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1970 442 18,000 mile orig unrestored

Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:35 AM
  #1  
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1970 442 18,000 mile orig unrestored

This car is one of if not the best original survivor muscle cars I have ever seen. We did a detail and some minor touchup.Most all original tags and markings are in place. Car is 99% original paint and stripes. All Chrome emblems glass etc are original as assembled and are in near flawless condition. Frame has its original paint. The owner had given a brief description in the other 70 442 thread so I wont get into that. Pics arent the best,cramped for room and with several inches of new snow didnt want to pull it outside. Hope you all enjoy. Pics will be posted soon. Either I or owner will answer any ?s you might have. Thanks The other thread is.....My 70 442 only had 15k mies in 1983

Greg

Last edited by rcktdoc; Dec 15, 2013 at 10:01 AM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by rcktdoc
The owner had given a brief description in the other 70 442 thread so I wont get into that.
Greg
Can you link to that thread so there's some connection, or put your comments above into that thread? Looking forward to seeing the pics based on your comments though. Thanks.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:47 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:49 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:52 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:54 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:56 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 09:57 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:18 AM
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Nice, nice and nice. Also pretty cool survivor. Cheers! ~BOB
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:19 AM
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Sweet looking
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:27 AM
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wow, very VERY nice. its great to see a survivor like that!!!!!
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:34 AM
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Thanks Greg and Al for posting the pictures. I bought this Lansing built 442 from the original owner in 2010. It is an M21 four speed, with 3.42 gears. The car originally came from Carlisle Chevrolet-Olds in Vernal,Utah. The original owner worked in the oil fields and had a truck that he drove everyday. He told me the windshield wipers had never been used on the car and I believe him. The car is original paint, original stripes, etc... It is Sherwood Green with a white painted top, white interior and white stripes. He said the dealer had four 442s in stock when he bought the car in January, 1970, and all of them had the two tone paint option. One theory was without air conditioning the car would stay cooler in the summer with a white top. Another rare option is the nightwatch headlight delay. The original floor mats are wrapped in plastic. When the owner pulled the car out of the garage he set the parking brake with his hand. When I asked why he said he didn't want to mark the parking brake pad. Rear mudflaps were added using the original wheel well moulding holes. Documentation includes original window sticker, broadcast card, dealer invoice, order sheet, one set of keys still in original small envelope, thank you letter and envelope from Oldsmobile, temporary tag that goes in the window before you have plates, cancelled checks when purchased, production code sheets, etc... The car was originally a steel hood car. The original owner went to the dealer in 1973 and bought an NOS ram air hood, aluminum intake, and ram air cleaner, and put them on the car. Also, in 1971, he bought Shelby mags and put the original SSII rims in the Shelby boxes. The SSII rims hadn't seen the light of day since 1971 and are flawless. Everything that came off the car he saved, and I received with the purchase. The owner said he never drove the car hard. When Greg cleaned/detailed underneath original markings were found and show very clearly. Greg showed me that the number written in white on the spare tire is the same number clearly seen written again in white, in the passenger side front wheelwell area, on the frame. Apparently this was how the spare tire got in the right car. Greg G knows the history of these cars very well. I could go on and on about this car - it truly is a time capsule. Greg H

Last edited by Ctls442; Jun 7, 2022 at 10:56 PM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by rcktdoc
This car is one of if not the best original survivor muscle cars I have ever seen.
Lots of good detail info, but...

The non-original intake, hood, and air cleaner were added in 1973...

I'm guessing that the hood represents more than 1% of the paint.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:54 AM
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very nice car thanks for sharing
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 10:54 AM
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If you want to get picky he has the original hood still in original paint! He also has all the other original parts that can be put back in place.When I stated 99% I was refering to the fact that the front fender at the top had been spotted early in its life. If he wanted he could just bolt the original hood back on the car! Didnt think I needed to spell out every tiny detail.

Greg

Last edited by rcktdoc; Dec 15, 2013 at 11:01 AM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by joe_padavano
Lots of good detail info, but...

The non-original intake, hood, and air cleaner were added in 1973...

I'm guessing that the hood represents more than 1% of the paint.
Yes, I did choose to leave the ram air hood, aluminum intake, and ram air cleaner on the car - just too cool to remove. The original hood was double layered in blankets by the owner in '73, and I received along with the original air cleaner, and intake manifold. The owner was very particular about saving everything original to the car.

