Hi, im starting to decode my dads 1968 beaumont custom 396 4speed. I'll be bringing it home soon, and want to get the original documentation from gm heritage. Ive been able to decode most of the info from reading some of the posts here. How does a person go about getting the info from gm canada?
-- Edited by 4sp396cusom on Thursday 1st of July 2021 06:17:37 PM
Thanks for having me, The car has been in the family since the early 90's (I talked him into buying it). It was totally rust free, in amazing shape. It came with a 396 and a m20 4 speed, console, parchment bucket seats, tach, power windows, disc brakes in front, the trim and vinal top are original. I think it was originally seafrost green. But it was repainted in the 70's in a candy apple red with HUGE flakes. was a sweet paint job.
4sp396cusom said
Jul 1, 2021
It was repainted 15 years ago, and is almost perfect condition.
BlackBeau said
Jul 1, 2021
Looks very nice. Must be ultra rare being a 396 4 speed. I never knew they built a Big Block Beaumont without SD trim? Im curious to see the information that the Vintage Services will bring forward.
73SC said
Jul 1, 2021
It's a very nice car with some nice upgrades. I'm happy to see it wearing the Custom badging. Assuming it is a Custom that SD hood and 396 are certainly not original to the car. Big blocks in non SS (SD) A bodies only became available in 1970. The GMVVS documents will let you know what engine and transmission it was born with as well as the other options the car was built with. Please update us once you get the information package.
Pontiacanada said
Jul 2, 2021
Welcome from Canada's east coast.
MC said
Jul 2, 2021
Beautiful car! Looking forward to more pics and info.
Beaumont4008 said
Jul 2, 2021
Ray is correct no 396 in a custom car only in a SD trim. The 396 fender emblems on the car are for a 69 b body pontiac and hard to find. You could post a pic of the cowl tag as there is some info you can get from that. Love the car and the 396 is a great upgrade and who does not love a four speed.
Ian
-- Edited by Beaumont4008 on Friday 2nd of July 2021 03:41:59 PM
73SC said
Jul 2, 2021
I had not noticed the '69 396 fender flashes but I have to say total respect to whoever built this car, I admire the use of factory pieces on customized or personalized cars. Its the way I tried to build my 454 LeMans and adds a degree of authenticity to the car and illustrates what the factory could have produced or offered as optional equipment.
4sp396cusom said
Jul 2, 2021
It is for sure a m20 4 speed custom v8 car, but what v8 is the question. I got my forms today from vintage vehicle services, so I'll get it filled out, and we will all find out wtf this car is. lol. I know its been in its current state for 30+ years, but who knows what was done to it in the 70s and 80s. It has like only 44,000 original miles and in amazing shape. Was hot rodded in the 70's for sure. I have to look for some old pics of it.
4sp396cusom said
Jul 2, 2021
So..........when did 68 production start? this car was built on December 1st 68 second shift. Is that early or late for the production year? I was always a canadian AMC guy, so the canadian gm thing is really interesting. Thanks for all your input.
73SC said
Jul 2, 2021
I have seen a few 1968 factory 327 4 speed Customs over the years. I doubt it would be a 307 4 speed even though that was an available combo so I'll go with the 327 4 bbl, 275 HP 4 speed combo.
4SPEED427 said
Jul 2, 2021
4sp396cusom wrote:
So..........when did 68 production start? this car was built on December 1st 68 second shift. Is that early or late for the production year? I was always a canadian AMC guy, so the canadian gm thing is really interesting. Thanks for all your input.
I am only guessing but generally production would have started likely last week or two in August, finished sometime mid to a bit later in July. That would make it in the first 25% or so of the production year I'm guessing. Pretty cool car regardless of how the documents turn out. I think many of us are itching to see what it comes back as!
4SPEED427 said
Jul 2, 2021
4sp396cusom wrote:
So..........when did 68 production start? this car was built on December 1st 68 second shift. Is that early or late for the production year? I was always a canadian AMC guy, so the canadian gm thing is really interesting. Thanks for all your input.
These are the first and last Beaumonts in the Canadian Poncho registry.
August 23rd 1967 73837 396ci G (793 parchment bench) B.C link
#os791005 SD396 2dr hrdtp M40 ,Ash Gold met./TP-27 black vinyl top C08 U29 U46 A02 B93 PW8 P01 U25 U35 U63 U80 Cheetah427 Nib Johnson Motors Ltd.-Courtney B.C 3rd SD built finished Sept. 1st
June 24th 1968 73637 307ci L (755 teal bench) Ontario link
Custom 2dr hrdtp M35 Teal Blue met. A02 G80 Kijiji sold in Stratford ontario-Dealer not recorded
4sp396cusom said
Jul 3, 2021
I was thinking 327/275hp as well.
