This is the ONLY correct tailpipe for the 65 442. Notice the crimps and the stainless tip. These pipes came as original equipment ONLY. They could NOT be bought from a dealer as a part item. Click here for Info & pricing, or goto Obsolete Parts. WaltVallelunga@sbcglobal.net or 1-586-739-8255 5:30-9:00 eastern. |
One of the hardest things, for most people, is to identify a clone. I hope this helps. No 455's or 330's, only 400's. Some very early 442's have been said to have 425s. This has never been documented to my knowledge. ( Go To Engine Casting Number Identification ) Engine casting number (behind water pump / timing chain cover) 400 cid engine 389298 B. The heads have a large raised "A" cast on the left side of each, left of the spark plug hole. The right head will contain an Engine Unit Number stamping begining with 'V'. This number is stamped ( not cast ) into a flat machined pad on the front of the head. The heads could have been swapped at some point in time so it could be on the rear of the left. Engine Casting Number Head Casting Letter Engine Unit Number Most came with square-bore 4GC carbs, but a few came with spreadbore Rochester Quadra-jets. Some had PCV valves. These two items are found only on late build '65 442s. Carburetor datatag numbers are (4 Speed 7025150) (Automatics 7025151) Rochester 4GC Carb The (Red - Dark Orange - Bright Orange) 442 emblems are located on the Grill, Tail Panel, Side Scoops, and Dash. Most people trying to clone think this is all they need. The dash emblem is the hardest to find, since it was only used on the 65 and "never" mass reproduced. The 4 speed shifter handle has 442 ingraved on each side. Later models had the Hurst emblem under the 442. There is a "4V" on the firewall data plate. ( 4 is the column number ) "V" signifies that side scoops and all 442 (W-29) related items were installed . ( This only applies to 442's built in Lansing, Mi. ) 442's built in Fremont, Ca. "DON'T" have it, or any definative codes which makes authentication extremly hard. If you have "HV", it means you also had the thin upper body chrome running along the side of the car. "HVC" designates top door sill and thin body chrome were added plus w-29. The frames "ARE" different... A true 442 has 4 holes where the rear-end upper control arm bolts to the frame (note: 10 bolt rears are in the 3rd hole from the top, 12 bolts are in the 2nd), the Cutlass only has 1 hole. You can see the difference in the pictures below. This can't be counterfited without cutting and welding connecting points to the frame or trying to accurately drill the other holes. ( The top & bottom holes were non-functional, since there were none on the opposite side that matched up with them.) Note: On the drivers side frame, just ahead of the central body mount is the car's vin number stamped into the top. You may have to remove the bodyscrape off the paint to find it. (sorry for the rusty frames, but these were the easiest to photograph) |
ALSO: They NEVER made a 442 emblem that was red, orange & YELLOW. For some reason I see a lot of repainted original emblems with the "2" painted YELLOW. |
One of the hardest things, for most people, is to identify a clone. I hope this helps. No 455's or 330's, only 400's. Some very early 442's have been said to have 425s. This has never been documented to my knowledge. ( Go To Engine Casting Number Identification ) Engine casting number (behind water pump / timing chain cover) 400 cid engine 389298 B. The heads have a large raised "A" cast on the left side of each, left of the spark plug hole. The right head will contain an Engine Unit Number stamping begining with 'V'. This number is stamped ( not cast ) into a flat machined pad on the front of the head. The heads could have been swapped at some point in time so it could be on the rear of the left. Engine Casting Number Head Casting Letter Engine Unit Number Most came with square-bore 4GC carbs, but a few came with spreadbore Rochester Quadra-jets. Some had PCV valves. These two items are found only on late build '65 442s. Carburetor datatag numbers are (4 Speed 7025150) (Automatics 7025151) Rochester 4GC Carb The (Red - Dark Orange - Bright Orange) 442 emblems are located on the Grill, Tail Panel, Side Scoops, and Dash. Most people trying to clone think this is all they need. The dash emblem is the hardest to find, since it was only used on the 65 and "never" mass reproduced. The 4 speed shifter handle has 442 ingraved on each side. Later models had the Hurst emblem under the 442. There is a "4V" on the firewall data plate. ( 4 is the column number ) "V" signifies that side scoops and all 442 (W-29) related items were installed . ( This only applies to 442's built in Lansing, Mi. ) 442's built in Fremont, Ca. "DON'T" have it, or any definative codes which makes authentication extremly hard. If you have "HV", it means you also had the thin upper body chrome running along the side of the car. "HVC" designates top door sill and thin body chrome were added plus w-29. The frames "ARE" different... A true 442 has 4 holes where the rear-end upper control arm bolts to the frame (note: 10 bolt rears are in the 3rd hole from the top, 12 bolts are in the 2nd), the Cutlass only has 1 hole. You can see the difference in the pictures below. This can't be counterfited without cutting and welding connecting points to the frame or trying to accurately drill the other holes. ( The top & bottom holes were non-functional, since there were none on the opposite side that matched up with them.) Note: On the drivers side frame, just ahead of the central body mount is the car's vin number stamped into the top. You may have to remove the bodyscrape off the paint to find it. (sorry for the rusty frames, but these were the easiest to photograph) |
