1972 cutlass

andrew.minarick1 · August 20th, 2009, 03:37 PM

Im new to the site and just had a few questions about the 1972 cutlass supremes. post back if you want to help me out

jensenracing77 · August 20th, 2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew.minarick1

Im new to the site and just had a few questions about the 1972 cutlass supremes. post back if you want to help me out

we all will love to help. just let us know what you need so who ever knows the topic best will reply. and welcome. just ask away

andrew.minarick1 · August 20th, 2009, 03:47 PM

Thanks. Im 14 years old and i am going to do a car project with my dad, and we chose the 1972 cutlass supreme. I was just wondering how hard it would be to replace an existing 350 engine with a 455. What about the transmission?

jensenracing77 · August 20th, 2009, 04:12 PM

everything will bolt right up. the brackets on the front for the power steering and alternator and A/C are made to fit both engines. the transmission will bolt right up also.

sounds like a fun project. me and my dad built the engine for my Rallye 350 when i was 15.

andrew.minarick1 · August 20th, 2009, 04:17 PM

thanks. also, ive seen ads that have a 455 engine with a 350 transmission. Should i go with a 400 turbo?

citcapp · August 20th, 2009, 04:18 PM

Andrew,

Its great that you and your dad are going to do a father son car project and that you picked and Oldsmobile is a bonus. The 350 engine with the 350 transmission is a great combo and has plenty of potential. With a cam upgrade, dual exhaust, and maybe an aftermarket intake with a Q-jet you would have a strong runner just the way it is. A swap to a 455 is pretty straight foward it will fit in place of the 350 using the same motor mounts and will bolt up to the 350 trans.

The 350 transmission is not strong enough for the added torque of the 455 in its stock form and should be modified or use a turbo 400 which is strong enough. If you use the turbo 400 the drive shaft would also have to be modified as the torbo 400 is longer then the 350.

there are other issues such as a bigger radiator, exhaust manifolds but most of this is bolt in stuff. Ask questions as you go along and we will help out were we can. Good luck to you and your dad.

andrew.minarick1 · August 20th, 2009, 04:26 PM

thanks for being such a big help. ill probably come back later with more questions

Jamesbo · August 21st, 2009, 09:15 AM

We'll wait here for ya.

andrew.minarick1 · August 25th, 2009, 07:12 PM

Im looking at a 1972 cutlass supreme to buy, but it has the shifter on the steering colom and i would prefer that it was on the floor. Is there any way i could move it?

jensenracing77 · August 25th, 2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew.minarick1

Im looking at a 1972 cutlass supreme to buy, but it has the shifter on the steering colom and i would prefer that it was on the floor. Is there any way i could move it?

just add bucket seats and a shifter on the floor. if you want you can change the steering column to a floor shift column so you don't have to look at the shifter there. if you want original shifter they are a little price. if you are not concerned about original you can put an aftermarket shifter in it. i had a car with the B&M Z gate shifter in it and liked it very well.

Oldsguy · August 26th, 2009, 06:05 AM

Andrew, I read on your other post asking about that too. All that is possible and most of the replies have been positive about changes you want to make. I would ask you to consider this though, since you are 14 years old. Is your father or some other mentor experienced in automotive repair? Are they going to be helping you do this? I am assuming that you don't have much experience considering your age but could be wrong, you may be a prodigy and have been wrenching since you were old enough to walk. I just would hate for you to get into a project that would put you over your head and end up giving you a bad experience. If your car is going to be a driver already it might be better to just take it and drive it for a few years while in high school and get as much enjoyment as you can from it. If you don't thrash it too badly it should still be in good enough shape to improve on it later.

andrew.minarick1 · August 26th, 2009, 07:44 PM

Ya my dad is pretty good with tools, but thanks for your concern

andrew.minarick1 · August 28th, 2009, 04:03 PM

Just wondering how hard it would be to change the interior color of a 1972 cutlass supreme. What would I have to do for the dash, and things like that and what would i need?