Last edited by Ctls442; Dec 15, 2013 at 04:35 PM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:22 AM
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Carlisle's Chevy Olds circa 1969.
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:26 AM
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Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:26 AM
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It is just me but I would put the original wheels bAck on.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:32 AM
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What a fantastic car. Thanks for sharing! Please add some outdoor pics in the springtime. ; )

Terry
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by TK-65
Carlisle's Chevy Olds circa 1969.
Excellent dealership pictures; thank you very much. The owner told me the car was in the showroom with a big red bow around it at Christmas. He shopped around at a number of dealers and decided on this car because he wanted a four speed. Apparently the other 442s at this dealer were all automatics. The original owner remembered details of this car like it was yesterday.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by redoldsman
It is just me but I would put the original wheels bAck on.
Personaly I dont like the look of the SSII wheels,but thats just me.

Greg
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by redoldsman
It is just me but I would put the original wheels bAck on.
Planning on putting the original SSIIs back on the car at some point, with polyglas raised white letters. My favorite Olds wheels is the SSI, but I think this car needs the SSIIs back on. The Shelby wheels are in perfect condition though, and give the car a "Day 2" look. Greg H

Last edited by Ctls442; Dec 15, 2013 at 11:43 AM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Ctls442
Yes, I did choose to leave the ram air hood, aluminum intake, and ram air cleaner on the car - just too cool to remove.............. The Shelby wheels are in perfect condition though, and give the car a "Day 2" look.
By all means do what ever you'd like. But "too cool" is subjective. "Original" is certainly not. In this case, "too cool" is sacrificing originality when it doesn't have to, as is a "day 2" look. Different case if original were not possible.
Comment, not criticism.

Last edited by wmachine; Dec 15, 2013 at 11:59 AM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Ctls442
Planning on putting the original SSIIs back on the car at some point, with polyglas raised white letters. My favorite Olds wheels is the SSI, but I think this car needs the SSIIs back on. The Shelby wheels are in perfect condition though, and give the car a "Day 2" look. Greg H

Wheels and those early BFG T/As are worth alot to the Day 2 guys. I dont like SSIIs either. Id leave the slots on it. Leave it the way you found it.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:14 PM
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That is a great car, very fortunate find. Lots of info & detail can be mined from this baby. One Q, do I see a header on the right & manifold on the left? In transition?
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by wmachine
By all means do what ever you'd like. But "too cool" is subjective. "Original" is certainly not. In this case, "too cool" is sacrificing originality when it doesn't have to, as is a "day 2" look. Different case if original were not possible.
Comment, not criticism.
I hear what you're saying, and respect your opinion. I guess a part of me doesn't mind leaving a few non-original items on the car at this point out of respect for the original owner, and his desire to personalize the car a little. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have the car I have. For an original owner to care for a car the way he did for 40 years is amazing in my book. The transporter who delivered the car to me said when he left the owner's house he didn't want to look in the rear view mirror because he was sure the owner was in tears. The original parts are safely stored, and give me the option to take it back to Day 1.

Yes, the original owner put headers on the car; have the original manifolds. The only other change I can think of is there is a small plastic radiator overflow jar. Don't think that was original but not 100% sure. Greg H

Last edited by Ctls442; Dec 15, 2013 at 12:42 PM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by rcktdoc
If you want to get picky he has the original hood still in original paint! He also has all the other original parts that can be put back in place.When I stated 99% I was refering to the fact that the front fender at the top had been spotted early in its life. If he wanted he could just bolt the original hood back on the car! Didnt think I needed to spell out every tiny detail.

Greg
Not trying to be too picky, but nowhere in the original posts did it say that the factory installed parts were, in fact, with the car. All we knew was what was in the photos and the post.

Look, it's clearly a valuable time capsule, but it isn't completely original, that's all I'm saying.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:47 PM
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What a find .

Greg H and friends , you guys have the holy grail . These cars are called benchmark , and landmark cars . NICE to have the winter to sort small details on the car out .... And there will be hundreds of details .
As for the GRAIL status , something like this indicates to observers and judges EXACTLY how every nut , bolt , firewall mark ( one of my personal biggest DIS - Likes ) stripe width , overspray and trunk splatter ,,, Ad- infinitum , is supposed to be .
I have 2 friends that have respectively : 427 , 435 H / P , 1967 Corvette Convert , and 69 Mercury Cougar Super Cobra Jet cars that are used for this distinction . You are going to have to develop some thick skin , and resist the urge to make something " perfect " when it is not ..... Trunk fit , trim imperfections , stripe definition and spacing .... My Cougar friend actually had to have pictures of the New York Auto Show turntable car to show that the L.F. Hood trim piece was almost 1/4 " HIGH @ hood to fender meeting point . Judges HATE to have those specifics pointed out .

