Houston, we have a Cutlass!

[HouTXCutlass]

Hello from Houston! I'm the proud new dad of a boucing baby Cutlass circa 1969. And it's topless! I just purchased a numbers marching all original 69 S convertible with original owners manual and protecto plate. 350 2 barrel, 2 speed Jetaway trans in the console. Originally from Nebraska and it looks like at least 3 owners before me. I'm still researching it's origins and am trying to locate the original owner for some more info to try and verify it supposed original 95k miles. The mileage seems a stretch, but you never know. It's going to take some work since it's original, but it's in much better shape at 40 than I am at 44. Right off the bat it needs new seat coverings and door panels as the interior is white, er make that off-white. Really off-white. The paint is currently red, but the cowl tag has 61A for the paint code and that indicates sable from what I've found. So I'm sure I'll be posting some queries here, so put on you thinking caps. Thanks, Rob

[Oldsguy]

Hi Rob,

Great to have you here, Where are the pictures????

[Jamesbo]

Welcome aboard.

I'm a bit partial to 69's myself.

Sound like you've got a great drop top. I hope it's not the same 69 sable Cutlass my ex wife t-boned here in Atlanta.

44 is not bad [unless you're Jesse James, I think that's what got him.]

[gearheads78]

welcome from a fellow Texan with a red low mile Cutlass convertible.

[Bluevista]

Welcome. You have to get that Jetaway trans out of the console and on the back of the engine.
Must have a big storage compartment in them thar' Texas consoles.

[citcapp]

Welcome to the site, you will find most of the answers you are looking for on this site. Lots of 69'ers here

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

Hi Rob,

Great to have you here, Where are the pictures????

Hi, Great to be here! I have a few pictures but I don't seem to have the proper clearance to attach any photos? Do I have to use a website link? Or will I be allowed to post once I can snatch the pebble from a hand or become a Jedi, or what? I did take her out on the maiden voyage yesterday in our South Texas 70 degree and sunny weather! If I had more hair it would have great with the wind blowing through it!

[Doug69Cutlass]

Congrats on the new Cutlass. As you can see I am partial to the 1969 drop tops myself. I hope to see pictures of yours soon.

[Lady72nRob71]

Greetings From Dallas from another Rob! (I actually go by R3 at work because there are 3 Robs in one group...)

Sounds like you scored a nice 'vert' - I like the 69's and 70's the best for some reason...

After you make 5 posts (I think) you will be able to post pics on the site. I think you can still post hyperlinks to a photo website if you have one...

Any rust from being up north? Sounds like you have a good restoration project. I am almost through with my interior, so find my "interior makeover" thread and it will give you some ideas, tip, tricks, and mistakes to avoid...

I also think my '72 is in better shape at 36 than I am at 37!

Again, welcome!

[gh5168]

Welcome to the site fellow Houstonian. You will find a lot of good folks here giving good advise and encouragement.

[68Tom]

Hey Rob. Congrats!

Not sure if you're aware, but for seat covers, for the '68 and '69, Legendary Auto Interiors is the place to go. PUI covers for these years are not correct, and look pretty crappy. The dimples in the pattern are way too shallow. Just thought you'd like to know.

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by 68Tom

Hey Rob. Congrats!

Not sure if you're aware, but for seat covers, for the '68 and '69, Legendary Auto Interiors is the place to go. PUI covers for these years are not correct, and look pretty crappy. The dimples in the pattern are way too shallow. Just thought you'd like to know.

Hey Tom, Thanks for the info. I have found the Year One site with all sots of stuff for Olds, but not sure about the quality or correctness. I guess I'll prove I'm a newbie by asking what are PUI covers? Is Legendary Auto Interiors a website? That's not a newbie question, just me being too lazy to google it. Thanks for the welcome and info. Rob

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by Lady72nRob71

Greetings From Dallas from another Rob! (I actually go by R3 at work because there are 3 Robs in one group...)

