'69 CUTLASS 442/HO WANABEE

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Glad I found this place. I just took ownership of this: http://itands.com/442.htm
Had it shipped from Michigan to down here in Louisiana yesterday. Runs good so far, no problems seen.

First off what it is and what it ain't:

It is NOT a true 442.
It is NOT one of the 3 HO convertibles built.

It IS a white Cutlass, born at the Lansing plant in May of '69 just like the HO's were. So it least it was there basking in their glory. It has an OLDS 455 block number 396021/f like the HO's with an Edelbrock intake manifold and trumpted dual exhaust. It has a Hurst Dual Gate, rear deck spoiler, TH400 transmission and a w27 Cover. Sorry to say it has C heads instead of D and is not ram air equipped.

I have not decided what to do with it. I may clone it as an HO stripping the 442 badges and replacing them with HO ones. Since only 3 convertibles were made and I'm not trying or wanting to fool anyone. Or I may just drive it like it is, a 442 Clone with "Hurst Equipped" badges.

All input is appreciated.
Thanks,
-the REV

[Jamesbo]

Welcome aboard

I noticed that car before. I just can't remember where it might have been on this forum.

If ya need any H/O parts give me a shout, I've got some extras of Some things.

What size/kind of wheels you running?

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

The air cleaner assembly top flapper and vacuum actuator is really all I'm missing except for badging unless I'm mistaken. Oh and some "d heads" and maybe an OH-69 tranny and some original HO mirrors.

That should do it.

I'm running the 14x7 wheels and Hoosiers, don't remember the size

Thanks for the help

-the REV

[Jamesbo]

got mirror and badges

The top can is avaliable but pricey

You gonna need some Firefrost Gold dye for the headrest stripe -Got it

You're gonna [or I should say I would] go to 15 " Wheels tires-Got it

Sorry, no extra D heads laying around. But if your just going for the appearance of one of the H/O drop tops, I wouldn't pay what some people are asking for them.

W/O the flapper door and OAI system, I don't believe I'd drive your car in the rain. Those mailbox scoops are going to really suck in water.

And of course some lagniappe

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Found Original thread for this car. http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...you-think.html
I was afraid I would not like what was said, but you guys were kind. The seller wasn't trying to pass it off for what it wasn't. It was a good deal IMHO.

Hood is not cut under mailboxes, so I'm safe.

It is on the rack today for a thorough going over to see what items I need and not the items I want. I desperately don't want to put "lipstick on a pig." So far all we see is a leaking pinion seal. They are draining all fluids and filters and checking anything that may have been neglected.

Once we are happy with it's heart, lungs, ciculatory and other main sytems then we will start the plastic surgery.

Any suggestions on what to look for? This was an Ebay purchase trucked 1600 miles so I have no history on its maintenance.

Also I am leaning toward a full-blown HO tribute.

thx again
-the REV

[Eddie Hansen]

I saw that it did look good... glad it was as nice in person

even posted a thread
http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...you-think.html

I have a 69 vert as well (4 speed) and was thinking to do exactly the same well almost, I have a gold interior and would leave that I just think it would look good with the gold stripping, and I am deciding on the cutlass emblems with hurst equipped on her, or the HO emblems.

I have seen the ford ram air tops for sale ( similar to the H/O tops) I am curious if you drive the car even with the ram air set up wouldn't you get water in through the scoops?

[Eddie Hansen]

rev took me a little longer to find it LOL....

[4speedBench]

Nice car, enjoy it. A drop top is always SWEET!

[MN71W30]

Hey Rev,
Nice car, It looks like an answer to some fervant prayers. Have a great summer with the top down.
Dave

[citcapp]

Nice toy have fun with it

[Olds64]

That is an awsome car, even if it is a clone. Have fun!

[Eric Anderson]

Welcome to the site, and nice car you have there. Don't sweat the D heads just run 'er and have a blast with it.

[Jamesbo]

Originally Posted by BLESSEDBYGOD

.Hood is not cut under mailboxes, so I'm safe.

