I don't get to drive my 442 much. I haven't lived in the same town as it for 9 of the 10 years I've owned it. I bought it in 05; it would not run, and was an abandoned project. My buddy in grad school and I needed wholesome entertainment, so I bought this thing off ebay and it was locally near me. Got it running and driving over the next few months, and then I went off to work.

Now that I'm finally moving into a house, I'll move it down to Evansville this fall, but today was a nice day at grandma's house, and I figured it needed running. Hadn't ran in a year or so, charged the battery, topped off the ATF, gas down the primaries, and fired right up. Previous owner put a radical cam in it, so it's hard to tell what "stable idle" is versus "needs more gas till it warms up." Timing is off, so it takes off a little slow till it winds up a bit. Managed to get out on US41 and get to 60; it squawked the tires in both shifts. Ran around a bit, then put it away before someone noticed the expired plates.

I hope to get it running well this fall, then I'll be a hooligan for a while before tearing it down.

I do have a front bumper.

I know it's not very inspiring compared to what most people do with theirs, but I missed driving it enough that it was worth some pictures and maybe a post here.

 

Oh no!! Now you need to see a doctor because you look like the joker with a permanent grin!!

 

Prety neat pretty neat pretty good pretty good...

 

That sounds like a good day. Heck, call it great.

I'd keep a permanent grin for at least day too.

Grandma, Oldsmobile and a run down the freeway.

What was for dinner? I want to know.

Crap man, not all of us drive show cars.

 

Just the sound and feel of these are beasts make them magical. They all dont need to be show cars. Enjoy it and get cracking lol

 

It's more inspiring than you might think. Good to just see them on the road, breaking up the monotony of fuel-efficient, imported garbage.

 

Glad you got to enjoy your car for a short period of time. Its always nice to take them for a ride, its a mental reminder on why we get into this hobby. Yup, its that s#it eating grin that is so hard to wash off your face when your done.

 

I think your story is more real than you know. A lot of us don't have show cars. Heck, many barely run (like mine). Enjoy it when you can.

 

Don't feel bad.... I have a 67 W30 that's been sitting in the far corner of my garage for the past 15 years...... Presently working my way back to that part of the garage..... Maybe it will see daylight before summer is over....

 

I like it a lot! I'm glad you got some seat time.


Cheers, Jerry

 

I just lost a great friend Sunday.He was the former owner of my '55 and loved Oldsmobiles as well as anyone I ever knew.Attended a private service for him yesterday in Alabama, and now have the dreaded task of deleting him from my cellphone list. Guess it will get better as time goes on. Larry (Rocketowner). Plan on going to a show this weekend,maybe that will cheer me up. Larry(Rocketowner)

 

I am still glad this went to a good home. I was after this car for several years and then lost contact with the owner.

 

Good for you, John!!
That had to be a super feel-good, big-smile day.
I know first hand how it feels to have the car(s) you yearn to drive sit dormant for years.
I know it's been tough for you since you obviously had your car on your mind in it's absence.
Hopefully, you'll have it with you soon and be able to get to work on it.
Let me know if you need anything.

 

Those 66-67 442's are inspiring no matter what the shape. It must have been difficult having a long-distance relationship with her but it sounds like that is about over. Remember, just like driving our cars, restoration is about the journey, not the destination

 

Hahaha, don't kid yourself its really about the destination.

 

My new favorite quote lol

That sounded like a blast!
I have been itching as well. I even thought about putting on some goggles and let it rip just couldn't smile or I would be picking the bugs out. I really dig the 67 they sure are growing on me

 

The ONLY way to finish it is to start on it. Take it from somebody who knows.

 

Sounds like a great day to me !

 

I was just trying to make him (and myself) feel better

 

Nobody knows this feeling but us car guys. You can't explain it to ordinary folk. They don't get it. It's like it's alive.

 

I have to say this journey building my 67 if fun, but i cant wait to get it to the destination. So I can drive it on a journey.

Steve

 

You mean it's really not????!!!!!

 

My '71 has more personality than some people I know