442 Transmission Options

[desert442]

Okay, here goes... I have a question regarding tranny options for 6667 4-4-2's. Went to a car show last weekend, and was looking at some of the AZ Olds club ( of which I am a member of ) cars that were at the event, anyhow, I ran into a gentleman who claimed that Olds made a "Column Shift" 442, and that they're worth more than 4 speed equipped cars. So, we went back and forth a little and after a few minutes I realized that this guy was firmly holding to his belief of a column shift 4-4-2.

I think otherwise. Can some one please reconfirm this ???

Thanks..

[2blu442]

I've got a 1967 442 with a column shift automatic. Is that what you mean, or were you describing the "three on the tree" manual transmission? There's few options on it, and I figure it was a budget car when it was new. John

[Coltonis]

Arizona...WOOT!

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by desert442

Okay, here goes... I have a question regarding tranny options for 6667 4-4-2's. Went to a car show last weekend, and was looking at some of the AZ Olds club ( of which I am a member of ) cars that were at the event, anyhow, I ran into a gentleman who claimed that Olds made a "Column Shift" 442, and that they're worth more than 4 speed equipped cars. So, we went back and forth a little and after a few minutes I realized that this guy was firmly holding to his belief of a column shift 4-4-2.

I think otherwise. Can some one please reconfirm this ???

Thanks..

Uh, maybe in the 1972-later period when the 442 was just an option package that might have been true, but for the 1964-1971 model years there was NEVER a column shift manual trans available in the 442. Depending on the year, the base 442 trans was either a 4spd on the floor or a 3spd on the floor.

The column shift automatic WAS a factory option, as this was the configuration that came when you ordered the optional AT. The floor shifter and console were an additional extra cost option. A bench seat was also optionally available instead of the standard buckets.

And once again, why oh why does everyone seem to think that "rare" equates to more valuable? Three-on-the-tree is rare because they were undesirable when new (it was the low-rent trans option) and few people bought them. They are no more desirable now., except from an perverse curiosity standpoint. Same thing goes for green interiors and Sport Coupes. Of course, "people" say a lot of things, most of it wrong.

[Run to Rund]

65-6 442s came standard with 3 on the tree; during the 66 model year, the HD Ford 3 speed came on line and it could be had with either column or floor shift. The standard duty 3 speed was the Saginaw.

[FL1970442]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

Uh, maybe in the 1972-later period when the 442 was just an option package that might have been true, but for the 1964-1971 model years there was NEVER a column shift manual trans available in the 442. Depending on the year, the base 442 trans was either a 4spd on the floor or a 3spd on the floor.

The column shift automatic WAS a factory option, as this was the configuration that came when you ordered the optional AT. The floor shifter and console were an additional extra cost option. A bench seat was also optionally available instead of the standard buckets.

And once again, why oh why does everyone seem to think that "rare" equates to more valuable? Three-on-the-tree is rare because they were undesirable when new (it was the low-rent trans option) and few people bought them. They are no more desirable now., except from an perverse curiosity standpoint. Same thing goes for green interiors and Sport Coupes. Of course, "people" say a lot of things, most of it wrong.

Do you sell your listed cars for parts, or as whole scrap cars?

[Oldsmaniac]

I have seen a 66 442 with 3 speed standard trans column shift. Oldsmobility site states the 3 speed column shift standard trans was available on the 442 in 1967. Yes they would be rare but who would want one or pay more dollars because of this option?