Hi everyone. New to these forums. Used to being over at the VWVortex (Volkswagen) forums, so this is quite the jump.

I just bought a 71' Cutlass S off of my brother who lost interest in restoring it, so it's time to put some love into it.

I have been argueing with myself whether or not to rebuild it completely stock, or to give it a bit of a modern touch. I am a fan of the classics, but I am moving down to Orlando in July, and she will be out on the road quite a bit. I want her to be a tad more "modern day friendly". I.E. a true power steering system, possibly a digital dash, disk brakes, some lowering springs, and of course, a new paint job.

Critiques either way are welcome, i know it's a touchy subject to modify a classic, I just want to make it a little more "me", but not go to far.

Oh, and comments on the paint:
Pearl Blue
Pearl White Stripes (just like the original S stripes on the hood)

 

Disc brakes are do-able and not so modern, Digital dash is of course more modern than '71 but I think there are aftermarket outfits that can help you out, "true" power steering? What was it in the sevenities then? That's the only one I don't understand. I don't think you will find so much resistance to upgrading your Cutlass as you might think. Don't forget full poly bushings in the front end if you want to lower the stance some, that's been done too. Any upgrades to performance in the engine/power train department considered? Lots of torque in Olds engines and lots of stuff out there to spice things up too. A rebuilt engine to stock specs will surprise many people though Good luck and welcome to our site.

 

Maybe the power steering in the car is acting up, who knows.

It just takes alot of muscle to turn the car when your first starting it up, you actually have to get the car rolling to actually have more control of the steering. You guys would know more about that than I.

As for the digital dashes, have you seen them anywhere on the internet so I can take a look at them?

Thanks for the welcome. I believe this is going to be a very good resource in my quest to refrabricate this car.

 

I want to have the engine rebuilt. The previous owner said it was "rebuilt", but I tend to not believe him. There seems to be tranny fluid leaking, and some coolant as well from the lower end of the block. I plan on pulling it and having it sent to my friends shop where he can help teach me how to do the rebuild. But, of course, I will be doing most of the watching since engines are very temperamental.

I was thinking headers, exhaust, and a a new fuel management system that allows for easier start-up. If you have any other recommendations, you are more than welcome to speak up. I just had the carb. rebuilt, but it seems to be pouring to much fuel into the engine now, and causing more trouble than before.

 

About the power steering, very possible the pump is old or the unit needs replacement, is there fluid all over the lower engine bay area near the pump? That might be a clue. Also, does the car have larger wheels/tires than stock? This will increase effort since there is more rubber on the pavement. Will have to search about the digital dash, have checked out Dakota Digital? They do lots of street rod stuff and can set you up with almost anything you want......for a price.