My wife’s mother has 1969 442 w32 convertible. She drove the car for 4 years 36000 miles. The car was parked and has not moved since 1973. I see not many where not many made. I have taken possession of the car not sure what to do with it. I have the knowledge to do most of the repairs but the floor needs replaced I can’t handle that. I have talked to a few resto shops they think it needs a 100k plus redo. Is the car worth that or should I do it myself and drive it. My wife has sentimental attachment. Any input would help and maybe some shops that I should talk to. Willing to take it to any state for the right person.

 

Pictures would help greatly.

 

Pictures would help tremendously.

 

Pictures will help a lot but from what you say it is probably going to be a do it and drive it. If you do a full fledge restoration you will be afraid to drive it for fear of scratching it or somebody hitting it.

 

I will get some pics up as soon I can. Body is decent top, floor and and truck pan are bad.

 

Does the engine run or has that not been attempted, as yet?

 

Not all resto shops insist on a full restoration, you need to find one that will give you the options to persue what you want accomplished, and will work with a budget. Where are you located? Others here may be able to direct you to a shop with a good track record that will be able to work with you. W32 convertibles are rare, off the top of my head i think that 25 were built.

 

Super rare. Super cool car. Not the top performer like a W-30 but cool car. I had a friend that had a W-32 hardtop. It has been in The Power Tour. I would love to see pictures. We all would. You don't see many factory 69 W cars in their original state.

 

If you put 100-120K into it for a full tilt rotisserie style restoration, then take it to MECUM you may get your money back but prob not unless two drunk bidders are at war.
Do you have the paperwork to prove W32 prominence?

For top dollars it has to have the paperwork, it needs to be a great color combo and all major components must match the vin and build dates.
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Get it on a lift. & look closely at:
-trunk floor, the upper pan between the inner wheel wells, and all support structures.
-cow/firewall structure under the windshield wiper stainless trim
-where the firewall mounts to the frame.
-inner rear wheel wells
-floor supports/braces
-frame

If it's junk go no further until you make some decisions. The metal work will quickly absorb 30-50K.

If the frame, the body mounts, and dash/cowl areas are solid and all you need is the horizontal sheet metal floors/trunk pan you may be OK. If it gets into rotted inner wheel housings firewall/cowl reconstruction & other major support structures it will be expensive! Read more than it's worth restored.

Was this car in the damp northeast/northwest since 73? If so chances are you have a rare parts car now.

If that's the case and you absolutely need to have it on the road again for sentimental reasons consider finding a nice rolling body & frame then transfer the heart of the car over to it. It will never be a true W32 again but it will be back on the road and driving with key parts.
This option could be 1/2 as expensive depending on how much of the work you are capable of.

Get a few opinions before you make any decisions. Get it on a lift and examine exactly how bad/good it is.
Yes, pics of the underside and above-mentioned metal areas will help us determine if it's too far gone.

 

Wow. That is a lot of I formation to take in. Invest 100 grand in it? Wow slightly different world than what the poster is thinking.

Nevermind on chasing the lame world of auction cars. I don't trust Any of them. Do what you want with the car. It doesn't have to end up as a garage trophy. Enjoy the car. Learn what you can. Actually drive and enjoy the car. Don't worry about making it "perfect" Make it yours.

 

The motor has not been turned over in almost 50 years. My wife’s mom bought it new and it has never been touched. She passed away in the mid 90s all paper work was lost then and I have not tried to get anything yet I thought I would start at original dealer and with the state. If it is to far gone I’ll just make it a driver and use it. Might just be easier anyways then I can use it. Just don’t want to alter and put miles on something that might be one of a kind. The car is all white with black pinstripes white interior. I’ll get pics as soon as possible. She has some of the pics from new in 69.

 

Take every single picture that you can before you change anything. Especially if it has the W-32 stickers on the fenders. Under hood pictures will tell so much. Especially if it is as untouched as you say. Rust issues or not. Don't count that car out yet. Showing pictures could really help you to decide. The number of factory W-32 cars with proof is probably a handful at most. Your car could be a deep learning tool to so many.

 

We cannot help you unless you get some decent pictures posted ..that helps us help you..then you will get more specific info. DrOldsmorland knows his ****..I consulted him when I bought my 70 w30 car as to what exclusive areas to look at for rust etc

 

There were 25 1969 W32 convertibles made. Documenting such a car is difficult, so any paperwork to substantiate the provenance of the car will be in your benefit. They are easy to clone.
The W32 was effectively the 350 HP manual trans motor with an automatic and the W30 O.A.I. system. Normal AT 442s only got the 325 HP motor with a milder cam. The W32 was intended to be a more streetable version of the W30. Good luck, it's a very rare car. A documented one will be worth quite a bit.

 

J have a read, see attachment.
This will give you an idea of the minimal dollars & work you need to invest to get it safely driving & stopping under its one power, IF its solid.

As mentioned don't touch anything yet. If the car is solid and untouched it's an important restoration tool for the rest of the Olds crowd to see how it was initially assembled back in 68-69.

There are things you NEED to do to the engine before spinning it over. Don't just toss a battery in and hit the key.

PM me for particulars on how to safely bring an engine back from hibernation.