jensenracing77 · August 28th, 2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew.minarick1

Just wondering how hard it would be to change the interior color of a 1972 cutlass supreme. What would I have to do for the dash, and things like that and what would i need?

it sucks to do. to do it right will take alot of money and alot of work. the dash will have to come out to do it right. if the metal is the wrong color in front of the dash you will have to take the windshield out to paint it. i have used a die to die a plastic console and it turned out great. i don't know if you could use something like that on the seats or not, you may have to recover them

Bluevista · August 29th, 2009, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew.minarick1

Ya my dad is pretty good with tools, but thanks for your concern

"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." Jeff Spicolli - circa 1982 A.D.

436.jpg

Sorry Andrew, but you threw a hanging fast ball right down the middle.

andrew.minarick1 · August 29th, 2009, 08:06 AM

Thanks for all your help. Me and my dad talked about changing colors and agreed that it would take a little too much work, so were probably going to let this car pass.

andrew.minarick1 · August 30th, 2009, 07:44 PM

I dont know if this works but this is a picture of a car im looking at. please post some constructive Critisism of the car please.

citcapp · August 31st, 2009, 08:37 AM

Hard to tell with just one picture and no close ups. Check for rust around the wheel wells (use a magnet). Check the trunk and frame rails, and around the windows. Take your time there are good cars availible.

Olds64 · August 31st, 2009, 10:27 AM

Looks halfway decent from the picture you gave us.

Pat had a good idea, use a magnet to check for bondo, also have your dad drive it before you buy it. He should drive it around town and on the highway. Make sure he drives it like it is a rental. You want to make sure to put it through the paces. Plus, maybe your dad and the current owner could go to a big parking lot and let you tote around a bit since it is going to be your car.

andrew.minarick1 · September 2nd, 2009, 06:46 PM

decided not to go for it. it was a little too far away

Olds64 · September 8th, 2009, 08:08 AM

Bummer!

Andrew, let us know where you are located. Alot of us frequent Craigslist. We can post links to Oldsmobiles in your area.

andrew.minarick1 · September 10th, 2009, 05:31 PM

Im located by omaha nebraska but me and my dad would be willing to drive a reasonable distance. Im also looking for a car in the $2,500 range because i have to pay for it myself. Thanks for being willing to help

Olds64 · September 11th, 2009, 07:27 AM

Check it out! Here is one in KCMO, my old stomping ground.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1367733766.html

cutlassjoe · September 11th, 2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluevista

"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." Jeff Spicolli - circa 1982 A.D.

Attachment 8525

Sorry Andrew, but you threw a hanging fast ball right down the middle.

Dude...That's my skull. I am so wasted...Another good quote from the movie!

andrew.minarick1 · September 11th, 2009, 08:51 PM

i was sort of looking for a 1972 cutlass supreme

andrew.minarick1 · September 12th, 2009, 08:21 AM

cutlass.jpg They are asking $1000 for it. Some more constructive critisism please.

citcapp · September 12th, 2009, 08:26 AM

Can't really tell anything from the one small picture. Any rust, does it have a engine and tranny, does it run, what about the interior?

Bluevista · September 12th, 2009, 09:22 AM

It's a 2 door hardtop and the price are pretty good parts.

The front clip looks like it has been replaced? Or is that primer or old paint on the door and quarter? Was a vinyl top removed??

If it runs and isn't too rusty it doesn't look bad from 50 feet away.

Way more pics and a description are still needed..

andrew.minarick1 · October 12th, 2009, 05:42 PM

quick question: how can you tell if you have a 400 transmition?

70 cutlass s · October 12th, 2009, 06:14 PM

The 350turbo and 400turbo pans are different. 400 also has a electric wire going to the side. Go ahead and buy a repair manual Chilton has one that covers most common repairs, and covers 1970-1987. It shows what the gaskets look like this will give you an idea what the pan looks like and be real helpful when working on it.

