A Newbie
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 44
From: Kansas City, MO Area
A Newbie
I've had Oldsmobiles in the past and still have a soft spot for them. I am considering the purchase of a '69 or '70 442.
My question; What do I need to look for in terms of trouble spots (rust, chassis or drivetrain issues, etc.?)
My question; What do I need to look for in terms of trouble spots (rust, chassis or drivetrain issues, etc.?)
Administrator
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 42,417
From: Poteau, Ok
Welcome to the site and good luck in your quest. Rust can form any where under these cars, so check the frame and floor from front to back. Look around the lower fenders and quarters for paint bubbles. Also look at the vinyl roof for bubbles or appearance issues that could hint to rot underneath. Check around front and rear windshield/window mouldings for rot in the window channels, etc etc.
For drivetrain, if you are not mechanically inclined bring a mechanic that knows older cars with you. If you need to check authenticity of parts, there are many on this site that can answer your questions.
For drivetrain, if you are not mechanically inclined bring a mechanic that knows older cars with you. If you need to check authenticity of parts, there are many on this site that can answer your questions.
Old School Olds
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,264
From: Marble Falls TX
Good advice from Eric. The Southern and Western cars are better candidates
for lessor rusty cars as well. Unless you can find a barn find, few and far between
nowadays it seems. Good luck in you quest. Are you looking for a driver or a project
or something in between?
for lessor rusty cars as well. Unless you can find a barn find, few and far between
nowadays it seems. Good luck in you quest. Are you looking for a driver or a project
or something in between?
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,627
From: Northern VA
The most important "trouble" spot you need to look at is the VIN. There are far more "Faux-Four-Twos" on the road today than real 442s. Even real ones have been cobbled and bastardized. An "incorrect" car isn't necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you are looking for, but be an educated buyer and don't pay Barrett Jackson price for a clone. Too many sellers watch far too many cable TV car auctions and everyone thinks their POS is worth a million bucks.
Once you find a car that interests you, look closely for rust, especially rust on the pinchwelds around the windshield and back window. This is a very common problem area and proper repair requires removing the interior and welding new metal. Few people fix this properly and the result is an expensive resale red car that leaks water after a few months. Also look for poorly-repaired rear quarter panels.
Many here are happy to comment on a car that interests you if you post good quality photos.
Once you find a car that interests you, look closely for rust, especially rust on the pinchwelds around the windshield and back window. This is a very common problem area and proper repair requires removing the interior and welding new metal. Few people fix this properly and the result is an expensive resale red car that leaks water after a few months. Also look for poorly-repaired rear quarter panels.
Many here are happy to comment on a car that interests you if you post good quality photos.
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usertroy
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Dec 13, 2012 08:19 PM
