1966 Oldsmobile 442 4-Speed Convertible with Factory Air Conditioning and 3 2 Barrels Visits V8 Speed & Resto for Maintenance
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertibles are not that common these days, especially when they are equipped with the 3-two barrel carb engine and factory installed air conditioning! This one is even hotter with the triple-black color scheme and Hurst wheels. The list of options is long… factory headrests, console vacuum gauge, full instrumentation including tic-toc-tach, rear seatbelts with holders, passenger side vanity mirror, and of course, the 400-cube V8 topped with 3 two barrel carbs and a 4-speed transmission! It’s a very cool car, and it came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for some maintenance and leak fixing so the owner can drive it and enjoy it trouble-free.
Check out the gallery of this awesome Oldsmobile 442 and share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! There’s also a Muscle Car Of The Week video shot behind the wheel of this very car!
Witness the breathtaking transformation of a barn-find 1973 Plymouth Duster 340 into a show-stopping masterpiece! Here, we delve deep into the meticulous restoration process at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, where our mission was clear: elevate this classic Duster beyond its original glory while preserving its iconic spirit.
Our client entrusted us with his beloved, yet worn-out, Duster, seeking not just a repair, but a revival. We understand that every restoration is unique, and we pride ourselves on collaborating closely with our clients to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a faithful stock restoration or a radical custom build, our team is equipped to exceed expectations.
What does a full restoration entail? It begins with understanding your dream. Is it cruising down country roads, dominating the drag strip, or winning prestigious shows? We believe in visualizing your “best day” with your car to guide our process.
Step 1: Disassembly and Documentation.
We meticulously documented every detail of the Duster’s condition upon arrival, capturing thousands of photographs and precise measurements using digital calipers. This ensured we understood the original factory specifications and identified areas for improvement.
Step 2: Bodywork and Metal Fabrication.
The Duster’s unibody construction demanded precision. We media-blasted the body, mounted it to a custom jig, and meticulously repaired rust damage, including the floors and quarter panels. Leveraging original collision repair data, we ensured the body was perfectly square and true. Our expert fabricators skillfully addressed the challenges of fitting reproduction panels, achieving panel gaps superior to the factory standards.
Step 3: Paint and Finish.
The original medium blue metallic was reimagined into a custom hue inspired by a Range Rover blue, infused with pearl and other proprietary techniques. This unique color, expertly applied by our painter, Jeff, radiates brilliance, especially when paired with the fresh chrome trim and white interior.
Step 4: Powertrain Enhancement.
The factory 340 engine, originally rated at 240 horsepower, received a significant performance upgrade. We installed a Comp Cams hydraulic roller camshaft, Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake manifold, a larger carburetor, MSD ignition, and a MagnaFlow 2.5-inch stainless steel mandrel-bent exhaust system. The result? A potent and exhilarating driving experience that far surpasses the original specifications.
Step 5: Chassis and Suspension Overhaul.
The entire underside was meticulously restored. We applied a durable bedliner coating for protection and ease of cleaning. All suspension components, including brakes, ball joints, bushings, and sway bar end links, were rebuilt or replaced. The rear axle was rebuilt with a new gear set, clutch, and limited-slip differential. This comprehensive overhaul ensures a smooth, precise, and enjoyable ride, maintaining the classic Duster feel with improved performance.
Step 6: Interior Transformation.
The interior underwent a dramatic transformation. The original bucket seats were stripped, recovered in bright white, and paired with matching door and side panels. Black carpeting and a fully detailed dashboard create a stunning contrast. The original rectangular gauge was replaced with a full set of Auto Meter gauges, and Vintage Air was added for enhanced comfort. A polished aluminum steering wheel, reminiscent of the original, completes the refined interior.
Step 7: Final Touches and Detailing.
The finishing touches included the iconic white 340 stripes, the rear graphic decal, and a set of meticulously restored Plymouth Rally wheels. The precision of the decal placement and the overall fit and finish highlight the attention to detail that defines our work.
