Working with my son on possibly buying a 1973 Cutlass Supreme 455, working on final price. We are looking at what needs repaired/replaced and just can't seem to find where to get seats/covers. The front bucket seats need replaced, black vinyl with the "fancy" embroidery in the top, are those avaiable anywhere?

 

Not available as a kit, would have to go without the "fancy" embroidery , later models 76-77 had the same seats without the embroidery, kits for these high back buckets are not available but can be made by a upholstery shop.

 

Thanks, really torn on this purchase. 2 owner 1973 Cutlass Supreme with 455, 173k miles, rebuilt transmission, original engine sounds strong but never rebuilt, original paint silver with black vinyl both need redone, solid no rust except surface where paint gone, front seats worn, carpet worn, A/C doesn't work, can't many comparable for sale, is the NADA value realistic?

 

NADA values are hardly ever realistic. This car is worth what someone pays. No one is yet making seat covers for the 73-77 crowd, which is pretty normal. It's not exactly easy to acquire certain parts for them. You can get carpet, however, so I guess that's a plus! I got mine from ACC.


Definitely a plus that its a 455 car. That color combo has to look great!


Post some pics!

 

Assuming it is a factory-installed 455. Be sure to check the fifth character of the VIN, which will tell you what motor was in the car when it was born.

 

Very true! Good point Joe! I had not thought of that, and thank you for bringing that up.


For 1973, for the most common engines, if the 5th digit is a K or M, it is indicative of a 350. U or V would be the 455.

 

U code car, I wasn't able to validate vin on block though.

 

Pictures

 

So based on pics and description is $2,700 reasonable?

 

That's not a bad price, but you would need to consider the mileage is high, interior repairs and paint are not cheap these days. Plus you may be looking at a rebuild in the near future. I would check out the dash under the dash pad for cracks and warpage.
I would ask the owner if the timing chain has been replaced, if not that would be the first thing on the long list of repairs.
I'n that case I would drop $500. off his asking price myself.
You could ask the guys over on the other new 73-77 site, you could join as a member ther as well.
Here is the link if you are interested, http://73-77oldsmobile.freeforums.net
I hope this helps,

Eric

 

Looks like a great deal to me! Agree with Eric change the timing chain.

 

I would say that price is reasonable.

 

That car was recently auctioned on Ebay in CA? Whoever sold it for $2,700 got screwed royally! A custom upholstery shop can duplicate the crests. You need serious commitment to do these correctly.

 

Have you found build sheet?