Thinking of trading for one,but don't know how you tell for sure....Thanks,Curt

 

What year?

 

Curt, what year are you looking at?

 

1968-1971 442s have a unique VIN.

1965-1967 442s will have a unique body data plate (which unfortunately does not match the VIN and can be swapped).

1972 W-30s (only) have a unique VIN (the "X" engine code). Other 1972 442s do not.

1979 H/Os will have a unique VIN (the "R" engine code - it was the only A-body with a 350 Olds that year).

The 1983-84 H/Os and 1985-87 442s will have a unique VIN (the "9" engine code).

 

one of them is a 68 and the other is a 70.....Thanks,Curt

 

The first 5 numbers of the VIN should be as follows:

1968 & 1970
Holiday Coupe: 34487
Sports Coupe: 34477
Convertible: 34467

 

My husband is going to check out a 1972 442 for sale. What should he look for?

 

Besides the condition of the car the only way to tell if it is a "real" 442 in 72 is with paperwork unless it is a W30 then it will have an X in the VIN. Most people looking for a 442 from 1972 would prefer the 455 engine rather than the 350 but that wouldn't stop me or many others from buying a nice car.

If you both want a real 442 and its not a W30 then the best bet would be to make sure it has the paperwork. If you are looking for a fun cruiser then just make sure it runs well, doesn't burn oil, bring a magnet to check for bondo and make sure it has all the parts it is supposed to have such as gauges, door handles, headrests, seat-belts etc. replacing all those little things add up.

If you can take pictures and post them here with as much detail as you can... but start a new thread

 

These cars are 40 plus years old and they all have histories.

Check for rust (bubbles in the paint) in the lip of the wheel wells, lower fenders, lip of the trunk and hood, as well as bubbles under the vinyl top.
The 1970 model year fenders are flat under the hood where they are bolted to the body where as the 1971-72 model years have a slight rib every 6 inches.

Take a few pictures of each model year so you can tell if the bumpers are correct for the model year you are looking at.

Take a copy of the vin decoding charts available online.

My car has the wrong grill, wrong center caps, and the wrong driver's side fender. I used these facts to negotiate a better price.

Good luck