FAKE W-31@Mecum

[tom M]

no ac and no power brakes with w-31 package
to change over to a/c would require a whole new firewall & vent system
would litearlly need to remove body from frame to make it work

this looks like a blue 4sp cutlass that sold on ebay back in 2012

[Stefano]

Originally Posted by tom M

no ac and no power brakes with w-31 package
to change over to a/c would require a whole new firewall & vent system
would litearlly need to remove body from frame to make it work

this looks like a blue 4sp cutlass that sold on ebay back in 2012

Tom, I am going to respectfully disagree on what it takes to change the firewall from non a/c to a/c on a GM "A" body in this case. The only panels needing removed are the inner wheel house on the passengers side and of course being able to cut and weld the firewall.

There is no "proof" at this point that this is not a real W-31 but someone would have needed to go to great lenghts to add factory correct A/C throughout. Think of adding A/C to a 1969 Z28. Sure it can be done, buy why go through the effort and the reason the factory didn't do it to begin with is that the "big" cam caused lack of vacuum.

However, I did not see any proof presented that this is indeed an authentic W-31?

The brake master clyinder and booster apprear to be reproductions based on the pics presented, but as mentioned power/vacuum opperated disk brakes would not be factory correct.

The radiator top plate is correct for a 3.91 geared car which would not be correct even in a standard Cutlass 4 speed with A/C although that is a bolt on item as well.

Oldsmobile POP's are generally a plastic card and do not verify options or W-31 status.

[tom M]

Originally Posted by Stefano

Tom, I am going to respectfully disagree on what it takes to change the firewall from non a/c to a/c on a GM "A" body in this case. The only panels needing removed are the inner wheel house on the passengers side and of course being able to cut and weld the firewall.

There is no "proof" at this point that this is not a real W-31 but someone would have needed to go to great lenghts to add factory correct A/C throughout. Think of adding A/C to a 1969 Z28. Sure it can be done, buy why go through the effort and the reason the factory didn't do it to begin with is that the "big" cam caused lack of vacuum.

However, I did not see any proof presented that this is indeed an authentic W-31?

The brake master clyinder and booster apprear to be reproductions based on the pics presented, but as mentioned power/vacuum opperated disk brakes would not be factory correct.

The radiator top plate is correct for a 3.91 geared car which would not be correct even in a standard Cutlass 4 speed with A/C although that is a bolt on item as well.

Oldsmobile POP's are generally a plastic card and do not verify options or W-31 status.

if you wanted a/c in a car like this you just get a vintage a/c kit.
you dont cut up a firewall to put a 60 year old a/c unit in a car.that's goofy.
and it would be extremely difficult to weld that firewall with the frender on.

no proof its not a real w-31? i don't see a broadcast card.
would you sell this car as a real w-31?

[Steve Shauger]

Tom (tom M), Stefano did state the owner showed no proof it was an authentic W31.

no proof its not a real w-31? i don't see a broadcast card.


Stefano stated the following:

"However, I did not see any proof presented that this is indeed an authentic W-31?"