James Wilson

will the core support out of a71 work in a 72 and everything still bolt up right?

btrbill

Only if you use 71 grills. The 72 grills are taller, hence the notch in that years core support.

frankr442

One exception - 72 442 grills will work as they're dimensionally identical to the 71.

James Wilson

so 72 grilles wont bolt

James Wilson

i havent ordered my grilles yet i was trying to make sure before i ordered dont wanna order the wrong parts

James Wilson

i have stone sheild for 72 will that be a problem?

James Wilson

ive even used hood from 71 my hood was dented pretty bad

frankr442

71 -72 stone shield is the same. The upper outer corners of the 72 (exc 442) grilles will hit the 71 support because it doesn't have that clearence "bump".

James Wilson

so it best to use 71 grilles then?

frankr442

Yes

Allan R

What year of car to you have? This sounds like you're in the process of putting in a new rad support from a donor? If you need a pic of what the 72 support and why it's shaped that way, LMK and I'll take one for you. If you have already bolted in the 72 rad support, you could always heat up the area you need to adjust and beat the metal to fit.

James Wilson

thanks a bunch guys thats a big help but one more question since ill be using the 71 grilles and im using a 71 hood how will that effect gap between hood and stone shield?or will this be an issue?

James Wilson

my car is a 72 cutlass when i bought the car someone had backed into it and busted the grilles and smashed the core support. i had bought a 71 for parts but didnt realize there was a difference so i used core support and grilles and bumper.the grilles have a few bolting flanges broke so ill just replace the grilles not a show car just to drive and enjoy.

James Wilson

oh and i used the hood too

James Wilson

i think id be better off finding a core support for my car just called on a set of grilles for 71 499.99 i can get a set of 72s for 265.99.question anyone gotta core support for 72 cutlass?

Allan R

I linked your replies together so it's easier to follow. BTW, you can "edit' you post if you forgot to add something to it. Once you hit submit reply, on the version you see on the thread, there will be an oval "EDIT" button only you can use. This is for correcting mistakes, adding minor info or even deleting the post. Would save all those little single ones that are really 'related'.

So Here goes:
You can use the 71 grills if you want - that doesn't affect its value to you since it's going to be just a driver. Even some of the cars at shows don't have the right trim so don't sweat bullets.

The 71/72 front clip (except for the rad support) is identical. There will be no difference between the way it lines up. The gap between the hood and top of the stone shield doesn't change. If you look at the 71/72 parts manual, the fenders, hood, springs, bumper, filler panels, lights, wheel liners etc all have the same part numbers year to year. Your 71 front clip is a direct bolt on to the 72. No one will be able to tell the difference.

re: Hoods....there are differences in functionality. The AC cars don't have the venting at the very back of the hood. The non A/C cars have venting as a source of fresh air intake for the cabin. CS and base line f85/Cutlass didn't come from the factory with 'faux louvers'.

gearheads78

With just a little bit of creativity you could duplicate the bumps and to be just like factory.

Allan R

Who did you call, the Gold plated grill shop?
You don't really need a 72 rad support. For the most part it is IDENTICAL to 71 except for those little bumps for the outside of the grill extensions (just above where the grills join the light buckets). Worst case scenario you can cut 2 small indents into the support without affecting its structure. Then the 72 grills will just bolt right in.

James Wilson

thanks for the input but i think its gonna be cheaper to put right core support in considering price difference in grilles.

James Wilson

i called the parts place and i checked year one

James Wilson

thanks guys i will probably get "creative" on this one and make them work.i love this site everyone is so very helpfull,this is where i belong.thanks again guys.

Allan R

James, here are pictures that show the 72 difference on the rad support.

This is on the left (passenger) side looking down. Just reverse the pic to imagine how that would look on the other side of the car. The bump isn't all that large as you can see. In fact it's actually larger than it needs to be. I think you could either cut it out of your 71, or have someone use an oxy torch to heat it and re-shape it slightly, doesn't need much.


You can see why the 'bump' is necessary for 72 horizontal and eggcrate grills. As part of a styling change for 1972, the grills were pushed forward to the leading edge of the hood. The 71 grills (and the 72 442 grills) were 'recessed' That's the entire reason for the rad support mod.

BTW, 72 grills are plastic - 71 grills are all made from pot metal. I've attached a pic of the 72 442 grill - you can see how the front edge profile matches the 71 grill profile exactly.


Here's the grill profile change, see how the side is lower instead of straight like the horizontal/eggcrate grills?

James Wilson

these pics are very helpfull i really appreciate it thanks a bunch.

Oldssupreme

Wow, now don't i feel like an idiot! I have a 72 supreme. Couldn't find a decent rad support anywhere. Went to carlisle, found a nice rad support from a 71 with a clean battery area for $75, got it powder coated, and now realize that the bumps on a 72 are actually there for a reason! Lol! Oh well, time to get creative! Thanks for the info guys!
Chris

Allan R

Chris - you're welcome. Short of cutting the 71 rad support or pounding it into shape you might consider putting in some 71 grills if you're not too concerned about 'the look'? All 71 grills will fit in there easily and no mod to the rad support. If you 'must have' a 72 look, maybe consider swapping in some 442 grilles. They are the same profile as all 71 grilles.

kitfoxdave

On mine I cut out the bumps from mt rusted 72 support, and had them welded into the 71 support. After the grinding and POR-15, looks factory!
I wish they still sold the repair part for the drivers side of the core support!

Oldssupreme

I like the idea of cutting and welding those bumps onto the 71 support, and the 442 grille idea is good too. I have brand new gm repro grilles that i bought from year one 10 years ago still in the box which i would have to sell though... Ill keep you guys posted.