Sounds like you scored a nice 'vert' - I like the 69's and 70's the best for some reason...

After you make 5 posts (I think) you will be able to post pics on the site. I think you can still post hyperlinks to a photo website if you have one...

Any rust from being up north? Sounds like you have a good restoration project. I am almost through with my interior, so find my "interior makeover" thread and it will give you some ideas, tip, tricks, and mistakes to avoid...

I also think my '72 is in better shape at 36 than I am at 37!

Again, welcome!

Hey Rob, Thanks for the welcome and info. No major rust issues on this which I was also surprised. Some small spots on the body, and a little bit on the R front and L rear lower quarters, but the frame and pans are solid. I'll check out your thread. Thanks!

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by Lady72nRob71

Greetings From Dallas from another Rob! (I actually go by R3 at work because there are 3 Robs in one group...)

Sounds like you scored a nice 'vert' - I like the 69's and 70's the best for some reason...

After you make 5 posts (I think) you will be able to post pics on the site. I think you can still post hyperlinks to a photo website if you have one...

Any rust from being up north? Sounds like you have a good restoration project. I am almost through with my interior, so find my "interior makeover" thread and it will give you some ideas, tip, tricks, and mistakes to avoid...

I also think my '72 is in better shape at 36 than I am at 37!

Again, welcome!

Hey Rob, Thanks for the welcome and info. No major rust issues on this which I was also surprised. Some small spots on the body, and a little bit on the R front and L rear lower quarters, but the frame and pans are solid. I'll check out your thread. Thanks!

[Lady72nRob71]

Originally Posted by HouTXCutlass

what are PUI covers? Is Legendary Auto Interiors a website? That's not a newbie question, just me being too lazy to google it. Thanks for the welcome and info. Rob

PUI makes repro covers that are a little less expensive but the quiality, fit, and finish is a little lacking.

Legendary Auto Interiors is the flagship line of repro interior parts. They are a great supplier. If their parts are not correct for any reason, they will make them correct. My thread will show this.
I would always recommend ordering right from Legendary.
If I am satisfied with them, then I think most everyone will be; I am very particular!

Check this post for Legendary's website and current sale:
http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...20-2009-a.html

Every now and then they have a 25% off sale which is nice to take advantage of, too.

[HouTXCutlass]

Ok, I've went from new user to registered user so I'll post a pic of the new olds. I have found out more history about her and I'll post that soon also.
Rob

[68Tom]

Originally Posted by HouTXCutlass

Hey Tom, Thanks for the info. I have found the Year One site with all sots of stuff for Olds, but not sure about the quality or correctness. I guess I'll prove I'm a newbie by asking what are PUI covers? Is Legendary Auto Interiors a website? That's not a newbie question, just me being too lazy to google it. Thanks for the welcome and info. Rob

No worries, Rob.

In my opinion, I've found YearOne to be rather expensive, and they don't always have the correct parts for your car. I've been going with the following for my restoration:

http://www.fusick.com/

www.thepartsplaceinc.com

From each, you'll find pretty much all the parts you need for what you're doing. I've found that The Parts Place had several parts for my '68 that Fusick or any other place did not (such as the correct door armrest chrome backing plates). However you have to be careful when ordering from them. Some of the items they have are not 100% correct, despite being advertised as such (one particular item is the cowl/dash replacement piece, which I believe is correct for an El Camino, but is sold as correct for a Cutlass/442). Overall, it's not bad, but you have to pay attention to some things. Asking questions here if you're not sure is definitely a good way to go.

Fusick has decent prices and ships very quickly, and has good service. I've not had trouble with either place.

As far as Legendary Auto Interiors goes, yep, they have a website which can be referenced in Rob's post. They've been running a 25% off sale for much of Dec and January, but doesn't seem to be on now. Perhaps mention that you were referred by me or this site. Who knows, I've heard of them honoring such a thing in the past. Good luck.

