I am restoring my first 442. I am a real car lover and respect what these beautiful cars are. With that being said. I am restoring a 1968 442 Cutlass Convertible. I want input on what you guys think as enthusiast.. Should I restore it back to factory beauty or custom pearl pain? It came factory white,black top,red interior absolutely beautiful combo. Would it be distasteful to paint it a beautiful white diamond pearl with a black top and red interior? I just don't want to disrespect the 442 name or hurt the integrity of the car. At the expense of a look? It isn't #'s matching or anything. But the next best thing to me an Olds 455. So not wanting a concourse restored trailor queen. Not wanting to start a argument. Just looking for input.

 

If the car is not original to start with and you have no interest or intent on making it such, I see nothing wrong with the direction your going. IMHO its your car and your wallet, the only persons opinion that really matters is yours. Other peoples opinions come into play when you go to sell it, they will also speak through their wallet.

 

Well if you plan on keeping the car do what you want to make yourself happy, that is the most important. Now on the other hand if you plan on selling down the road you would have to be careful what is done to it because some folks like stock but not radical. I too am restoring a car just like yours and I will keep it stock but that's my own personal preference. One thing I will add is that its hard finding a lot of the body parts for a convertible since that year has very little reproduction parts. Guard your chrome/trim pieces like its a million dollars because their for sure are no productions on them and they cost a good penny to get redone.

 

I appreciate your insight on the chrome. It is my first 442 restoration. Man they are sweet cars. I especially love the 68 front nose & grille. Mean!