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This was posted under the '442' section so I thought that's what we were referring to.
Mike,
When I originally had the idea for the thread I was in the 442 section, but then expanded the thought to include all A bodies and forgot to change what section it was in - I guess this should actually be under the Cutlass section?
Anyway, I think you found another valid difference - no 71 442 post, but a 72 post was available.
Location: Hague, VA...1-1/2 hours from the year 2017
Posts: 341
As usual, nice picture of your '71, murph.
Another slight detail difference between the '71 and '72 has to do with the louvered steel hood, specifically the louver paint color: painted body color on the '71 Cutlass S and 442; still painted body color on '72 Cutlass S, but BLACK on the '72 442.
Originally Posted by mmurphy77
Here's my '71. Basically the grilles are the same just 'finished' differently. The '71 has Silver outer surrounds with Black grilles and Black 442 numbers while the '72 has Silver grilles with Black and Silver outer surrounds and Red 442 numbers.
Another slight detail difference between the '71 and '72 has to do with the louvered steel hood, specifically the louver paint color: painted body color on the '71 Cutlass S and 442; still painted body color on '72 Cutlass S, but BLACK on the '72 442.
Thanks Joe, and good point on the hood louvers. It's funny how the headlight bezels other trim were 'blacked out' in '72. This was also the case on GM's other A-bodies namely the Skylark and Chevelle which also got the 'black out' treatment on their trim parts in '72. Must have been the 'in vogue' thing in 1972.
Location: Hague, VA...1-1/2 hours from the year 2017
Posts: 341
Yeah that's pretty interesting. To me, that black out treatment on the '72 442 looks better on some color combinations than others. I think it looks "ok" on mine, but to me looks better on say a car with black pins. I probably prefer the '71 front end overall, but anyway back to the thread topic .
Originally Posted by mmurphy77
Thanks Joe, and good point on the hood louvers. It's funny how the headlight bezels other trim were 'blacked out' in '72. This was also the case on GM's other A-bodies namely the Skylark and Chevelle which also got the 'black out' treatment on their trim parts in '72. Must have been the 'in vogue' thing in 1972.
Hi everyone. here's some more or at least more detail. The outboard front seatbelts move about three inches back for 72 and the rear outboard seatbelts on 2 door models get retractors. Front shoulder belts attach to the outboard seatbelt (keyhole) insted of having their own buckel. ~BOB
1972- 442 base engine is a 350 2-bbl, single exhaust
yes, a factory auto trans 442 that is really a 321... oh the shame.
1971 had special heads for the W30 engines [big valve H castings]; 1972 you're hard pressed to even find a big valve Ga head- pretty much only W30's got the 2.07" intakes. Not a std issue BB 442 even.
Since we are shooting for a cononical list, let's include the Body Tag "ST" line having "72" for 1972 models, and "71" for 1971 models- just in case the clueless info seeker finds this list in the future.
Other than the W-30, the V-code (M-20 equipped) 455's also had the large valve Ga heads.
Joe, you're killing me . That’s my favorite thread so far this year. Let me add one more: Grill/Hood moldings: The cross section is different. 71 has the ridge in the center, 72 has the ridge toward the outside of the molding.
I think you mean W-37 clutch.
According to the '72 Inspector's Guide, the W-37 option was available in 1972, unless it was cancelled during sometime before or after the production start date. Have not checked the Assembly Manual yet.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Just a few more,
- Rosewood wood grain interior trim on 72, Walnut wood grain interior trim on 71 models
- 71 has 442 emblem on glove box, 72 was either Cutlass or Cutlass Supreme
- Deluxe steering wheel changes shape for horn pad.
- W29 hood introduced - has piercings for Oldsmobile script on DS. So this would mean actually there would be 6 hoods not including the W25.
- 442 grill emblems change color from black (71) to red/orange (72)
- rearview mirror gets backing changed from silver to black, and rubber glass holder is changed from grey in 71 to black in 72 (matches the mirror pod color).
- 71 battery cables at top post, 72 are side post
- Oh yes, don't forget the wheel covers - 71 are relatively flat discs, 72 are the nuclear turbines...
Ok, I gotta know. What about the washer fluid bottle. Which side was 72 and which was 71. I can't find a consistent answer to this one anywhere. My car isn't AC and the washer bottle is on the DS. But I see lots of them on the PS with long hoses running to the squirters. I have this theory that they're supposed to be (or were originally intended for) the DS. That's why they have that little cut out where the battery cables route by. Anyone?