Olds64 · October 13th, 2009, 06:57 AM

The TH 350 pan is mostly square with a notch cut out of the back side. The TH 400 pan has an "S" curve in it. It is easy to tell the difference once you know what you are looking for.

andrew.minarick1 · October 25th, 2009, 04:00 PM

Just wanted to know anyone knew of some good parts magazines. If you do please share

70 cutlass s · October 25th, 2009, 07:32 PM

Here's some web sites to get you started. Check out Hemmings Motor News it has a lot of adds in it.

http://www.yearone.com/
http://www.opgi.com/
http://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/
http://www.fusick.com/
http://www.paddockparts.com

1ATony · October 26th, 2009, 01:26 PM

Welcome to the site.

andrew.minarick1 · October 28th, 2009, 04:37 PM

I have a 1972 cutlass supreme and i was thinking about putting in aluminum gauge panel aluminum console trimpanels to give the dash a more metallic look. Any ideas on Where i could buy these?

70 cutlass s · October 29th, 2009, 04:49 AM

I would say you would have to have that made. It's not going to be cheap.

German442 · October 29th, 2009, 05:42 AM

Quick question: Are you getting this as a "keeper", or do you think you'll be selling it after a couple years? Reason for my question: If you'll be thinking of getting anywhere near your money back if/when you sell it, the more you "customize" it, the less you'll wind up getting when you sell it! It's extremely unusual to find someone who's taste is the same, so something like the dash job would not only be expensive, but you'd almost certainly lose resale value!

Just my $0.02!

Ralph

Olds64 · October 29th, 2009, 06:58 AM

If you want to put a modified dash in the car then do it. However, I agree with 70 Cutlass S, it would be rather expensive to do this. Unless of course you or someone you know is a machinist that can do work on the cheap.

Don't worry about how much resale value you are going to get from the car. You aren't going to make money on it. PERIOD! The only people that make money on a classic car are people like J Leno. You would have to do a frame off restoration and have everything PERFECT to make money on a classic car.

droptopron · October 29th, 2009, 11:53 AM

Just curious, why gassed up on a '72 as compared to a '71 or a '70?

They are more similar than they are different, especially the '71 & the '72.

70 cutlass s · October 30th, 2009, 10:50 AM

You need to post pics and need to start new tread. I do have some advice being your first car don't worry about numbers. A lot of parts you need will be at local parts stores. You need to make the car safe and dependable first. Repair mechanical parts first things like engine, trans, brakes, shocks. You can make it pretty later. First buy repair manual. Than as you work on it, you need help post treads ask for help with what your working on, and add pics it helps us old timers if we can see it.

August 20th, 2009, 03:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass Im new to the site and just had a few questions about the 1972 cutlass supremes. post back if you want to help me out

August 20th, 2009, 03:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass Thanks. Im 14 years old and i am going to do a car project with my dad, and we chose the 1972 cutlass supreme. I was just wondering how hard it would be to replace an existing 350 engine with a 455. What about the transmission?

August 20th, 2009, 04:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
jensenracing77 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: brazil indiana Posts: 1,022	everything will bolt right up. the brackets on the front for the power steering and alternator and A/C are made to fit both engines. the transmission will bolt right up also. sounds like a fun project. me and my dad built the engine for my Rallye 350 when i was 15. __________________ 70 Rallye 350 72 Cutlass 00 Silhouette 90 Toronado Trofeo

August 20th, 2009, 04:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass thanks. also, ive seen ads that have a 455 engine with a 350 transmission. Should i go with a 400 turbo?

