My 67 cutlass needed some more cubes, so rather than spend a small fortune to build a 455, I found a 1972 custom cruiser with 69,000 miles on it and a recent engine rebuild. The cruiser started right up and drove it home. The prior owner hacked the springs and put 3" block in the back, so it hit every bump along the way. The wife about came unglued, but our kids thought it was the best thing in the world. The interior is really good for the age of this car and it has power everything, most of which still works. The rear window is really trick. Rather than slide down, the whole thing is pulled up into the roof. My plans are to use what i can for the cutlass, mainly the engine and trans 455/th400 and then part out the rest. I think this huge car shares a lot of parts with the delta 88 and 98. If anyone has some information on this or could help me with the interchange I would appreciate it.

 

gman,
You took both parts of the motor mount for your swap, I hope?
IIRC, you need both parts to make sure the driveline angle is correct after the swap.

 

I could be wrong but I thought the "Clamshell" tailgate started in 1973. There is a following for those full sized cars, but if you'd post the city/state your in you might get more interest. If it's in very nice condition you may find someone willing to swap you a motor and some cash to keep it together, who knows John

Well... now that I see a picture you might end up parting it out! But the little guy inside does look like he's having fun! Start them young and teach them right!

 

The body is pretty banged up. Driver door and fender as well as the passenger rear. I think parting it out is the best bet. Anyone in So Cal needing parts for their 1972 olds 88, 98 or custom cruiser drop me a line.

My little helper is learning all he can. He is always asking about using different tools and when we can go work on the car again.

 

gman, Post your location there are quite a few custom crusier guys on this site and they are always looking for parts. You can help fund your build by parting the car out. Someone might buy the whole shell

 

I'm in Upland California, or as some people call it the inland empire.

 

the clam shell design was from 1971- 1976

 

I believe the 72 uses a long tail turbo 400. To use it as is you will need a custom driveshaft and maybe need to move the crossmember. I dont think the engine mounts in the CC will be of any use at all if they are similar to 65 and up B body mounts.

 

Is the hood in tact on the Crusier? Also need driver side high beam light brezel. Are these parts in good condition.

I have a 72 Ninety Eight and from pictures I've seen of the two cars the hood and front clips are the same

I'm located in Texas

 

I'll post this in the parts cars for sale section.

 

Done.
Let me know when you're not a newbie anymore and I'll permanently redirect this thread.

 

Is the steering wheel in good shape? My 71 98 has a damaged steering wheel. What color is the interior?

Someday I would like to do a frame off restoration on a 71-76 Custom Cruiser.

 

You are right.. The th400 has a 9' tail shaft. I think I can still get the cross member to work with using the last hole in the chassis and drilling one additional hole on each side. Does anyone know how the long tail shaft 400's differ from the short versions other than the obvious.

 

The hood is in really good shape. There is a chrome strip that runs down the center as well.

I have all 4 chrome light bezels too.

 

Interior is green. The steering wheel has the typical cracks around it. Build sheet and pictures attached

Other thread for parts found here https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...m-cruiser.html

 

Noooooo.....

Use the original motor and frame mounts from the 67 330. DO NOT use any "455" motor mounts.

 

Joe -
I've already been down this road with Richard. https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...e-project.htmlThanks for looking out for me. I've got it figured out now.

 

Are you willing to sell the hood and bezels.

Can anyone verify the direct fit of the hoods between '72 98 and '72 custom cruiser

 

Also what about the side mirrors. Hows the chrome and the glass

 

The side mirrors have been sold already.

 

72 98 and 72 Custom Cruiser should be the same hood.

 

GMAN,

Whats the price tag on the hood and bezels. If you like place give me a call @ 972) 693-1368.

 

Garrett, tx for the parts. My brother said it went as quick n smooth as a drug deal in mcdonalds car park.
I have seen ur pics n his pics and they will do admirably. The parts are away in his garage until we accumulate a pallet load for shipping to new zealand
tx again
mike

 

does it still have the locks for the third seat and back glove compartment by chance or did it have those in that yr not sure but if it has em i would be interested in purchasing them for my custom cruiser seeing as how mine are busted

 

Still got her? Email sent.

 

customcruiserfan, this post is from 2009 so it's doubtful he still has it. I did come across a Craigslist post of someone with two 1973's for sale as a package. I think his price is kinda high, but you can alway talk with him to see where he's at.


http://roseburg.craigslist.org/cto/3248480041.html

Then in case it gets deleted before you find it the text is: "I have two custom cruisers both run the blue one runs and drives perfect its got a really nice 455 motor its power everything windows locks everything it clean inside and out and the yellow has a 350 runs but needs some work im asking 5000 obo for both text 9712125one49"

 

This is interesting as the standard and only engine available for any of the '71-76 era of Custom Cruisers was the 455. If his yellow one really has a 350, someone has done an engine swap.

 

That was my thoughts too. The blue one looks like a nice car... the yellow one may have had a tougher life!

 

The CC is long gone. She found a new home and is probably all back together and driving around by now. The only thing I have left from the CC are four of the headlight chrome bezels.

 

Wow that is good news that it was saved!