Need advice on 1967 Olds 442 value

[deuce3W]

Hi, I am thinking about buying this car, a 1967 Olds 442 convertible, red with black interior. car is all original except for center upholstery material on the seats. It has the 400 Hi-perf engine with Turbo 400 trans and posi-rear, nice top, new bumpers, rebuilt engine with 100 miles. Same owner for the past 20 years, always stored inside. Has had some plates welded onto the bottom of the frame rails (?), Car runs great and looks great. Is this a fair value at 17K Thanks

[Oldsmaniac]

Plates welded to frame is a sign that someone repaired frame rot. Convertibles are prone to it especially in salt belt areas.....I would walk away from the car if thats what was done to frame....although minor rot can be repaired it often progresses over time and the patching just slows the process down....just my opinion.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Oldsmaniac

Plates welded to frame is a sign that someone repaired frame rot. ...

I'll second that. I'd do a VERY thorough inspection for patched sheet metal, additional thin spots in the frame, etc. I'm also always VERY skeptical when someone puts large amounts of money into a rebuild/restoration then immediately sells the car. If the job was done right, the owner put a lot more than $17K into the car, so either he's selling it at a loss (?!) or there's something else going on.

[deuce3W]

Thanks for the advice. Just to be clear...the car is not restored, it still has the same trim, paint, etc that was on it when the owner bought it in high school over 20 years ago. The only "rebuilt" part is the engine. So what would a reasonable offer be for this car with the frame the way it is? Thanks again for the help?

[Oldsmaniac]

Its hard to put a value on such a car if the frame indeed was repaired...surely the seller should know what was done and why and be up-front about it....My opinion is the car will be a tough sell with frame rot or repaired frame rot....car looks nice enough....I would ask the seller for a "bottom line" then you decide if its worth it....these cars are not rare and can be easily found for sale....maybe the plates you saw were not repair pieces and just part of the frame....do some research and see.

[joe_padavano]

That's an original paint car? I'm a little more impressed. I agree that you should get a no-BS explanation of the frame repair from the seller. As a data point, solid 64-67 convertible frames carry $2800 asking prices at Carlisle (note that I didn't say "selling price"). I'd still be very skeptical why someone would spend a bunch of money to rebuild a motor then sell it 100 miles later. Again, get a solid story from the seller.

[ragtop442]

I bought my 67 442 Convertable from a friend who had it for 22 plus years. He had the frame welded about 15 years ago and never had a problem. He sold it to me needing resto but cheap, $1,000. It is now in the body shop having new floors. trunck floors and bodymounts welded in. The shop will also clean up the frame work and patch 1 more spot. It can be done correctly by a good bodyshop. I will have close to 16K in this car when done not including the engine which runs fine. I don't plan on selling it any time soon. It will be driven often, (as gas prices permit).My point is don't let the frame scare you but like the others said check it out real good. Maybe bring it to a bodyshop who restores muscle cars for thier opinion.

[Oldsguy]

Is it possible the reference to the welded on plates were on the lower control arms and not the frame? Just speculating.
Deuce, do you own a '32 hot rod?

[71rocket]

There's a nice looking '67 ht for auction on e-bay. You might converse with the owner and see what it goes for to get an idear on the values.

[desert442]

Watching the 2008 Barret Jackson auction, and last night a similar car rolled across the block. Matching numbers 67 442, with all original equipment, white with red interior and the car was a M20 equipped 4speed. Final price = $36,000. Do your homework on values, its always subjective to what someone is willing to pay for a car.

[kevdog442]

I don't think you can go by Barrett-Jackson prices as a reference. Kinda seems like a bunch of rich guys trying to out-do each other, or be on tv. You can buy most of the cars sold on there for a lot less in Classifieds or even on Ebay. Just my opinion.

[68conv455]

Someday you will try to sell this car and it will be difficult to sell with plates welded to the frame. I'd walk away unless the price was changed significantly due to the repair. Most people will want a clean original or professionally restored example for 17K. Just my opinion but cars with plates welded on the frame are not desirable. Clean unrusted cars are desireable.