442 restoration options

[gbodytoys]

I agree with above statements. I would update engine/drivetrain/suspension but keep all original components for sale with car in future. Keep paint/decal scheme but try to score some 15" ssiii wheels to roll on, again keeping the originals, or did 442's have 15" stock? I don't remember....
IMO, many things could/should be done to increase driving pleasure but all mods should be reversible simply because it is a rare car and should you wish to sell it, your customer base is increased to include people seeking 'all original'

this is absolutely the right advice in my opinion. Do whatever you want, just make sure you can go back (or at least the new owner can go back).

I don't get the "waste" of money part. Sometimes people act like the majority of the money they spend on life is invested...like they don't spend thousands on alcohol, smoking, trips, parties, etc... and they lose 100% of that money with no tangible thing to show for it.

 

[Techman]

I don't consider it a waste of money since you can't take with you in the end. Sometimes you have to know when to quit though.

 

[Techman]

But I do like projects. Here is my other one. 1987 rust free K5. Bought it in Southern Oregon when I was in the Navy.

 

[oldsofb]

Guess I'm the black sheep then. My 87 442 is torn to pieces and will NOT be kept stock, even a little. I didn't buy it as an investment or to sell later. I bought it to be done my way. I plan to die with my car still in my possession. After that, who cares. You gotta live with it, might as well be happy with it.

There's enough fully stock 442's to be used in some museum later. Build your dream, and then drive the balls off of it!

Hutch

 

[DRIVEN]

Youre probably right. In 10 years our robot overlords will be forcing us to travel via google-pods and all these cars will be useless garage art.

 

[ck80]

There's enough fully stock 442's to be used in some museum later.

Hutch

Probably somewhat true, since I think car museums are on the downswing.

HOWEVER.

between myself and one friend of mine from when I lived up north, between the two of us we PERSONALLY chopped up over 1% of just the 87 442s ever built between us as of around 2003 when I moved out of the area.

Now im not sure how many others were cutting them up back in those days, but, I can think of at least 4 other gbody parts guys from those days who I'm sure cut up at least a handful or two each if not more... I know of one guy in PA, one in CT, one in NC, and then there was gbodyparts, and I can remember each and every one of them having 442 stuff for sale. Back in the late 90s and early oughts the 85-87 442 were cheap, many had rusty floor and quarters, and they were an easy source of power antennas, bucket seat tracks, lower consoles, plastic trim, ttop/astroroof, and 8.5 rears for the turbo regal crowds, plus bucket/floor shift parts and decent substitute for the next best thing to a brf trans. 87s were even better for the euro clip conversions, silver trim, and speedos. Bought all we could for $500-1500 and cut em as fast as we could get em.