I found this ad on OldsCentral. It looks like a 442 in nice shape from the pictures, but I'm no expert. Please look at the ad and let me know if you see anything out of sorts about it.
Maybe some of you know some history of this car?
http://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/for...yetteville.php

Thanks,
Matt

 

It looks ok. The big issue would be the 3 speed, it's not real desireable for a 442. Ram Air hood probably added, doesn't have the right big buck air cleaner. Chrome missing on the trunk edge. Striping missing on trunk, sides and hood. Lower right qtr looks wavy...like bondo wavy. There is not a real good front pic shot. I'd bet the front bumper is dented or twisted somewhat. That happened when I bought my GS, LT + RT side pics at an angle but no dead on front shot. Car arrives and needs a 1K bumper! Price is not too bad. A bit high because of the tranny maybe. Depends what you have to spend I guess.

 

I like it. It looks like a great car, but it doesn't look like a great deal.

But I am no expert on prices.

 

Also, fender 442 emblem numerals look a little cocked...my 02, I think there is more value out there for that kind of money. Be patient.....

 

What's up with the chain on the engine?

 

Yeah, the 442 numbers do look a little off.
Will someone take a look at the radiator top support? Is it a three core support or a four core support? Also note the addition of what looks like an after market tach in the dash.

 

The chain is a torque limiter device, used to keep the engine from lifting during max effort acceleration from a standing start.

 

Looks really cool minus few things mentioned already... Matching drivetrain? I'm sure owners negotiable... Go for it!

 

Seller must have moved to Georgia recently. The 214 area code listed in the ad is used primarily for the Dallas, Texas region. Good luck!

 

That chain is an indication this one has been rode hard lots of times. It does look like a pretty nice car but the price seems a little high. This is one I would not buy without seeing it.

 

Here's what I see:

Incorrect air cleaner for a W-25 car implies that the hood was added. The ad doesn't say if it's a factory hood or aftermarket.

The radiator top plate has been modified to cut off the upper saddles.
There's obviously something funny going on there.

The off-color 1970s Starfire wheel isn't a feature.

That IS an aftermarket tach, so how much hacking of the dash was involved?

The three speed For... er, DEARBORN trans was the base transmission when the 442 was ordered. The bench seat was a credit option, so this was one of the least-expensive 442s available in 1970 (before the W-25 hood was apparently added).

The engine has been repainted. Does that mean it's been out of the car? If so, why?

Without a personal examination of the sheet metal, one can't tell how good it is. If the metal is really rust free (possible given the car's Fremont and Texas history), that's a plus, but it depends on what's paint.

The trunk photo looks solid, for as much as it show.

It's hard to justify the price for a bottom-feeder 442 without personal inspection.

 

Not a common color. I do like that blue. I think this car has been for sale for awhile. The steering wheel is a later one, the upholstery is not correct, it's got a Holley carb and missing a power steering bracket. I like the car but I think there may be far more complete/correct and thouroughly restored cars for a few grand more. Up to you brother!!

 

Wow, you guys are good. I did think the chain was weird on the block, noticed the front bumper was screwy, but did not see the other things. This is why I ask all of you before I look into it further.
Everyone is helping me learn what to look for and I appreciate it.
Joe, I guess I have to look at a good radiator top plate because I did not see the issue you pointed out there.
I have decided not to pursue this car, too many red flags for me. I am trying to be patient!
I hope you guys do not mind me asking about these cars.

 

I hope you guys do not mind me asking about these cars.

Not at all. A good many of us know a good bit but I think we are still amazed at how much Joe P. knows. Everybody here would like to see you or anybody else buying a car get a good car. I think this one may have the potential to be a pretty decent car but not at the price he wants.

 

Azure blue hides a lot of issues so you need to make sure its really rust free. The hood sags on the drivers side front just like an original but you can't tell from the images if its real or not. Can't tell if the fenders are 70s either. looks decent but I would offer less as well after seeing in person. Missing the ashtray door, wonder what the headliner looks like. THe fron bumper has really large gaps but I see those on lots of cars, just wondering if something was done with the fenders because of the emblems, gap and no fornt end shot to see what the hood tooth looks like

 

I love those bright blue interiors. That front bench seat is a transplant from a Supreme or other model with a center armrest. The 442 wouldn't have had that originally.
Terry

 

$8-9 grand tops!

 

What's up with that positive battery cable? And, the wood grain on the dash and IP cluster inserts does not match - this car might be a mish mash.

 

There's another 1970 442 listed on the Atlanta Craigslist for $14,500. IMO it looks a little nicer and more original than the one you are looking at.

 

Ya gotta kis alot of Frogs to meet a Prince.

 

You mean this one? It looks more solid overall. One thing my untrained eye did notice: it looks like this car was damaged on the driver's side quarter panel, things do not line up very well there.
This is the second car with large gaps above the edges of the front bumper, is this common?
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4376934620.html

 

Yeah, that's the car.

It's not perfect either. But it may be worth looking at.

 

Damn all I can say if you guys are even considering either of them for that asking price I sold mine way to cheap!

 

No, it means you should have sold it to me! Just Kidding.

 

The front bumper problem is common. It happens when the car is picked up by a wrecker, the kind with a sling. They pick up the car and the sling forces the center up, so the ends go down. It CAN be fixed but you need a really good bumper guy. That's what my GS bumper was like. You can take a pic from both sides, but it just looks off. A dead front pic like that Atlanta car you can easily see it, the center is high and the sides are low.

 

Would some people look at this car and tell me if there is anything incorrect about it? VIN is 344870... Owner says the only thing not stock is the rear bumper. Obviously the front end is bent and the stock radio looks like it is the back. Interior work is needed.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4376934620.html

The owner also sent me a pic of the cowl tag. The car looks solid to me but please comment.
Thanks,
Matt

 

Matt,

I like the car. If I were buying it, I would need the following information from the seller:
1.Pictures of the motor
2.Letter off the heads, should be either an E or an F
3.Serial number off the engine block, to confirm the engine is original, should be the same as found in the vin

4.Pictures of the lower fenders and rear quarters, looking for bubbles/rust

5.Pictures of the dash, double check the radio and ash tray, they look rough to me

6.Is the rearend a posi?

None of these would be deal breakers to me, but it would influence what I would consider offering.

Good luck

 

Hey All,

I've been finding out more information about this latest car. There are some bubbles / rust on the lower part of the quarters. Trunk looks great, do not see rust there. It is missing a wheel well edge chrome piece, are these hard to find? Also looks like some lenses are missing. He sent me a video of the car running and it sounded like there was a 'tick' to it. Video was in a storage unit, so could be an echo.
Please look and comment on the engine bay pics. Besides the belt missing from the A/C does anyone notice something wrong?
Thanks again!