Ok, then I'll change my concerns about water to concenrs about drag and/or ripping the scoop off.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

This is a surprise gift for my wife's birthday. She rolled of the assembly line in May of '69 too.

Only option she is going to really want is A/C. Any recommendations? Vintage Air or Southern Air aftermarket kits, or build a factory setup piece by piece?

-the REV

[Jamesbo]

Let the top down

[Oldsguy]

Rev, welcome to our site. Glad to have you with us.

[GoodOldsGuyDougie]

What that Car is, Is one Nice Oldsmobile. Keep that Car on the Road.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Jamesbo

W/O the flapper door and OAI system, I don't believe I'd drive your car in the rain. Those mailbox scoops are going to really suck in water.

I'm not sure how the O.A.I. system and flapper door solves this problem. The door opens based on engine vacuum (or more specifically, the lack thereof). It doesn't know if you're driving in the rain or not.

[csstrux]

Welcome

[Jamesbo]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

I'm not sure how the O.A.I. system and flapper door solves this problem. The door opens based on engine vacuum (or more specifically, the lack thereof). It doesn't know if you're driving in the rain or not.

With all due respect.

I do appreciate your insight into what I think is an interesting discussion.

That's true, but

What would you prefer? Him not have the square hole in the hood cut[which in my mind causes drag and runs the risk of the scoop being ripped off] or having the hole cut w/o the flapper door and the holes drilled in the bottom of the air cleaner?

To my very limited understanding, There is the way it was done [ and then dealer modified] and there are other ways.

i.e. Does it really matter if rain water is "channeled" or just comes in through the scoops?

I am interested in your thoughts on the matter.

Regards and Thanks for all you do for this forum and others.

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Originally Posted by Jamesbo

got mirror and badges

The top can is avaliable but pricey

You gonna need some Firefrost Gold dye for the headrest stripe -Got it

You're gonna [or I should say I would] go to 15 " Wheels tires-Got it

Sorry, no extra D heads laying around. But if your just going for the appearance of one of the H/O drop tops, I wouldn't pay what some people are asking for them.

W/O the flapper door and OAI system, I don't believe I'd drive your car in the rain. Those mailbox scoops are going to really suck in water.

And of course some lagniappe

How much would flapper and OAI run?

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

actually flapper, top can, whole assembly for OAI.

[Jamesbo]

Bob Anderson in the Tampa Fla re makes them. Last I heard $1,600

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Anywhere I can download a good diagram of all the parts needed for OAI?
Googled here and web, found nothing.

[Oldsguy]

Originally Posted by Jamesbo

...And of course some lagniappe

I missed this the first time and by some weird fluke got an e-mail notification about your post with that in it just now. Weird. Anyway, I looked that word up because I didn't know what it meant and by lack of response from everyone else bet they don't either. Apparently only about five people in the US still use that phrase.

[Jamesbo]

There are a good many pics in the H/O thread. The sites Ive seen don't show the thing very well.Years ago when I was putting mine back together Jeff Meister sent me these. So I don't think he would mind me passing them along.

L to R

Top can off the car shows air cleaner
top can UPSIDE down on floor
top can on car with foam sealer that's seals to hood

The top can with the flapper door slides into the air cleaner base.

I never can remember but I believe it's four small holes [maybe 3] that are cut into the airclearer base to allow water that enters the hood to pass thru. onto the intake manifold.

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

I missed this the first time and by some weird fluke got an e-mail notification about your post with that in it just now. Weird. Anyway, I looked that word up because I didn't know what it meant and by lack of response from everyone else bet they don't either. Apparently only about five people in the US still use that phrase.

Five and a Half Million of us in Louisiana use it everyday.
It means, "a little something extra."
Like an extra shrimp or two on a seafood platter.
Or a free wash with an oil change.
It is expected when dealing with GOOD customers.

