Stupid question for old GM experts

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg) 05/13/2014 at 23:55 • Filed to: None

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I know that, starting in the early 70's, you could get primitive rear-only ABS and a driver's air bag on a Cadillac. Does anyone know how well these options sold through the 70's, or if there is any way to tell if a car is so equipped by looking at in? Any knowledge on this subject is appreciated. Thanks!

lonestranger > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/14/2014 at 00:07

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"if there is any way to tell if a car is so equipped "

I don't know what the RPO code would be, or whether or not the RPO decals were prevalent in the '70s, but that's where I'd start.

Aaron James > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/14/2014 at 00:12

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look at the steering wheel. if there's an airbag then it probably has the airbag option. not sure how to tell if it has trackmaster though

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > lonestranger 05/14/2014 at 00:18

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Thanks, that helps a lot!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Aaron James 05/14/2014 at 00:23

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Thanks. I googled 1976 Cadillac Airbag, and it turns out the steering wheel on an airbag Caddy looks way different. If only track master were so easy to spot.

Aaron James > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/14/2014 at 00:28

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If you could find any diagrams or pictures of it, that may help. There has to be a difference in the proportioning valve, and since it's computer controlled there would likely be a big plug with lots of wires going into it. I imagine it was a really expensive option back then.

Zibodiz > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/14/2014 at 02:56

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It could be completely different, but on the old Fords, you could tell by watching the dash. If it has ABS, there'd be a light that would illuminate immediately after turning the ignition on, then go out. If they weren't equipped with ABS, the light wouldn't be there. They even specified (on the trucks at least) "Rear ABS". Have a blurry picture:

shop-teacher > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/14/2014 at 07:35

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There would be an ABS modulator next to the master cylinder. In my '89 Olds it looked like a small metal balloon. It was ultimately the straw that broke the cars back. The final straw of I can't throw anymore good money after all the bad we've spent. Off to the junkyard she went.

crowmolly > lonestranger 05/14/2014 at 08:48

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Unfortunately GM did not start putting RPO stickers in their cars until 1983-1984.

crowmolly > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/14/2014 at 08:51

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Trackmaster will have markings on the pedal as such:

There will be a logo. Sorry but I don't have a better pic of it. TM was available from 70-74. I also think there's a speed controlled spark module between the transmission and the speedometer cable.