When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
might not be the steering box. Odd about the stack of shims in one side although frames are known to sag into a smile shape over the years.
if the car feels like it is wandering and following irregularities in the road, is sometimes a sign of worn lower ball joints.
Nope, it's the box. My tubular control arms with Moog ball joints are only a few weeks old I think replacing the front end put more stress on the worn rag joint (which I ended up replacing) and the 48 year old gear box. I tightened the allen bolt more than a quarter turn, which is wayy too much but finally got the gears to mesh. I'm planning on either the 974 or just a stock rebuilt unit next summer (or this winter). I should have done it when replacing the rag joint, but oh well, lol.
Funny thing about the shims; they were pretty evenly distributed before the rebuild and it steered just fine, just loose. The front tires were wearing more on the outside than the inside, which seems to be the opposite if the frame had sagged (if I'm thinking about it right).
Sorry 72, I don't mean to hijack your thread. But I figure you're busy driving your Olds
Wish I would have known about this sooner. No time this summer. The wife and I are always looking for car museums within driving distance for the Olds. I'll put this on my list. Thanks.
But I gotta' say, even with the front end rebuild (although I still need a steering box), I HATE driving the Olds on interstates. Is it just me? They just seem too damn fast and sketchy. We went to a show last weekend and ended up on I-55 south. I was pushing 80 mph and I was the slow one everyone wanted to get around. Maybe the new gear box will make all the difference? I tightened mine up and the return-to-center isn't great but at least I'm not wandering all over the road. I don't fear curves on hills like I used to, though. Much more manageable since the rebuild.
I recently upgraded from a 1998 Dodge 1500 pickup to a 2014. Now I understand why people drive 90. Because they can.
I have to admit it makes me a little nervous as well - my first car was a 72 442 hard top and I won’t tell you guys how fast I drove it everywhere but it was suicidal speeds makes me shudder to think how crazy I was - and I was totally naive and comfortable with it - it was a daily driver - snow or shine - I drive semi now and the people In this town are aholes - riding *** - cutting you off - erratic lane changing with no indicators - they shut down the main highway everyday with accidents - I can’t believe people actually ride motor cycles here - so many fatalities with that 😢 - I do 75 to 77 in my mini van and I am the old man getting my doors smoked off - I just adjusted the tie rods today to center the steering wheel and it’s perfectly clocked - parking brake adjusted and working perfect - I took it out on the highway (70) and it felt good - not as good as my minivan but good - think an alignment will help - I’m not so nervous about the handling as I am unsure of temperature and rpms and the clutch is not great - will address those in the future - that an being topless next to these nut jobs - I’ll do back roads when I have the time
When you re-installed your inner liners, did you have to fight a lot with them to get them back? You used all new bolts and clips, right? Actually I'm a little surprised you didn't paint the liners your favorite color instead of black
They went in pretty easy - minor struggle - yeah new j clips and bolts - used the two original big washer bolts though - cleaned up the thread and anti-seized them - I just finished repainting my under Carriage just need to paint the tank red and the straps and axle red and it will be done - what cha think? 😜
Still stopping / riding / and steering great - but running slightly rough - had a little missing today at about 66mph - then in the neighborhood coming home - took off from a stop sign and it bogged / sputtered / backfired and stalled - started right back up but that’s not gonna cut it 😐 just sharing - I’m going to start a post in the appropriate board
Okay, this is interesting. Mine started acting funny yesterday coming home from a car show. It's been having issues with near-stalling on hard stops but yesterday it started cutting out on the interstate; a few small pops out the tail pipe. But I've been messing with the timing and float levels. Also, it looks like my fuel regulator is leaking. Time to go back to known good settings (although I went by the Street Demon recommendations for the float settings).
School starts tomorrow so work will slow and I won't be on here every day
She's a bit high, but will settle. Besides, it looks bad *** to me and has the handling to back it up. Not going to bottom out the stops on a 65 mph dip in the road.
Put a fresh tank of pure gas in her and she might clear up. Ethanol blend will separate into water given three months. I only use real gas in my classics, mowers, 2 strokes...
I assume your other hobby is candle making? Hence the wick kid? That's cool, I make my own soap.... J/K, but not about the soap.
bry, where do you buy real gas? Now that you mention it, I always get Shell 93. My last two tanks were not. Our Mobile 93 is now Circle-K and I was desperate and filled up on Freedom 93.
Well sir, I'm now in Oklahoma. I buy gas a Quick Trip (max 87 octane pure), or Phillips 66 (max 91 pure). You might not have access depending on the desires of your local and state government.
