Trying to identify a 1966 442
#1
Trying to identify a 1966 442
Hi all
I've been trying to figure out if a car I found for sale is a real 442 or not. I've done a lot of research online but still am confused. I have the VIN number as well as the trim tag. The trim tag is odd because there are almost no options listed on it other than the color of the car and the interior having bucket seats. The VIN number is 338676Z128280. This number matches the trim tag. From my research I understand this car was produced in California. It's provincial white with blue interior bucket seats automatic console floor shifter and it is convertible. One thing that's odd is it looks to have regular Cutlass tail lights instead of the tail lights I normally see on a 442. Other than that it appears to be legitimate. I understand the early 442s were parts bin cars but I'm wondering if anybody could verify authenticity of this car.
Trim tag
Last edited by carsofchaos; September 26th, 2016 at 09:20 AM.
#3
Hi all
I've been trying to figure out if a car I found for sale is a real 442 or not. I've done a lot of research online but still am confused. I have the VIN number as well as the trim tag. The trim tag is odd because there are almost no options listed on it other than the color of the car and the interior having bucket seats. The VIN number is 338676Z128280. This number matches the trim tag. From my research I understand this car was produced in California. It's provincial white with blue interior bucket seats automatic console floor shifter and it is convertible. One thing that's odd is it looks to have regular Cutlass tail lights instead of the tail lights I normally see on a 442. Other than that it appears to be legitimate. I understand the early 442s were parts bin cars but I'm wondering if anybody could verify authenticity of this car.
I've been trying to figure out if a car I found for sale is a real 442 or not. I've done a lot of research online but still am confused. I have the VIN number as well as the trim tag. The trim tag is odd because there are almost no options listed on it other than the color of the car and the interior having bucket seats. The VIN number is 338676Z128280. This number matches the trim tag. From my research I understand this car was produced in California. It's provincial white with blue interior bucket seats automatic console floor shifter and it is convertible. One thing that's odd is it looks to have regular Cutlass tail lights instead of the tail lights I normally see on a 442. Other than that it appears to be legitimate. I understand the early 442s were parts bin cars but I'm wondering if anybody could verify authenticity of this car.
#4
The VIN won't tell you anything, as the 442 package was an option that year.
Normally, the cowl tag would have a "5V" code indicating the car is a 442. Unfortunately, this is a Fremont car, and Fremont did not put the 5V code on the cowl tag. As a result, Fremont cars are easily cloned.
Unless you have the Protect-O-Plate or build sheet, there is no way to prove the car is real.
Normally, the cowl tag would have a "5V" code indicating the car is a 442. Unfortunately, this is a Fremont car, and Fremont did not put the 5V code on the cowl tag. As a result, Fremont cars are easily cloned.
Unless you have the Protect-O-Plate or build sheet, there is no way to prove the car is real.
#5
Damn Californians hahaha. Yes I was worried about not seeing the 5V anywhere on the tag so I guess that explains why nothing's there. I think for the price I'm getting it at it's going to be worth a gamble whether it's a real one or a clone. Once I have it back to my garage I'll start seeing if I can find a build sheet somewhere. One thing I find a little worrisome is it's got Cutlass tail lights.
The VIN won't tell you anything, as the 442 package was an option that year.
Normally, the cowl tag would have a "5V" code indicating the car is a 442. Unfortunately, this is a Fremont car, and Fremont did not put the 5V code on the cowl tag. As a result, Fremont cars are easily cloned.
Unless you have the Protect-O-Plate or build sheet, there is no way to prove the car is real.
Normally, the cowl tag would have a "5V" code indicating the car is a 442. Unfortunately, this is a Fremont car, and Fremont did not put the 5V code on the cowl tag. As a result, Fremont cars are easily cloned.
Unless you have the Protect-O-Plate or build sheet, there is no way to prove the car is real.
#6
Hmmm... Missing the fender vents and tail lights say Cutlass to me. And does it have a hood spear too? Here's a pic of a real one, lol.
Last edited by tru-blue 442; September 26th, 2016 at 09:35 AM.
#7
Look inside the trunk for evidence that the tail lights have been removed and replaced (like marks that the nuts have been removed and reinstalled, for example). I assume this has a correct E-block 400 motor and Jetaway?
#8
Yes the fender vents missing completely throws me. Were those specific to 442s or were they specific to the year 1966? If it was a standard Cutlass would there be a lot more information on the trim tag or were most cars out of the California plant missing trim tag information whether they were a 4-4-2 or not?
#10
#11
Yes the fender vents missing completely throws me. Were those specific to 442s or were they specific to the year 1966? If it was a standard Cutlass would there be a lot more information on the trim tag or were most cars out of the California plant missing trim tag information whether they were a 4-4-2 or not?
#12
#19
Sorry guys got stuck at work so I'm just now replying. Yes the air cleaner that in the car is not a 442 air cleaner. However it is a 50 year old car and I have seen people grab whatever random air cleaner they can put on a car at some point. The car is coming from an estate sale so the person representing the car doesn't know much about it. Here's the only other engine picture I have. Even if it's not a 4-4-2 there's still nothing wrong with a 66 Cutlass convertible!
#23
Yeah there's no 442 emblem on the dash that was one thing I noticed right away. We're trying to get the thing for $1,500 so even if it's not a 442 I think we're ok
QUOTE=tru-blue 442;956455]Cars, what emblem is on the dash? Quack, quack. What's the price if I can be so bold?[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=tru-blue 442;956455]Cars, what emblem is on the dash? Quack, quack. What's the price if I can be so bold?[/QUOTE]
#26
#27
Light Blue interior looks very strong although door panels were hole punched for speakers. I think that this car has an odd color combination. Born Provincial White with a black top (C-2) and a light blue interior. Is there something missing with the generator being up by the power steering pump, like is this a smog motor or something. More picutures would be nice.
Thanks
Wayne
Thanks
Wayne
Last edited by 35tac; May 21st, 2018 at 01:09 PM.
#28
#29
#30
Joe, thanks for getting back to my comment. Spent a day last week lowering the rear bumper to install my new back up light harness. Noticed when I jacked up the car that there was a sway bar on my 66 vert. This discussion generated my question and your answer moved me to relook under the rear. Yes, sway bar and boxed control arms. The fasteners show a group of younger fastners.
I am not saying the car came with a sway bar and boxed lower control arms originally. I am assuming sometime in it's life the sway bar and boxed arms were added.
So does anybody have a few pictures of OEM boxed arms. Just another learning moment on Classic Oldsmobile.
Thanks
Wayne
I am not saying the car came with a sway bar and boxed lower control arms originally. I am assuming sometime in it's life the sway bar and boxed arms were added.
So does anybody have a few pictures of OEM boxed arms. Just another learning moment on Classic Oldsmobile.
Thanks
Wayne
Last edited by 35tac; May 21st, 2018 at 01:05 PM.
#32
Even if not a 442 (which it seems like it's not), I think everyone can agree that if you can get that car under $5k, running or not, you're getting a great deal.
I could use one of those spinners off the hubcaps if you get it and want to part with one.
I could use one of those spinners off the hubcaps if you get it and want to part with one.
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