Key Features and Upgrades:
Custom Blue Metallic Paint: A unique blend of Range Rover blue with added pearl and other enhancements.
Enhanced 340 Engine: Upgraded with Comp Cams, Edelbrock heads, and a MagnaFlow exhaust system.
Fully Rebuilt Suspension and Chassis: Ensuring a smooth and precise driving experience.
Luxurious White Interior: Featuring recovered seats, new door panels, and black carpeting.
Modernized Gauges and Comforts: Auto Meter gauges and Vintage Air for enhanced functionality and comfort.
Precision Bodywork and Panel Fit: Exceeding factory standards.
Iconic 340 Stripes and Rally Wheels: Preserving the classic Duster aesthetic.
Why Choose V8 Speed & Resto Shop?
Expert Craftsmanship: Our team of skilled professionals delivers unparalleled quality.
Comprehensive Services: From full restorations to custom builds, we handle it all.
Customer-Centric Approach: We work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
Attention to Detail: We meticulously document and execute every step of the restoration process.
Proven Track Record: Our portfolio showcases our commitment to excellence.
Don’t let your dream car remain a dream!
Whether you have a classic muscle car, a vintage gem, or a custom hot rod in mind, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and turn your automotive dreams into reality.
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278 – 314.783.8325
There’s just something about the numbers 427 to a Muscle Car fan.
This very clean 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS convertible recently came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in need of a heart transplant. Although it had a 396 under the hood, it was pretty anemic. Like most of us, the owner wanted more power, so the V8 Speed team upped the ante with a new Chevrolet Performance ZZ427.
427 Cubes of Attitude Adjustment!
This all-new ZZ427 is a 480 horsepower big block Chevy V8, just waiting to transform the Camaro’s personality. A Vintage Air Frontrunner accessory drive and A/C system keep everything cool up front and inside the car, and the V8 crew topped the 427 with a Holley Terminator Stealth EFI system and a slew of other items to make it sing.
More Sport for the Rally Sport
The Camaro is a real RS car, born in the same black exterior and parchment interior colors you see here. It has some cool options, like the rally gauge package in the console and the headrests topping the bucket seats. However, this one is not all stock, by any stretch. In addition to that thumping 427, you’ll find a 5-speed manual transmission in place of the original 4-speed, and tubular suspension and coil-over springs and shocks for better handling. The wheels look right, but they are upsized billet aluminum Chevy Rally style wheels wrapped in custom modern redline tires from Diamondback Classics. These are a great choice for any restomod Camaro.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro Intro Video at V8 Speed and Resto Shop
Hidden In Plain Sight
The Holley Terminator Stealth fuel injection system looks almost exactly like a Holley double pumper carb, but offers better starting, instant response, and modern fuel and timing control that can’t be matched by a carburetor. The 427 utilizes aluminum heads and a full roller cam valvetrain, so the risk of flattening a lobe or trashing a lifter is negated. We always like to build tasteful restomods here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. If you’ve got a Camaro or any other Muscle Car that needs some love, we’re happy to chat about it! You can reach us at https://www.v8speedshop.com/contact-us today.
Check Out The Build Photo Gallery of this Sweet 1967 Camaro RS
A rare moment when the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro “ZR9” is standing still and posing for a glamour shot! This pro-touring Camaro was a big project, with an all-new body and a MAST Motorsports 840 HP RHS 427 topped with an LS9 supercharger. It features a full custom leather and carbon fiber interior, Detroit Speed suspension, Forgeline wheels, Magnaflow Exhaust, Baer Brakes, a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed, and a lot more… but the Jetstream Blue color is one of the highlights. We were honored to build the car at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and the owner has had it over 167 MPH on an open road outside of the USA!
Check out the skilled craftsmanship happening at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop! 🔥 Our talented fabrication team is hard at work welding in a brand new dashboard into a super-cool 1968 Oldsmobile 442. This one sits on a Roadster Shop chassis but retains its original appearance.
