New Olds 442 project

Any updates?

My first Olds was a white 69 Cutlass with a blue top and blue bucket seat interior.

 

No, been so busy at work I can't even find time to drive my cars. I have been collecting some parts. I got this rare n34 sport steering wheel, these are so hard to find and if you do they're pricey. This one is good for my needs since this H/O tribute will hopefully be a nice driver. The grain is worn off and there is some pitting on the horn button surrounds. I'd like to dye this wheel black, and then I'll put a wheelskin on it. Any suggestions on a dye and I guess this would be a flat black?

 

I found a nice set of 15x7 chrome SSII date coded wheels. Still waiting on the rear interior side panels, been on back order for months. Hope to get it all together soon.

 

wow, those wheels are mint!

 

Tommy!!! How are you? Tell you what... See how close a 1970 442 fuel line (from tank to the front of the car) is to a 69....

 

I had some time off recently so got to do a little work on the car. I cut the hole out in the hood and installed the mailboxes.I had the new windshield put in, I repainted all the wheels the correct color, they where purple before. The H/O wheels I'm saving for later. Installed the rear spoiler, put on all the wheel well molding and fender trim. I have the new outside mirrors on and painted all the headlight bezels and grille. New bumpers are ready to go on next and then I'll visit the painter. Then I'll have to take everything off again, and bring it back. At least I'll know everything will fit and no drilling after paint will be necessary. I'll detail the engine after also, too dusty at the body shop. All my new seat upholstery, emblems, carpet came in, it will be last thing to do. I think I'm going to try and cover the rear seat first by myself. It will be my first, but I'll give it a whirl.

 

I never realized the mailboxes were one piece. Are you going the full H/O paint scheme?

 

Yes Mike, I have all the measurements and paint codes with diagrams in a binder. The firefrost gold may be a little difficult to get since Dupont dropped two of the ingredients to the formula. I think PPG is still available , and if not I have another formula I found.

 

TCP Global may be able to mix that paint. Check Auto Color Library - owned by TCP Global

https://www.autocolorlibrary.com/pages/classic-library

I don't see that color on the chip chart, but, if you type in the name it comes up good. I'd call them to confirm.

 

Thanks Matt good to know in case all else fails.

 

So I figured until I get my other buckets recovered I'd clean these seats up. I used VHT black satin vinyl dye also good for cloth seats and carpets. Three coats did a nice job with new backs and aprons looks presentable, just got one done today. Eventually I'll sell these, I believe they're 67 seats. After taking off the seat backs I noticed they where metal as well as the aprons. I'm not positive but I believe they used metal up to 1967 and then 68 started plastic with the side buttons, and after 68 middle buttons. Are these metal seat backs and aprons desirable? Anyway I see now why a lot of you complain about aftermarket parts they suck, the fit is terrible on the seat backs. The only reason why I used them was because I ordered the wrong backs needed the center release buttons for the other buckets and ordered the side backs by mistake.

 

I finished the other seat today. I also had to make a baffle for the one valve cover. The PCV valve goes in the valve cover and there was a spot inside the edelbrock covers for it. I cut a piece of aluminum, tapped the holes and used some lock-tite on the screws should be good to go. I had these polished by Andy Tants last year.

 

Great Find ! Have a blast with it.

 

I got a chance with the nice weather today to get this rear bumper, reverse lights and exhaust done. I'm happy with the parts place rear bumper, nice fitment and shine.Then I took her out for some exercise, oh yeah. Spring can't get here fast enough.

 

Looking great!

 

Nice Work !!

 

I think the plate in the valve cover should have louvers in it.

 

Very nice work. I'm a closet Olds fan.

 

I had a '73 455 Olds 88 conv for twenty-eight years. It was the most dependable car I ever drove, It never failed to get me where I was going.