She's a bit high, but will settle. Besides, it looks bad *** to me and has the handling to back it up. Not going to bottom out the stops on a 65 mph dip in the road.
Put a fresh tank of pure gas in her and she might clear up. Ethanol blend will separate into water given three months. I only use real gas in my classics, mowers, 2 strokes...
I assume your other hobby is candle making? Hence the wick kid? That's cool, I make my own soap.... J/K, but not about the soap.
I wanted a custom plate (first time ever) and all 442 things I could think of were taken - in a desperate grab inline at dmv i tried for “wicked” instead it looks like “wicky - D” 😜 just got a new one - Roman numerals for 442 - “IV IV II” ... I’ve been putting premium in it all along ... 93 I think here - friend said to just drive it as it has done more sitting than moving lately - will recheck dwell / timing / mixture / plugs / and I did just top it of 3/4 with fresh premium (haven’t been at it since I posted this though - vaca with fam) thanks for feedback ! I will post what I find when I can
Got my pinion seal fixed - got the car aligned - I’m pretty happy with it! (Time will tell more so) ran it and filled it up again and sloshed it around a bit and it feels like it runs better - constant checks with temp gun and it seems to run pretty cool - next project is to check dwell / timing / mixture and plugs - and install after market gauge pack to monitor it for awhile - I was unable to get alignment stats Mac as the place was old school old guys doing it the old way but came highly recommended - I can tell by the shims that he maxed out the caster for stock set up - but at any rate it feels great!
Was the pinion seal leaking? Did you have a shop do it or did you tackle that yourself? I have a pinion seal leak that the installing shop botched 2x and I really don't want to go back to them. I know the seal itself is a small inexpensive piece and I understand the principle of installing it. Just curious if you did it yourself and if so what tips do you have for tackling it?
Was the pinion seal leaking? Did you have a shop do it or did you tackle that yourself? I have a pinion seal leak that the installing shop botched 2x and I really don't want to go back to them. I know the seal itself is a small inexpensive piece and I understand the principle of installing it. Just curious if you did it yourself and if so what tips do you have for tackling it?
Sorry Allan ... that one I left to the shop - I pulled the rear end housing out and took it to the shop and they rebuilt it with new bearings seals and added posi. - It was 10 months ago because I didn’t drive it due to winter / then doing the front end - it was a small leak but still - I brought the whole car back and they took me right in and while I waited replaced the seal - less than an hour - so no tips other than driveline specialists in Ionia mi are good guys - I went to school with the big dog Mike R. If your in mid Michigan ... these guys are all right - I was intimidated by the crush bearing - figured I’d let someone that knows what they are doing and already learned from their mistakes tackle it - same thing I did with the convertible top - let the experience talk
Last edited by 72442455; Aug 20, 2019 at 05:36 AM.
Interesting. You got service from a good shop. I did exactly the same thing - took the rear end out and had it "professionally" rebuilt with 3.42:1 posi also. Went to install it, and the #$#&* thing leaked all the gear oil out the front pinion. Guess where it went right back to? Alberta Driveline - same jackalopes who rebuilt it. I was standing right there when they took out the pinion nut and they said "Holy ##$@, we really #!#$!ed this one up". You can imagine how reassured I was when I heard that. I got it home, reinstalled it and all seemed good. But over the winter I also got some dripping from the front of the pinion seal. Not what I was expecting. So now I'm wondering if they also damaged the crush washer when they did that 'repair'. I really don't want to go back to these guys; if it's a repair I can do I'd rather tackle it myself. There's no problem for me to get the car up high enough to work under.for that job.
I'm really glad to hear you got a good service shop that stands behind their work.
Interesting. You got service from a good shop. I did exactly the same thing - took the rear end out and had it "professionally" rebuilt with 3.42:1 posi also. Went to install it, and the #$#&* thing leaked all the gear oil out the front pinion. Guess where it went right back to? Alberta Driveline - same jackalopes who rebuilt it. I was standing right there when they took out the pinion nut and they said "Holy ##$@, we really #!#$!ed this one up". You can imagine how reassured I was when I heard that. I got it home, reinstalled it and all seemed good. But over the winter I also got some dripping from the front of the pinion seal. Not what I was expecting. So now I'm wondering if they also damaged the crush washer when they did that 'repair'. I really don't want to go back to these guys; if it's a repair I can do I'd rather tackle it myself. There's no problem for me to get the car up high enough to work under.for that job.
I'm really glad to hear you got a good service shop that stands behind their work.
Well ... I have like 45 miles on the repair - let’s hope it’s good - but so far so good - sorry to hear about your headache - if anything changes I will repost about it
I hope you're out driving instead of reading this. .