One of the challenges was to repair the rusty dashboard, but without the support of a reproduction panel made specifically for Oldsmobiles. The solution – adapt a Chevelle piece, mating it to the Olds dash to retain the Olds speaker grille and vents while eliminating the rust. The fresh new dashboard is a combination of Chevelle parts and custom-made pieces, replacing the rusty original. The result is a seamless panel that looks like we were never there.
Stay tuned for more updates on this sweet restomod project. We can’t wait to unveil the finished ride! 🏁✨ #V8SpeedandRestoShop #MuscleCarRestoration #FabricationTeam #ClassicCarRevival
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Dashboard Replacement at V8 Speed and Resto Shop
VIDEO: Top Camaros Built at V8 Speed and Resto Shop
We’re big fans of first generation Camaros here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Today we’re taking a look at 5 of our favorite restomod First Gen Camaros built here in our shop, in no particular order.
First up is a 1969 Camaro named Lou’s Change. The goal for this car was to combine modern Camaro styling and performance with the classic look of the ‘69. Dan Steinhauser created the rendering, complete with a modern ZL-1 style hood with carbon fiber insert and a 3D printed grille.
We performed all the metalwork in-house, including fabrication of the custom hood, and installation of all new floors, quarter panels, tail panel, fenders, and more. Lou’s Change rides on a complete Detroit Speed suspension front and rear. Deep tubs were installed to accommodate the Toyo R888 tires wrapped around Forgeline wheels. The engine is a modified supercharged GM LSA 6.2L V8 making approximately 630 HP, backed by a 6-speed manual transmission. The car was sprayed in Mars Red, with a black ZL1 stripe. It was a feature car at the SEMA show, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, and in Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine.
This ‘69 Camaro is owned by one of the best names in performance parts, COMP Cams! When it needed a refresh, we were honored that they sent it to us at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop. Upgrades include a Heidt’s front subframe and tubular suspension and rear 4-link system supporting the Currie rear axle. Power comes from is a Butler-LS built LS 454 making 690 HP, and a TCI 6X 6-speed automatic transmission shifts the gears. The interior features Distinctive Industries Touring II seats, Dakota Digital gauges, and Vintage Air A/C.
This next Camaro is another ‘69, but it’s an all-new car with nearly 100% aftermarket parts. We utilized a new Camaro shell, added some bigger wheel tubs, subframe connectors, and a complete Detroit Speed suspension system. Power comes from a MAST Motorsports LS7 based 427 topped with an LS9 supercharger making over 800 horsepower with a 6-speed manual transmission. Inside you’ll find a full leather and carbon fiber interior, with speedhut gauges, Vintage Air, and high-end audio in a custom dash. The color is Corvette ZR1 Jetstream blue, which really makes the polished trim and Forgeline wheels stand out.
The goal of the Reloaded Camaro was to create a modern version of the dealer supercars from the late 1960s, like the 427 Camaros built by Yenko and Nickey Chevrolet. The original front subframe was modified with a Detroit Speed coilover suspension, while a QUADRALink rear suspension was added for far better traction. While the body was being massaged to perfection, our friends at Fast Times Motorworks assembled a 490 cubic inch roller cam V8. The engine is super clean, with satin colors that compliment the exterior with no messy wires or hoses. The transmission is a TCI 4L80E automatic overdrive.
This one came to us with a stock suspension system, and a carbureted big block Chevy engine, but the owner wanted more… of everything. The first time the car was here we installed a whole Detroit Speed suspension system front and rear, and an EFI system on the big block Chevy. Bigger Baer brakes were added, and a new set of Forgeline wheels was custom made for the car. The handling and braking improvements were huge, but after a bit, the owner wanted the smooth power of a supercharged dry-sump LT4 engine, so the car came back to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for round 2! Stock LT4s are powerful, but this one is making north of 750 HP with upgraded pulleys, valve springs, and injectors. Of course, we also build less radical Camaros, but we’re always looking to push the envelope of performance and creativity. What ideas do you have for your ideal Camaro? Contact us at www.v8speedshop.com today, we’d love to bring those ideas to life!
