Hello, new to the site, recently acquired a 68 442, I just found out that all 442’s from 68 had a 400( from this forum) but I decided mine and it’s a 2 barrel 350/auto, how can I find out what configuration my car originally came with? My vin comes up as a real 442 but apparently it’s been messed with! Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

 

68 442, came with a 400, no 350s.

 

Yeah 400 is what it left the factory with if it's a 442. If you can shoot a picture of the trim plate under the hood it can provide some general information. A build sheet might be present hidden in your car, but don't count on it. If it is there, then it can tell you almost everything.

 

This is what the body tag says

 

The body tag won't tell you anything useful as far as the engine is concerned. It is well documented that 1968-69 442s came from the factory with Cutlass S body tags. What's the VIN? If the VIN starts 344878xxxxx then it is a real 1968 442. There were only four engine options for the 1968 model year, all using the G-block 400 motor. The base engine was the 400 4bbl rated at 350 HP with manual trans and 325 HP with TH400 automatic. The RPO L66 Turnpike Cruiser was a 400 2bbl rated at 290 HP. The W30 was a 400 4bbl rated at 360 HP.

 

I'll add that more detailed info on the car and photos will get you more useful information a lot sooner. The mind reading thing still isn't working and playing 20 questions gets frustrating after a while.

 

While you are at it snap a few pics of the engine cast numbers above the water pump and the large letter (or number) on the front of the driver side head..

see this thread on where to locate the numbers.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...engines-13691/
:

 

The VIN derivative will tell you the year of the block.

 

Yeah I got the number above the water pump, it’s an olds small block, and a 2 barrel, was mostly interested in finding out what it originally came with, the metal sticker under the hood is pretty much blank, at least what’s left of it, so no idea there, doesn’t look like there is much info out there, haven’t seen a build sheet, would be really surprised if I did, well thanks for the info guys, I’m enjoying it the way it is so, I will continue, it is a bucket seat car, holiday coupe, no center console, aftermarket slap shifter, had been painted flat black before I got it, that’s pretty much all I know about it. 350/auto, headers, dual exhaust, engine looks very stock.

 

Post a picture/image of the VIN and post a picture/image of the VIN Derivative located on the engine block. If they match, that will tell you that engine came in that car off the assembly line - if they don't match...guess what.

 

I think he's pretty much determined that it doesn't have the original matching G-block, Norm. Now he just wants to know how it was equipped from the factory 56 years ago.

To OP: unless the car was built or first sold in Canada, or it came with paperwork, or you get lucky and find a build sheet, there's really no way of knowing how your car was originally equipped.

However, if you post the VIN and cowl tag, we might be able to provide a few clues.

 

You're correct. Apologies. That was on me. I began reading, then typing, left Browser window open, got called away & finished typing w/o reading updated posts.

 

Yeah, thanks for the info, it’s obviously far from original engine wise, was just curious what it had, the metal sticker by the radiator is still there somewhat but illegible, so not much help. Well I’m sure I will have more questions in the future, lifelong 442 lover, first time I’ve actually owned one.

 

It's probably a Cutlass, not a 442. Like 4 people have said, post the vin to know.

 

We can also determine where it was built, which could be the key to whether or not it's possible to document the car further.

 

Maybe it has no VIN.

 

Maybe we've already wasted too much time on someone who refuses to provide information...

 

 

I think that’s the engine tune up decal. The VIN will be on a tag at the base of the windshield on the drivers side.

 

But, the older cars had that metal tag located on the radiator, also which wasn't a tune-up tag; but, instead radiator MFTR info.

 

Radiator tags...examples.

 

I thought we were discussing a 1968 model?

 

We are...it's an older car.
Didn't the 68 have the same type metal radiator tag?

 

It definitely had the VIN tag. The radiator tag doesn’t give you much information about the vehicle.

 

The OP stated the above. I assumed the OP was referencing a radiator tag which obviously has no pertinent intel/info but it's a good jumping off place for me to vacate the thread.

 

A 1968 442 with a replacement engine is nothing unusual. Those long-stroke G block 400s were better suited to truck and station wagon duty than high-revving performance.

Post the first 7 characters in the VIN i.e. 344878Mxxxxxx. That's all we need to tell us definitively if the car started life as a 442.

You can have just as much fun with a Cutlass/F85 as you can with a 442.

 

After 50+ years, anything is possible. If I had to put money on it, I'd say it's a Cutlass (with a Cutlass VIN and 2bbl 350) that somebody stuck a few repro 442 badges on rather than a legit 442 that someone swapped a 350 into.

 

It’s a legit 442, vin has been verified with the sheriffs dept here.

 

Dont be shy lets see it. Everyone here likes pictures. From nut n bolt restorations to rotted in half and everything in between.

 

This is how I found the old girl, she doesn’t look much different right now, I got new tires, redid the brakes, it does run and drive fine, removed and resealed the windows, trying to figure out how to kill the mushrooms growing out of the back seat, lot of rust to repair but luckily nothing structural.

 

I guess I should be happy they at least put in an olds 350 and not a Chevy truck motor.

 

Good save!
Looks like good bones from the top side. Must have been in a fairly decent climate.
How are the frame, floors, trunk pan, dash/cowl etc?

You are in the right place for assistance on proper resto advice and parts sourcing.

Original Jade color car. S - 2.
940 black interior
IMO don't install a vinyl roof. Make sure the holes for the trim were welded up not bondo'ed

 

Yay! Resurrection!

 

You're two days late.

 

I see what you did there!

 

As the song goes, "Jesus drives an Oldsmobile, and God hopes He trades it in."

 

what song is that? Doesn’t ring a bell.

 

 

Lol…that’s great, never heard that before…

 

Nice!