.
Vin Numbers have been found on some, but not all, automatic Transmissions
VIN NUMBER DECIPHERING:         338375M123456

1965  MODELS
From 1965 to 1967 the Serial Number identification plate
was attached to the left front body hinge pillar directly below
the upper door hinge.


1st digit "3" which indicates "The Oldsmobile Division of GM"


2nd digit - Series
                F85 & Standard = 3



3rd digit =  Engine type
                 F85 Standard V8 ................................... 4
                 F85 Cutlass V8 ...................................... 8
                 Odd Numbers signify 6 cylinders


4th and 5th digits - Body code
                               27 = 2d Club coupe (preceeded by 334)
                               17 = 2d Holiday coupe
                               27 = 2d Sport coupe
                               35 = 4d Station Wagon
                               36 = 4d Station Wagon
                               37 = 2d Holiday coupe
                               39 = 4d hardtop sedan
                               55 = 4d Vista Cruiser
                               56 = 4d Vista Cruiser
                               57 = 2d hardtop coupe
                               65 = 4d Vista Cruiser
                               66 = 4d Vista Cruiser
                               67 = 2d convertible
                               69 = 4d sedan
                               77 = 2d Club coupe
                               87 = 2d Holiday coupe


There is a lot of controversy regarding the rivets used to attach the VIN tag to the left front hinge pillar on the 65 Oldsmobiles. There are die hards who swear that GM only used the "rosette" style rivet to attach the Vin plate to the pillar.  While they did introduce this style on the 65's, the plain round stainless rivet was used on some of the cars with early build dates up to the end of December of 1964. I have documented this on 442's built in November and December (so far). If anyone can document the "plain rivets" on their vin tag, please contact me at bro442@comcast.net .  I do agree that this does complicate the identfication process, but It is not definative proof that the VIN tag was tampered with. Don't suspect fraud until you've checked all of the other identifying areas. You may be giving up on a true numbers matching car based on inaccurate information.
Fremont Sport Coupe "Rosette Type"
Built February 65
Lansing Convertible "Plain Stainless Type"
Built 11/64
Lansing Holiday Coupe "Rosette Type" Built May 65
New VIN plate for 1965: The new plate had square corners and was riveted to the drivers side body hinge pillar. This was done to eliminate breaking the attaching spot welds, hence the change to the use of rivets. Early 1965 rivets are the common circular stainless steel and the later rivets are rosette shaped. They are commonly called star, faceted, scalloped and many other names. There were still many dealers that did not stamp the delivery date, so don't don't let it's absence worry you.

6th diglt - Model year 
                       5 = 1965
                       6 = 1966
                       7 = 1967
                       8 = 1968
                       9 = 1969
                       0 = 1970
                       1 = 1971


7th digit - Assembly plant - B = Baltimore, MD
                           G = Framingham, MA
                           K = Kansas City, KS
                           M = Lansing, MI
                           R = Arlington, TX
                           Z = Fremont, CA
                           1 = Oshawa, ON Canada


Last 6 digits - Production number (sequence)
                                                       123456


You can buy the "Rosette Style" rivets, so if you think the round rivets are not correct, will these really make you feel more at ease. If so, I'm sure the seller will be happy to change them for you.

I do not have, nor sell these rivets. I am simply making you aware that they are out there if you look hard enough.