Greetings - new member checking in with a new ride - a numbers matching mostly complete 68 442 base convertible. Was originally an Alabama car that my son and I picked up in Florida. It's definitely a project for us as it hasn't run in 12 years. I'm prepping it for a start up later this week. I put 12vdc power to it this weekend and was excited to see the lights come on, the radio work, the blower fan and wipers function, and all four power windows operate. Then, I went for broke and discovered the power top operates as well.


Other than that, I've been checking, recording, and photographing numbers and date codes as I inventory the car for matching or missing/incorrect parts. Still have a long ways to go there but it's fun work. I'll be pre-oiling the engine, cleaning the carb and lines, and replacing the leaking gas tank with it's small amount of 12 year-old gas with a new tank and fresh fuel before lighting the fires later in the week.


I've been reading posts as I researched 442's before we bought one and to prepare for its restoration - thanks to all who so willingly share your stories, advice, and photos. It's great to have a place to ask questions! I tend to listen/read more and say/post less in keeping with Abraham Lincoln's advice. Have a great night all.


Don

 

Wow! Welcome to this site! In my opinion, this is the best Olds site going today and you will find a lot of '68 owners here. This site has been a big plus for me in restoring my '68 4-4-2 convertible (and now I'm working on a '69 4-4-2 convertible). I trust you will find it to be the same. Please post pics when you can!

Randy C.

 

Welcome to the site, post some pictures when you get a chance.

 

68s... where?...nobody likes 68s!...lol. Have Qs ask away. Many of us have these one year wonders. Best of the 4 year run IMO but all great.

 

many years, you might want to take the rubber fuel line[s] off the pump, plug the 1/4 nipple with a short pc blocked with a clamped bolt, and run some 3/8 to your own small gas can nearby. Fill the carb thru the vent hole. Use some Sea Foam in your gas can. This alternate fuel supply will eliminate a lot of tank related issues... then after you get her running, convert back to tank feeding the FP.

I have some '68 experience as do many others here.

 

Great advice - thanks! I was planning to run it out of a separate gas can at first but was thinking I'd have to run a return line to it as well - good to know I can just plug that for the start up.


I oiled the cylinders last night and will be spinning the oil pump before starting it up. While most of the engine bay appears original, the carburetor is a mid-70's QJ with lots of stubbed & plugged vacuum lines and an unconnected electric choke. It does have HEI as well. IIRC the electric choke can be powered by any ignition switched 12vdc?

 

Yes, and the wiper circuit with an in-line fuse is often used. This is a better solution from one of the resident experts here where the choke only heats while the engine is running, not when the key is just in the "on" position.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ke-wiring.html

 

This is the best place to get information by far!

 

WTH you need a choke for?

Oh...

"Location: Central Minnesota"

 

Minnesota: Nine months of winter, three months of poor sledding.


Next thing I'll be asking about how to install seat heaters in a '68!

 

I would add them in a heartbeat if recovering the seats. Especially on a convertible and even here in Texas.

 

Welcome! Best of luck with your project. As stated above, we'd love to see some pictures when you get a chance to post them.

 

Pictures, pictures pictures...we're all picture ****** here!

Is this a 325 or 350 HP car???


Do all... and I mean all of the fluids in the car before running it...brake, PS, coolant (separately flush the heater core), trans(complete flush & filter if 325 hp car), diff...etc...Replace all soft lines and hoses including the fuel system and especially the 3 soft brake lines after a good system bleed of course....I'm just sayin...

Let us know when you're ready to super tune this monster...many trade secrets to coax out more HP/TQ. You'd be smart to start out with the correct 251 or 253 QuadraJet on a fresh rebuild. They can be easily converted from divorced to electric choke.

 

Here are some pix if they'll load.


325HP 400, original engine 126k miles
TH400 - original
Factory A/C
Power Windows
Buckets/Console
Rally Pack Gauges
Original scarlet red w/blk top & blk bucket seat interior

 

Looks like it will be an easy project from the pics. Very straight.

 

Looks to be a nice find and a very good project.
Did you get all the parts for the car.
Hows the interior?
The wheels are not '68, did you get the center caps or the wheels for the car?

Gene

PS, more pic's please
Maybe start a build thread.

 

While the car is mostly complete and correct, there are several parts missing. Rear quarter peak mouldings, rear trunk moulding, rear edge of hood trim, and correct rims will be needed. The rear bumper is not 442 so no cutouts and it has a big dent. One rear marker light assembly is with the car and one is missing. The hood vent grills, the trunk rocket and 442 emblems are with the car along with a complete set of new Softseal weatherstripping. All exterior chrome is pitted.

There is a matching spare rim with tire in the trunk, along with the bumper jack but for the base plate and tie down hardware. The car came with three snap in center caps.

The interior is tough but all there. All vinyl seat covers are split and both door trim panels need replacing. There is one small star-shaped break in the dash pad but no missing pieces. The radio is aftermarket and no OEM was included. The top was new 12 years ago but has been stored indoors for the past 10 so it looks good. The previous owner also replaced the convertible top frame so it looks like new and functions well. He also put front disk brakes from a 70 Chevelle on it. All bushings are severely dry rotted.

There's very little rust on the car with the driver's front floor pan being the exception - it is still solid but there are some pinholes in it. There's some filler around the right rear wheel opening but no signs of rust so I'm thinking some light collision damage which needs further investigation.

I created an inventory sheet in Excel to record info on significant parts to help me identify incorrect or missing parts, condition, casting numbers, date codes, and comments to help me know what needs doing. I'm beyond 150 items so far and still working on it.

 

Started the 442 for the first time in 10 - 12 years today - OMG I forgot how cool a big block Olds sounds! It's ear-crack!


Pre-lubed the engine with an old paint pressure pot plumbed into the oil gauge sending unit fitting. Ran it today on non-oxy premium from a can to take the old fuel tank & lines out of the equation. Filled the carb bowl through the vent and it popped right off. Took a moment for the lifters to pump up and quiet down, but then the engine ran very smoothly. Oil pressure is quite high for a mill with 126k miles on it. Then I had to shut it down and go out to shovel snow - back to reality.


Thanks for all the tips - went very smoothly today.

 

Welcome aboard from another 68 442 owner. Got a nice looking project there.

 

Dito on the Welcome aboard. Nice ride/project. I have the S not 442 they are great cars...put 4100 miles on mine this summer with out doing a thing to it but tires. I am also a sota dude so maybe we need to chat a bit...lol

 

Welcome,


I also have an 940 R2 convertible 68 442

 

Installed new gas tank and pickup and it's running today - trans works, brakes work, yet so much work to do!

442 Running side.wmv


So far I've documented the correct water pump, correct "C" heads, and correct X & Y exhaust manifolds. Alternator and carb are incorrect replacements. I'll be starting a project build thread shortly.


RH exhaust manifold Y (3).jpg
LH Exhaust Manifold X.jpg
LH Head C (2).jpg
water pump 1 (2).jpg


Thanks to everyone who's answered questions or offered info/suggestions - it really helps. It's hard to imagine this project without the internet and this site.


Don

 

Um...

1868-1972 covers FIVE years...

 

You are the master gate keeper Joseph!

 

Actually, a HUNDRED and five years.

 

ugh I missed that chance to correct "the great" one! lol...Its not often for you Joe so we gotta get our digs in when the rare occasion presents!

 

Geeze, who thought it was a good idea to put the "8" key right next to the "9" key...