newbie 72 Olds Cutlass

[richeyb]

This is a copy of my first post on this site.... trying to figure out how to post and start threads... I'm in the process of restoring the old family car I bought new in 1972 and then taught 2 kids to drive in and sent off to college finally in the 80s. I thas been through a lot and is now getting restored... 2 door, hardtop, engine V-8 350, rebuilt with good trans and suspension.... so now it has finally come home to get some body work, only 3 panels with a couple rust spots and small dent in one door .... I have new weatherstripping and just got a set of side molding clips to put the molding back on once we remove it to do some body work and paint..
Only missing one small piece of molding. The small piece of molding on the right rear fender, between the wheel well and the door. looked on ebay and other sites but can't find.. so I have joined this site hoping to find mine missing piece... can anyone help??

[cutlassgal]

I like you already!! Nothing like a good old 72!!! Welcome to the site!! Have you tried Fusicks? I don't have my catalog in front of me, but I know they sell some different moldings. Post some pics when you can... we love pics!!

[citcapp]

Sounds like you have a real family car thats been through a lot. Shows how good of a car the Olds is. I'll copy this post to the Cutlass forum, hopefully some one there can help you out

[richeyb]

Thanks for the welcome Cutlassgal and citcapp. Yes the Cutlass has been through the mill and could probably tell some stories I would not want to hear, but it jsut keeps on going!!..... I will post some pics later today... a little bit more rust than Cutlassgal's but it won't be long.... I was ask on another form if it is a surpeme or S and it is the Cutlass S. Have not looked at Fusicks. Can I just google and find it? Thasnk for the help..
Richey

[richeyb]

Here she is in all her glory!!

[Jamesbo]

Welcome aboard

Sweet A body.

Sure she could use a little TLC but hey, so could I.

Glad you joined up.

[richeyb]

Missing side molding that I'm looking for!!

[richeyb]

I tried loading my picture in the gallery but they siad the size exceeded that allowed, wasn't what I need to do. so I jsut copied afew here..

[Jamesbo]

Originally Posted by richeyb

I tried loading my picture in the gallery but they siad the size exceeded that allowed, wasn't what I need to do. so I jsut copied afew here..

Bummer

Ya might as well start looking for some bolt on ceneter caps for those SS II wheels while ya search fer the chrome piece.

[Allan R]

Originally Posted by richeyb

Here she is in all her glory!!

Hey Richey! Welcome to CO.
You've definitely got some work ahead of you, and the results are 150% worthwhile....you're also right about one thing. It's almost like having an energizer bunny. These beasts just keep going and going and going...LOL What kind of options does your car have? Is it a 350 or 455 engine? You'll want to look carefully at any rust around the vinyl roof moldings, it can be deadly. Judging from the fenders, you should be able to do patch panels. The quarters look like they're in pretty good shape. My car is also a 72 Cutlass S. I ditched the body side moldings because it interfered with the side decaling I put on. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's a great car to drive and show off.




Yes, you have a Cutlass S if all the body emblems on your car are original. The styliized S just behind the Cutlass emblem is an indicator. Also look at your VIN and post it. We can give you more information about what your car is from that. If it was a Cutlass Supreme it would look like this:

You can see the different body styling on the roof line and quarter panels.

[richeyb]

Jamesbo The bolt on center caps are on my want list. I have one in the trunk, but do need 3... The decallng looks great but I was wanting to go back to original... It is the basic 350 with auto trans.. My plan is to stay with same color green and go with a vinyl top, orignal but maybe change the color to a shade of green or brown instead of white..? Good tip on checking edge of vinyl and windows. It is definitley going to take a little work along edges. Especially along windshield frame. One of my firends a excellent bodyman, felt pretty confident it wouldn't be that bad to fix... time and $s will tell..

[Jamesbo]

I'd stay close friends with him. He could save ya a bundle.

[citcapp]

Here's the link to Fusick http://www.fusick.com/. Great company to do business with. Having a friend thats a bodyman is a plus and that he is willing to help you out is a great bonus

[cutlassgal]

She will be beautiful again one day!! Don't you just love 'em!!

[Oldsguy]

Richie, if I missed it in another thread, welcome to CO. That car will look so nice by the time you finish it. I owned a '72 Cutlass many years ago that started out about that same condition and got it looking presentable, not show worthy but a real nice looker. Good luck.

[richeyb]

Don't plan on hitting the shows, I'm just hoping for road worthy and looking like something I'm proud to have owned for...hmmmm hard to add up the years, just since 72.. 36+ years...

[1ATony]

Welcome to the site.That's a great year to restore.

[815Cutlass1972]

Nice car bud!! I would forget about the vinyl top though, problems with rusting will occur with the vinyl top.

1972 Cutlass S

[richeyb]

My plan right now is to take care of the rust, pull out old putty job, reputty, fill in couple dents, etc and do a good undercoat, and then finsh off with a vinyl... Agree long term vinyl tops leads to rust, espeically in a damp climate, lucky to live in a high desert... just trying to get back to the start.....

[old tired rebel]

What a great project. Welcome

[richeyb]

http://picasaweb.google.com/gunfight...IGMrqP585CAKA# here is a web page with a few more pictures of my project!!

[cutlassgal]

Aahhh... bless her heart!! She's going to require some time and patience, huh? I see true beauty within, though!! My first 72 was kind of a forest green color with the same green brocade interior as The Prettiest one has!