Allan, I realize this is an older thread, but noted you're question, didn't see an answer for you. So here's a couple pic's for you my friend. left pic 72, right 71
Cheers, Brett
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Brett? Check again. That pic you have that's supposedly 72 can't possibly be. The air cleaner and HEI say it's at least 74. Air cleaners up to 1973 didn't have the offset or bump in for the HEI clearance.
The Assembly Manual helped me solve the puzzle with washer bottle positioning. Cars with 350 or 455 with 35Y72 have the bottle on the drivers side. Cars with 455 but without 35Y72 had it on the passenger side.
Check pages 116 and 118 of the Assembly manual. Great pictures. Details on bottom right side of page.
Damn...damn ...damn...Somebody stole my 72 engine bay pics & copied the 77 ones & placed in both folders. Or maybe it was the vodka? However if I read you correctly, my 71 442 4spd w/HD cool should have the reservoir on DS not PS, right?
Brett,
Switch to tequila maybe?
Allan,
I believe all '70-'72 non OAI 442s had the oldsmobile script on the driver front of the hood.
Also, the fasten seat belt pod on the top of the dash became mandatory on Jan 1 of '72 but only if the car came with the rally pack. Otherwise the fsb light was at the bottom of the fuel gauge.
Also, kinda already mentioned but the '71 442 with standard hood could have had the optional center stripe but different hood stripe set up for '72.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Originally Posted by oldspackrat
I believe all '70-'72 non OAI 442s had the oldsmobile script on the driver front of the hood.
Yes, that's shown in the Assembly Manual. It's also a different script than the one that goes onto the front grills of the other coupe models.
Originally Posted by oldspackrat
Also, kinda already mentioned but the '71 442 with standard hood could have had the optional center stripe but different hood stripe set up for '72.
That's the Y73 GT hood stripe option.
re: rallye pac dash pod. That part I knew about. Even with that legislation though there are some 72's produced after Jan 72 that didn't get that feature installed. Guess it depended on the factory.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Actually Brian, the hood paint (Y73) stripes (although different in location and design) were mandatory part of all W29 cars in 1972. The W29 also included the side body stripes and deck lid stripes. And since the W29 was available on all coupes except the CS Hardtop, it wasn't isolated to just the Cutlass S.
I think we are having a different conversation. I was referring only to Scott's comment about the 71 442 hood stripe. The way he wrote it sounded like it was an option on the 71 442. I was just clarifying it was standard on the 442 and an option on the 71 Cutlass S. I don't have enough expertise on the 72's to comment. Cheers.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Brett, those are the hood stripes for a 72 W29 car. Only things wrong are the louvers should be blacked out for a 442, and I don't see the piercings for the Oldsmobile script on the drivers side.
BTW, that hood is specific to a Cutlass or Cutlass S with AC as it has no rear cowl vents.
I was told this was off of a real 72 442...(please hold the snickering to a dull roar...) but as you can see from pic 1 there were no piercings for the hood script, and the 'stripes' are still original, the faux louvers don't match, even the shade of paint is off as to the gold on the hood,
pic 2 is purely for conversation, 72 350 CS Auto AC, mine that mysteriously vanished just when I needed to show it off.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Brett, the faux louvers were originally lower body color on non W29 cars. I expect the paint stripes were added by a PO because the factory just wouldn't make a mistake like that. The lack of piercing makes this hood either a Culass S or base Cutlass. I don't believe the CS coupes could be ordered with louvered hoods from the factory.
Hey, no snickers from my end. This is an area a lot of folks get mixed up with.
That 72 engine compartment looks to have seen better days. Should buff right up, right?
I believe the Washer resevoir location also had something to do with the size of battery used on the 442. The Coolant recoverey tank was introduced by a change order in Feb 1971. It was considered part of HD cooling and trailer towing depending of application. The rad support is pierced with two mounting holes for the bracket on March and later built 71's.
The small patern T3 were introduced in spring 1971, My 5/11 built 442 has them,my 2/02 built W30 Hardtop had the older style.
Front sholder belts were available on a 71 convertible but not on a 72.
Paul
Not sure if they fit but a pair came with a 72 (as extra parts) that I bought. I read on here that 71 and 72 core supports are different so I'm tagging along to see. If you are looking for some and find they fit I don't plan on using them.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Originally Posted by sammy
Old thread, but was wondering if the 71 pot metal Grilles will fit a 72 Supreme?....
Ted,
Absolutely they will fit. The 71 grilles (all models) have the same setback as the 72 442 grills. The mounting tabs are identical. Only difference is they are pot metal, as you already know. Just curious why you would want to put 71 grills onto a 72 CS though.