Tom

[HouTXCutlass]

[quote=68Tom;65106]No worries, Rob.

In my opinion, I've found YearOne to be rather expensive, and they don't always have the correct parts for your car. I've been going with the following for my restoration:

http://www.fusick.com/

www.thepartsplaceinc.com

Thanks Tom. I'll definitely check them out as I hadn't located these sites yet. I appreciate all the info and insight.
Rob

[OLD SKL 69]

Rob,

Welcome to the forum! As, you can see, I'm another one of the 69 fans on here as well. Everyone is happy to help with any info that you need.

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by Lady72nRob71

PUI makes repro covers that are a little less expensive but the quiality, fit, and finish is a little lacking.

Legendary Auto Interiors is the flagship line of repro interior parts. They are a great supplier. If their parts are not correct for any reason, they will make them correct. My thread will show this.
I would always recommend ordering right from Legendary.
If I am satisfied with them, then I think most everyone will be; I am very particular!

Check this post for Legendary's website and current sale:
http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...20-2009-a.html

Every now and then they have a 25% off sale which is nice to take advantage of, too.

Yes Rob, Legendary does seem the way to go. They have some decent prices it looks like. I wish I could locate a good shop here. I've called around to a few places and of course they say they do good work, but who's gonna say they suck right?!? Your interior thread has some great info and pics. That'll be a great reference. I'm pretty sure I'll find much of the same whenever I pull my seats and carpet out. I already found $2.49 in change, a golf tee and sunflower seeds in the seats. I told my wife, see, this car is already paying off and comes with munchies. She wasn't amused. But that's a whole other story. Thanks, Rob

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by gh5168

Welcome to the site fellow Houstonian. You will find a lot of good folks here giving good advise and encouragement.

Thanks for the shout out from H-Town! I'm going to be starting on my resto one of these days. Any good upholstery shop you know of? How about just general maintenance and repair. Thanks, Rob

[Lady72nRob71]

Rob,

I just remembered... There is a guy named Duane in Houston who on the google Olds group who had good luck with a shop called Stitches Upholstery. A search says they are at 1308 Highway 6 S, Houston, TX 77077.
Duane had white '72 Cutlass seats like mine (split bench) redone with the Legendary covers. I talked with him a lot in person afterwards and he was very pleased. From what I remember, the labor price was fair and competitive.

Attached are some of the finished pictures he sent me

Hope this helps!

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by Lady72nRob71

Rob,

I just remembered... There is a guy named Duane in Houston who on the google Olds group who had good luck with a shop called Stitches Upholstery. A search says they are at 1308 Highway 6 S, Houston, TX 77077.
Duane had white '72 Cutlass seats like mine (split bench) redone with the Legendary covers. I talked with him a lot in person afterwards and he was very pleased. From what I remember, the labor price was fair and competitive.

Attached are some of the finished pictures he sent me

Hope this helps!

Rob, that place is about 5 miles down the road from me! I've seen it before and it was already on my short list. From the looks of those seats, they definitely warrant an in person visit. Mucho Gracias mi amigo!

[gh5168]

Originally Posted by HouTXCutlass

Thanks for the shout out from H-Town! I'm going to be starting on my resto one of these days. Any good upholstery shop you know of? How about just general maintenance and repair. Thanks, Rob

I used an upholstery shop called Texas Auto Trim 6025 Bissonett 713 661-5557. I had them to redo my dash,was very happy with their work. I just on yesterday took the console top for my Lexus over there to redo and I should have it back by Monday.I had talked with them about recovering my seats on my 442. I took the front seat over there to get them done in black but they said they could not duplicate the pattern,but could do a really nice leather job on the buckets and rear for about 1,000. I want to keep the car close to looking as original as possible,so dont know that I want to go that route. But I just might purchase the seats from Fusick or maybe Legendary and let them put them on.A very good restoration shop is Classic Cars of Houston @ 6336 Alder 713 838 9700,those guys do very good work.If you need your bumbers rechromed try DC Bumber Exchange over on Gulf Fwy near Telephone Rd,they did my front and back bumpers.came out looking nice.Here is what thes dash look like

