Newbie w/ 67 442 conv

[ragtop442]

Hi, My name is Gary, I recently bought a 67 442 conv from a friend who had it for 21 years. I hope to restore it within the next year. I'm new to the older GM's as I'm one of those mopar guys who was priced out of the market. I feel this piece of history needs to be restored as my friend only drove it with little maintinance for the past 21 years. It has a 400 automatic out of a 68 or 69 olds. It was originaly a 4 speed car. I hope to learn as much as I can and will appreciate any help or advice.
Thanks,
Gary

[Oldsguy]

Welcome to our site Gary. When I hear about a '72 Challenger going for like a ga-zillion bucks at Barret Jackson I can understand what you mean about being priced out of the Mopar market. Too bad the ultra-rich got involved, but at least the cars are being saved from the scrapyard. A nice 442 convert like yours should be fun to restore and hope we can help you with the information you need.

[Ranzan]

Hi Gary. nice ride you have Welcome to the world of Olds.

[J-(Chicago)]

Oh god. Do I feel your pain.
I'm even starting to get priced out of the Olds market.
When My 1985 Delta got the driver door backed into about 6 years ago, the insurance company wanted to total the car out with 60,000 miles on it for $700 bucks. Which was the blue book value for a fully optioned 85 with 30000 miles.
I SAID NO!

Now that my 85 is getting beat, (150000 miles) I wanted to buy another one. Everyone wants 5 grand for one with 30000 miles now, and all these car traders are ripping off grandmas across the country, and jacking the price up. (I don't happen to have 5 grand in my pocket.)

I don't care if they stopped making these cars or not. They are not gold, and half the reason they are fun is solving problems fixing them all the time because they are pieces of crap.

I am soon going to be faced with the choice of tearing both my Olds' to pieces and spending a lot of money putting humpty dumpties together again. (which will be fun, but no one gives a crap about an 80 or an 85)

Check out this averagely priced mopar link.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/se...min&maxAsk=max

[ragtop442]

Thanks for the support. It should be a fun project. I will be going to a big swap meet this weekend up in Stafford Conn. Hope to find some parts and make new contacts in the Olds market.

[Oldsguy]

I finally decided that the daily driver may or may not be an Olds depending on what I can afford and what is available at the time. As an example, the car I drive to work every day in now is a 1999 Buick LeSabre, very similar to it's Olds sister. Looked at both, even some Pontiacs but the Buick was the best deal for the money at the time. The next driver will be the same situation, whatever comes to the top of the heap considering price, value, mileage, dependability, and of course emotional "badabing" as well. I will always look at Olds in the pack though, until they are too old to get parts/service for. I love working on cars, but not the daily driver.

[$tryker]

Welcome to Classic Oldsmobile Gary,
I to, own a 67 convertible, and has left the mopar world. I had an original 1970 340 Dart Swinger that I parted with just before this rage.
When my family and I moved, a choice had to be made. Needless to say, the droptop was to classy to part with, and remains part of the family.
Yours has the 4 speed. That must be a blast to drive. Keep us posted. Good luck!

Mark

[ragtop442]

The 67 Olds no longer has the 4 speed. It was swaped out for an automatic and 69 400 way back in the 80's before my friend bought it. I may eventualy convert it back if I can find the parts.