I am curious too why you ask? Do you have a set? I personally don't favor the pot metal 71's but respect other people's preference. Some 72's were plastic so maybe a more sturdy option may be better for you. Glad to hear they fit. Allen is an excellent source of info. I've learned a lot from his contributions here.
They were in the trunk of the 72 C/S I just bought. I have a grille set from a 72 Cutlass S but it needs help. I might put a 70 clip on it and a 70 bumper and give my silver car a mate. Thanks for the help Allan!...I have learned a great deal from you😀
Old thread, but was wondering if the 71 pot metal Grilles will fit a 72 Supreme?....
As others mentioned, YES 71 metal grills will fit on a 72 core support. BUT, there are 2 different style "L" shape grill mounting brackets. One L bracket is bigger than the other. So to be safe, use the L brackets that came with the grills.
For those just joining in, look at the "Miscellaneous" Tab on my website for the minor often neglected 71/72 core support differences.
The only metal grills used from '68-'72 are the pot metal grills used on the '71 Supreme, weather coupe, convertible, SX, or 4 door. Not 100% sure on the 4 door though.
Not sure if they fit but a pair came with a 72 (as extra parts) that I bought. I read on here that 71 and 72 core supports are different so I'm tagging along to see. If you are looking for some and find they fit I don't plan on using them.
All 1971 Cutlass/442/Supreme grilles will fit into a 1972 core support, but the 1972 Cutlass and Supreme grilles do not quite fit into a 1971 core support. This is why there is that subtle difference between the 1971 and 72 core supports. Note the "notch" above the outboard corner of the grille that is only present on the 1972 core supports.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Originally Posted by joe_padavano
All 1971 Cutlass/442/Supreme grilles will fit into a 1972 core support, but the 1972 Cutlass and Supreme grilles do not quite fit into a 1971 core support. This is why there is that subtle difference between the 1971 and 72 core supports. Note the "notch" above the outboard corner of the grille that is only present on the 1972 core supports.
Here's a 1971 for comparison:
Interesting note: Did you notice the 72 picture shows 71 headlight bezels? Admittedly they are the same part, just that the 72 should be blacked out, like this:
Interesting note: Did you notice the 72 picture shows 71 headlight bezels? Admittedly they are the same part, just that the 72 should be blacked out, like this:
When I took the picture, the owner told me it was a 1971 model car with 72 core support, 72 Grills, so he put 72 on the license plate.
Just Kidding. I'm sure he got points taken off at the show.
Not sure how many black codes were offered in 72, my 72-442 coup is factory black?
Originally Posted by Allan R
Ebony Black (code 19) not offered on exterior color palette in 1972. Only model year this appears to have been done.
72 rad support modified slightly to accept new eggcrate and horizontal bar grills.
72 Eggcrate on Horizontal grilles move forward in stone shield.
Grilles in 72 are plastic instead of pot metal in 71
Grille mounting bracket redesigned except for 442 models.
Hoods on 72 AC cars did not have rear vent piercing
72 January JL2 becomes standard brake package on A bodies
72 VIN plate changes format
72 Cutlass Supreme loses SX designation
72 Wheel discs change simulating nuclear reactor towers introduced
W29 appearance package introduced in 1972 for all Cutlass 2 doors except CS HT.
72 Cutlass S moves "S" from sail panel to front fender by Cutlass script
f85 nameplate disappears - becomes the 4 door Cutlass Town Sedan in 72
455 becomes a 'rare' engine in 72 A bodies
72 becomes the year of choice for hobbyists to clone
Not sure how to quote from previous posters but in the post right above mine 4 rows up it says there are no 1972 f85 four door sedans but I have one. The f85 emblems were on the fenders and the dashboard.
This is a pic of the hood of a 72 442 that owner says is original paint. I thought the 71/72 442 got the scalloped hood like Allan pictured above. ...not the striped outline...anyone seen this before?
This is a pic of the hood of a 72 442 that owner says is original paint. I thought the 71/72 442 got the scalloped hood like Allan pictured above. ...not the striped outline...anyone seen this before?
1971 cars got the stripe down the center of the hood. This looks about right for a 72, but it's hard to tell exactly without seeing the front.
Great thread, amazing the amount of differences since the 72's were suppose to be the colonnade design. Would have thought they would have kept them the same other than some exterior changes.
January 4th, 2013, 07:34 AM
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. Thanks for the help Allan!.
