When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
New Guy! Frame Off Resto‘ - 1970 442 Holiday Coupe
Hey Everyone -
Getting started here as a member. I have been a spectator for many years to the site. I’m 36 years old in Virginia working to restore my Uncle’s car that he left me. It has won a few awards in the 90’s and 00’s but has since seen rough times since his passing. I have always had a passion for the Muscle Car Era. I am thankful for what I have currently and sitting in my garage! It’s not a numbers matching car at the least but has character and is a nice family heirloom to continue to care for. My uncle never had the $$ to restore it but did his best with what he had along the way. Here are a few pictures prior to starting.
Front end of 1970 442 Driver’s Side of 1970 442
I do not have a Protect-O-Plate for the car so I am missing a few pieces of info of what was original. I do have a cowl tag though and excited for the journey. I am currently looking for advise on recommendations for how to rebuild the car. I have everything demo’d labeled and bagged in conditioned storage. I currently have it down to the frame/body. I don’t really have space for separating and storing both.
Nice car and welcome to the group. Automatic or 4 speed? Your car looked pretty clean as is, why are you thinking frame off restoration?
Much appreciated. It’s an Auto (TH400). The transmission is not original to the car but it appears I may have two spare TH400 transmissions in an old garage my parents have. I need to confirm if one of those matches the year. The car was mistreated at a local tuning shop where they spun a few main/rod bearings on the highway. Thats is what started the journey by pulling the motor for rebuild. It has a bit of rust in the usual spots. The frame has some rust as well but luckily they applied undercoating in this car which appears to have done a good job at preserving the steel.
I primarily chose to do the frame off as I would like to keep it in the family for many years without concerns about what is covered up. The car was sort of hacked together in some areas; lots of bondo; epoxy; incorrect bolts/fasteners; etc. My plan is for a resto mod but keep as much original as I can. The car was originally a Sherwood Green with a gold vinyl top, gold stripes and gold interior (atleast that what I see from the cowl tag). I am conflicted on the paint scheme ans it’s not numbers matching anyways. I’ll attach the tag in a few.
