Zacc

got new 442 grill from opgii and HAS FITMIT problems . thought weould bolt right in but too tight . gota take headlights out and stone shield out to do?
Zacc

Allan R

The repro grills aren't easy to install. The problem is the tabs that hold the bright work. They fit into the slots in the stone shield - on the inner sides, upper tab. Fix that and you're golden. You might want to take out the stone shield to do the job right and see how the problem is created.

442Harv

I put one on my VC years ago. Don't remember it being a real problem, but did work without taking the front apart. If I remember correct, the top tab mounts are not on the 442 grill? Don't have the car anymore, so can't look. Also on my old grill the top tabs were broken anyway so wasn't holding there anyway.

Allan R

The 442 grill has all the same mounting tabs that the regular Cutlass/CS grills have. Only difference is the grill isn't set forward like the other 72 grills.

droptopron

Def a worthwhile upgrade

Allan R

Not so much an upgrade Ron, it's just a cooler looking grill. And of course it is interchangeable with 71 core supports. Other 72 grills aren't compatible with 71 core supports.

toymobile

Zacc

I didnt think I would get the new one in without busting all the tabs and supports but working slow and applying enough force and care not to break, I got the grill in / It fits perfectly and looks real sharp. SO keep in mind when replacing parts---some you might expect would be easy and some will drive you nuts. Thanks Zacc

Allan R

Good to hear everything went well. Sometimes warming the plastic with a hair dryer prior to applying force lessens the possibility of brittle plastic cracking or breaking. Got some pictures of your finished project?

Zacc

Zacc

Thanks for the interest ! Looking forward to the cruises in 2019
Zacc

Allan R

Your headlight bezels are upside down. Looks like they're from 1971 without the blacked out centers. Ezpz way to see how they fit properly = Look for the headlight adjustment screws. There are cutouts in the bezels to access them.

You do know that the Cutlass Supreme was never offered as a 442 in the hardtop coupe? I get that some folks just like the persona of the 442 image on their car. Is the car an L34 engine? Interesting stripes on the side.

Zacc

Yes I am aware of the 72 h/t Supremes not factory 442's. The way folks made 442;s was by badging. My car is a numbers-matching U code (455) rebuilt and bored 30 over with a cam , headers , dual exhaust trumpets and a hurst auto shifter with buckets and a console . Has 91k orig mikes and runs/sounds like a charm.

This is all good for me ,turns heads like a broad in hotpants. Happy as a clam

Allan R

More and more U code cars are popping up all the time. What plant was your car built at?

Maybe for some folks who are only interested in cosmetics. But the 442 had more than just badging. It also included the FE2 suspension package and numerous W29 add/delete packages from the factory. Examples: the louvers on the hood should be black, and there should be an Oldsmobile script on the front of the hood over the high beam.

Bottom line is you're happy with your car and enjoy driving / showing it.

Saswar9006

I am looking to buy a grill for my 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S . Problem is I can’t find 1 or don’t know if any other year might fit?

Allan R

Surprise surprise. The Cutlass S grill is now repopped by Parts Place. But not cheap. If memory serves it's around $850 plus shipping. I have no idea of the quality.
LAst year I sold a mint set of these for what I thought was decent coin, much less than PP.
Good luck with your search.

Saswar9006

Just looked it up yup 850 plus tax so far that’s the only place that carries it .