So I will be getting the Cutlass that I drove in high school from my stepfather. It is 2 door white with tan interior with the 305. I plan on restoring it some and then making it into a hot rod. Eventually I will do the 350 swap. My question is where do you guys find parts and accessories for them? Like small trim pieces and replacement parts?

 

I go to junk yards. Welcome to our site.

 

Don't forget the Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Regal, and El Caminos of similar years. They make good parts sources for the Cutlasses.

Pay close attention to the rear frame rails. They tended to rust out shortly after leaving the assembly line if delivered north of the Mason Dixon line. The bottoms of the doors are problem areas, too.

Mods are easy. Suspension upgrades are particularly rewarding. Making one of these cars handle like they are on rails is easy to do. Upgrading the brakes is an afternoon job, too.

There is a guy in the northeast that markets a replacement headliner, which I am willing to bet you need. A quick Google search will turn up the name.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did not know the other vehicles would work for parts. The car spent it's entire life in Texas as far as I know. There is some rust on the lower edge of the door and some small spots elsewhere, but all in all it is in good condition. The headliner is pretty nasty. Who is the guy.

 

Here ya go:

http://www.newenglandmontess.com/

Now, other retailers may sell the same thing. This is just the place I came across one when I did my 85.

 

307, 307, Chevy had the 305, Olds the 307 A 350 would work fine...but how about a 455?

Regards,

Fred

 

Ummm, sadly, the 78 Cutlass came with the 305 Chebby motor from the factory. The 307 wasn't released until the 1980s. The only Olds V8 available in the 78 Cutlass was the 260 (or the die-sell...).

 

Usually I research this stuff and not rely on my memory. Unfortunately I thought we had gone away from the Chevy after the 1977 fiasco (lawsuit)....Upon checking my OE inspectors guide you guys are absolutely correct. The 305 was available in both the LG3 (2bbl) and the LG4 (4bbl) versions. My apologies for my mistake.

Regards,

Fred