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Hi There! Excited to be a newbie. I just bought a 1970 442 Convertible with 400 Turbo Hydramatic 3 Speed Automatic, with 56,460 actual miles. Engine and Turbo 400 numbers match. The rear was swapped with a 1970 W-30 with the 3:42.1 posi-traction gears. PNT Codes match: 14 Platinum Silver C= Navy Top. The Trim Codes Match. It has the optional Tic-Toc-Tach, the Hurst Dual Gate Shifter and Console along with the Painted Dual Sport Mirrors. (see pic below to what I have thus far determined by the VIN and Codes.)
I know the Oldsmobile Production Numbers indicate 2336 442 Convertibles with 3 Speed TH400's were built.
I included a pic below. As you can see it's not perfect, but it is original. I already ordered a new convertible rear window to replace the sun-faded existing one. Will probably order a new rear bumper.
Wondering outloud if this is something I should restore or enjoy? I'm leaning towards enjoying. Looking forward to learning more from this forum.
John
Here's the VIN and the Codes. Everything matches original.
Last edited by 70 442 Convertible; Sep 19, 2023 at 09:13 PM.
Had a house in St. Paul at 611 Dayton. Moved from Chicago, bought in 1989 and lived there til 2000. Sold and bought house on St. Croix in Prescott, WI. Thanks for the reply. Your W-30 sounds awesome. In Scottsdale since 2008. My first Olds classic. Love it.
Great looking car and I'm a big fan of the original steel hood. One comment on the top and your rear window. All convertible A-bodies in '70 had glass rear windows. That top is a low cost replacement. Doesn't look to be in bad shape in the pictures but, if you're after originality, you'd really want to put an original style top on it with the glass rear window. If all you want to do is see out the back window for driving, have at it!
I too love seeing a steel hood. Lack of wing is refreshing as well. Standard steering wheel. It so nice to see a car that is not overly redone. This car looks low mileage and well cared for to me. Maybe consider your top options. Doesn't look like that needs be a rush item.
Thank you Sir! Appreciate the insight on the convertible top rear window.
Already ordered the rear window replacement in plastic. (yes, to see...lol)
When the convertible top needs to be replaced I'll go with Factory or OEM matching original to with the glass window thanks to your words of wisdom.
Thanks no1oldfan on your appreciation for it's originality. I agree about the top. Just replacing the rear sun-faded plastic window.
You're welcome regarding the additional photos.
One comment on the top and your rear window. All convertible A-bodies in '70 had glass rear windows. That top is a low cost replacement.
Note that in order to replace the rear window curtain, the entire top has to be removed, so a complete top replacement would be in order. May be able to get that plastic window looking better with one of the 303 brand marine (boat) plastic restoration products.
Oh, and welcome aboard. Have you looked into joining the AZ Olds Club? They meet up on the 3rd Saturday of the month at The Pavilions (Indian Bend and Pima).
I got an upholstery guy that said he can sew it in and secure it to the top rail at the rear of the convertible top. ???
The window itself comes with surrounding color coded canvas. Maybe that's why??? Hope it works...
Thanks 1969w3155! Yes, I agree, mechanically it's near perfect and the interior is gorgeous without a microscope. The #Biggest "Small Thing" I want to do is the rear bumper. In your humble opinion would you rechrome the original (any value in keeping original) or buy an OEM matching rear bumper at The Parts Place like the one below? Any input/advice would be appreciated! Thanks, John
Here's the rear bumper in it's current condition: No idea what rechroming costs, I know it takes weeks. Thoughts anyone? I'm leaning towards replacement above.
If your rear bumper fits well, and that appears to be the case, and you value originality, then have the original bumper replated. When you purchase a repop you have no idea how the fitment is going to play out. Just my 2-cents worth.
There's nothing like the original parts that were installed by GM. If you can replate your original, that is certainly the better way to go in all respects except for cost. Chrome plating prices are all over the map and so is quality so shop wisely. Several years ago I had the original bumpers of my '69 442 replated by Ogden Chrome in Utah. They offered a few different levels from simple re-chrome to show quality and did an outstanding job. I'd certainly recommend them and any time this topic comes up there are always a handful of names provided by some of the other guys.
