data plate decoding

[Tim Bowers]

Hi;

I'm hoping to find someone that can decode the body plate on the '53 Olds Convertible we are restoring. Can someone either point me in the right direction, or tell me the meaning of the codes?

vin: 538M22720

OK, common sense tells me that "53" is the year model, of course, and "8" is for a Model 88. M is... the assembly plant?, and then the rest of the numbers are sequential build numbers for that plant. Am I right?

the body tag has

STYLE 53-36670X

BODY NO. L 471

TRIM NO 39

PAINT NO 70

TOP BLK. ACC. K2-K3

I know the paint to be Royal Marine, and figure the car must have had a black convertible top. Details for the Style No and Trim code, I don't have info for, or the accessory codes. The car is equipped with power top, power windows, power seat, and autronic eye, all of which I'm told is a little uncommon for an "88"

Any help on the details, would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

[rocketraider]

OK- you've nailed the VIN. 53=1953, 8=Super 88, M=Lansing MI assembly plant.

53-3667DX:

53=1953 model year

36=Super 88, 67=convertible

D=deluxe trim

X=equipped with all hydraulic controls (top, seat, windows) TX= hydraulic top only.

L 471= Lansing assembly, 471 is the Fisher Body job number

Trim #39 is Ivory leather/Black leather, used on 88 convertibles.

All the above is from the 1962 edition Olds Body Parts and Accessories Catalog.

I don't have any documentation on the ACC codes, though I'm pretty sure K2 is Autronic Eye. Does the car have a vacuum power antenna or tinted glass? that may be the K3.

Hope this helps you.