1959 Cadillac Cowl Plate Decoding

[bobsnhawaii]

If someone could help me out , i would really appreciate it. I'm looking for a online link to decode the cowl plate of a 59 Cadillac. I would like ALL the codes, trim and paint codes if possible.

Thanks Bob

PS: I have a complete list of codes for a 1960 cadillac. If anyone wants it just let me know.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Bob:

The easiest way to do this is for you to provide the info from your cowl plate and
I'm sure we will be able to decode it for you!  I do not know of an "on line link"
for the 59's.

Mike

[Carfreak]

There's a complete 59 Data Book online in the MCLC Documents Section.   Lots of other info.

Accessory Groups:   http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/documents/1950s/1959/1959%20data%20book/tn/1959%20data%20book-57.jpg.html

[domer]

I just looked into the 59 data dook and can't find all of my accessory codes.  E, H, N , Y.  I found the first two but not the other two (N, Y).  Any help is appreciated.

[Carfreak]

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[Carfreak]

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[Otto Skorzeny]

Is that yours CF or is that from the MCLC files?

[Carfreak]

Not @ MCLC

[David King (kz78hy)]

I see an error in the 1st page of the data.

The Eldorado Brougham is correctly noted as  "P" on the LH side of the page.  On the RH side of the page they list the body style number for the 57 & 58 Brougham 7059X, not the 59 (or 60) as 59 6929. 

I guess for 99 cars, does it matter?

Below is a reference shot of 59 Brougham, car 35.

David

[domer]

Thanks for decoding that for me. Awesome info sheets you posted. So it looks like the autotronic eye that is mounted on my dash is not factory correct..bummer!
Thanks very much
dominique

[Carfreak]

So it looks like the autotronic eye that is mounted on my dash is not factory correct..bummer!

I wouldn't be so certain about that - seen a lot of cars with 'factory options' not listed on the body tag. 
Only way to know 100% for sure is to get the original dealer invoice. 

[Dan LeBlanc]

Don't forget, the autronic eye could also be purchased as a dealer add-on accessory. I wouldn't think of it as a bummer that it didn't come with it from the factory.

[domer]

Thanks guys. Guess I didn't think of that. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the invoice through this site?

[Carfreak]

Is it possible to obtain a copy of the invoice through this site?

http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/authenticate.shtml

[quadfins]

I have never seen Autronic Eye listed singly on a data tag. But I have seen many of them on cars, including mine. They were part of an Equipment Group which, for some reason, is never indicated on the tag. I don't know why, but they are listed on the build sheet. Same with whitewall tires, and many other factory accessories included with basic or equipment groups.

I would assume that it WAS factory installed.

[Carfreak]

I have never seen Autronic Eye listed singly on a data tag. But I have seen many of them on cars, including mine. They were part of an Equipment Group which, for some reason, is never indicated on the tag. I don't know why, but they are listed on the build sheet. Same with whitewall tires, and many other factory accessories included with basic or equipment groups.

Accessory Groups:   http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/documents/1950s/1959/1959%20data%20book/tn/1959%20data%20book-57.jpg.html

[quadfins]

Exactly!!!

Has anyone seen code W, R, F, or U on a data plate?

[Barry M. Wheeler #2189]

Just to confuse the issue, I have some Olds purchase order sheets from the late 1960s, and there are blank spaces scattered all over the sheets so you can write in arcane and little used accessories or options.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Code "U" for the autronic eye is rarely seen on the data plate for whatever reason.  Therefore,
just because your data plate does not show it does not mean your car did not come factory
equipped with it!  There are also other oddities about data plate information in the 50's such
as instances where equipment comes STANDARD on a particular model but still has the codes stamped on the data plate.

My 1955 Eldorado is a good example of this -- it has the codes on the cowl tag for "H" (heater), "Y" (4 way power seat with vertical lift) -- both which were standard equipment on the Eldo.  When we did the Class 15 Authenticity Manual we searched all available literature but could not uncover any explanation for this.

Mike 

[domer]

Hello,
I just received a copy of the build sheet today in the mail from Allied Vaughn.  Looks like my 59 did in fact come with Autronic Eye from the factory along with fog lamps and door guards. Basic Group A and Equipment Group 3.   You guys were correct!!  Awesome!!
Delivery location was in Chicago IL.  Came with Firestone Black Tires.  White sidewall tires. Build date was November 15 1958.  2 license frames and Antifreeze.
As always, thanks for everyone's help.
dominique