Hey Mac just saying hi - hope schools going good in IL - and hi to Allan and Bry it your reading this - and thanks again Nick! Cars been doing great - made a trip to grand haven and back - olds show at Gilmore and back - 2x trips to Lansing and back and Grand Rapids metro cruise - about 500 miles estimate - steering - stopping - handling are great! Clutch is now toast so back to the drawing board lol (I knew it was going - was just tying to limp it until end of the season) need to iron out some ignition / carburetor issues as well (minor) just wanted to update you all and thank you again for the help - getting ready to add after market tach and three pack gauges as well (just would feel more comfortable with them) oh and got the radio working (need a better one though lol) and added pig cover and rear sway bar - here’s some pics @ Gilmore car museum first ever all olds car show Photo op at Gilmore Before Posi After
Ya know? I had a post already to go and BAM! Off it goes to cyber space. I was a little ticked. So let's try again...
Looking at those pictures I can tell at a glance:
The car is a hit with you and your family
You've mastered the theme of red even painting the bolts for your W27 cover red...
Your gas tank either needs to be replaced or it needs to be painted red...
The 'little' things are just little things. Don't sweat them. The clutch is actually just a little thing in the big picture of enjoying your car.
You're dying to paint the car ...... Red ....of course. And I'd agree. The interior will contrast Matador Red perfectly.
Well done sir! Enjoy the car and don't worry about the projects till it's warm enough to do more work. BTW, looking at your gears, what is the ratio back there, Just a guess but looks close to 3.23 or 3.42? Stock or did you change it out?
BTW, the silver car to the left of the VC looks suspiciously like mine!
Ya know? I had a post already to go and BAM! Off it goes to cyber space. I was a little ticked. So let's try again...
Looking at those pictures I can tell at a glance:
The car is a hit with you and your family
You've mastered the theme of red even painting the bolts for your W27 cover red...
Your gas tank either needs to be replaced or it needs to be painted red...
The 'little' things are just little things. Don't sweat them. The clutch is actually just a little thing in the big picture of enjoying your car.
You're dying to paint the car ...... Red ....of course. And I'd agree. The interior will contrast Matador Red perfectly.
Well done sir! Enjoy the car and don't worry about the projects till it's warm enough to do more work. BTW, looking at your gears, what is the ratio back there, Just a guess but looks close to 3.23 or 3.42? Stock or did you change it out?
BTW, the silver car to the left of the VC looks suspiciously like mine!
Lol - spot on with the tank Allan - actually painting it Eastwood gas tank silver - frame black - and yes... was considering doing the straps red lol This was my first car - a true 72 442 - I plan on doing this car gray as well This is exactly the look I want
The car has been fun with the family - my favorite trip so far was to grand haven mi beach swimming in the big waves - car got a lot of attention - even with its “eclectic” paint scheme 😜 convertible just seems to call to the beach.
Good eye / it is the original 3:23 - I just added the posi
was that seriously you at Gilmore? Or just a twin car?
Just a twin looking car. Curious about the color choice. I don't recognize it as a 72 color. Looks like someone changed out the first 72 grills to the CS ones, installed a fender radio antenna and added a rear deck spoiler. I don't know why the design people at Olds discontinued it for 72 because the body lines are exactly the same from 70-72.
Did you find it difficult to reinstall the front bumper? Curious because I have to install mine soon. I still have the brackets attached but have to adjust the 2 front braces that attach to the frame for proper positioning.
Just a twin looking car. Curious about the color choice. I don't recognize it as a 72 color. Looks like someone changed out the first 72 grills to the CS ones, installed a fender radio antenna and added a rear deck spoiler. I don't know why the design people at Olds discontinued it for 72 because the body lines are exactly the same from 70-72.
Did you find it difficult to reinstall the front bumper? Curious because I have to install mine soon. I still have the brackets attached but have to adjust the 2 front braces that attach to the frame for proper positioning.
