Rookie here... I bought a '69 442 convertible two years ago. After having it this long I've had plenty of opportunity to go over it stem to stern and I am convinced it is all original except the crappy paint job the previous owner did. When I look around at 442 web sites and forums, it's clear I don't know a heck of a lot about what I got into. I bought the car because I learned to drive on a '69 Vista Cruiser and I love everything about the 442. It's my first and only classic/muscle car. I'd love to find someone who could do a frame-off on it, but I don't know where to start. My biggest fear is a butcher job. I don't have the know-how, tools, space or time to do it myself, but I want it done right. It runs great, has the original peak moulding, is a great driver and everything is good except rust on the floor panels. Anybody know where to start? I live in NH. Thanks much!

 

You may not want to do a frame-off if you are making it a driver. If you want to do a frame-off, you should contact your local autobody shops and they will tell you about someone locally. When they tell you where to go, be sure to take a good look around their shop. There are plenty of sites with advise on what to look for in a shop.

Good luck with your project, welcome to the forum, and keep us posted on your ride

 

Robert:
Thanks so much for your comments. Seems like excellent advice. I have a local autobody shop that does classics to fill the time when they have extra capacity. I've seen their work and it looks pretty true. I had been thinking about going that route. Hoping for more input from the forum. Thanks again!

 

Try the New England Oldsmobile Club, they are up in your area, alot of great cars, people, plus alot of great knowlegde on 442's i am sure they will be able to help you out on what to do and where to go...you can get just about any part you need for your 69 at fusick's in CT...

 

This is Jeff Salinardi's site. He does beautiful work, specializes in Oldsmobiles and is in Connecticut.

http://www.442restoration.com/Restorations.htm

 

Dear vette442:
Thank you so much for the info. I went to Jeff's site and sent him an email. We'll see what happens. I very much appreciate your taking the time to respond.
- new442guy

 

Plan On Blowing At Least 15k For A Frame Off,and Thats Not Including A Paint Job And The Drivetrain Redo.
,but Just Getting Everything Fresh Underneath And Under The Hood.

 

hello and welcome , I also live in NH and have a 69 convertible s I am restoring have you tried clasic chassie they are in hooksett nh herd all good things(( remember you get what you pay for))

Troy.

 

How are things fairing with your car? Have you found someone to take your wheels to yet? Do you have any pics, we would all love to see them.

Good luck with your resto