BUILD THREAD 1987 Olds 442 Project Build

[Canon_Mutant]

Pretty amazing detail really. Looks like a Holley EFI setup on that 455 with W/Z manifolds even

 

[Tom Lambert]

Thought I would move the build over here from the 442 page. Here's what's been done so far.

Get the car home

Tear the front end off

Take the engine out

Take the body off the frame

Start to strip the frame

Sand blast the frame

The frame blasted clean

The frame coated

Install Inline Tube rear disc proportioning valve and stainless brake line

Come to grips with rear torque box body rot

Put the F**D 9 inch with rear disc together

Rebuild a Monte SS 12.7:1 Constant Ratio Gear Box

Show off the Dual Quad intake

Test fit the prototype 18 Billet SSIII wheel with silver vinyl inserts and red pin stripe

So that's where I am up till now.

Hutch

 

[Tom Lambert]

Finally got a chance to do some more work to the old girl.

Stripped the cluster and trim out of the dash

Pulled the driver side door glass out

Pulled the rear glass trim and the rear valance panel (Holy Crap the flash shows the dirt)

Stripped the tail light wiring and trunk carpet. I found surface rust at both corners in the back of the trunk, but no sign of a leaky rear window??

That's all for now.

Hutch

Those wheels looks very good, Where can I buy a set?

 

[oldsofb]

See page 13

 

[oldsofb]

Had this done for a while, I've just been lazy in posting.

Painted the rear and laid out all the parts for assembly.

Hutch

 

[oldsofb]

The rear installed and the Control Arms connected.

Hutch

 

[oldsofb]

Drilled the upper shock bolt holes out to 3/8 for the QA1 shock mounts. Installed the upper mounts.

Put the UMI Rear Shock Tower Brace in at the same time.

A Couple pics of it all together.

Hutch

 

[oldsofb]

A shot of the 18 inch SSIII on the rear of the 442. Not on it's own weight, and not the final ride height, but I like it!

And the mess that is my garage.

Hutch

 

[Canon_Mutant]

I am sincerely hoping that putting the upper control arms on is easier with them already attached to the rear end because, if not, I am committing suicide immediately. I had them on once with the rear end already attached and nearly committed suicide then of course finding out next that my rear end was toast.

Cautionary recommendation: Even if you are not experiencing rear end problems, pull the cover and make sure your rear end is completely good BEFORE you swap all the control arms, shocks, springs, etc.

So, I am getting close to reinstalling mine. Please Please Pretty Please tell me it is easier with the one side already attached?

Seriously, good job Hutch. Looking good. I still think you're going to beat me done with your complete ground up but I'm OK with that as long as we both get to ride in each other's cars before . . . well, death? See aforementioned suicide intervention request , , ,

 

[TURNA]

Don't know who I missed this build but glaf I found it. Looks great!!