Story goes ... back in 85 I was 15 and my dad was going to buy me a 77 cutlass from his bar drinking buddy (which I was thrilled about) then his buddy’s daughter decided to sell her 72 442 - it was the silver / pewterish color (or maybe just faded silver - seemed it had a slight greenish tint but wasn’t green - mostly silver) and primer fenders and black vinyl top - I instantly fell in love with the curves ❤️ - it originally had the 455 her bf put dual quads on it and the motor ended up getting blown up 😢 Think she didn’t check the oil or something like that - any ways they put a weak as heck 76 350 in it (auto tranny car) it did have the original posi - car interior was flawless - body was decent - dad and I knew nothing about cars - took it to get brakes done and guy didn’t change the hoses - then took it to alignment shop and as they were driving it onto the alignment machine the brake hose blew. Car fell into the pit trapping the mechanic beneath - he didn’t get hurt but I hear his underwear was a complete loss - he had to wait until they could tow it out to get out 😳 - anyways the brake guy settled and with the $ got it painted and got tires and rims (and brakes of course) the 442 grills were destroyed and it was major $ back then to get replacements so dad made me go with the cutlass grills - my dad was a major drinker so had to go to the body shop next to his watering hole (ford dealership) - made me pick a paint that was current - I wanted black but he insisted on anything but so settled on 86 century metallic grey - LOVED that car but it was a dog off the line - endless top end though - never knew the ratio of the rear end - would love to find that car but I assume it’s dead being a Michigan car - as far as the spoiler - as far as I know it was original - was always on it that I knew of - but unsure - antenna was probably done by the stereo place but again unsure. One interesting feature of it was it had the dash mount fasten seat belts light - I think I read it was a dealer add on but unsure - think I’ve only seen one more with it.
The bumper on my convertible was a replacement that was in the box that I got from the guy who sold me the car (same as rear) I didn’t take off the frame mounts just the bumper itself and was an easy swap. The front bumper isn’t perfectly centered - not sure if it requires shims or whatnot - been to busy with everything else to get to it - hope that answers your question?
You look like Geddy Lee of RUSH in that old pic! Lol. I'm glad you're getting so much joy from your car and family. That's what it's all about. And for the little jobs? I hope mine never end. They keep me going.
Your 442 originally was code 14. Same as mine so I know exactly what you're describing. WOW!! what a story, it's amazing to read and visualize. That definitely explains the the grills. So your 442 was a U code car with the (L75) 455 since it wasn't the W30 package. That was a rare car just based on the engine and likely had the original 2.73 axle that was standard back in the day. A 455 would be able to rip pavement even with 2.56 gears so your GF really suffered a loss when that engine blew up.
The "fasten seat belts" on the dash is part of the U21 Rally Pac option for cars built after Jan1, 1972. There was no place to put the mandated seat belt warning system light for those gages except on the center of the dash. PITA to change out the light if it ever burnt out though. It's only access is from under the dash and you have to remove the whole pod just to change the bulb. This is not a dealer add on, it came from the factory like that.
The deck lid spoiler was never added to any 72 Cutlass or 442 model by the factory; maybe by a dealer upon request of a customer though. It was discontinued in May of 1971, just in time to affect the 1972 production run. So the add on was definitely by a previous owner.
The color you're aiming for looks cool! Can't wait to see it.
Your 442 originally was code 14. Same as mine so I know exactly what you're describing. WOW!! what a story, it's amazing to read and visualize. That definitely explains the the grills. So your 442 was a U code car with the (L75) 455 since it wasn't the W30 package. That was a rare car just based on the engine and likely had the original 2.73 axle that was standard back in the day. A 455 would be able to rip pavement even with 2.56 gears so your GF really suffered a loss when that engine blew up.
The "fasten seat belts" on the dash is part of the U21 Rally Pac option for cars built after Jan1, 1972. There was no place to put the mandated seat belt warning system light for those gages except on the center of the dash. PITA to change out the light if it ever burnt out though. It's only access is from under the dash and you have to remove the whole pod just to change the bulb. This is not a dealer add on, it came from the factory like that.
The deck lid spoiler was never added to any 72 Cutlass or 442 model by the factory; maybe by a dealer upon request of a customer though. It was discontinued in May of 1971, just in time to affect the 1972 production run. So the add on was definitely by a previous owner.
The color you're aiming for looks cool! Can't wait to see it.
Thanks for the info Allan! I loved that car - the 2.73 sounds about right because I couldn’t beat anyone off the line. The 455 may have been able to tear up the pavement but that 350 in it sure couldn’t lol - and just to clarify - it was my dads drinking buddies daughters car not my gf - her bf wrenched some on the car I believe.
very cool to know about that seat belt light - I just unplugged the seat plug because it was annoying. The way I drove that car with no seatbelt gives me chills to think back on 😬 - I thought it would be cool to find one for this car but from the sounds of it it’s a pita and I wouldn’t want to cut up my dash pad for it - just not worth it to try and recapture my old cars details - I’ll just appreciate the ones I see at car shows. Cool to know the story on them!
