Are the front fenders the same on a vista cruiser as on the Cutlass?

 

Yes

 

They are through the 1972 model year. Starting with the 1973 model year, GM started using different front sheetmetal on coupes and four doors and wagons.

Edit: Actually, I must correct myself. Chevy actually started using different sheetmetal in the 1971/72 timeframe on Chevelles. ElCaminos actually use the wagon front fenders, not the two door front fenders.

 

Chevy actually started this for the 70 model year. I guess GM designers and/or engineers got lazy or more likely the bean counters found a way to save money. They kept the 1969 body style on the Malibu wagon and El Camino through the 72 model year and just redesigned the 70 71 and 72 front fenders to fit the 69 body style. I have seen these font clips installed on 68/69 Chevelle bodies and it just does not look right. On the plus side, if you have a 68/69 wagon/el Camino and it is wrecked or you do not like the style, you can install a 70-72 front clip and basically have a different car. The 70 is the most popular and I have seen this done several times.