This may be an uninformed question for a multiple of reasons, but how hard/possible is it to change out my regular delta 88 front end and rear end for a royale? I'm not talking about mechanical stuff, but only the exterior metal, bumpers, etc. "why" you ask? I prefer the look of the "fuller" front bumper and vertical tailights of the royale. Also, if this is possible, what models years would pair up with my 73? Would only a 73 work, or could a 71, 72 also fit?

Am I out in left field here?

Thanks,
chris

 

I think 71 and 72 may swap with each other, but 70 had recessed grilles like the 70-71 cutlasses
and the 73 was different.
I have a complete fully loaded header from a 72 and could take some measurements if you like. It's on my wall of decorations.

 

Royales are simply a higher 88 trim level than Delta. They are otherwise the same car. You're talking about vertical taillights, I think you're confusing a Royale 88 with a Ninety Eight which is a completely different body aft of the windshield and cowl structure.

Differences in 73 were: the trunk lip moulding and trunk lock cover at the rear, wider body side mouldings with color keyed vinyl inserts on the sides and no differences in the front, though Royales are rarely seen w/o bumper rub strips.

Interior trim is plusher. Seat stitching patterns are different as is the door/side panel stitching, and Royales have "R" emblems on their upper door panels.

 

rocketraider is very correct. Trim sets the two appart. 71,2's had vertical in the rear. 73,4,5 had the horizontal. If the car is a hardtop it's likely to be a custom-however they did make more than a few royale hardtops. Never seen a custom convertable. Frankly who cares as long as it has power options or at least a big block. Hard to catch up with a 455 to check option levels. lol

 

The only thing I'd add to this thread is that while the 71-76 B-body cars are mostly interchangeable parts, the 73-up cars may have some frame differences from the 71-72 cars due to the federally-mandated 5 mph bumpers. I think the front frame horns are shaped differently to accept the bumper shock absorbers. This might prevent you from installing an early nose on a 73-up car.

 

Thanks for your responses everyone.
Will the fronts and rears in these pictures specifically fit my 73 delta? I am still thinking this all over, but I figured you all would know if this is possible before I got in too far...
By the way, the pictures are all of 71 deltas from what I know...

Chris

 

Please refer to the post above:

 

The alignment of the bolts -header panel to fender is differant,the rear quarter panels are slightly differant where they attach to the quarter extensions. This can present a problem if you're not good with metal fabrication.If you do decide to get into it keep us posted. I was thinking of doing the same thing to my 74 conv but I just couldn't see chopping up a 44k 74 delta.Good luck

 

Thanks Joe. My mistake...

J-(Chicago), That would be great if you could measure/check the front frame horns like joe_padavano was talking about. But, if you don't get to it, don't sweat it, because I will be going to the bone yard tomorrow, and I will see if they have a 71 there that I can measure.
Thanks,
Chris

 

ChrisM, what body style is your '73 Delta 88?

Is your goal actually to make the car appear to be a 1971 model? Or is it to make it look like a '73 Delta 88 Royale?

One thing to be aware of is that, if your car is a 2-door hardtop, trying to make it look like a '71 or '72 Royale 2-door hardtop is problematic. These cars had a completely unique rear window and roof trim set-up that would probably require a great deal of work to duplicate on your '73.

There's nothing wrong with the style of a '73 Delta 88! They're beautiful cars, and an attempt to create something different will result in a hodge-podge that ultimately diminishes the value of your car. If you prefer the look of a '71 or '72 Delta 88 or Delta 88 Royale, I suggest that you look for one to buy. The prices of these cars -- especially the hardtops -- are still quite affordable.

 

The 70s full sized Oldsmobiles were awsome cars. I think I like 74 and 75 the least. 71 and 72 are definitely the best. I also like the square headlights on the 76. I would gladly give my first born child to find a 71 or 72 Delta 88 coupe.

There was a 76 Delta 88... Sport Coupe for sale on the Dallas, TX craiglist recently. It didn't have any windows in the rear pillars, and it had a vinyl top. It looked sort of odd, but was definitely cool.

 

That was a Royale Crown Landau. It should also have had a brushed stainless targa band across the front of the vinyl roof cover.

The Crown Landau was the production 1976 Hurst/Olds, if you consider that the roof conversion was done by Hurst. Always thought those cars should have had buckets and console, along with SSIV wheels instead of those dumb color-keyed full wheel covers. I guess I should count it lucky such a conversion was even built.