techg8

So I am relly liking the look of the 71,72 Cutlass supreme hardtop cars lately.

I do have a question, if you will excuse my ignorance please.

I prefer the cars with the angular "hip" in the rear quarter, but I do see some advertised that have the more rounded look.

What is the significance? were both styles available in a Supreme? Are people listing their cars incorrectly?

thanks for any info on that "hip" area

vette442

All 70-72 Supreme hardtops and convertibles have the "angular" notchback quarter panels/formal roofline. The "rounded" fastbacks are base Cutlass, F-85 or Cutlass 'S' models. If you see a fastback advertised as a Supreme, the listing is incorrect.

Terry

Fun71

Some people mistakenly think the "S" in Cutlass S stands for Supreme.

techg8

Thanks. I have been looking for my next project, and the 71-72 Cutlass Supreme hardtops are high in my rankings right now.

Such a good looking car.

joe_padavano

Just so we're all clear, this is a 1970-72 Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe:



This is a 1970-72 Cutlass Holiday Coupe. As noted, people often mistakenly call this a Cutlass Supreme. They would be wrong.

Allan R

Although not related to 70-72 models, it's noteworthy that 68/69 body styles were the same for f85/Cutlass/Cutlass Supreme and 442 (Also the 68 HO). All of these cars started out from Fisher as the same body - just different trim and model year applications at front and back. Starting in 70, the CS got it's own profile that also changed its roofline, quarter windows, quarter panels and deck lid areas and related trim.

1968 Cutlass S


1968 Cutlass Supreme

techg8

excellent info and pics too.

Thanks fellas

joe_padavano

Which is why the "headers won't fit Supremes" thing is so ludicrous.

And for completeness, the 1967 models also shared the same body sheetmetal among the F-85, Cutlass, Supreme, and 442. (In 1966, the first year for the Cutlass Supreme, the only model offered was a four door hardtop, which did share sheetmetal with the F-85 Deluxe Holiday Sedan).

RetroRanger

semi related question

can you make a 67-69 post car into a non post car by just changing the doors ? and vice versa

from joes pic above holiday coupe and sport coupe ?

joe_padavano

If only it were that easy...

as you correctly surmise, the outer sheet metal is pretty much the same. Unfortunately, the inner structure and things like the roof rail and window regulators are different, as is all the side glass. The quarters have a post like the door, so that needs to come out, the gap at the beltline filled, and the correct inner structure welded in. The quarter window frame would need to be removed and the correct roof rail and weatherstriping installed. Then, of course, you'd need to hang the doors, install the quarter window tracks, regulators, and glass, and the correct inner upholstery panels.

I've often considered using Sport Coupe outer sheet metal to repair a Holiday Coupe. That would be much easier.

RetroRanger

aha thanks Joe I had hoped it would be simpler than that but it is what it is !!