Yeah they must have added the spoiler then. I obviously added this spoiler to this one - again just trying to clone my old car as much as possible (being a 4spd bb convertible is just an upgrade from my original in my opinion 😜
its going to be a bit before I can get the car painted -but I can’t wait either! I’d like to redo the interior to match my original (which isn’t “true” to the convertible) but I’m on the fence - original had the 72 “button back” seats - friends are trying to talk me into doing the body work myself but I have no idea what I’m doing - I’ve read some on it but afraid to do more harm then good - we will see
post some pictures or links to your car? Would love to see it!
You look like Geddy Lee of RUSH in that old pic! Lol. I'm glad you're getting so much joy from your car and family. That's what it's all about. And for the little jobs? I hope mine never end. They keep me going.
Lol - they call me the working man... because that’s what I am 🤘🏼 - I agree though - I will always have projects with it - was just hoping the clutch would hold out until end of the season - might not be able to get to it before storage - but I’m going to try
Lol - they call me the working man... because that’s what I am 🤘🏼 - I agree though - I will always have projects with it - was just hoping the clutch would hold out until end of the season - might not be able to get to it before storage - but I’m going to try
First album, yes sir. The best one! and the best song.
Holy crap Joe, is that CC DeVille standing next to your grey 442?
How you liking that quick ratio steering box? You did the 10:1, right? I have one on my 1970 Caprice and it is probably one of the best upgrades I did! A lot of guys are scared that it is too twitchy, but in my opinion, feels like driving a modern Toyota with rack and pinion.
Edit: BTW, in 1985 I was 15 too! Had the same hair, although a little more Farrah Fawcett. Nowadays, I just shave it all off.
Wow, just read thru your thread so far. Great work. I hope to see you sometime at a show around here. Did you go to the Olds Homecoming?
Thanks! Yeah I was there but the car was not - it was down due to the front end work... that would be cool! I don’t know how to see members cars here though - they don’t show up on the mobile version unless you link a picture to an existing thread ... so I’m at the mercy of People recognizing my car and saying hello - so do so if you see it 👍🏼
Holy crap Joe, is that CC DeVille standing next to your grey 442?
How you liking that quick ratio steering box? You did the 10:1, right? I have one on my 1970 Caprice and it is probably one of the best upgrades I did! A lot of guys are scared that it is too twitchy, but in my opinion, feels like driving a modern Toyota with rack and pinion.
🎶don’t need nuthin’ but a good time!🎶
yeah 10:1 quick steer lares 974 - love it! I was worried about losing the pinky steer because I always loved how smooth that was ... I even kept the old gear box just Incase - but the difference before and after is astonishing! Keep in mind I did everything at once so it’s not only the gear box - it’s the new bushings / ball joints / bearings / shocks / springs / tie rods / center link / idle arm / rag joint / sway bar end links / everything! So it went from hitting a Michigan pot hole and praying and panicking and hoping for a quick death - to this car rides and handles like a real car. In 500 miles Ish I’ve already gotten so use to it that I don’t really remember how bad it really was - it feels good and safe all the way around. Just added the rear sway but have to do the clutch to see how that goes.
edit: my hair mostly fell out 😜 I blame the stress of GM closing down the Oldsmobile Division
Last edited by 72442455; Sep 12, 2019 at 03:43 PM.
🎶don’t need nuthin’ but a good time!🎶
yeah 10:1 quick steer lares 974 - love it! I was worried about losing the pinky steer because I always loved how smooth that was ... I even kept the old gear box just Incase - but the difference before and after is astonishing! Keep in mind I did everything at once so it’s not only the gear box - it’s the new bushings / ball joints / bearings / shocks / springs / tie rods / center link / idle arm / rag joint / sway bar end links / everything! So it went from hitting a Michigan pot hole and praying and panicking and hoping for a quick death - to this car rides and handles like a real car. In 500 miles Ish I’ve already gotten so use to it that I don’t really remember how bad it really was - it feels good and safe all the way around. Just added the rear sway but have to do the clutch to see how that goes.
edit: my hair mostly fell out 😜 I blame the stress of GM closing down the Oldsmobile Division
You're going to see a big difference in cornering with that rear sway bar. Best bang for the buck without a lot of work.
The wife and I were going to go to the 40TH ANNUAL QUAD STATE OLDSMOBILE SHOW, but we both have the flu that's going around.
I think replacing the front end put more stress on the worn rag joint (which I ended up replacing) and the 48 year old gear box. I tightened the allen bolt more than a quarter turn, which is wayy too much but finally got the gears to mesh. I'm planning on either the 974 or just a stock rebuilt unit next summer (or this winter). I should have done it when replacing the rag joint, but oh well, lol.
