William O'Hara

Hello,

I am a new member. This is my first post. I am a huge Oldsmobile fan and I am looking to purchase and restore a Vista Cruiser. We had a 1972 Vista Cruiser when I was a kid. I loved that wagon! I want to restore one of these wagons to perfection and take it to a car show. I know, that's a tall order! Is there any differences in appearance or features between the 1969 and 1972 years?

Please help,

Bill O'Hara

joe_padavano

Bill,

Welcome. Actually, as with the entire A-body line, the 1968-72 cars are very similar. The 1968-69 cars share sheetmetal except for the hood, grille, core support, and front bumper. The 1969s were optionally available with the two-way tailgate, which was not offered for 1968.

The A-body line went through a minor restyling for the 1970 model year, and the 1970-72 cars share sheetmetal. The 1971-72 cars are virtually identical except for grille trim. The 1970s have unique hood, grilles, front bumper, and core support as compared to the 71-72 cars.

Throughout these years, engine and transmission options varied, as did upholstery patterns and available colors. Chassis, suspension, and steering are the same for all 1968-72 VCs.

oldsmobiledave

Yes.

1969 body style for all A bodies is different than the 1972s so yes the Vista too uses different sheet metal, grilles, bumpers, interiors etc. Also there are driveline variations with 350, 400, 455 depending on the year & T350 vs T400 trans (plus some 3 on the tree applications).

The wheelbase & the raised vista glass are the same.

A simple google images search for the two years will provide you with more than enough photos to discern the two.

William O'Hara

Thank you!

William O'Hara

Thank-you!

I will compare the different images on line.

joe_padavano

Google Images is the easiest way to do this, but note that despite what you put into the search box (say "1968"), you will frequently get other results.