i was think about buying an 1977 olds 442 for $800 it has a free and clear title, interior good, body's good, just been siting for a long time. my question to you guys is an 1977 442 a good car, is it worth $800 and even if i put $1,000 in to it could i get my money back if i where to sell it

 

I don't think you would be able to get your money out of it if you buy it and intend to flip it after only putting $1000 into it. I suggest buying an older car as a hobby not as an investment.

Then again, you can't beat $800.

 

well don't plan on selling it that was just a question, and if i were to buy it should i keep it original or built it. like throw a 455 in it

 

It depends on what you want to do with the car. I know people that would buy it and just drive it until it died. For $800 it would definitely be a project car.

 

At 800 I would grab it work on it get her right sit on her a few years then consider selling it initial flip I wouldn't see you making a profit really.But in a few more years definitely just my opinion.

 

It sounds not too bad and 800 sounds even bettern esp for a 442!!
If it is all or mostly original, I would keep it that way and make a good driver out of it. Just because it sat, doesn't mean it won't run. Later you may decide to sell or maybe restore it more.

If it has been highly modified, then it would be a good canidate for a custom or hot rod.

Pictures of it or more detailed description would help more.

While you might not profit from it, I would say you could prolly get your money back if in the condition i am thinking...

 

800 Bucks I would buy it.

 

this is the 442 some pics of it

 

Ahh hell, buy it!

 

so it's good, that's not a hurst transmissions is it?

 

if it runs jump I would minimal effort to fix

 

Hurst makes shifters. It should have a 350 Olds engine with a BOP th350 transmission. BOP stands for Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. Overall from the pics it would make a decent project car. The one thing I would make sure that the car as complete as can be. With the least amount of rust. If your looking at as a investment then I would pass, but If you want to fix up and enjoy then go for it.

First thing you need to do is looking on the net to what is made for the car for replacement parts.

The guy to contact on the site about info for this car is 442much. He is the member that is into this year of 442/Cutlass.

 

thank you

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence Andy. no1nosrob, check your PM. I've answered your questions. You can post your questions here too.

 

The nice thing is that chassis and engine parts are still available at good prices form your local parts shops and online. A good driver would not cost too much.
An obvious paint job would be needed, but here is a good time to learn it yourself if you would like. If rust is low, then it sounds like a great candidate for a fix up.

The engine looks nasty but pretty complete. A few cans of gunk, some brushes, and elbow grease will have that engine looking fairly nice! It is amazing what cleaning can do...

 

Buy and drive it like it's a rental!

 

^^^^^^LOL what he said!!

 

Looks like a roach, you wont be able to flip it for profit. If you want an expensive to do project then go for it.

 

Buy it an drive it. Have some fun!

 

does anyone know where i can decode the vin ( 3G37R7R1747422 ) and i found a number behind i think the water pump (395558-2)(the 2 was big)


found out what everything means but the last 7 (1747422) i know its the production number

but they didn't make 1,747,422 of them so what does it mean?

and

whats the BIG 2 mean ( that its a small block)

 

the guy that i am going to buy the car from has a 71 442 for sale but just a shell and need body work just in case anyone cares ( and other cars as well other makes and models form year rang like 1950's-1980's)

 

There should be 6 numbers not 7. 3=Olds G=Cutlass S 37=Hardtop Coupe
R=350 engine 7=1977 R=Arlington TX production plant 174742=sequence no. Sorry, don't know what the "2" stands for. The car was probably the 74,742nd Cutlass made in 77. What does the trim tag (on the cowl) say?

 

About those extra car and parts the guy has. I bet everyone would appreciate if you could take some pictures of them (I presume they are in a yard) and post them in a new thread in the cars or parts for sale forum. This way, other members can just view them. If you post the guy's number (with his permission) then they can call him.

 

if its solid, has all the parts and has a clean title then yes it is worth $800.

and as already stated no you wont be able to "flip" this one and it will, and I repeat WILL cost more than $1000 to get this car in great shape.

if you are careful where you spend your money and do most of the work yourself then it might be worth what you have in to it at best.

if not bought as a current daily driver but as a project/learning car then sure.