Hi everyone, first let me say I am not a current owner but might soon be. I have heard of a 442 as the title describes that might be available but am wondering if anyone has any idea of the production numbers. Upon doing a little research I found there were 2933 convertibles with a 455 of which only 96 had a 4 speed. I could not find anything referring to how many of those 96 had A/C. Can anyone fill in that blank. Of course if any of my other numbers are incorrect then please advise. I have been reading some of these threads and am amazed at the totality of knowledge. So, help me out. I'm thinking this might be a relatively rare car. Also, I don't have any further info on this car so will be unable to answer any questions you might have. Thanks for any info you may have.

 

There were 549 1970 442 4 speed convertibles built and the number of of A/C equipped units is not known.. I have heard numbers in the 100-150 range using the 25% guess. The 96 number you mentioned is for the 442 W30 4 speed convertibles and were not available with A/C. I have a 70 442 4 speed convertible with A/C.

 

Thanks for the info; looks like I was partially correct. The car in question is not a W30 but it does have air induction with the correct hood. Again from what I know this car needs a complete restoration. Would a ball park price be within the 10-20k arena? Oh Forgot, the body itself is all there and very much rust free. Thanks for the correction on the production numbers.

 

Are you looking for a nice 70 442 Conv with a 4 speed & A/C?

 

If you find a nice convertible 442 4spd with factory A/C you may have to adjust your budget
Alain
platinum 442 4spd factory A/C

 

x2

 

You might be right about adjusting my budget. However, as I said , the car requires a complete restoration. the only power items that work are the brakes and steering. The top, windows, and A/C don't work. some gauges do, some don't. All upholstery, door panels, console, carpet, top, etc require replacing. You might call this a survivor that is wounded. Once restored this will be a high dollar car but in it's current state ... I just don't know a good value to give it.

 

How handy are you at restoration work?You could save a few $$$ bucks
AS for purchase price ?as they say the top goes down the price goes up
Alain
1970 platinum 442 4spd factory A/C

 

Even if it needs a full resto, $10-20K may be low if it's complete and rust free. How about engine and drivetrain? Original/matching numbers? Operable? Does it run and drive?

Oh, and BTW, I don't believe the OAI setup would have been correct for a garden variety 4-4-2 in 1970.

 

The 442 in 1970 came with a steel hood
The OAI was a factory option.Could also be added by the dealer at extra cost.
Alain
!970 442 4spd factoryA/C

 

Not W-30 only?

 

No the OAI was not w 30 w 31 only
If I remember well it was a $ 125.00 option package 'I could be wrong on the price
But could be had on regular 442
Alain
platinum 442 4spd factory A/C

 

That's why it was the W25 option, not W30/W31/Rally 350 etc.

 

That is correct.W-25 option
Alain

 

Question, what rear axle ratio did your car come with? Thanks

 

My 442 came with a 3.23 from the factory
Alain
platinum 442 4spd factory A/C

 

My car has a 3.42 TM code axle and was built in Linden, NJ. The car has been in the same owners hands since the 70's and the axle was never changed. The TM code is a W30 code only and there have been rumors of other Linden built cars with the same set up. I know what GM says that A/C wasn't available with any gear lower than 3.23. As a matter of fact it was a late change to include A/C on 4 speed 70 442's.

 

Mandatory option with those?
My bad, I thought W-25 specified hood only, not necessarily OAI.

 

W25 was the OAI hood option and was included with W30/W31 & Rally 350. The W25 option was available on 442's but NHRA allowed them on any Olds A Body including wagons. I'm not sure if the W25 option was available on a standard Cutlass or not.

 

Thanks. Useful info!

 

One post questioned the originality of the drive train. I was told, but can not verify as yet, it is numbers match both engine and tranny. As I mentioned before it starts, runs and stops. I have not driven it yet myself but did see a video of it running and being street driven. I did verify thru the trim tag that the original color was "Bamboo Creme". It still has the original upholstery but will need complete replacement. It also still has the original 8 track.

 

When you say "trim tag" do you mean the IBM trim card? Does it come with any other paperwork?

 

I would say it doesn't need a complete restoration if it's "rust free"
Rust is what usually requires body panel replacement involved with "complete restoration" and can and usually is the most expensive and time consuming part of a "complete restoration" Always start with the most rust free car as possible because it will save you time and money in the long run unless it is an extremely rare car where the time and money is justified.

 

x 2, rust is extremely costly..

 

x3 rust is expensive $$$$
Speaking from experience you need people that really know what they are doing and are talented
Alain
1970 platinum 442 4spd factory A/C

 

I guess it is obvious that I'm not up to speed regarding the terms for restoration. I got the color code off a picture of the tag mounted on the car that shows the paint code (50A) TR code (979) and says "body by fisher". As far as rust, I was told mostly rust free but will be a couple weeks before I can have verification of that description.

 

This is kind of the key question right now. Body condition will tell you whether the project is one worth pursuing. Where is the car located relative to you? Will you be able to inspect it prior to purchase? I wouldn't buy it without making a thorough in-person examination, preferably in the company of somebody who knows these cars well.

Also, you may wish to ask the seller if there is any paperwork that comes with the car.

 

Sight unseen is like what Forest Gump said it is like a box of chocolat
You never know what you get.Are you willing to go there?Is this 442 worth it to you?
A restoration is always an adventure and challenging but it is fun and one heck of a ride
When done you can say I restored it.
Alain
1970 platinum 442 4spd factory A/C