442 potential?

[73novaguy]

Hey guys! Was wondering what kind of potential a '69 Olds 442 had? I know it is pretty much the same as a Chevelle with suspension, but do you know of any major flaws with them or weak areas! Rust areas? I have located one that is a numbers matching complete car, that hasn't been registered for road use since late 70's and has 76K original miles. Rear quarters are pretty sketchy, but from the brief few minutes I saw it, still pretty intact!

[CAMAROBOY69]

Just watch the rear frame just in front of the bumber and just behind the rear axle. Very common problem area for the Cutlass'. You can push on the rear bumper really hard on each corner to test it out too just in case someone smucked the frame with bondo or fiberglass then painted it to make it look nice. I had a 72 Cutlass and loved it. (Pics of it are in the cars section in my website)
The best thing I miss about that car over my Camaro is the full frame. Made life a little easier.

[Bill Howell]

Justin,
Do you have p-t in mind or keeping it original? Probably a good idea to save it or save pieces if you p-t. Is it a 4sp? there are some of those that had low production numbers because of options and such so you may have stumbled on a real find. Just check and see what it is. All GM along then rusted around front and rear glass, usually causing the qp damage you mentioned(I am sure you know all this).Also check the front pans for same issues. Cool cars though and were real sleepers at the time. I owned a 71 442 convertible 455 4sp air(1 of 171), but lost it in a divorce :bsjerk: so I know alittle about 442's. Good Luck!

P.S. My wife just reminded me I still have some referance material on 442's if you need me to check # or something. Feel free to ask.

[73novaguy]

Thanks guys! I am gonna go give it a thorough once over sometime this weekend and check out some of those areas. I am prolly not gonna do any PT mods to it as of yet! I have the Nova that I am doing PT mods to, so that is my money pit, and the 442 is just gonna be a nice ole GM to restore. My son (4 months old) and I will start working on it as money allows!
Yes it is a 4 spd car. My cousin actually bought it from a lady in my hometown where she had it stored in here garage under tarps for the last 20 years. I do beleive it has a Hurst shifter in it (not sure if that specifies any option package) But like I said, I will give it the once over and see what I am getting into. Car comes with all new coil springs, fuel tank, sending unit for fuel tank, and fuel lines. Prolly be able to get it for round 1800. Is that to much??

[B Cichocki]

If you can save it, I say go for it! I have one of each A-body except for a GTO, and I'd have to say that the 442 is my favorite. (But I have a soft spot for all Oldsmobiles) The '69 is one of my favorites- I've always wanted a '69 Hurst. But I do have a '69 Vista Cruiser, and used to have a '70 4-spd W-30 convertible. I attached a picture of my current 442. It's a '72 W-30 with original paint and everything, 25k mile car. It has practically every option except for air: power windows, power locks, power trunk release, AM/FM 8-track, Hurst dual-gate, etc... Still has the original 1972 inspection and dealer-prep sticker on the windshield!
-Brian

[73novaguy]

Brian. After seeing that picture I am gonna have to buy it. I love the hood on those! I beleive that is the W-30 optioned hood though, correct? Yup, I would like to do the same thing with that 70, just restore her back to the way she once was. What do you think about the new Sunset Orange metalic on new GM's? On a 442!!! It would be a cool color that would kind of have some of the old school muscle car era color mixed with a modern tint to it?! Ahh Day dreamin. I will keep you all posted, maybe get the numbers off of it and run some checks and all that. I would love to bring her back to life!

[CAMAROBOY69]

After I saw the movie Demolition man I fell in love with the 442 cars. The hood was what really set them apart from any other muscle car in that era. :icon_razz I personally dont think any other hood even compared until they released the hoods on the 1998 Trans ams. Those were the ultimate hoods made ever! :icon_razz
When I owned my Cutlass I wanted a 442 hood so bad but just couldnt afford one during the time I had the car. I believe they were over $500.00

[Milow68]

Hay Justin
One more area to watch would be where the passenger shock mounts in the rear on the frame. I had to repair one this last summer on a 69 Chevelle (jeff is someplace out there). It cracked due to air shocks I think.
Brad
PS where are you in Wisconsin need to go cruise sometime

[Chris442]

Sounds like a nice car. I've got a '69 442 convertible; not a p-t car but it's a fun cruiser. I can attest to the rear frame rust problem. Mine is a pretty solid car, but it's rusted pretty good in that area. Not being a Chevy, they are a little harder to get parts for, but it's nice to pull into the car show and not have 20 other cars that are just like yours. Anyway if you've got any questions feel free to ask as I've got one out in the garage for reference.

Brian, it sounds like your '72 is incredible. A W-machine is rare enough, but a '72 with all those options! wow.

-Chris