Oldsmobile actually offered a chrome reverse wheel as an option in 1965, the N98. Click on any picture above to see the information. Pictured are Ron, Jim & Tom's 65's with original N98s. |
This is the ONLY correct tailpipe for the 65 442. Notice the crimps and the stainless tip. These pipes came as original equipment ONLY. They could NOT be bought from a dealer as a part item. Click here for Info & pricing, or goto Obsolete Parts. WaltVallelunga@sbcglobal.net or 1-586-739-8255 5:30-9:00 eastern. |
442 Olds 1965 65 Cutlass F-85 Bro Bro's BR[] Oldsmobile F85 Brobeck Glenn Brobeck Clone Olds Clone SPECS Olds Specs |
Engine Casting Number Deciphering This chart will help you decipher what engine type your have in your Cutlass. While the data is somewhat inconclusive, it provides an overall point of reference for engine decoding. If you have information to fill in the gaps or see an error, please contact me. In order to figure out what block you have in your car, you must locate the Casting Number. This can be found at the front of the engine on a flat surface behind the timing chain area. ( See picture at top of page) Look to the right (if facing the fan) of the oil filler tube and you will see the stamping on the block. This number should match one of those below. Remember, big blocks are identified by a letter for the ID Code, while small blocks carry a number. Big Block reference chart: Casting Number ID Code CID Year(s) Produced Notes 381917 A 425 1965 B Bodies (big cars) only 386525 A 425 389298 B 400 1965 One year only 442 motor. Cam bank angle is 45 degrees 389244 D 425 1966 - 1967 Big car engine. Toronado is different internally. 390925 E 400 1966 - 1967 Lifter angle was changed to 39 degrees. 396021 F 455 1968 - 1972 Most common big block. Two types of "F" letters: stick type, and one with two vertical hangers and a base. 396021 Fa 455 1972 - 1976 Very common casting 396026 G 400 1968 - 1969 442 and Vista Cruiser 231788 L 455 1976 Motorhomes (1973 - 1978) maybe marine use also. Small Block Reference chart: Casting Number ID Code CID Year(s) Produced Notes 381917 1 330 1964 381917 2 330 1965 395558 2 350 1968 - 1970 3 330 4 5 395558 350 1973 - 1974 2A 260 1976 - 1981 Solid main webs for 2A's only? At least for '76 557751 2B 260 19?? - 1981 Windowed main webs for 2B's only? 3A 557265 4A 403 1977 Solid main webs possibly 553990 4A 403 1977 Solid main webs possibly 554990 4A 403 1977 Solid main webs possibly 557265 4B 403 1977 - 1979 Windowed main webs always. D3 350 Diesel Information gathered from various books and individuals. Credit goes out to the FAQ compilers at 442.com |
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This is the correct air cleaner used on the 65 442. It has more of a stainless look, rather than shiny chrome. |
Boxed lower control arms were included with the 442 package and were not used on the standard F-85 and Cutlass models. |
Correct drivers side mirror, yes the mount is reversed. |
Things to look for when buying a 442. If they are missing or incorrect, find out why. |
Things to look for when buying a 442. If they are missing or incorrect, find out why. |
BRO's 65 Oldsmobile 442 Authentication |
As you can see by my pencil marks, the 442 emblem will cover up the F-85 and Cutlass mounting holes, so you can use any panel on your 442. You simply have to drill 2 new holes. |
BRO's 65 Oldsmobile 442 Authentication |
Cutlass 442 with pleated interior. |
F-85 442 with square paneled tufts. |
Notice the side trim on the seats are different. The Cutlass has a brushed look with squared top and the F-85 is shiny with a rounded, pointed top. |
Thanx to: Kurt Shubert for bringing us up to speed on all of the accessory codes and more. Mike Stilwell for up dating some of the missing codes and much more. |
F-85 |
Cutlass |
The head light bezels have a slightly different paint scheme. The one on the left is from a 442. Notice that only the two horizontal bars closest to the center have chrome exposed (same as the grill), where the standard models (bezel on the right) have chrome showing on all bars and blackened in between. |
Notice the cross member, at the rear spring perches, on the 442 (left) has a lip in the center (for no apparent reason) and the regular Cutlass and F-85 (right) do not. |
4V |
4V |
Protect O Plate - for those of you who aren't sure what a Protect O Plate is or looks like, this is it. It gives specific details about the options and accessories added to your particular car. If you are fortunate enough to have yours, it can be very helpful. Click the picture to enlarge to full size. |
Let me know you were here |
