car_designer

I don't know. If you want to drive to Ottawa, there are still a few bigger shows left this season. Or, if you have any other ideas, let me know.

And I have no clue what my fuel economy is on my Cutlass yet.

car_designer

pm sent.

Allan R

Tony, I brought this over to your thread mostly because it's more appropriate than digressing on Eric's thread about the W27 cover.

Anyway - I get that you want a boost in performance and it's very likely you have a 2.73:1 rear gear set. Axle code will be SA - Oxxx (right between the vent tube and diff housing). Changing up the carrier to a series 3 or better will allow for better performing gear. The one I SHOULD have bought was the 3.08. It combines a good punch with reasonable economy.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you can't afford the gas. I know you'd make a way to afford driving that funmobile around regardless of gas prices. Just that 3.73 is more if you're looking for a car that visits the track more often.

Give Jim Mitchske a call or send him an email. I know he can hook you up with something. Chances are you're also looking for posi? His prices are really decent and his knowledge is fantastic.

Jim Mitschke (goes by monzaz)
J D Race & Restoration
Muscle Car Differential Specialists
Richfield, Oh
1 330 990 8155
1 330 659 7117

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Al, we're buddies! come on, even if i could afford the gas and was making a big salary, 8 bucks a gallon is CRAZY.

I've already talked to Jim quite a bit, what i'm wondering is, is this possible for me to do on my own? or is it better to have a shop do it? So far, the only shop i know of in montreal that does good olds restoration is a transmission shop. The guy has done countless Olds TH350's and knows them inside out.

Still looking for a good engine guy... and other...

My old man claims that he had a stock 160HP cutlass, but having 4:11 gears versus the SA (2.73:1) axle that i have in there right now would make a huge difference i guess.

Allan R

I think you could do it yourself after seeing what was involved with mine. You might need to buy a few special tools but the cost offset will still be less than if you farmed it out. Mine cost a lot more by doing that than I ever expected. The original quote was 450.00 and it more than doubled AFTER the axle was dropped off. Plus they took forever. You're a mechanically inclined guy so I think you could do it. Besides, you're used to getting your hands dirty on that beast!

If your Dad was used to a 160hp (350 2bbl) and 2.73's? The changes you're making will really push him deeper into the drivers seat. Hopefully not so far he loses grip of the steering wheel. One thing for sure, you'll never be able to wipe the grin off his face after he goes for that ride

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Bad news....

So i started taking a wire-wheel to my quarter panel, not only was it rotten in that area, but practically the entire outer wheelhouse is junk. There was about 1/4'' of bondo hiding all of the rust holes. Looks like it might have been accidented because the passenger side is almost perfect.

Looks like i'm going to be needing an outer wheelhouse and quarter panel for the drivers side...

The adventure continues!!

I've been doing a bit of backround work on buying a quarter + outer wheelhouse. turns out rockauto is even cheaper than tamraz! (441 Vs 472)

Allan R

I hate it when things like this happen. On the positive side you're going to be learning some new fabrication skills by the looks of it. Have you searched anywhere else except RA and Tamraz?

Not trying to be a naysayer, but are you SURE the passenger side is perfect? Check it with a fridge magnet first for plastic filler before you start grinding. Some of the nicest cosmetic jobs can be doctored with plastic filler and decent sanding.

Tony72Cutlass'S'

I'm very scared to take a wire-wheel to the passenger side in fear that it's going to be as bad as the driver side... but i guess i have no choise.

I'll grab a few pictures tonight and post them on here.

I've not checked anywhere aside from Rockauto and tamraz, those are usually the cheapest from what i know.. any leads on something better?

Allan R

Tony, I understand about the fear factor. But it's just another hurdle in the great MAW adventure we both embarked on.

Re: sheet metal. Google 'cutlass sheet metal'. There are lots of vendors out there and most of them compete for business. Likely they also get their parts from the same supplier too. Trick is to find the best location to reduce shipping $.

Tony72Cutlass'S'

WOW, there's tuns of people that sell sheet metal. Are we assuming they're all the same quality chinesium

I wonder if i call a couple guys, Tamraz, fucisk, if they'll try to beat a price and make a sale? When i bought my fenders, tamraz gave me a 10% discount.

Allan R

Yup, and they're likely all the same stamping from offshore. Look for one that says 'Made in USA' but you'll be looking for a long time. I've found that about 60% or more of the products that say 'made in USA' actually aren't, they are made offshore and 'distributed' through American outlets. If you find one that says "manufactured in the USA" it may be splitting hairs, but I'd trust that. Still no guarantee of quality or fit compared to OEM though.

Not likely but you can try. Tamraz gave you that discount because they had a national sale advertised IIRC?? Worked out to free shipping on the fenders? Give it a shot, can't hurt. It will likely make a difference in how you broach the subject. You know how to schmooze that, right?

GAOldsman

Tony be sure to look at the price as a whole. Rock Auto has great prices but they tend to stick it to you in the shipping dept. These panels are oversize and won't be cheap to ship regardless. We have vendors here at most of the larger shows that carry these fenders and wheel houses, so if maybe you check around at local car shows with swap meets there may be vendors there. Also you may want to place a want ad here as there are several people that are parting out these cars.

Allan R

Just a thought. Tony is in Montreal and that's not terribly far (ok it's a bit of a slog to PA) from the Carlisle spring show coming up really quick. April 24-28. Make it a long weekend - go down Friday 26th, come back Sunday 28th. Borrow a small pickup and cute chick to ride shotgun....

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Gentlemen,

Here are a couple pictures i snapped before work this morning.

I couldn't believe my eyes when i took my grinding wheel to that quarter panel...

Allan R

Looks like the start of another project. Sorry to see that Tony, but not surprised.

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Heck! Hundreds of guys on this site have probably replaced quarters! I figure i can take a hand at it.

a) I have a brand spankin' new Mig 180 welder
b) I have nothing better to do with my time after work, my buddy owns a shop and is willing to give me a couple weeks of his time to strip down the car and replace anything that needs welding.

I called summit, they were willing to beat rockauto's price by 20 bucks. 420 shipped instead of rockauto's 440 The search continues!

Allan R

I wasn't implying you couldn't take that job on Tony, I was just sad to see the quarters were both in bad shape. I've seen you work through other issues and have confidence in your abilities. New Mig? Hmmm, now I have to get one too. Not sure what I'll use it for right now, might need to get another project car to justify it.... Like that's going to happen soon.

You're so fortunate to have a friend with a body shop! Not only do you get excellent work, but you'll learn from a master! Score!!! Are you also going to have him do the paint? That would just make sense. From the sounds of it you'll have that baby looking so clean, crisp and purty even the Grammas will want to ride with ya

Nice to see there's some willingness to bargain on prices from the vendors. Maybe ask them what their absolute bottom $ is on the price instead of just a small discount. Never know, it might be a lot more than we think.

car_designer

Take your friend up on his offer!

Oh and see if you can find a Summit discount code

Good luck and have fun.

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Thanks guys!

It's actually just a machine shop, not body shop

He's got a milling machine, lathe, and 4 post lift. at the same time that my body's getting done i'm going to change the rear bushings, do the differential U joints and maybe more :O

DENT

It will be a learning experience and fun at the same time.

1971cutlas

Tony ,i have a couple on new qaurters, will fit your car.I'm 1/2 hour west of toronto.I have to take some pics .
i will pm you .

Tony72Cutlass'S'

Definitely shoot me an email with some pictures.
I sent you my email by PM,

Cheers,
Tony