basically the F85 was the el-strippo version of the Cutlass, many times with things like rubber floor covering, taxicab-like smoother vinyl seat material, more basic door panels (none of the fine Corinthian burled vinyl walnut inserts here!). Not sure whether the f85 was post-only cars or couldbe had in the regular hardtop version. Never came in a Supreme (more formal notchback) version or a convertible. Casey's 70 W31 is a F85 W31...you could order the W31 package on both the post(F85) body or the regular nonpost body. The F85 was the ticket for someone wanting the most basic (read: lightest) car to tack on performance options for racing. When you got up into the 442 line of cars you could get a post coupe but they were always badged as 442's instead of F85s. There are others on here that know much more. Patton
Thanks for the info Patton! I'm still a closet Olds lover:grin: and drool all over my keyboard when I see pictures like that..
the cars interior--note the cool "cheapness" and drool. This one has the rubber floor covering, stripper seats and door panels as well as the most basic of steering wheels, the "smoothie" non-ac F85 dash pad and the radio delete. Note the 4 speed Hurst shifter protruding from the trans tunnel. Other "cool" features (or lack thereof) are the smooth wheelwell openings with no stainless WOM's and no screwholes in them. Same thing on the bottom of the trunklid---no stainless trim there.
Hey Smartin! You should take some time off on Friday and head to Gateway. Chevy454 is having the Supercar Reunion Friday and Saturday. They will be racing on Friday! You can drool on mine, just be sure to clean up after yourself!:laugh:
I'm not sure if I know more, but in 70 the F-85 was a post coupe only model. Probably the same thing in 68 and 69. Another interesting aspect of said 70 F-85 (since I also have one, but not a true W-31) is the rear seat. It is wider than a holiday coupe from the same year because there are no rear arm rests on an F-85. Also, the sun visors are the one post model. They don't attach to the rear view mirror. And the wipers are the non hidden setup. So the wiper motor is different, as is the lower stainless on the windshield and the wiper arms (or at least the driver side) LOVE that F-85 only steering wheel though. btw, to further confuse and confound. I have a 70 F-85 parts car (in addition to a running/driving 70 F-85) with a/c. That means tinted glass and a dash pad with holes in it. Of course my good 70 F-85 was optioned with tinted glass. I got the protecto plate, bill of sale and window sticker. Real cool and one reason why I'm saving it.
You should see the interior now. Gene Wray removed the interior after a point deduction in Denver and all of it is new. Even the rubber floor mat. Still never been wet. It is a great example and correct date coded down to the shocks. All paper tagged and still sports the Walker tags on NOS tailpipes. W-27 with 5.0 gears from the original dealer. All numbers match and documented. Sorry I could not take the car. Just too damm far . John
Where did Gene get a new rubber floor mat?! Dave Bunch has been looking for years for any decent floor mat for his W-31 restoration.
Dave who? :grin: Is he still above ambient temperature? Haven't heard a peep from him in years, and only mention was the W car stripe article in Musclecar Enthusiast a coupla months ago (about time someone straightened out what's right and wrong on those stripes. Lots of bad ones out there. Wouldn't a rubber mat from a Chevell be the same thing? Didn't all Chevelles come with rubber floor mats? :grin:
Yeah---where is the "other Dave" anyway? As one "Dave" said--all we get to hear is the article in Musclecar Enthusiast...and a short one at that. Maybe we need to have a W-31/F85/Post coupe 442 Reunion like the Yenko guys.
Count one Olds crashing the Yenko party!:grin: Leaving at 4 in the morning, driving over , beating the crap out of it, and driving home that night. God, I live for these 25 hour days!:TU:
Blrian, have Dave Bunch get in touch, I have a supplier in Alabama that can make a set of rubber floor mats for any car if he has the floorpan mold. I have one for a 66 4 speed and a F 85 W-31 . John
That is my sleeper car i keep dreaming about 'cept the one im my dreams has a 455 and black vinyl ( how the hell do ya spell vinal) top. Everything else is there, dog dishes, wide ovals, 4 speed, bench, w-25 hood, no spoiler and white. :Brow:
