Updated 01-16-2020



project 442 Video series





I record the repairs and modifications needed to bring this car back to life. Newest video is always on top (Click here to watch from the beginning)


Rear Suspension and 9 Inch Install : video 23





I install the F**D 9" rear with Hotchkis Rear Control Arms and Control Arm Reinforcement Bars, UMI Shock Tower Brace and Sway Bar, and QA1 Coil Over Shocks.



Prepping ford 9 inch for Install : video 22





I prep the 9" for install. This includes flaring the stainless line and fabbing a bracket for the brake line. The 9" is equipped w/ Strange Axles, 3:50 Posi, and 1350 Yoke.



front suspension Install : video 21





I install the UMI Control Arms, QA1 Coil Over Shocks, Modified G-Body Spindles, and Wilwood Hubs on the 442.



Prepping for front suspension : video 20





I unbox, lay out, assemble, and explain everything I'm using for front suspension on the 442.



Adding up the build so far





I add up the price so far in the restification of my Olds 442.



Putting the frame back in : video 19





I put all the Body Bushings in place and reinstall the restored frame back in the 442.



Painting the underbody : video 18





I seal and paint the under side of the 442.



Rear seat cross member fitment : video 17





Fitting the new rear seat cross member bracket I picked up from GBodyParts.com.



Torque box removal part 2: video 16





More on removing the passenger side torque box.



Torque box removal part 1: video 15





Cutting out the rusted passenger side torque box.



On the rotisserie: video 14





I get the 442 up on the rotisserie and show another shot of the finished frame.



Quarter glass and door bracing: video 13





I remove the quarter glass on both sides and brace the door openings in preparation for mounting on the rotisserie.



Door glass removal: video 12





I remove the front and rear glass stainless trim and pull the door glass out.



Interior tear down: video 11





I remove the bucket seats, center console, rear seat, and carpet from the 442.



Rusted torque box: video 10





I outline the steps I intend to do to fix the rusted torque box and body bolt issues.



The finished frame: video 9





A quick look at the finished frame and what I've spent so far.



Installing the stainless brake line: video 8





I install the stainless brake line and the Disc/disc Proportioning Valve.



coating the frame continued: video 7





I finish applying Magnet Paint's "Chassis Saver" epoxy paint and then coating that with Eastwood's Extreme Chassis Black Satin paint.



sand blasting and coating the frame: video 6





Sand blasting the frame clean and coating the bare metal with Magnet Paint's "Chassis Saver" epoxy paint.



Stripping the frame part 3: video 5





Part three of the frame strip. getting those pesky fuel and brake lines off.



stripping the frame part 2: video 4





Part two of me stripping the frame bare to get it ready for sand blasting. Getting the front steering linkage, spindles, brakes, and upper/lower control arms off.



stripping the frame part 1: video 3





I begin the process of stripping all the suspension and fuel/brake lines from the frame before sand blasting.



I pull the frame on the 442: video 2





I go over what must be done to remove the frame. No lift, so I have to be careful.



Prep for frame off: video 1




With the front clip and engine and trans removed, I can start checking the body for mechanical and electrical connections. Besides the body bolts themselves, I had to disconnect the steering shaft, parking brake cable, transmission cross member, and fuel lines to the gas tank. With these connections removed the body is ready to be lifted off the frame. *Remove the gas tank! It got in the way and was a huge pain when pulling the frame out.*


I Get my 442





After getting my 87 Olds 442, I give a quick rundown of the changes I want to make. First on the list, get rid of the anemic 307 that makes an embarrassing 170 hp and has a sad 0-60 time of 9.1 sec and a 16.6 sec quarter mile. The whole drive train will be replaced by a 455, TH400, and a F**D Posi 9 inch rear. That should put a smile on my face!



Before Getting Started





I go over some of the prep work I do before starting any project, namely a ton of research and gathering of manuals and catalogs. I also put together a thick binder of online material and car magazine articles. My book covered any info related to the Olds 455 Engine and any G-Body Tech I found useful.





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