Can you tell a real 442 by the VIN?
April 22nd, 2009, 10:55 AM
#4
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,300
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).
December 16th, 2012, 10:43 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chi-town
Posts: 4,511
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
December 16th, 2012, 11:43 AM
#9
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
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
Last edited by Olds442redberet; December 16th, 2012 at 11:47 AM. Reason: More info
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