I recently picked up a 1969 442 4-speed and thought I should join the Olds folks at Classic. I used to have a 72 cutlass when I was a kid, now I'm reliving my childhood!
The body is in great shape...a bit of work was done on the rear quarters, but other than that, no rust and in good shape. I do need several parts for the interior. Been buying on OPG and Year One...is that the best place to get parts. I've checked the local bone yards but not much there.

Also, I have a debate going with the local repair shop. I took the car in for new tail pipes. I told the mechanic to take off the traction bars as long as he had it up on the lift. I figured the traction bars were put on by some kid trying to soup it up. The mechanic thought they were "factory traction bars". I've never heard of such a thing, but if they are original, I would keep them on. I have to admit they do look like they were factory installed...fit perfectly.
What do you guys think? ever heard of a factory traction bar?

 

Welcome to the site. They are control arms and are factory installed. Someone into the newer Olds can give you more detail hang in there you'll get better information soon

I spoke to soon and didn't look at the picture closely to see the traction bars. My bad. The car does come with the factory control arms. The traction bars are aftermarket

 

Upper and lower control arms are factory, those slapstick looking things are anything but. Nice ride...I'm trying to resurrect its poor stepsister as we speak. Should look similar when its done. Welcome to the site.

 

nice ride. and no they are not factory. they look more like a leaf spring traction bar.

 

Welcome to the site! If you would post a couple more views from different angles it would help, but I agree with the idea that they look aftermarket. Factory would have had channeled control arms and a rear sway bar. Bars that runs from the rear end forward and have rubber bumpers that bumps up against the frame would be aftermarket. John

 

Welcome aboard

69's are my favorite.

Now crawl up under there, take some pics and let's see what we're discussing here. Oh yeah turn your head side ways cause those 14" rims make it a might tight. Or of course you could Jack her up a take some pics.

 

Glad to have you with us. Nice looking car but I am partial to Oldsmobiles and green so I can't loose in this case!

 

Thanks for the reply guys...below are some detailed photos of the traction bars.

Should they stay...or should they go?

 

Welcome! And nice car!!
Need pics to be sure, but if you have anything more than upper and lower control arm and a sway bar, it is not factory, for sure.

 

Those are Lakewood (or similar) aftermarket slapper bars. Old tech. There are better traction solutions if you care about drag strip launches. If not, you can remove them with no ill effects.

 

The Lakewood coil spring bar does look very similar but it does NOT have the clearance notch for the sway bar.
That's what lead me to belive the bar might be factory.

Your probably right Joe. Thanks again for your help!

 

Nice looking car, hopefully this site will be helpfull it already has been for me.

 

Very nice car. Not sure if you're buying products involving upholstery (seat covers, door panels), but go with Legendary Auto Interiors if you are. They have far superior covers for the '68 & '69 to the PUI brand most everyplace else sells.

As far as parts, I'd go with Fusick. Quality service, quick shipping, and will resolve any issues you might have. Plus, they only deal with Oldsmobiles, unlike Year One and OPG. I also have purchased some hard to find items from The Parts Place as well.

 

sharp dark green 442.

since those ladder bars are there im going to assume a previous owner had thrashed on this car.i would definitely check your frame around the passenger side spring perch for cracks,since this is a 4 speed car.

dont ruin them taking them off,you could probably get a 50 dollar bill for them from somebody.

as a matter of fact id leave them alone.



there is a new "thing" with cars,called the "day two" car

your car would fit that profile..

cars that have old ladder bars and old sun tachs and old mallory ignitors are considerred this,and people are looking at these harder.

mostly chevy guys are putting aftermarket parts on cars from the 70's to give it that look.

 

I really like your pictures. I like 69's as much as 68's maybe more. I really like the shade of green on yours. Happy motoring!