Im a Pontiac guy usually (yeah I know...), but I found a nice '71 Cutlass (labeled as a Cutlass but has some 442 badges on it) with a 350 and TH400.

Its going for $5k and has a very nice patina to the paint (my word for surface rust).

Im planning on buying it and just wanted some tips on what to look for.

Also, eventually I am planning on dropping a 455 and a 4speed in it (I dont have the $$ to upgrade a 350 to my required power levels) Are there any things I should look for in a Olds 455?

The description listed is:
It has 122,000 miles and comes with a 350 Automatic, Bucket Seats, Console, 4 Barrel, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Nice Dash with no cracks, and Original radio. There is a small crack in the windshield. The interior needs carpet and the driver's seat could be redone.

Some Pics:
1971_oldsmobile_cutlass_front_left_.jpg
1971_oldsmobile_cutlass_front_right.jpg
1971_oldsmobile_cutlass_engine_1.jpg
1971_oldsmobile_cutlass_interior_1.jpg
1971_oldsmobile_cutlass_interior_2.jpg
1971_oldsmobile_cutlass_rear_right_.jpg

 

Oh, also since it has a vinyl top (something I dont really like, and cant afford to fix or replace), I will be removing it. I just hope the roof under the top wont be in too bad of a condition.

 

Vinyl tops look good on those car, Nice find BTW. I would be Leary of opening up that top, unless you are ready for some potentially major rust repair, not all, but most vinyl top car collect and hold moisture.

 

Yea, they look good, but the rust IS a potential issue for me. I want to get a new paint job on the car, requiring removal of the top. The only thing I don't want to do at this point in time is take the body off the frame.

 

I just also picked up a 71 Cutlass S, in good shape besides the bottom part of the 1/4's Tonight while I was checking it over in the garage, and dreaming, I seen what looked like a spot on the vinyl roof...well I poked my finger at it, and it ripped, and started to fall apart...so I decided to just start pulling trim, and removing the vinyl...basically falling apart as I removed it. With one hand I pulled up on the vinyl and the other I had a hand held ice scraper..barely any pressure, and its all off. NOW...what is the best method for removing the 30 some year old glue residue?

 

You seem suspicious about whether or not it really is a 442. You should find out. If it really is a 442, then in the condition it's in, $5K is a fair price. But if it's a Cutlass, Cutlass S, or Cutlass Supreme 2-door hardtop (all were available in that body style) where someone stuck a 442 badge on the grille, then its book value is more like $3000 to $3500 given its condition.

 

I got mine for trading my atv for it. The guy wanted 3500 for my Cutlass S. Pics in my gallery, And she is very clean besides the minor spots on the lower rear 1/4's. I just got all the vinyl top off, and was suprised by only one hole about the size of my pinky on the driver side a pillar at the top...everywhere else is solid. and I got spare front and rear bumpers and 4bbl manifold to boot. Although I will go alum. intake, I can sell the cast iron pig manifold, and the extra bumpers I may go body color with when I repaint. (same color)

 

I see you have a few issues with rust around wheel wells and so forth, but overall your car looks pretty nice. I think $3500 was maybe a bit of a steal on your part. Good for you!

 

Close, but no cigar. That is not a Supreme body. The Supreme was only the "notch back" type, not a fast back.

 

Whatever. The point is whether it's a 442 or some version of a Cutlass, not what kind of Cutlass it is. Can you tell from the photos if it really is a 442? The difference in value among the various Cutlass versions is small compared to the difference in value between any of the Cutlasses and a 442.

 

hmm..I know from teh photo the valve covers are on the wrong sides, and the air cleaner is incorrect..lol...I wish I had buckets and a console..lol

 

The best way is to verify with the VIN, as already stated I think. At any rate, welcome to CO and let us know what you decide to do.

 

I thought the VIN might tell you, but I wasn't sure.