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by gh5168

I used an upholstery shop called Texas Auto Trim 6025 Bissonett 713 661-5557. I had them to redo my dash,was very happy with their work. I just on yesterday took the console top for my Lexus over there to redo and I should have it back by Monday.I had talked with them about recovering my seats on my 442. I took the front seat over there to get them done in black but they said they could not duplicate the pattern,but could do a really nice leather job on the buckets and rear for about 1,000. I want to keep the car close to looking as original as possible,so dont know that I want to go that route. But I just might purchase the seats from Fusick or maybe Legendary and let them put them on.A very good restoration shop is Classic Cars of Houston @ 6336 Alder 713 838 9700,those guys do very good work.If you need your bumbers rechromed try DC Bumber Exchange over on Gulf Fwy near Telephone Rd,they did my front and back bumpers.came out looking nice.Here is what thes dash look like

Hey Gary, Thanks for the referrals. I'll check them out as well. Do you go to any local cruise ins? A guy at work told me about niftee50ees.com It looked pretty cool. I'll have to check some of those out when I get the little missy out and about. Thanks again, Rob

[gh5168]

Originally Posted by HouTXCutlass

Hey Gary, Thanks for the referrals. I'll check them out as well. Do you go to any local cruise ins? A guy at work told me about niftee50ees.com It looked pretty cool. I'll have to check some of those out when I get the little missy out and about. Thanks again, Rob

I have not gone to any yet,but plan on doing so once I finish,which looks like a few months away,but I have heard that over on SW Fwy in Sugarland there is a Rajun Cagin Restuarant where guys gather on Sat Nites with their classic.

[HouTXCutlass]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

welcome from a fellow Texan with a red low mile Cutlass convertible.

Thanks for the welcome Richard! I just finished reading your resto thread and since I saw so many compliments and attaboys, I won't go there. But let me just say, that I laughed (there's some funny people on here), I cried (mostly from thinking of what I'll have to go through to restore mine) and I was so intrigued and glued to the screen, that my wife thought I was looking at porn! Because I'm never on the PC this long! So I just needed to say thanks for the inspiration! I now feel I can get this old girl of mine back to her glory. Look forward to seeing the finished product. Maybe up close and personal if I ever get up to big D or you need a rest stop on the way to Galveston. Rob

[gearheads78]

Car porn can be more addicting than the other stuff. Thats what someone that looked at the other stuff once told me anyway

Originally Posted by HouTXCutlass

Thanks for the welcome Richard! I just finished reading your resto thread and since I saw so many compliments and attaboys, I won't go there. But let me just say, that I laughed (there's some funny people on here), I cried (mostly from thinking of what I'll have to go through to restore mine) and I was so intrigued and glued to the screen, that my wife thought I was looking at porn! Because I'm never on the PC this long! So I just needed to say thanks for the inspiration! I now feel I can get this old girl of mine back to her glory. Look forward to seeing the finished product. Maybe up close and personal if I ever get up to big D or you need a rest stop on the way to Galveston. Rob

[Lady72nRob71]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

Car porn can be more addicting than the other stuff. Thats what someone that looked at the other stuff once told me anyway

Very true...

[citcapp]

Ever since I got hooked on this forum more of my time on the computer is spent here then anywere else other the work. Ok I visit HAMB and a few other sites as well, but the Classic Olds group has more fun and offers more help then any other site I have been on.

[Bluevista]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

Car porn can be more addicting than the other stuff. Thats what someone that looked at the other stuff once told me anyway

Car Porn??? The stuff you sit and stare at drooling and 4-5 hours disappear?
Seen one seen them all...I heard it was boring too.
They're just different colors, shapes and sizes and they can only have so much extra work done and things added before they start looking weird...maybe cars are the same???