firstoldsmobile

There is a 78 442 notchback in pretty good shape nor far from me for sale.
I know it's an undesirable body style. I've researched what I can (I can't even find a value in NADA classic guide).
Is it worth even pursuing?????? In pretty good shape and has 442 wheels.
Thanks for anyones input.

RetroRanger

If you like it that's all it takes. There was one on cl near me for about 2 years in decent cond. price was down to around 1500 before it disappeared don't know if someone bought it or the seller gave up. Me personally I agree w your statement that it's an undesirable body style and I would wait to find an olds I like better.

joe_padavano

The only 442 body style offered in 1978 was the Aeroback. The notchbacks were Supremes.



Better look again. The 442 was an option on the Cutlass Salon. Select the Salon 2dr, then select the 442 option from the options page.

Of course, NADA's prices are hilariously optimistic. They show a low of $4400 to a high of nearly $20K.



I'll also point out that NADA shows the 403 as an available engine option.

redoldsman

Somebody needs to love ugly cars and it is an Oldsmobile. NADA is more than a little optimistic. From the firewall back it looks like it could have been an AMC car. Just my 2 cents worth,

joe_padavano

Ya think?

You know, I never thought of the Pacer until you mentioned it...

CRUZN 66

I don't know about desire for the style... But the photo Joe posted is a sharp looking vehicle, and even I might be tempted to have one in my stable for the right price...

joe_padavano

Sadly, the top of the line engine was the "Type C" 305. The only available Olds motor was the pavement ripping 260.

CRUZN 66

Well at least since Olds V8 hardware is available, and originality as opposed to value is not a major issue for that style vehicle, a nice stealthy 350 wouldn't hurt...

joe_padavano

Why stop there?

A 403 is equally stealthy.

442fanatic

One thing for sure, when you drove that to any car show you will be the only one there with one at any show and cruise in. May not be the most desirable, but easily customize able power train wise.

CRUZN 66

Again you're right Joe... Why stop there??? I have a few spare 455's sitting around... I know, A little more work, But I think I could handle it...

midnightleadfoot

Today they'd call that a crossover..
I'd like to see one with the 82 up nose header etc..

joe_padavano

The new nose came out in 1981, and it won't work due to differences in the fender shape, wheel opening shape, etc. You can probably force it to fit, but like most of the Olds/Elco conversions, the rear fenders won't match the fronts.

midnightleadfoot

but it does match the door and hood.. iirc the door skin is the same.

joe_padavano

Look again. Note the feature line on the 78 door just below the 442 logo that is not on the newer car. Also obviously the wheel openings aren't even close to the same shape.

midnightleadfoot

Nothing a little hammer and dolly can't change..
Kinda like this..

joe_padavano

And as I noted above, the problem with all of those conversions is that the rear wheel openings are completely different from the front wheel openings. You may be fine with that, but to me it looks half-fast. Frankly, I have a hard time with the slope nose on the Aeroback body anyway. Even the G-body Elco conversion would look better with the flat wagon front end and grille.

midnightleadfoot

my A body monte camino was have assed.?

joe_padavano

I was referring to the Olds version in the third photo. Adding the Monte quarters and fender lines is obviously a lot of work but necessary to make it look right.

midnightleadfoot

note it isn't finished yet or painted..

Joffroi

I'm with this.