Back to the future.........
February 9th, 2013, 01:41 PM
#1
Back to the future.........
Greetings all. Newbie here. I am a past Oldsmobile owner, looking at the past to make a new future. I ahd a 1972 Cutlass S holiday coupe many years ago. 350/350 auto. She was a sleeper and the motor was "worked". Unfortunately a kid I crashed it and it as sold.
I've had a 1980 corvette for the past 15 years (ok, let the bowtie jokes start....now),but I think it's time for a change. the only car i want to replace it with is a 1970-1972 Cutlass S, Supreme, hardtop, convertible, what ever.
I don't have the bucks fro a true 442, but would consider a well made clone.
(it's amazing how some people think they're slapping some "442" tags and (ugh) adhesive sticker striping on a regular Cutlass and ask for some major $$.
so I'll be checking out the different forums for advise....parts, etc...
But if anyone knows of a good car for $20k or below, let me know
(and no total restore projects...I work too many hours as it is)
Thanks again and happy motoring....
I've had a 1980 corvette for the past 15 years (ok, let the bowtie jokes start....now),but I think it's time for a change. the only car i want to replace it with is a 1970-1972 Cutlass S, Supreme, hardtop, convertible, what ever.
I don't have the bucks fro a true 442, but would consider a well made clone.
(it's amazing how some people think they're slapping some "442" tags and (ugh) adhesive sticker striping on a regular Cutlass and ask for some major $$.
so I'll be checking out the different forums for advise....parts, etc...
But if anyone knows of a good car for $20k or below, let me know
(and no total restore projects...I work too many hours as it is)
Thanks again and happy motoring....
February 9th, 2013, 02:57 PM
#2
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
Welcome!
For $20,000 you should be able to find a pretty nice Olds, and there's a decent chance you could find it right here.
Here's a 442 that will be for sale soon, but will need some work, but you could also find a regular Cutlass in really nice shape for your price.
- Eric
For $20,000 you should be able to find a pretty nice Olds, and there's a decent chance you could find it right here.
Here's a 442 that will be for sale soon, but will need some work, but you could also find a regular Cutlass in really nice shape for your price.
- Eric
February 9th, 2013, 03:14 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Seneca Falls, NY
Posts: 5,289
Welcome
There are a bunch for sale here in your price range.This 442 has been for sale here for a while. I can't believe it hasn't sold:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...r-4-speed.html
There are a bunch for sale here in your price range.This 442 has been for sale here for a while. I can't believe it hasn't sold:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...r-4-speed.html
February 24th, 2013, 01:49 PM
#5
Deciphering VIN's
Hi all. Need some clarity. It's been years since I've owned an Olds. Looking to buy one (1970-72 Cutlass, CS, or 442 clone). I have no problem owning a clone, however i detest sellers trying to market one as an original.
I printed & studied the Olds Spec Booklets for these years, been on various websites to learn how to spot original 442's, but now I am confused. I was under the impression that all 442's were built in Lansing and should have an "M" in the VIN. and that all 442's were supposed to have an "X" as well.
I'm looking at one for sale in TX that would conflict with this. Any light on this would be appreciated.
FYI- here is the link:
http://www.vanguardmotorsales.com/In...4/Default.aspx
I printed & studied the Olds Spec Booklets for these years, been on various websites to learn how to spot original 442's, but now I am confused. I was under the impression that all 442's were built in Lansing and should have an "M" in the VIN. and that all 442's were supposed to have an "X" as well.
I'm looking at one for sale in TX that would conflict with this. Any light on this would be appreciated.
FYI- here is the link:
http://www.vanguardmotorsales.com/In...4/Default.aspx
February 24th, 2013, 02:35 PM
#6
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Chris,
The car in your link is a 71 442. That's confirmed with the VIN starting 344. It was a separate model from 68-71.
In 1972 the 442 could be had on 3677, 3687 or 4267 models with 350 or 455 power. Plus in 1972 the VIN changed to identify the engine with letters. X was the only engine code used for Lansing built 442 W30's.
In response to your other question, 442's (not including W30's) could be produced at ANY of the Olds factories.
EDIT: just was noticing that car has an aftermarket all fibreglass hood, and the OAI top is wrong - not the proper OEM vacuum operated flapper. Oh, the air cleaner is the dual snorkel that was exclusive to the SMT cars.
The car in your link is a 71 442. That's confirmed with the VIN starting 344. It was a separate model from 68-71.
In 1972 the 442 could be had on 3677, 3687 or 4267 models with 350 or 455 power. Plus in 1972 the VIN changed to identify the engine with letters. X was the only engine code used for Lansing built 442 W30's.
In response to your other question, 442's (not including W30's) could be produced at ANY of the Olds factories.
EDIT: just was noticing that car has an aftermarket all fibreglass hood, and the OAI top is wrong - not the proper OEM vacuum operated flapper. Oh, the air cleaner is the dual snorkel that was exclusive to the SMT cars.
Last edited by Allan R; February 24th, 2013 at 02:41 PM.
February 24th, 2013, 03:27 PM
#7
Thanks Allan.
I've been deciphering VINS with a VIN breakdown sheet I got from the GM archives.
I thought "344" was based on:
1st digit: division (3 = Olds)
2nd digit:body (3= A frame)
3rd digit: series (even # = 8 cyl motor)
and going by this any Cutlass 8 cyl would start with 344 as a VIN.
guess I have to go study up a bit more.
I've been deciphering VINS with a VIN breakdown sheet I got from the GM archives.
I thought "344" was based on:
1st digit: division (3 = Olds)
2nd digit:body (3= A frame)
3rd digit: series (even # = 8 cyl motor)
and going by this any Cutlass 8 cyl would start with 344 as a VIN.
guess I have to go study up a bit more.
February 24th, 2013, 08:42 PM
#8
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Chris,
The car you're looking at has a VIN that breaks down as follows:
3 - Oldsmobile division of GM
44 - refers to 4400 model series - 442
87 - Body Style: 2 door holiday coupe (fastback)
1 - 1971 model year production
R - Produced at Arlington Texas
113614??? (Can't read it well) Production sequence at Arlington. Not related to Cowl tag body number.
That car also has some of the rarer 1970 leftover fenders. Easy to tell because they have no crumple ridges on the inside horizontal edges.
In 1971 the standard engine for the 442 was the 455 4bbl developing 270 hp. The only other engine offered that year was the 455 4bbl W30 engine developing 300 hp.
The car you're looking at has a VIN that breaks down as follows:
3 - Oldsmobile division of GM
44 - refers to 4400 model series - 442
87 - Body Style: 2 door holiday coupe (fastback)
1 - 1971 model year production
R - Produced at Arlington Texas
113614??? (Can't read it well) Production sequence at Arlington. Not related to Cowl tag body number.
That car also has some of the rarer 1970 leftover fenders. Easy to tell because they have no crumple ridges on the inside horizontal edges.
In 1971 the standard engine for the 442 was the 455 4bbl developing 270 hp. The only other engine offered that year was the 455 4bbl W30 engine developing 300 hp.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