Anyway , preserve EXACTLY what you have . Especially your marks , and overspray .. My thoughts are DO NOT over reach to achieve perfection .
Our cars were not assembled perfectly .
FYI , those are the Original BFG Radial TA 's , dis continued in 1979 , on your Shelby wheels ... Extremely rare . AND , my body off 1967 Olds Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe 442 restoration , window sticker told me I HAD to have Wire wheel Covers , and White Stripe tires ... Painful , but I'm now glad I stuck with the information I got on this forum . It has only taken me 4 months to get " over it " ...

LOVE the car ,,,, It will drive the perfectionists , and Judges CRAZY ...
That makes me even happier.. Thanks for sharing , Jimi2
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:50 PM
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Great car

Especially like the 4 speed. Good to know you have the original parts.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 12:53 PM
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Is this car here for sale? I'm wondering if the description is to enlighten a possible buyer, or for everyone here to share. I like it a whole lot. Personally, and please don't take this as criticism, but I don't car for either wheel and I have cars that came with SSIIs. In my opinion, they are just too darn dull, and the aluminum slots, though "hot" in the day, don't jump at ya' either. Very cool car and shows the diversity in what was available---not many two-tones with painted roofs. Please show us more!!!!
And as far as the imperfections go-----LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!! GM built 60 of these cars an hour, we take a year or more to build 1!!!! They were NOT built to be works of art!!!

Last edited by Dave Siltman; Dec 15, 2013 at 12:57 PM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 01:24 PM
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There was no intent by me or Greg H to post this to get people interested in purchasing it. Greg and I have conversed on that point many times He has no interest in selling this car. It was only posted for the enjoyment of others. Some may pick and critisize but at the end of the day it is what it is, an unrestored survivor that for the most part is untouched and with a couple parts can be put back to factory correct. It is also Greg H car to do whatever he wants! On another note I dont feal when RESTORING a car you should put all the flaws and misfitting panels etc that the factory did.

Greg
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 01:31 PM
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I love it! And while technically not 100% originaI I will have to give credit to the fact that you don't ever see cars modified by the original owner with all new factory parts at the dealership. Kudos to the original owner for being fastidios in preserving his pride and joy, hate that he had to let it go. IMHO I'd put the ssII's back on as the wheels are the only non-factory part besides the battery. Thanks for sharing, great story.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 01:43 PM
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One thing I realy need to say. My crappy pictures do not in anyway do this car justice!! To actualy understand the quality of this car it has to be seen!

Greg
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 02:05 PM
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NICE ride!!!
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by rcktdoc
One thing I realy need to say. My crappy pictures do not in anyway do this car justice!! To actualy understand the quality of this car it has to be seen!

Greg
When I originally spoke with the seller/original owner on the phone I remember telling him I was not a big fan of green. Boy, did I ever have to eat those words when I saw this car in person. At dusk Sherwood green almost looks black, and there is a lot of metallic in the color. Absolutely beautiful color when fresh and/or well maintained.

Last edited by Ctls442; Dec 15, 2013 at 02:20 PM.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 03:01 PM
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2 thumbs up!

Awesome survivor. Many thanks for taking the time to share with us.
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Ctls442
When I originally spoke with the seller/original owner on the phone I remember telling him I was not a big fan of green. Boy, did I ever have to eat those words when I saw this car in person.
I'm glad you were able to appreciate the color. There is not a color out there that can't be appreciated for what it is. Like Greg says, "it is what it is". I think think it is pretty cocky of anyone when they think their "opinion" has more significance than the car itself does.

My favorite color is "original".
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 04:46 PM
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Spare Tire - Frame Numbers

I received a private message asking for clarification on the spare tire numbers that match the frame. There is a two or three digit (don't remember exactly at the moment) number in white, on the spare tire sidewall. The pictures Greg G posted earlier show part of the number (a 2). The first time Greg saw the car he walked around to the passenger side front wheel well area, and sure enough, the same two or three digit number is clearly seen in that area, on the side of the frame. Hope that helps. Greg H
Old Dec 15, 2013 | 05:13 PM
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Thanks for sharing , Most of us back in the day changed the wheels and put on headers and headed to the drag strip. This is a great find . I would leave it the way it is. This is what I did to all of my cars. At least you have the original parts if you want to put it back. Nice

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