Grimm Posted June 7, 2003 Share Posted June 7, 2003 Hi there, just purchased a 1968 Cutlass convertible. I'm curious as to what books would be helpful to buy. I've seen some already such as the assembly manual, Fisher body manual, shop manuals. Eventually I'll probably obtain everything, but I'm looking for what to start with first. I'm sure the shop manual would be good, but I'm curious about the other two, what they entail. One that would be nice, is something I can use to verify I have correct parts on the car (I know it has a 442 bumper, and I suspect an incorrect door mirror for one). I have also deduced that it has a 1974 engine, so I'm not sure if I should purchase the '74 shop manual as well? I would also like to find out what the original color was (S8 if anyone can give me the answer). Any other worthwhile books out there? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 Other than emissions/compression ratio, there isn't enough difference in the two years' engines to warrant buying both manuals. I'd be inclined to put the 1974 engine emission devices back to what came in 1968 which was Controlled Combustion System and Positive Crankcase Ventilation. You'll have to find a pre-1973 intake without EGR to pull this off.The Assembly Manual will be a good source to document correct parts. The exploded drawings and part numbers will tell a lot about that.On the service publications end, there was usually a 901 manual issued at model year changeover which gave preliminary service info. There's also a Service Guild/Technical Information Letters binder which contains the monthly Service Guild newsletters and all the running changes and updates made thru the model year.For sales lit, the showroom Color & Fabric Album and Product Information Book which have all the colors, interior fabrics, technical specs and selling features. Those two can be expensive. There's also dealer sales brochures, and some really neat stuff for the hardcore lit collector are the GM yearly preview brochures that show off the entire GM carline.S8. Your car was originally Jade Gold, a dark, almost black metallic green. It had a gold convertible top which actually looks more green than gold and was also available with Ebony Black, Provincial White, Willow Gold and Ivory paint. I'd be willing to bet it has a greenish-gold interior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimm Posted June 8, 2003 Author Share Posted June 8, 2003 Thanks for the help. Actually rocket, your bet would be wrong. It has a black interior. By the way, the trim code is 944. It's really puzzling as to what this car has had for colors. The previous owner bought it three years ago, redone by a local guy. He really didn't know anything about the car, so I am starting from scratch trying to find out about it. The car was painted red, and I have found a couple inconspicuous spots (on a trunk hinge, and a piece of trim by the windshield) that have a very small blotch of blue, leading me to believe it was once painted blue. I haven't taken anything off to try and dig further, but the guy did an excellent job of painting everything, and not leaving a trace of any original color. The interior has new seats and carpet for sure, but the pieces on the rear side look fairly old, so it's hard to say if it has always been black, or just redone quite some time ago. Also it has a white top, and judging by the condition of it, and other top parts, it has had this top for quite a while. And it looks very solid, with almost no signs of rust, so I can't imagine it was just poorly taken care of. As far as the paint, could I take it to a local paint supplier or car dealer to have them identify the actual paint on the car?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Guess what? It's been changed. Trim codes 944 and 974 were Willow Gold interior.Black trim codes for 1968 F85 cars are: 910,917,940,947,950,957,970,977,980, and 987.So as y'all see, the original data plate can tell you a lot about your car. But don't get hung up on it. If you like the car and its current color/trim combination, enjoy it. A red convertible is always fun! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Lots of high-end paint suppliers have computerised scanners that they can hold against the paint and it will analyse the color and formula. You might be able to do that and find out what color red you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimm Posted June 9, 2003 Author Share Posted June 9, 2003 Yeah, I figured it was changed. Must have been years ago. I like the Jade Gold color, but I'm glad they changed the interior and top. Hopefully I can find out what color it is now so I can fix those stone chips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanDRussell Posted June 9, 2003 Share Posted June 9, 2003 Mine is currently red with tan interior and tan top. I had the door panel off to get the car rekeyed and found the orginal color was a gold and the interior appears to be green? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimm Posted June 10, 2003 Author Share Posted June 10, 2003 Yeah, I will have to do the same. I found out my keys do not work with the glove box, console box, or the passenger side door. So I will be doing some tearing apart somewhere down the line (maybe this winter when I can't drive it) to get them all matched up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanDRussell Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 The car when I purchased it had a different key for the trunk, console, glove and no keys for the doors. I left the car at the locksmith and he did all the work, was a good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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