Billyaxe

Hey guys, I’ve had my 68 442 for 5 years and have looked at many others and feel I’m pretty familiar with all the parts and what should be on there

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I had my car at a car show this past weekend and a guy said that above my 442 grill, there should be a piece that covers the open space. He said the holes along the shroud are meant for bolts or screws that hold it in place. Here’s a photo of my car. Is this piece he’s talking about fit on another model like a cutlass? Or could it be an aftermarket part he has? But why are those holes there? Thanks. —Billy

Fun71

See this ebay listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22616513276...yABEgLG7PD_BwE

69CSHC

Funny, it's quite difficult to find an original road test pic or factory brochure pic of the front of the underhood area online.

JohnnyBs68S

On the Cutlass, that plate is also riveted to the plastic grille (not sure how it is on a 442):

rcorrigan5

There isn't supposed to be a cover like that for the 4-4-2. Here is a shot of my '68 4-4-2 convertible (Lansing car). My car has been in my family since it was new and it has always been like this. I wonder if that cover plate has anything to do with the forced air induction system, which only came on the W cars and my standard issue '68 4-4-2 does not have.

Randy C.

Billyaxe

That cover must only be on Cutlasses. I’ve never seen it on a 442 and I’ve seen 4 original real 68 W30s (that I took lots of photos of) that did not have it.
I can see it only being helpful to protect that plastic grill from being damaged when some leans over it working on the car. —Billy

JohnnyBs68S

I added that OAI, but flattery will get you everywhere!

Here's what Dr. Olds says:



Maybe a little more airflow to the radiator for the 442? In any case, the OP's critic was thinking of a Cutlass.

Billyaxe

Thanks for the clarification. The factory assembly manual is the final word. That page isn’t in my copy of the Manual. —Billy

joe_padavano

That figure is from the Chassis Service Manual