Starter frequently craps out when engine reaches temperatures over 200 (when parked)
Radiator had to be changed due to cooling problems, once changed ran perfect.
Thermostat also changed during the same period of time.
Interior needs SOME work, color is alittle faded in areas, but no dash cracks.
Master cylinder wasn't working right, was the original, but was leaking... Ripped that out and got a re-manufactured one.
Awesome acceleration. 3 gears, v-8 power. Under hard acceleration tires squeel in 2nd gear. 1st gear is up to about 35-40 miles when having the crap ran out of it.
So comfortable. I'm 6 foot, 220 lbs with wide shoulders and I fit PERFECTLY. Drivers seat is all the way back and I can fit back their for a long period of time.
Huge trunk, if that counts at all. Probably fit 4-5 dead bodies in their, don't know why youd want to do that though...
Very good ergonomics actually, however I have a CD player in the glove compartment and its very far to reach, about 31/2 feet. Light beam change is perfectly postitioned (little button by the brake, where dead pedal usually is, just press with toe). Windshield wiper is a little switch that says high, low, and off. No guessing! Original radio player is easy to use and is very simple and clean. Instrument gauge is very nice.
Always gaining in value.
Gas is POOR! I'm getting about 8 mpg city! after a 30 minute cruise I used about 2-3 gallons, about a 8 mile trip with a lot of spirited driving and stop lights.
Easy and cheap to fix. Rip out the engine and you have a trailer with style (not that id do that).
Pretty hard to find, but well worth ANY price when found. I think I read that 8,000 were built in 1970 but id have to double check.
If possible can can anyone email me a website with a VIN decoder and where to find the VIN?
Email me at karodak@yahoo.com for info if your thinking of purchasing a 442 or cutlass.
"8000 built in 1970"? The actual figure is more like about 19,300.
Re the gas mileage--what did you expect with a 455 engine? Especially if you do a lot of "spirited driving" as you call it.
Yes and if you notice what car domain is created for, real peer reviews about automobiles. I simply thought people looking to buy one of these would like to know what kind of gas. And it is 8 mpg w/o spirited driving. Thank you for the correction in build #s.
Hello,
I'm the wife of a 442 Oldsmobile 1970 man!
What site would you go on to view how much his car is worth!
I need this figure for asset protection and I really think he should know! He always says it's around the 16 to 20 range.
He has restored it and It is a convertible.
Please help!
Think the poster of the preceding comment is getting ready to divorce the guy and wants to find out how much she should get when he has to sell it?
I agree with the above post. Let's not help the guy get taken to the cleaners.
I'm looking to buy a 1970 442 cutlass and I would like to know where I would be able to find that info. and if 1500 is worth it.
My step dad owns a 87 442. I think the FACTORY 305 IS WORTHLESS, but its not my car. It has the factory airm power steering, but if it was mine I would take that briggs and stratton out and drop in a 403 or a 455 big block in. It will melt the tires off, but showing off to a guy with a 426 hemi is impossible.
I own a 1970 442. It is an AWESOME car with insane power. It will run mid 12's in the quarter mile with sufficient traction (added headers and a cam). Up until recently used it as my daily driver.
THE CONS:
Too valuable to drive
Quality parts are hard to find (Chinese made have poor quality)
Poor gas mileage 8-10 mpg
Handling does not match modern made cars
High compression motor is prone to detonation (today's gas)
Heavy doors, vinyl interior, only 2 door models available
Does not have overdrive transmission
Original made starter overheats easily
Tune up needed more often than modern built cars
Must monitor engine temperature during the summer time
Only few mechanics today know how to repair the car properly
Cars with larger gearing are not made for highway driving
Can easily be stolen compared to today's vehicles
Stock engine is not designed for high rpms (unsafe > 6000)
Exhaust is louder than most cars
Suspension needs lubrication periodically
Cars without power brakes takes effort to stop at higher speeds
No air bags
Stereo system is outdated
THE PROS.
Attractive styling
Mostly mechanical and not computerized
Easy to work on for the do-it-selfers (30 minute tune ups)
Ample engine compartment space without A/C
No overheating issues (summer) when properly maintained
New design starters work well and last
Car exterior and interior is extremely durable
Built with REAL steel, chrome and metal (only 3600-3900 lbs)
Interior has ample room with comfortable seats
High performance suspension rides smoothly
Cars with smaller gearing are great for the highway
The 455 cid engine produces torque like a large diesel engine
Very fast in stock form
Stock motor makes all of its power at less than 5800 rpms
If maintained, stock motor will last due to low rpm power
My original motor lasted over 160K miles while
driven under constant hard acceleration on a
regular basis
Can be made SUPER WICKED SCARY fast for only $10k -$15k more
Turns a lot of heads
Car's value increases everyday
This car was made before GM started to go south. If GM still made affordable quality cars similar to this, but with better gas mileage, modern features, and modern conveniences, they would not be in the condition that they are in now with potential customers buying foreign cars
I use to own a 1970 442 as well, until it was stolen, (see above!).
And I agree with the comment about it being 'LOUD', as I was constantly complained to from a friends neighbor, that "I kept knocking his wife's 'WHAT-NOTS' off the shelves!", (I believe what he meant was, 'knick-knacks'!!).
And, yes, an EXTREMELY FUN car to drive, even when not driving 'spirited'!! And if I could afford to buy another one, I'd do it in a heart-beat!!
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