Hey out there.
I've submitted a post a couple of times within the last year which has I believe has an interesting story. I've tried to purchase unsuccessfully for the last 10 years or so a 1980 442 that has been sitting behind a transmission shop for nearly 25 years. In really poor condition interior wise, surprisingly solid body wise. It was kept in trade for non payment on work.
I get a call from a customer who told me that there is a 1980 442 some 10 miles away for sale.
My reaction was, "You're blanking me?" Sure enough the exact same car - same Vin - same color was for sale. What is the odds?
The original owner started to restore - new windshield - rebuilt 1970 Olds 350 - new transmission - new carb - new exhaust - new tires. Unfortunately he passed away and his friend was told by family members to go ahead and sell it.
I know it doesn't have the value of a 79 Hurst Olds but obviously is much rarer in production. Which to me is mind boggling on how it can be valued so much lower than a 79 Hurst Olds.
I finally finished restoring it and added my own personal touches as it wasn't OEM matching numbers engine and drivetrain anyway. Painted it white and gold, as in the south black cars are hot to the touch and a
nightmare to keep clean. I added vinyl seats not cloth as well.
In restoring any car many parts are ridiculously hard to find or repro parts don't work well at all. I've restored quite a few Oldsmobiles - 86 442 - 88 Supreme Classic, AMC cars as well, and it's the same scenario.
For a 1980 Calais parts are hard to find compared to a 78-79. I wouldn't say this is a major build as what this thread is but should be more like major aggravation - as rocker trim clips don't work - door weather strip
doesn't fit quite right - the top of the door dew sweeps aren't quite long enough, etc. etc. I'm sure those out there know how it is.
My clock doesn't work - did before I started restoring it - my cruise control doesn't work - the air condition doesn't work but the compressor does - the factory air shocks don't work - just little things really.
Honestly though, if this car wasn't 1 of 886 I'd probably had flipped it already.
My wife says I better keep this car for a while because she helped on restoring it, as she's helped me on the others, and it was a pain in the *** for her too.
I most likely will keep it because the 79 Hurst Olds I sold 3 years ago, I actually felt nauseous when I saw it drive away and I sold it to a guy who doesn't live far away and I see my former car
3 to 4 times a year and it still stings that I sold it. Plus how many 80 442's are still out there? It's a good conversation piece as even some knowledgeable Oldsmobile guys don't even know
a 442 was made in 1980. That alone makes me feel good.
Just wanted to share my story as I really think Cutlasses drive and ride really smooth.
I'm going to post some before and after photo's soon.

 

Cool car !
please post pictures.

 

 

Here's a couple of before restored. I'll get the finished ones ASAP.

 

Awesome car, I am more partial to the black and gold but to each their own, i wouldnt have a problem finding a permanent space in the garage for either color LOL. Cant wait to see the rest of the pictures!!!

 

Here is the finished product. No OEM but I think it came out well.

 

Looks awesome !
I Like it !