-the REV

[BLESSEDBYGOD]

Originally Posted by Jamesbo

There are a good many pics in the H/O thread. The sites Ive seen don't show the thing very well.Years ago when I was putting mine back together Jeff Meister sent me these. So I don't think he would mind me passing them along.

L to R

Top can off the car shows air cleaner
top can UPSIDE down on floor
top can on car with foam sealer that's seals to hood

The top can with the flapper door slides into the air cleaner base.

I never can remember but I believe it's four small holes [maybe 3] that are cut into the airclearer base to allow water that enters the hood to pass thru. onto the intake manifold.

None of the pics look like $1600.00 do they?

-the REV

[Jamesbo]

Originally Posted by BLESSEDBYGOD

None of the pics look like $1600.00 do they?

-the REV

Everything in the center pic is what I believe he get's for the $1,600.00
I guess that's what some people are paying. It's kind of the only act in town.

Is it worth it? How's the ole collection plate doing? Are you planning a TV tour?

[Eddie Hansen]

Rev , as i said I have a 69 cutty That I was planning on doing the same thing, I have researched this a little and was scrounging parts, If i had a "real" h/o and this was the one piece missing i might consider it but 1600 bucks??

wouldn't this unit work the same? it looks right ?
they can be found here this is what i was thinking about using or perhaps just make it like a chevelle system underneathe the hood?

these can be found here
http://www.fordramair.com/new/produc..._air_units.htm

[Eddie Hansen]

this is what i read on 442.com it is what made me search for one probably a heck of a lot easier to get... BTW I Mean absolutely NO disrespect I do NOT nor have I ever had a Hurst Olds, but no matter how much loot you sink in to her she will NOT be a Hurst Olds ( nor will mine) so common sense should prevail, leave the original parts for those who need them and make do LOL...

that is what I was planning

"Distinctive "Mailbox" hood scoops unique to that car with a special air cleaner adapter which used the top plate and flapper door from a Ford Cobra Jet. "

[Jamesbo]

X2

I agree, I would not spend the money for several reasons.

I guess the real question is What should you do? If anything.

[Eddie Hansen]

james you want it to look right or at least work right IMHO, I would also consider adapting the 70 style oldsmobile OAI aircleaner for a non original car that was my other thought.

going back to the ram air thing with or without flapper thing I had a 67 nova super sport with the old snorkle system on her there was nothing but a seal?? true never drove it much in the rain and had an aircleaner on it but that was it?


I am planning on the same type of conversion , and it is the reason that i jumped into this thread I am NO expert just to be clear...LOL...

[Jamesbo]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

I missed this the first time and by some weird fluke got an e-mail notification about your post with that in it just now. Weird. Anyway, I looked that word up because I didn't know what it meant and by lack of response from everyone else bet they don't either. Apparently only about five people in the US still use that phrase.

Dan,

What no crawfish etouffee in Mo.?

Actually, I've spent some time there in my youth. [I think]
Please don't asK more personal questions about Bernadette from New Iberia.La.

Eddie,

Sorry, I don't know if the 70 set up will work in a 69. But I feel certain someone here does. I just don't want his mailbox scoop to blow off.
I am just guessing the air needs to go somehwere. Perhaps there is enough of a gap where it's not going to be a problem.

I wish Joe would chime back in with recomendations [if any are needed]

[Eddie Hansen]

Originally Posted by Jamesbo

Eddie,

Sorry, I don't know if the 70 set up will work in a 69. But I feel certain someone here does. [if any are needed]

well I knew it wouldn't be a perfect fit or shouldn't be maybe maybe not we would need someone with a 70 set up measure the height etc, then someone with a 69 set up measure the height of theirs.

It "looks" like it would be shallower but maybe this could be compensated with taller foam... these were my thoughts anyway, and since I was thinking of going to a performer manifold maybe it would be perfect, I just don't know but these were ponderings I was having while thinking of the conversion. I dunno just throwing sh%t out there LOL...


bernadette huh??? Iknew a girl bernadette hmmmmmmmmmm and then there is that 4 tops song love it!!! LOL...