I've heard generally good things about the repro bumpers but I think they're mostly 'driver' quality. If you just want the car to shine when you drive it, may put a repro on it but hold on to your original. Definitely don't turn it in as a core.
Drive it and enjoy it!! Market is flooded with over-restored, over-priced classics that just get passed from one investor to another and never driven in the rain. There's a reason why 'survivor' cars get more attention than the shiny, new, perfect paint cars.
There's nothing like the original parts that were installed by GM. If you can replate your original, that is certainly the better way to go in all respects except for cost. Chrome plating prices are all over the map and so is quality so shop wisely. Several years ago I had the original bumpers of my '69 442 replated by Ogden Chrome in Utah. They offered a few different levels from simple re-chrome to show quality and did an outstanding job. I'd certainly recommend them and any time this topic comes up there are always a handful of names provided by some of the other guys.
I've heard generally good things about the repro bumpers but I think they're mostly 'driver' quality. If you just want the car to shine when you drive it, may put a repro on it but hold on to your original. Definitely don't turn it in as a core.
Drive it and enjoy it!! Market is flooded with over-restored, over-priced classics that just get passed from one investor to another and never driven in the rain. There's a reason why 'survivor' cars get more attention than the shiny, new, perfect paint cars.
Thanks Scott! Oh, I'm driving it and am really, really really enjoying it! What a fun car!!! I like your "Departed" List. Notable on my list is a 1967 Firebird 400 Convertible, 1968 Camaro 327 3-speed convertible and maybe my 1972 Mustang Convertible. This 442 tops my Firebird 400 as my previous favorite by more than just a little bit. lol
Last edited by 70 442 Convertible; Sep 25, 2023 at 08:15 PM.
Great! fyi, I'm jealous of your car and your location! Love AZ but haven't been back since my boar hunting expedition many years ago!! Haven't seen a set of those Eagle ST's in a while either. They must have some age on them but still look great.
My buddy has bumpers that he ordered through Fusick's for his '68 and '70 442's.Thye one for his '68 looks a bit better than the one for his '70, probably due to the cores that they have. They are shipped from Indiana. They are a decent quality, but definately not show. If I had a driver, I would have no problem buying one.
Great! fyi, I'm jealous of your car and your location! Love AZ but haven't been back since my boar hunting expedition many years ago!! Haven't seen a set of those Eagle ST's in a while either. They must have some age on them but still look great.
Wow. Just read that Goodyear discontinued the Eagle ST's in the mid 90's. That makes them 25+ years old. The previous owner had the car for 30 years and only put on 4000 miles. Low mileage on 25 year old tires doesn't matter, does it? I should probably replace them immediately, right?
Beautiful car, yes the tires are toast, stay off the freeways until you have decent rubber..
A buddy in Mesa worked on a vert very similar to yours, must be a few in the area.
Beautiful car, yes the tires are toast, stay off the freeways until you have decent rubber..
A buddy in Mesa worked on a vert very similar to yours, must be a few in the area.
Thanks! Regarding Eagle ST's: That's what I thought. Will replace immediately. Thanks again.
Thanks so much Scott! $550 for a set of 4 used Eagle ST's with 38 people watching? That equivocates to a nice discount on new raised white letter tires. Thanks again for the heads up!
These are the cars I especially like. Nothing wrong with the restored concourse type but mostly original, cars with some "character", I very much appreciate. That sure is a striking color combo too. Without debating safety aspect / longevity of rubber, I'd replace the tires too for peace of mind. Also, I know replating chrome bumpers are a small fortune nowadays, but the one on the car looks to fit well and be in pretty good shape so I'd bite the proverbial bullet, and get the one on your car rechromed. That being said though, I'd feel no shame at all driving it as is. It's a good looking, honest car with some imperfections. I like it! Good luck with it, John. - Aaron