August 20th, 2009, 04:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,455	Welcome to CO Andrew, Its great that you and your dad are going to do a father son car project and that you picked and Oldsmobile is a bonus. The 350 engine with the 350 transmission is a great combo and has plenty of potential. With a cam upgrade, dual exhaust, and maybe an aftermarket intake with a Q-jet you would have a strong runner just the way it is. A swap to a 455 is pretty straight foward it will fit in place of the 350 using the same motor mounts and will bolt up to the 350 trans. The 350 transmission is not strong enough for the added torque of the 455 in its stock form and should be modified or use a turbo 400 which is strong enough. If you use the turbo 400 the drive shaft would also have to be modified as the torbo 400 is longer then the 350. there are other issues such as a bigger radiator, exhaust manifolds but most of this is bolt in stuff. Ask questions as you go along and we will help out were we can. Good luck to you and your dad. __________________ Pat 1957 Super 88 with a 455 1948 2dr series 76 with a 455

August 20th, 2009, 04:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass thanks for being such a big help. ill probably come back later with more questions

August 21st, 2009, 09:15 AM	#8 (permalink)
Jamesbo Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 2,862	Welcome We'll wait here for ya. __________________ 69 H/O 69 442 convertible 69 Vista Cruiser 69 442 hardtop "Growing old is mandatory,Growing up is optional"

August 25th, 2009, 07:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass Im looking at a 1972 cutlass supreme to buy, but it has the shifter on the steering colom and i would prefer that it was on the floor. Is there any way i could move it?

August 26th, 2009, 06:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	Andrew, I read on your other post asking about that too. All that is possible and most of the replies have been positive about changes you want to make. I would ask you to consider this though, since you are 14 years old. Is your father or some other mentor experienced in automotive repair? Are they going to be helping you do this? I am assuming that you don't have much experience considering your age but could be wrong, you may be a prodigy and have been wrenching since you were old enough to walk. I just would hate for you to get into a project that would put you over your head and end up giving you a bad experience. If your car is going to be a driver already it might be better to just take it and drive it for a few years while in high school and get as much enjoyment as you can from it. If you don't thrash it too badly it should still be in good enough shape to improve on it later. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

August 26th, 2009, 07:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	Ya my dad is pretty good with tools, but thanks for your concern

August 28th, 2009, 04:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme Just wondering how hard it would be to change the interior color of a 1972 cutlass supreme. What would I have to do for the dash, and things like that and what would i need?

August 29th, 2009, 08:06 AM	#16 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme Thanks for all your help. Me and my dad talked about changing colors and agreed that it would take a little too much work, so were probably going to let this car pass.

August 31st, 2009, 08:37 AM	#18 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,455	Hard to tell with just one picture and no close ups. Check for rust around the wheel wells (use a magnet). Check the trunk and frame rails, and around the windows. Take your time there are good cars availible. __________________ Pat 1957 Super 88 with a 455 1948 2dr series 76 with a 455

August 31st, 2009, 10:27 AM	#19 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	Looks halfway decent from the picture you gave us. Pat had a good idea, use a magnet to check for bondo, also have your dad drive it before you buy it. He should drive it around town and on the highway. Make sure he drives it like it is a rental. You want to make sure to put it through the paces. Plus, maybe your dad and the current owner could go to a big parking lot and let you tote around a bit since it is going to be your car. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

September 2nd, 2009, 06:46 PM	#20 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme decided not to go for it. it was a little too far away

September 8th, 2009, 08:08 AM	#21 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	Bummer! Andrew, let us know where you are located. Alot of us frequent Craigslist. We can post links to Oldsmobiles in your area. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

September 10th, 2009, 05:31 PM	#22 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme Im located by omaha nebraska but me and my dad would be willing to drive a reasonable distance. Im also looking for a car in the $2,500 range because i have to pay for it myself. Thanks for being willing to help

September 11th, 2009, 07:27 AM	#23 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	Check it out! Here is one in KCMO, my old stomping ground. http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1367733766.html __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

September 11th, 2009, 08:51 PM	#25 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme i was sort of looking for a 1972 cutlass supreme

September 12th, 2009, 08:21 AM	#26 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme cutlass.jpg They are asking $1000 for it. Some more constructive critisism please.

