This is a detail project of a 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W30 convertible. My client purchased this classic at last years Barrett Jackson auction and called me to work on it because it was in serious need of some TLC. The restoration of the car was very good but the car was in need of a good cleanup and some quality care.
This is one of the original 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W30’s. Approximately 5168 442’s were manufactured in 1968 with the W30 option. Of the 5168 only 170 were convertibles. W-30 option cars were equipped with Ram Air intake hoses leading from a chrome topped dual snorkle black air cleaner to special under bumper air scoops and set off by bright red plastic fender wells. Mechanically, the cars left the factory with two drivetrain combinations. Red 455 in³ engines were backed by modified W-30 Turbo 400 automatic transmissions. A/C cars got a W-46 engine with a 3.08:1 rear while non-A/C cars got a W-45 engine with a 3.91:1 rear. While both engines were rated at 390 hp (291 kW), the W-45 engine received the cylinder heads from the W-30 and the camshaft from the W-31 making it more suitable for higher rpms. All cars came with bucket seats and a Hurst Dual-Gate shifter in a mini-console. Also standard were numerous regular 442 options such as disc brakes, heavy duty cooling, and FE2 suspension. They shared the red fender wells and ram air setup with the W-30. Popular, but not standard, additional options included the tic-toc-tach and wood-grained steering wheel.
This model that I detailed was equipped with the 400 cu inch motor, Hurst shifter, tick tock tach and wood grained steering wheel.
The detail was done over several weekends and sessions. The client is considering selling the car at next year’s Barrett Jackson auction. He mentioned flying me out to prep the car before the auction but my goal on this detail was to persuade him to keep it and not sell it after seeing the end result. Hopefully that will be the case.
Approximately 14 hours were put into the detail over 3 separate sessions.
Day One: (Approximately 4 hours-Interior clean up and engine work)
Vaccum entire interior
Wipe down entire interior with Woolite 6:1
Treat all vinyl with Sonus Total Eclipse
Polish all interior metal with Meguiars NXT Metal Polish (shifter, console, seatbelts, door sills, etc)
Polish all interior plastic with Meguiars Plastix (gauge consoles, etc)
Wipe down engine with P21S Total Wash and a small water spray bottle
Polish all engine chrome and metal with Meguiars NXT Metal Polish
Dress engine with CD-2 Engine Detailer
Day Two (Wash and Polish Prep) Approximately 3.5 hours
Wash car with two bucket wash method and Ultima wash soap
Clean convertible top with Raggtop Convertible Cleaner
Clay with Meguiars White Clay
Dress convertible top with Raggtop Vinyl Dressing
Polish all exterior metal with Meguiars NXT Metal Polish (all exterior trim, wheels, and chrome)
Polish all exterior plastics with Meguiars Plastix (taillight lenses, plastic convertible window, etc)
Clean trunk and dress liner with Sonus Total Eclipse
Day Three (Paint correction and attention to detail items) approximately 6 hours
Polish with Meguiars 80 Speed Glazse via UDM and Meguiars 8006 pad
Polish with Menzerna Glaze via UDM and Sonus blue pad
Polish exteriori glass with 1Z Glas Polish via PC with 4 inch orange pad
Wax with Pinnacle Signature
Wipe down rear suspension and gas tank
Touch up all interior “nicks” in dash with small paint brush and black paint
Wax wheels with Meguiar #21
Please excuse the dirt on the drivers carpet during this photo. The clients driveway drives me crazy and its impossible to get in and out of the car without putting dirt inside. The car was re-vac’d prior to putting it in the garage. I am thinking of investing in CSI booties for my future details.
During the final day of the detail the owner had to leave and entrusted me with the delivery of his latest purchase from this years Barrett Jackson auction. A large vehicle transport arrived at the residence and delivered this. A 1970 Jaguar XKE convertible.
I had to ensure that the vehicle was gotten off of the vehicle transport with no problems and inspect it prior to accepting delivery. The Jag is a truly stunning car and something I can’t wait to get my hands on.
I love how all of the neighbors were stopping in this pic to check out the car.
lol
Here it is all tucked away and ready to be detailed with a 1968 Mustang.
....Man I had a buddy back in high school that had one of them 442....I love them cars....Thanks for the memories.....
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