid.  Later on the spare tire cover panel in the trunk.

 

Generally, similar information but different ways of defining it.

 

NTX5467

 

 

[RivNut]

Here's an example of a SPID label.  Can't tell you where to find it though. On my 94 wagon, it's in the tail gate opening.

 

 

Next problem: finding the codes somewhere.