This is a great site, and the information is incredible!

I'm looking at a car and will be ready to purchase next week:

• 1969 442 Convertable
• VIN 344xxxxx
• 400 (can't see block #, but head on driver's side has the "C"), bronze color. Factory AC/PS/PB.
• TH400 with column shift
• Someone changed to Edlebrock carb w/chrome air cleaner.
• Starts easy, no smoke.
• Factory exhaust manifolds, trumpet tail pipes
• Front buckets, uphostery is great w/no holes or tears front & rear
• Dash & glass looks good. Odometer reads 19k.
• Top & carpet need to be replaced.
• Body looks straight & good, there's been some rust repair (fiberglass or bondo) behind each wheel
• Bumpers, grill, trunk, & hood all look straight and real nice.
• Trunk is dry, but looks like fiberglass repair in one half. Seems solid though.
• Can't pull up the front carpet to check for rust, but I'm assuming the worst since it is a rag-top.

I'm ready to buy if it drives well, and I can get the seller to reduce the price a tad.
I'll test-drive next week. Please advise, as I'm new to the A-body. What should I look for and test?
I'm looking to end up with a nice, quality cruiser, not a museum piece.
Thanks, Skyko

 

As with all convertibles you need to check the frame for rot. It is boxed and dirt and road salt can collect inside. Add water and things start to rot.

 

Welcome to the site! Lots of good, helpful people here. I wish you luck with the 442. It may be a good Idea to take the car to a shop to have them put it on a hoist and check it from underneath. Although for the right price I would probably buy it as long as nothing unrepairable is wrong. My car had a cracked head and was badly overheated and I still bought it. As long as you have some mechanical ability and the frame is not rotted out I am sure you will love it!

Chris

 

Welcome aboard

Take a fridge magnet and a small telescoping mirror. Check for Bondo behind each wheel and the rear quarters. Rear quarter/ truck rust is common. The frame IMHO depends more what area of the country the car has been.Road salt is murder up north.

Good luck