Kace

Hey guys, looking into a 68 442 far from me and seller says not positive about being a 400 but was told when he bought it it was. Pictures show it painted gold but maybe some knucklehead didn't know any better. Vin starts 344 so that is good. He hasn't been able to get under to see engine stamp. Any other quick ways to tell? Thanks!

tru-blue 442

Have him check the #'s on the timing shelf. Should be 396026G. That would
indicate a 68-69 400 big block.

joe_padavano

As noted, the ONLY way to tell is the block casting number, located above the water pump by the oil fill tube.

The factory bronze is often mistaken for gold, and since the bronze paint was more difficult to get for a long time, many people incorrectly used gold in a repaint.

Kace

Thanks guys, very helpful.

Kace

Thanks, tru-blue 442 Found out that number is indeed on this block. Also was given this number on transmission OG6817612. Is this correct?

tru-blue 442

OG is correct for the 442. The 817612 may be the last numbers of the VIN?

Kace

Thanks, now million dollar question. So far car checks out with vin, correct motor and trans, real nice body and paint, nice correct interior, new top, everything in working condition,no stripe along dash though maybe painted and not re-done? Does $20,000 seem fair?

Kace

Sorry forgot to say may not be numbers matching motor, trying to confirm.

tru-blue 442

Can't say Kace. You may try looking at completed auctions on the 68 442's
on E-bay to get an idea of what they have been going for.

allyolds68

If the body is in #2 shape it's a decent price.


You should post pics so we can tell you everything wrong with it

joe_padavano

The real question is, what is the condition of the body? Look VERY carefully for signs of rust, particularly slipshod repairs and bondo.

Joffroi

new top... so is it a convertible?

Kace

Yes it is convertible.

Kace

allyolds68

If the paint and bodywork are clean it's a very good deal. Clean 68 442 auto convertibles are pulling about $25k right now

Kace

O.K. here's another one. Did all 68 442's come with posi rear and was there a common gear used?

Joffroi

No, I have a 68 442 that did not come with a posi (unfortunately). 3.08 gears, but thats because it was built in Canada

allyolds68

No and No.


For every tranny, TH400, M14, M20 & M21 (& also whether it had A/C or not) there was a standard (non posi) gear ratio. Beyond that there were optional gear ratios and posi (option G80) available


See Below:

Kace

Awesome allyolds68, so if it's a 3 speed auto is there a stamp on trans to prove and (any idea what it should say?) and also I know there should be a stamp on rear axle with 2 letters correct? Now how do you tell it's a posi besides doing a burnout.

svnt442

Keep in mind that his information is for Canadian built cars. There was never a 3.31 offered for the O axle, it would have been a 3.23 instead.

allyolds68

Sorry about that, I meant to post the domestic chart: