I'm a Newb, Im Purchasing a 442 Project!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5,507
From: Seneca Falls, NY
A refresher for our younger members. Starting with the 1969 model year, the feds required that the shifter and steering column be locked with the key. GM's solution to this was to use the column shift style linkage on floor shift cars to ensure that the shifter was locked. On manual trans cars this linkage was connected to the reverse lever on the trans. Since this backdrive linkage needed to be in place anyway, GM saved production cost by using only one configuration of NSS/backup light switch - the one on the column. The backdrive linkage automatically moved the column-mounted switch for backup lights (even with a manual trans) and provided the NSS function for A/T floor shift cars. Manual trans cars used a separate clutch interlock switch that used the same wires as the NSS. The two purple wires were simply plugged into the clutch switch instead of the NSS on the column.
Last edited by allyolds68; Nov 14, 2012 at 10:57 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,533
From: Chi-town
Once the car is started the driver should not be able to remove the key while the car is running. My ignition key cylinder was so worn that I could remove the key once the car was running. Seems trivial but was a nice feature. I could keep the car running on a cool night or while warming up and remove the keys, lock the doors and walk 20 feet away and not worry about the car being driven off since the doors were locked. Since I replaced the cylinder with a new one I can not remove the key unless the car is turned off.
On a side note, my ignition key starts my neighbors 70 convertible but his does not start mine.
On a side note, my ignition key starts my neighbors 70 convertible but his does not start mine.
Just an Olds Guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24,528
From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Once the car is started the driver should not be able to remove the key while the car is running. My ignition key cylinder was so worn that I could remove the key once the car was running. Seems trivial but was a nice feature. I could keep the car running on a cool night or while warming up and remove the keys, lock the doors and walk 20 feet away and not worry about the car being driven off since the doors were locked. Since I replaced the cylinder with a new one I can not remove the key unless the car is turned off.
On a side note, my ignition key starts my neighbors 70 convertible but his does not start mine.
On a side note, my ignition key starts my neighbors 70 convertible but his does not start mine.
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
Got back late tonight from NH. I purchased the car! Got him to include delivery to CT too. When I first arrived the car was getting charged up and it was completely boxed in by a slew of killer muscle cars. The car started right up, pulled it outside and took it for a drive around. Honestly, the road to the shop was crazy so it was a good test drive to test the car. Handled nicely, I was sold. After thorough inspection, yes theres some rust but the car is sound and driveable in its current state. I plan on doing a frame off resto with this killer. Everything works except the reverse bumper lights, no biggy. Im having him do a few extra things, so the car isn't getting delivered until late dec early jan. I'll try to post a video and I'll post pics from my visit.
Just an Olds Guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24,528
From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Ok, after reading that carefully a couple times and looking at the MT linkages and AM pics of backdrive rod/connector, I get how it works now. Thanks Mike.
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
lol, what do you expect from the looks of that engine! yea, the video is from my phone. Its weak, but kripe look at that engine never been pulled! Nothings been done to this car for 11yrs. Paint was done 12yrs ago, it was a crap paint job. I'll postr another of them adjusting carb.
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
Here's the owner and his mechanic trying to tweak stuff and trying to sell me after mentioning that stuff
. They were fumbling around with the carb and the cover. Yes it does sound weak, but I'm very impressed that it did start and perform on the road. I mean $%^t, look at the the engine. I got some good pics of stuff that ill post soon.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 542
From: Sault ste Marie ,Ont
Like a friend of mine says"pictures are deceiving" ,looks nice BUT be prepared to walk away if it doesn't live up to what you are expecting .$10K is not a drop in a bucket given the fact that body work and paint could be another $5-10K ,rebuilt motor possibly the same amount and all the little" odd and sods" parts are expensive .You could sink a lot of
money into the car and never get it back BUT if you plan on keeping it for a long time then
do whatever feels right .
money into the car and never get it back BUT if you plan on keeping it for a long time then
do whatever feels right .
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,802
From: Northern VA
Yes. The linkage rotates a collar inside the steering column that prevents the key from rotating to the LOCK position unless the linkage is in reverse (for MT) or park (for AT).
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
heres some pics. I plan on doing a frame off resto and I plan on keeping the car forever. Yes there was rust issues on the lower edges of body, but thats expected. Frame was rusty, but no holes. Engine number matched the Vin. Last time she was on the road was DEC 01. She wont be delivered until late Dec, because I'm having them do a few things to it. Everything worked except the rear backing lights, but that no biggy. I'm pumped, cant wait to get started on this project!
Just an Olds Guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24,528
From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Well at least it's a real 442 by the VIN. That wheel opening pic looks like it has fibreglass and bondo.
Nothing on the car that can't be restored with time and $$$$$$$$. Callous as it sounds, it looks to me like this guy was into appearance only. No effort made to restore anything underneath. Looking forward to your build.
Can you post a pic of the cowl tag when the car arrives?
Nothing on the car that can't be restored with time and $$$$$$$$. Callous as it sounds, it looks to me like this guy was into appearance only. No effort made to restore anything underneath. Looking forward to your build.
Can you post a pic of the cowl tag when the car arrives?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 310
From: Murray, KY
The car has definite potential but that engine bay tells a lot. Some of the car looks way too nice to have an engine looking like that. It's kinda like some of my dates back in the day. If you rub and scrub the make up off what you really have may surprise you. All in all it looks pretty good and hey.... drop top 4 speed 442's don't come along every day 
Good luck to you and enjoy it !
Good luck to you and enjoy it !
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
Got the car today! Here's the cowl tag Allan R
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015_zps30ffd341.jpg
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
Here's me on the right with the dealer Roland
2012-12-31_1338_zpsdc4cfa86.png
2012-12-31_1338_zpsdc4cfa86.png
Thread Starter
'70 442 Convertible
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 71
From: Southington, CT
bahaahaaa! yea, i know what you mean! I think it was a good buy though for what it is. I've been looking for a project for awhile and this one fits my criteria. Do you know Roland?
