Would a 1969 Cutlass 350 convertible with factory 3 speed on floor be a rare car or just normal car? Original engine,trans,rear end Trying to see if worth it to restore or not.
SOLD: FOR SALE IN CLASSIFIED SECTION WITH PICTURE> $4,500 Toledo Ohio

 

Is it on the floor from the factory ? Because you have something that isn't common or generally found, doesn't always add any value.

 

A 69 Cutlass with a floor mounted shift would have the Dearborn or better known as Phord transmission. It's not a rare car but could be desirable because of it being a convertible.

 

Yes factory on floor no console and bucket seats.

 

My unsolicited $ .02 is that 'rare' doesn't automatically equal 'high value', but 'value' in old cars is subjective. I 'value' survivor cars, and having driven plenty of muscle cars in the late sixties and seventies including Olds I like the idea of a factory 3 speed on the floor, no console, because it was a cost saving option, less common in it's time, and you simply would not see such a thing todays showrooms - that increases value - to me. Since the car is all original 'I' would keep it that way... there are sooo many fake 442 etc etc, which is totally cool, especially for someone who started their project with a partial car or assembled something specifically for their own enjoyment. But going to a show or cruise night and seeing fifty 70-72 442s, half of them fake or genuine but highly modded doesn't hold much appeal to me anymore. If I walked down a row of fifty cars and saw yours then that is the one I would remember.

That said, some guys, especially on ultra-rare cars, have taken such pains to 'restore' a car that it ends up better than new. Stunning attention to detail, countless miles for swap meets and endless hours of research to 'get it right' - truly beautiful results many times. But... now what? Most people would not drive a car like that because one hour of driving could require twentyfive hours of detailing, even then it would never again be as 'restored' as before it left the garage.

If it nags at you and you can't decide then selling it for something that doesn't nag at you is an option, there are others like me. "Restore it' means original to me, and I don't think once finished it would command the same price as a high quality resto on a genuine matching W car or Rallye etc. But if the real question is 'can I make money from this project' then probably do it up like ten thousand others (is that rare?) and you stand a good chance of making some money from it. People work on many thing for many reasons, sometimes it's just 'appreciation', but that doesn't pay well, so if restoring then imho it's best to define goals, budget and timeline and stick to them.

 

Kind of depends what kind of shape it's in to begin with. If you're starting with a solid original, then I would say definitely yes.

What will you do with it if you don't restore it?

 

3 speed like 1, 2, 3 or D, 2, 1?

 

RPO M14, an $84.26 option in 1969. Note that this Phord three speed was standard equipment in the 442 that year. The 442s came with a shifter stick that had "442" stamped in it as well as the "H" for Hurst. The Cutlass version only had the "H".

 

If you're trying to flip the car and make money then make sure you spend as little as possible. Does the car have good paint & interior? Is it mechanically sound, does it run & drive?

 

There is a '69 Cutlass Holiday coupe in my area, with the M14, console and buckets, a nice car that the owner restored.

 

I am not going to restore it. I checked the car over and too much work for me. It is 350 matching engine but top half missing, someone stole alternator, radiator, hood, hood hinge. Needs interior redone and convertible top. I is factory manuel 3 speed on floor with Hurst shifter small H on shifter. I have had car since around 1983 and never drove it. Also has 12 bolt rear end. Going to do some more checking. I will most likely put it for sale on Craigslist for $3500 or part it out.

 

This is good place to sell an Oldsmobile. Whey don't you post some pictures for us to take a look at?

 

Sitting for 40 years outdoors in the northeast or the southwest...huge difference in the rot factor.
Dry rot free car that needs a total resto then dont crush or part it, sell it whole.
Rot box part it out.

A manual shift anything from 65-72 is KEWL! Manual vert even kewler.

 

This.

 

I have a 1969 432. Phord 'Dearborn' transmission. Not many around with this get-up.

 

The 3 speed 'Top Loader' trans is one strong manual transmission. Btw, a nice 4 speed Top Loader will slide right in... better, and stronger than any GM manual trans. Hint, hint...
I know the Olds/GM guys won't like that last comment.

 

I have a 69 432 convertible. Yes, rare does not necessarily mean desirable or valuable. But I like mine the way it is. Hope yours gets sold whole and gets restored. Good luck with the sale either way.

 

If OP wants to swap in a 4-speed (which would be kind of pointless if he's decided to sell or part the car), I'm sure a Muncie would be perfectly adequate. Other than that, how is a Top Loader "better"?

Or are you just trolling the Olds guys?

 

Good luck with that swap. The Dearborn three speed has a unique GM input shaft. It does not interchange with Ford transmissions. No Toploader four speed was ever made with the correct input shaft.

 

Oh, that's how ... my mistake.

 

The "crossboss" screen name didn't give it away?

 

Absolutely not. Just pointing out a fact. Some were bagging on the Top Loader. Yes, a Muncie would be fine for his car. 'Other than that, how is a Top Loader "better"?
'Better' as in stronger, thats all.

 

Joe,
Yes, I used to own a Boss 302 with one. The name 'crossboss' stuck with my friends. That said, Im currently into Oldsmobile's big time!

 

It won't be better if it can't be made to work -- you're completely ignoring the post where Joe points out the input shaft issue.

Well done.

 

I had a red on red 1969 Cutlass, 350 3 spd, buckets/no console, no power steering or brakes. It was a fun car that I used to see running around but lost track of it years ago. While it may not be "rare" I would enjoy having it back. I hope you try to sell it whole before parting it out.

 

Yes, you are correct. I was unaware of that fact until Joe pointed it out. However, you missed my point that I said 'better' because it was stronger.

 

You may find a more receptive audience on www.boss302.com

Check it out!

 

Yes, I know that site. Now, your just being a condescending jerk.

 

... I think I'll join up there just to tell them how good Oldsmobiles are.

 

I have. They are not biased (unlike you) and have welcomed Oldsmobiles and the 442 that I am building.

 

Well, this is no longer of any use to the OP, so you may have the last word.

A shame though, because I had a devastating comeback.

 

SOLD: Posted car for sale in Classified section with picture if anyone is interested in looking at it or buying it. Only has 54,000 miles on it with good dash pad and extra stick engine. $4,500 Toledo Ohio