Author: Michael Clarke Content: Awesome examples of first gen F-bodies. I’ve been fortunate enough to see a few of these Camaros up close and the video doesn’t do them justice. They’re that good.
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Author: Plymouth Die-Cast Replicas Content: It’s great to hear Kevin’s commentary again! He has swallowed the dictionary. Awesome Camaros, guys! I love that blue ZR9. Absolutely wonderful machine.
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Author: Jason Hull Content: The true heart of muscle cars and hot rodding. These are absolutely stunning examples. The level of craftsmanship and detail is above top shelf. Another well deserved hat tip to that remarkable team ! And for the record 15 minutes is the perfect length video for the octane junkie’s lunch break ! Haha 🍻 🇺🇸💪👍
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Author: William Wright Content: You guys just do awesome work! I am beyond thrilled, to know my car is in good hands!
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Author: Paul M Content: Beautiful , I take the red one 😇. I would only want it without the supercharger as the naturally aspirated LS is plenty powerful and reliable for daily use. Great builds regardless
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Author: Primoz Krajcar Content: Those are some bad ass machines. Can you do a similar list on the Corvettes? Top Corvette builds and then go to top Dodge builds and top Mustang builds. I already envision a series here! 🙂
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Author: Lawrence Atwood Content: I am fortunate enough to “Drive it like I stole it!!” Thanks for the awesome work V8 Speed Shop Team!
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Author: Gary Keenan Content: Loose Change is a work of art past n present nicely done!!! Comp convertible is a powerhouse would be fun laying down some pavement black marks!!!
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Author: Heavy Pedal Garage Content: Pure awesome! Gotta love the F bodies! I’ve got a second gen firebird that I’m restomodding over on my channel. I dream of doing a first gen one of these days. Thanks for sharing such amazing cars in some really cool videos. Motivation and inspiration!
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Author: chisel83 Content: Awesome video guys. Happy holidays from south Australia 🇦🇺
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Author: Justin Opinion Content: You had me at “Camaros”… but then you had to go and make it an awesome video anyway!
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Author: Johnny Hot rod Content: Love your work If I ever hit the lottery you guys can do my 67-LT4 with a 6 speed my dream And fix all my bad gaps One can dream…
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Author: Calvin Cooley Content: As far as ideas go I have many! Lol that’s not to be confused with money! Here is one for the one with the stack. A modern Nomad-ish build using a base of one 78 to 87 Malibu wagon and some El Camino doors & glass. Maybe a Monte SS nose. Cut the B pillars, fab some jambs and …….El Mad! You get the picture I’m sure. You’re welcome.
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Author: Calvin Cooley Content: When the hammer falls so do the jaws.
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Author: Tom Wagner Content: Tesla eat you heart out
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Author: Bruce H. Content: “We used an all new body on this one”. Really, aftermarket?
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Author: HEY BERT 1984 Content: Cool 70 imp in the background at :21 what are you folks doing to that. I have a 70 myself that i ls3 swapped
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Author: Turbo Lives In my heart Content: Agh- I can’t breathe
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Author: Big Sexy Muthashutyomouth Content: Beautiful vehicles gentlemen! The ZR9 has to be my favorite one of all!!!!
This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in need of some serious power, performance, and reliability upgrades. This C3 Corvette was powered by a non-original and well worn 350 cubic inch V8 backed by a Muncie 4 speed manual transmission. The goal was a Corvette LS Swap to add modern power to this C3 Corvette. A C3 Corvette LS Swap seems to be a simple job at first glance, but the more you investigate, you’ll see that a C3 Corvette LS Swap isn’t quite so simple.
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop team addresses the fitment issue of the LS3 V8 swap, as well as the steps needed to perform a Tremec T56 Magnum 6 speed manual transmission swap into the C3 Corvette. The challenges included fitting the off-center LS3 engine under the hood, as well as fitting the Tremec 6 speed manual transmission into the C3 Corvette chassis. We sourced our LS swap engine from GM Performance Parts, and a Tremec T56 Magnum 6 speed manual transmission, clutch, bellhousing, and shifter from Modern Driveline.
