Finally / '68 442 Restoration

Old Nov 14, 2020 | 02:39 PM
  #1  
Tom Bilse's Avatar
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Finally / '68 442 Restoration

During December of 2007, I delivered my 442 to a shop at an airplane hangar for body-on restoration.
I had received a lot of help from CO members through various submitted threads during the first few years.
Due to myriad reasons, the restoration ground to a halt - no fault of the restorer, just other priorities.
Though painted, the car (unassembled front end) was moved to a neighboring hangar because the restoration guy moved quite a distance further away.
Fast-forward to 2019. Restoration of my '69 H/O was completed in July (in time for the H/OCA National Meet at Indy) by a restorer closer to where I live.
He agreed to pick up the 442 in the fall of 2019, put it together at his shop, and do whatever was necessary to ensure the car would drive safely. This turned out to be a great solution for getting the car done.
Fast-forward again, the last piece of polished trim was installed 2 weeks ago, and I consider the restoration complete. There are still some minor items to attend to (interior detailing, etc.). But I'm pleased with the results.
I've driven it to a couple Saturday morning cruises and am enjoying it - especially since it's a 4-speed.
Again, though it's been a long time since, I appreciate the help CO members provided.





Old Nov 14, 2020 | 03:00 PM
  #2  
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Randy C.
 
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You got a beautiful car - patience was a godsend! Show us a picture of both your '68 4-4-2 and your '69 H/O side-by-side!

Randy C.

'68 4-4-2 convertible (Best In Class at the 2011 OCA Nationals in Reno)
'69 4-4-2 convertible (a nice driver)
Old Nov 14, 2020 | 03:02 PM
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Beautiful, congrats
Old Nov 14, 2020 | 03:46 PM
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Congratulations on the completion of your project. It's beautiful. More pictures when you can.

Wayne
Old Nov 14, 2020 | 04:32 PM
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I dig that red!
Old Nov 15, 2020 | 12:34 PM
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You car looks great, Tom!
Old Dec 1, 2020 | 07:51 PM
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Nice! need some engine pics!!
Old Dec 1, 2020 | 08:44 PM
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I saw this car about a month ago before he had the trim around the rear window. It is a very nice car and sounds perfect and it has three pedals. Congrats Tom.
Old Dec 2, 2020 | 10:45 AM
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Stunning machine, I don't think I've seen a nicer '68. Love the color.
Old Dec 2, 2020 | 04:46 PM
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beautiful car! Please share more pics when you can.
Old Dec 5, 2020 | 12:09 PM
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Last edited by Tom Bilse; Feb 23, 2021 at 06:28 AM.
Old Dec 5, 2020 | 12:18 PM
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Took the car to a cruise in Van Alstyne, TX this morning.
After the cruise, continued on to deliver toys to King's Trail Cowboy Church in Whitewright.
About 90 miles total round trip (to both places from my home).
Was a brisk but beautiful morning.

Last edited by Tom Bilse; Dec 5, 2020 at 12:34 PM.
Old Dec 5, 2020 | 04:28 PM
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Sweet, beautiful 442. I don't know what it is about Scarlet Red '68s, but DAMN.
Old Dec 6, 2020 | 10:05 AM
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Yeah. It's interesting (at least to me) how relatively dark that red can look at some times (photos at beginning of thread) and how bright it can look other times. Obviously due to amount of light, but still quite a contrast.
Old Feb 5, 2021 | 08:29 AM
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Side-by-side photos:


Old Feb 5, 2021 | 08:42 AM
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Randy C.
 
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Side-by-side...mighty fine looking cars!

Randy C.

'68 4-4-2 convertible
'69 4-4-2 convertible

Old Feb 23, 2021 | 06:40 AM
  #17  
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Randy,
Been meaning to comment for a while now. Your '68 and '69 4-4-2's are incredible.
The setting for your photo is much nicer than mine.
Old Feb 23, 2021 | 09:12 AM
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I’ve always admired Randy’s 68 442, it is the same colors as my 68 Cutlass. I hope to find one like it some day!
Old Feb 23, 2021 | 09:59 AM
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Sorry for the lopsided picture but that’s how I pulled into the driveway.
Old Feb 23, 2021 | 05:34 PM
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Randy C.
 
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First, Tom, your cars are great! To have a Hurst Olds is pretty neat and then a '68 4-4-2 to back it up - those two years are hard to beat! And Bfg, your Cutlass is sharp! I've always been a fan of the white/black color combo and your car sets it off just as well as mine. My '68 is actually a "plain jane" - the only noteworthy options are power steering and brakes, tilt column with the custom sport steering wheel, and the remote driver side mirror. It has a bench seat with auto shift on the column. It came originally with white stripe tires and wire wheel covers but I changed that to red stripes and SSI wheels which I believe enhance the look. But all the '68s and '69s look pretty good to me!

Randy C.
Old Feb 23, 2021 | 06:39 PM
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I bought my 68 in 1970 for $1800.00, it was my first car and only had it for a couple years. It was also a plain Jane with bench seat car. I added the fender stripes because I thought they were Kool looking.
Old Feb 24, 2021 | 05:19 PM
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Here you go.


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