4sp396cusom said
Jul 3, 2021
It also has the original 12 bolt posi, 3.55:1 rear. which came with the 327/275hp and 396 cars. What about the 295hp 350 beaumont customs? I only remember 1.
poncho62 said
Jul 3, 2021
73SC wrote:
I have seen a few 1968 factory 327 4 speed Customs over the years. I doubt it would be a 307 4 speed even though that was an available combo so I'll go with the 327 4 bbl, 275 HP 4 speed combo.
Had one, it had a Sagina 4 speed. The shifter was strange, it was mounted to the cross member and would bind up if power shifting. Fun car though
As far as I know there was no 350 engine option for the 68 Beaumont or chevelle but for sure in 69 and was 255 hp and 300 hp. A 300 hp four speed car would be a fun ride.
Ian
BlackBeau said
Jul 3, 2021
Looks like alot of speculation on how this Beaumont was born. Even more reason to see the VV documentation. I wish the Vintage Vehicle people would offer a more detailed break down of the options and colors. This information has been under their thumbs for a very long time.
4sp396cusom said
Jul 3, 2021
Form is filled out and sent to George. Here is some info on the car: vin- 736378110xxxx the firewall tag info is c08(or cc8?) m20 top 27 st 68 73637 tr779 2-12-1 pp
4sp396cusom said
Jul 3, 2021
curious to see what turns up. My old 73 hornetx hatchback was easy to figure out lol. The beaumont has been a mystery since i was in high school.
Beaumont4008 said
Jul 3, 2021
co8 is vinyl top 27 is black . M20 is 4 speed trany.
Hi, im starting to decode my dads 1968 beaumont custom 396 4speed. I'll be bringing it home soon, and want to get the original documentation from gm heritage. Ive been able to decode most of the info from reading some of the posts here. How does a person go about getting the info from gm canada?
-- Edited by 4sp396cusom on Thursday 1st of July 2021 06:17:37 PM
This may help.
https://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t20334359/gm-vintage-vehicle-services-info-here/
Thanks.
It's a very nice car with some nice upgrades. I'm happy to see it wearing the Custom badging. Assuming it is a Custom that SD hood and 396 are certainly not original to the car. Big blocks in non SS (SD) A bodies only became available in 1970. The GMVVS documents will let you know what engine and transmission it was born with as well as the other options the car was built with. Please update us once you get the information package.
Welcome from Canada's east coast.
Beautiful car! Looking forward to more pics and info.
Ray is correct no 396 in a custom car only in a SD trim. The 396 fender emblems on the car are for a 69 b body pontiac and hard to find. You could post a pic of the cowl tag as there is some info you can get from that. Love the car and the 396 is a great upgrade and who does not love a four speed.
Ian
-- Edited by Beaumont4008 on Friday 2nd of July 2021 03:41:59 PM
I had not noticed the '69 396 fender flashes but I have to say total respect to whoever built this car, I admire the use of factory pieces on customized or personalized cars. Its the way I tried to build my 454 LeMans and adds a degree of authenticity to the car and illustrates what the factory could have produced or offered as optional equipment.
I have seen a few 1968 factory 327 4 speed Customs over the years. I doubt it would be a 307 4 speed even though that was an available combo so I'll go with the 327 4 bbl, 275 HP 4 speed combo.
I am only guessing but generally production would have started likely last week or two in August, finished sometime mid to a bit later in July. That would make it in the first 25% or so of the production year I'm guessing. Pretty cool car regardless of how the documents turn out. I think many of us are itching to see what it comes back as!
These are the first and last Beaumonts in the Canadian Poncho registry.
August 23rd 1967 73837 396ci G (793 parchment bench) B.C link
#os791005 SD396 2dr hrdtp M40 , Ash Gold met./TP-27 black vinyl top
C08 U29 U46 A02 B93 PW8 P01 U25 U35 U63 U80 Cheetah427
Nib Johnson Motors Ltd.-Courtney B.C 3rd SD built
finished Sept. 1st
June 24th 1968 73637 307ci L (755 teal bench) Ontario link
Custom 2dr hrdtp M35 Teal Blue met. A02 G80 Kijiji
sold in Stratford ontario-Dealer not recorded
I was thinking 327/275hp as well.
Had one, it had a Sagina 4 speed. The shifter was strange, it was mounted to the cross member and would bind up if power shifting. Fun car though
As far as I know there was no 350 engine option for the 68 Beaumont or chevelle but for sure in 69 and was 255 hp and 300 hp. A 300 hp four speed car would be a fun ride.
Ian
co8 is vinyl top 27 is black . M20 is 4 speed trany.
Ian