My 72 Cutlass is missing the grill emblem. All the ones I've found have 3 holes, mine has 4. Any Ideas?
Thank You
Steve

 

Pretty sure yours should say "Cutlass Supreme"

The Cutlass 'S' Grilles said "Oldsmobile" in 1971. Had 3 long studs in back.

Also, that's a 1971 Grill, not correct for your 1972 Cutlass model. But it fits just fine.

 

Here's picture proof,

 

Thank You very much.
Steve

 

If you need one of those emblems, post a parts wanted thread. Guaranteed someone has an extra they'd like to sell.

 

Steve, Tony gave you the right info about the script missing on the grill. NOW, are you ready for this? If your car is a 72, you have the wrong grills. The 72 grills are plastic 'egg crate' design, not the pot metal ones you have there. Those are from a 71. Sorry to be the bearer of this news. I've run into this a few times where a car has been bought with wrong info on production year, or the front end was in a collision and replaced with what was available. Check your VIN. If it starts 3J4257...you have 72. If it starts 34257 you have a 71

ALL 72 CS grills look like this (with the the exception of the 442 style grills):



442 style:

 

Tony, you might have got fooled on that photo you posted because of the stone shield rocket? Don't forget that in 71 the background color of the paint (black in this case) showcases the rocket really nicely making it look like 72. But the grills are 71, and the headlight bezels are also all silver - traits of 71. The 72 has blacked out headlight grills too, remember?

Also note: 72 CS only has OLDSMOBILE in the script on the front grills, not Cutlass Supreme. Only place you find the Cutlass Supreme Script on a 72 is: a) glove box door, b) C/S emblem on the sail panels. Even the side fender only has a Cutlass emblem.

EDIT: webby - that stone shield rocket you have is also for 71. See explanation ^^^

 

I knew i missed something!

 

Steve, my apologies for wasting space earlier on your thread. I just went to your home page and looked at the pics of your Cutlass (very nice BTW). Judging by the interior its the Cutlass S. (If you need headrests I have a set I'll sell cheap so you can re-upholster them). So it's a 3G3687 model? Anyway if it was an f85, Cutlass or Cutlass S, the stone shield emblem is still wrong, but the grills you want for originality look like this and again, only has Oldsmobile in the front script:


The Cutlass S could also be ordered with the 442 appearance package (W29) or the W30 performance package, both of which would use the grills I posted earlier. Only difference in cosmetic appearance is the 442 didn't have rocker stainless trim. I see your car doesn't have that or the wheel opening moldings either. Did you remove them? Curious - is that an OEM hood, and by any chance did your car come with a U code 455? I notice it has the dual exhaust trumpets at the back.....


You think YOU missed something. I feel like a total moron now.....

 

Well I'm learning a lot. I bought the car in January of this year, and it came with that grill. Didn't do my home work, title says "72", was told it had a 455, but the number on the engine says its a 425. From what I've researched the 425 was available for a couple of years around 67....Serial # says 3F87H2R. Didn't come with wheel opening moldings either. I'm sure the hood isn't original either. What's that tell us? Thanks for the info.
Steve

 

No worries Steve,
the info you provided tells me the car was originally built as an (f85) 2 door Cutlass, had a 350 2 bbl carb, and was built in Arlington TX. It looks like someone upgraded the interior trim when they were 'building' the car. The base Cutlass did not have rocker chrome, but it did have wheel opening moldings. You can probably see where the screw holes are if you look. It's still a very nice looking car.

The 425 was indeed from 65 - 67. The casting on the 425 block will tell us whether it was an early production or later. 386525A was early. The 66/67 production was 389244D

Regardless of what it was in the past, bottom line is I hope you enjoy driving it!

 

Allan,
I appreciate all the information. Think it would be wise to put a "72" Grill in it and the correct script along with wheel opening moldings? Then sell the 71 grill? The 425 runs really well and has the late production number, but even growing up, I was unfamiliar with the 425 and don't know anything about it.
Steve

 

It really depends on what you want out of the car Steve. Cutlass S grills are not repopped so if you wanted them, you would have to search the web. The 442 grills however are repopped but do have some fitment issues. They would look nice in that car, especially with the OAI hood. If you decide to replace them, I would keep the stoneguard (plastic center piece) and just replace the grills/rocket. You can also find opening moldings on line for reasonable pricing if you want to install them. If it was me, I'd want a 72 car to look like a 72 car all the way around; but that's just me.

What plans did you have for the car?

BTW if the 425 is working for you, just keep driving it.

 

What it tells me is you have a sweet ride and don't have to worry about every last little detail being factory correct. Pick whatever grilles and emblems that you like and have fun.

 

Thank you everyone.... Allan, Agreed, I'd like the 72 to look like a 72....My plans....to enjoy and go to a few local shows.
Steve

 

Hey Webby:
I'm needing for a pass side grille for a '71 supreme (already have driver side). If you're thinking of making the switch to '72 grills, I would be interested in your '71 grill for the passenger side.