Hey Folks;

Ok I started my 65 442 vert a few months back. finally uploaded some pics but cant find them now. I wanted to see what y'all thought. The car was in stasis for 20+ years as I had to deal with 2 growing daughters. The Olds had exterior done first (had to have a place that would sort of store it). I know this is backwards restore but best I could do. Sent two engines (both out of a 65 442's), one is the original and the other was out of a long since dead coupe. Engine went to a Excellent builder in Redding Ca (American & Import). It should be ready in about a week or two. If you find the pics please let me know how to post them properly for y'all to see em.
Also -- any ideas on replacing the stock, always broken, T shifter for the Automatic? Car is headed for daily driver not a show car but will prolly go to small local shows because its a rare car.
Thanks

CroixDad (pronounced CrawDad)
or Paul

 

Nice!

 

Thanks Del -- There are shots before the clear coats -- still have interior.. but man -- its a pandora's box -- fix one thing -- then 4 more pop at ya LOL

 

Awesome ragtop. It looks to be Royal Mist if you used factory paint. One of my coupes is that colour. Sweet.

 

Welcome to the site! Yes, very nice car! If the motor is going to Redding California where are you located? I'm in Southern Oregon just over the border from California and there's several members here North of San Francisco. John

 

Looks to be in great shape! On the shifter, keep checking ebay. Or you can always repair the one you have.

 

love to see more 65 rag tops!!! i have yet to see another 65 ragtop in person, i only see them (like yours) on the internet, but even that is refreshing!! i've seen a couple 65 hard tops in my area, but no convertibles. looks great, good luck!!

 

X2, I have seen 2 other 65 rag tops in my town. Yet to see them while I'm driving mine.

 

Sure doesn't seem like there are a lot of em. Ouch -- broke a rod in original engine -- guess I will just sleeve it and continue on --

 

what do you guys think about the H or X style crossover for exhaust??

 

Had vehicle at Craigs Auto to go over everything so far and make sure nothing is backwards . Everything is stock, no fancy header, intake or rubber. This is attempt to keep it as stock as the day she was born. Anyway, she is running and in next few days (after alignment and such) I take to interior guys and they start to work. I wanted it for Pomona or Good Guys but that wont happen. posting a couple of pics before we got carb and cabling done.
Hope you like what Im doing with her.

Its been a long time.. I cant stand the wait LOL

 

Duh.. I only have 2 braincells left and they argue.. Bah

 

coming along nicely, i like the color bronze you used on engine

 

Very nice!

 

ok, I cant stand it now. Monday morning I get to DRIVE the Olds to the Upholstery shop for the final part of this build. Doesnt sound like much but other than a 2 block hitch and go last week to get gas, I havent driven her since 1986. Im as excited as a 7yo on Christmas eve. Hopefully it will be done by Friday.
These are latest pics - I would have more but family has hidden all the cameras for some odd reason. Oh Well... SOON!!!!

 

Of course, neither is a "stock" configuration. I chose to go with the "H" kit from Flowmaster. EZ install. I have the 442 manifolds and the drivers side has the spring loaded heat riser that effects (partially blocks) the exhaust comming out the left tail pipe. With the "H" pipe, it equalizes this condition somewhat when the heat riser is active (on cold start-up). An "X" would do the same. I wasn't looking for power enhancment, just a softer "gurgle" noise.

 

Don't give up on the stock shifter, mine didn't work at all until I took it apart and cleaned and greased it, now it works as new.
Nice car wish mine was a 442, everyone says it's just a Cutlass but I really like 65"s.

 

check BRO'S site for a shifter fix, maybe it will work for you