September 12th, 2009, 08:26 AM	#27 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,455	Can't really tell anything from the one small picture. Any rust, does it have a engine and tranny, does it run, what about the interior? __________________ Pat 1957 Super 88 with a 455 1948 2dr series 76 with a 455

September 12th, 2009, 09:22 AM	#28 (permalink)
Bluevista Cruisin' the Vistas Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 1,724	It's a 2 door hardtop and the price are pretty good parts. The front clip looks like it has been replaced? Or is that primer or old paint on the door and quarter? Was a vinyl top removed?? If it runs and isn't too rusty it doesn't look bad from 50 feet away. Way more pics and a description are still needed..

October 12th, 2009, 05:42 PM	#29 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass quick question: how can you tell if you have a 400 transmition?

October 12th, 2009, 06:14 PM	#30 (permalink)
70 cutlass s Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Elizabethtown,KY Posts: 242	The 350turbo and 400turbo pans are different. 400 also has a electric wire going to the side. Go ahead and buy a repair manual Chilton has one that covers most common repairs, and covers 1970-1987. It shows what the gaskets look like this will give you an idea what the pan looks like and be real helpful when working on it.

October 13th, 2009, 06:57 AM	#31 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	The TH 350 pan is mostly square with a notch cut out of the back side. The TH 400 pan has an "S" curve in it. It is easy to tell the difference once you know what you are looking for. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

October 25th, 2009, 04:00 PM	#32 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass Just wanted to know anyone knew of some good parts magazines. If you do please share

October 25th, 2009, 07:32 PM	#33 (permalink)
70 cutlass s Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Elizabethtown,KY Posts: 242	Here's some web sites to get you started. Check out Hemmings Motor News it has a lot of adds in it. http://www.yearone.com/ http://www.opgi.com/ http://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/ http://www.fusick.com/ http://www.paddockparts.com

October 26th, 2009, 01:26 PM	#34 (permalink)
1ATony Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 110	Welcome to the site.

October 28th, 2009, 04:37 PM	#35 (permalink)
andrew.minarick1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	1972 cutlass supreme I have a 1972 cutlass supreme and i was thinking about putting in aluminum gauge panel aluminum console trimpanels to give the dash a more metallic look. Any ideas on Where i could buy these?

October 29th, 2009, 04:49 AM	#36 (permalink)
70 cutlass s Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Elizabethtown,KY Posts: 242	I would say you would have to have that made. It's not going to be cheap.

October 29th, 2009, 05:42 AM	#37 (permalink)
German442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 180	Quick question: Are you getting this as a "keeper", or do you think you'll be selling it after a couple years? Reason for my question: If you'll be thinking of getting anywhere near your money back if/when you sell it, the more you "customize" it, the less you'll wind up getting when you sell it! It's extremely unusual to find someone who's taste is the same, so something like the dash job would not only be expensive, but you'd almost certainly lose resale value! Just my $0.02! Ralph

October 29th, 2009, 06:58 AM	#38 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	If you want to put a modified dash in the car then do it. However, I agree with 70 Cutlass S, it would be rather expensive to do this. Unless of course you or someone you know is a machinist that can do work on the cheap. Don't worry about how much resale value you are going to get from the car. You aren't going to make money on it. PERIOD! The only people that make money on a classic car are people like J Leno. You would have to do a frame off restoration and have everything PERFECT to make money on a classic car. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

October 29th, 2009, 11:53 AM	#39 (permalink)
droptopron Keepin it real is hard wo Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 20	Just curious, why gassed up on a '72 as compared to a '71 or a '70? They are more similar than they are different, especially the '71 & the '72.

October 30th, 2009, 10:50 AM	#40 (permalink)
70 cutlass s Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Elizabethtown,KY Posts: 242	You need to post pics and need to start new tread. I do have some advice being your first car don't worry about numbers. A lot of parts you need will be at local parts stores. You need to make the car safe and dependable first. Repair mechanical parts first things like engine, trans, brakes, shocks. You can make it pretty later. First buy repair manual. Than as you work on it, you need help post treads ask for help with what your working on, and add pics it helps us old timers if we can see it.

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