Can anyone tell me what are the differences between a 69 cutlass and 442. I have owned both for 25 years and Im currently looking for a restored 69 442. I know the obvious such as 344vid#, 400ci and grilles, but is there a difference between a cutlass and 442 frame and conv and hdtp frame? I have also seen some 442s for sale without power brakes, is this possible? Thanks, Bob

 

Welcome to the site, there's a lot of 1969 fans here so you should feel right at home You've got the vin down, that's good. In 1969 the 442 would have come with a 400 cubic inch motor, the Cutlass would have been a 350. The 442 had the FE2 suspension that was stiffer springs and a rear sway bar with boxed control arms. I think it also had a slightly larger front sway bar but am not positive. Then the grill as you said and emblems. Any option that came on a Cutlass could have come on a 442 as well. Thats what comes to mind, I'm sure others will add to it. John

 

As noted, the 69 442 is essentially the same as a 69 Cutlass as far as body and frame are concerned. Differences were the 400 cu in engine, the TH400 trans (if AT was selected), spring and shock tuning, larger front antisway bar, rear bar added with boxed lower control arms, and different grilles and emblems. Also, the base 442 interior was bucket seats and a HD three speed manual with floor shift. Other than that, the cars are the same. Note that convertibles had a boxed frame vs. the open section frame on Holiday Coupes and Sport Coupes.

 

Thanks guys, that does clear things up for me

 

How about the rear bumper with the cut-outs for the trumpet exhaust extensions? I thought they were unique to 4-4-2 as well.

 

Yup. You are correct. Interestingly, the bumper brackets for a 68-69 442 are different from those on a Cutlass, in that the 442 brackets have the little tab for the tailpipe hangers used with the trumpets and cutout bumper. Olds finally figured out that they could use those same brackets on all Cutlii, so the 70-72 cars have the tabs on all rear bumper brackets, but the 68-69 cars do not.