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I have this 69 old convertable and vin shows the 344 to be the 442 but the Fisher tag decoded shows cutless s?? They both show it's a Lansing Car is this legit?
Definitely a 4-4-2 if the VIN is legit. The cowl tag snafu is well documented. AFAIK W-32 can't be confirmed without paperwork. The presence or absence of certain equipment can rule it out but there's no other conclusive proof.
Joe will be able to give you more specifics when he gets here ...
Oh, and welcome!
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; November 14th, 2015 at 10:20 PM.
Reason: Welcome!
Welcome. Randy and others have covered it. The factory-issued Fisher Body Manuals document that fact that in the 1968 and 1969 model years the factory used 36xx body tags on real 442s that came with 44xx VINs. As far as Fisher Body was concerned, the body shell for a 442 in those years was exactly the same as one for a Cutlass S. The differences were in the drivetrain and suspension, which was beyond Fisher Body's control (or care). FYI, my 68 W-30, 69 H/O and 69 442 all have 36xx cowl tags and 44xx VINs.
As for the W-32, there are far more of them on the road today than were ever built by Oldsmobile. As noted, the only way to prove a 1969 is a W-32 is with a build sheet or other documentation (like the actual bill of sale). There has been at least one very expensive W-32 clone in recent years that had faked documentation, so even paperwork must be scrutinized carefully on a high-dollar car.
A couple of things to look for is that there were NO 1969 W-32s ever built from the factory with A/C. There is at least one car that ALLEGEDLY had the A/C completely retrofitted by a dealer. That car has no documentation either, so again, I'm skeptical. Retrofitting A/C requires significant disassembly of the car to do it right.
All 1969 W-32s came with power disc brakes and TH400. All came with the G-block 400 motor and C heads. The W-32 was rated at 350 HP like the MT cars instead of 325 HP like the lesser AT cars. The primary difference was the cam, but obviously you need to disassemble to motor to measure the cam profile. Bottom line is that you should assume the W-32 is a clone unless ironclad proof is offered, and pay accordingly.
So basically what is a 69 442 convertable worth that has been totally restored into w32 form? Here is the description of all the things the car has done to it. I just copied and pasted his ad.
The best way to get into an Olds convertible is with the always-wonderful Oldsmobile 442 W-32 options . This convertible offers V8 power 400 (350hp), a ton of luxury options, and the same handsome good looks as its big brother muscle cars.This car was a frame-off restoration about 3 years in the making, this 442 ragtop certainly looks the part of a muscle car. It seems that this was a straight, clean southern car when work started, so rust was minimal, with good panel fit throughout, a hallmark of Oldsmobiles from this era. The overall look is crisp and clean, with a minimum of ornamentation that would otherwise distract you from the handsome silhouette, particularly the kick-up behind the doors. All of the chrome was refreshed at the same time, with bright bumpers and a very nicely preserved egg crate grille from a 1969 model. I put new 442 badges because some parts were old.When I bought the car the owner said he didnt have time for the 442 and it had the badges to prove it I have documentation can be looked up thru the VIN#. A Full frame restoration was done I have receipts and pictures of the whole process took me 3 years off and on restoration was done by www.soscustomz.com in Oceanside CA. I have over 100 pictures of the whole restoration in progress.There is so much parts to list but when you see the car you are able to appreciate it all.New top seals convertible boot+ more. The body is all original metal no bondo all parts are original reproduction from OPGI which also includes everything needed for restoration. Car is equipped with AC unit everything works. Motor was rebuilt a 400 with C stamped heads Edelbrock Torker Manifold and OEM rebuilt carb. TH400 Transmission , 12 bolt rear end, new suspension front and rear stock components , fuel/brake lines, Front disc brakes, big radiator w/electric fans, + more. The car was Body worked blocked and primed in urethane then painted with PPG paint and Clear GM color with red racing stripes No Rust!. All the chrome has been re dipped or bought new. New canvas w/ glass Top Robbins new seals.New interior Dash, Carpet, Door panels, Leather Seats, all interior new.Top of the line Retro Sound system kick panel speakers and rear speakers. Wheels are unique they are OEM 15" with all the chrome re done and red line tires.No refund on deposit.This car is a real head turner no matter where you go if any one has questions message me or call I have a lot more pictures if you want specifics you can get an inspector 3rd party to check out car is perfect
Last edited by johnnyb81; November 16th, 2015 at 04:42 AM.
Nice car. A few things I noticed: It shouldn't have the Oldsmobile script on the hood
and there a no rockets on the door panels as there should be. Never did like those
steering wheels. The stripes on the trunk shouldn't be there either. Good luck with you decision.
Last edited by tru-blue 442; November 16th, 2015 at 05:49 AM.
That car is NOT a W-32, and quite possibly not a 4-4-2 either.
It has a 34467xxx VIN.
To the OP: That car isn't "restored" in any sense of the word. Restored means put back to original. This car is so far from anything Olds built that "restored" is not the word to use. It is at best a resto-mod and at worst a cobbled-together fright pig. Unfortunately, without an in-person inspection, one can't know. The seller is evasive in the ad copy. That should always raise red flags. Good luck.
Thanks guys I really appreciate the help!! I'm a Chevy guy and I'm sorry to say I'm going with an all original 1969 mustang mach 1 S code. I just love the year 1969 the cars were badass and I hate when people make tributes or copies like the 442. Maybe I will find a 442 convert one day but will be tinkering with this one for a bit. Here is a pic if I post it right.
You're way better off with the Mustang if it's legit. And the nice thing about Fords (and Mopars for that matter) is a lot of info is available right in the VIN, so it probably is. Having said that, you'll probably want to get a Marti report (if it doesn't already have one) to find out exactly how the car came from the factory. S-codes were getting fairly rare by '69 as Ford was phasing out the 390 FE.
Beautiful car. The '69 was my favorite.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; November 19th, 2015 at 10:16 PM.
Reason: Addendum.
Yeah the guy has the report and a stack of paperwork with the car. Says all the numbers match including original block which is hard to find sometimes. I'm not sure the engine has even been rebuilt but I'm guess it has because it looks to pretty to not have been but you never know.
November 14th, 2015, 10:13 PM
