What are the most important question to ask when buying a 1971-1972 cutlass
#2
Verify engine size, transmission type, condition of car, matching numbers, and rust issues. These are basics that I use when looking at Oldsmobiles. I like to buy them in running condition so I can drive and restore at same time until the big tear down.
#4
If you know what the car basically is the first question should be "When can I look at it?".
They can tell you things all day but you can't believe a word they say.
It can be from ignorance or by deception, it doesn't matter, you have to see it yourself and know what you're looking at, caveat emptor.
Rust and crash repairs or damage would be my biggest concern, then you get into originality and what was done and how.
You can only take their word on what was done to the engine unless they had a shop do it and have receipts for the work and parts.
One reason I prefer cars that have never been messed with, you know what you got to start with.
I hate trying to figure out or fix some other guys screw-ups.
They can tell you things all day but you can't believe a word they say.
It can be from ignorance or by deception, it doesn't matter, you have to see it yourself and know what you're looking at, caveat emptor.
Rust and crash repairs or damage would be my biggest concern, then you get into originality and what was done and how.
You can only take their word on what was done to the engine unless they had a shop do it and have receipts for the work and parts.
One reason I prefer cars that have never been messed with, you know what you got to start with.
I hate trying to figure out or fix some other guys screw-ups.
Last edited by Bluevista; March 15th, 2011 at 02:48 AM.
#5
#1 most important - Clear, not gray or salvage title!!!! Does he have a history of owners and all repairs, receipts are great! If you are mechanically impaired, bring someone who is very knowlegable in the workings of an old car. Many people get an inexpensive paint job, freshen the interior, clean the underside and paint it, and detail under the hood and call it restored. There is a very long list of very expensive and inexpensive items that will bust a budget. All these items affect what the car is really worth!!!!
#9
All suggestions above are great.
You never mentioned if it was a convertible or not. If so, open the trunk and look all through it, and lift up the back seat and look under it. Look for bad/leaking conv. top cylinders and or plastic lines. Make sure the conv. drip rail is in good condition b/c a new one will set you back $180. Also a new conv. top motor will set you back more than $200. Make sure everything operates and of course--no leaks.
Also, bring a magnet so you can check for covered rust (under bondo).
You never mentioned if it was a convertible or not. If so, open the trunk and look all through it, and lift up the back seat and look under it. Look for bad/leaking conv. top cylinders and or plastic lines. Make sure the conv. drip rail is in good condition b/c a new one will set you back $180. Also a new conv. top motor will set you back more than $200. Make sure everything operates and of course--no leaks.
Also, bring a magnet so you can check for covered rust (under bondo).
#11
Ask him what he attempted to fix. So you know where to look when something goes wrong. With mine there were 2 problems rust which I saw and new about. Then a bunch of little hack jobs from previous "fixes".
Larry
Larry
#12
The frame, rear quarters, and front fenders for rust. Also check to make sure it does not leak. A lot of dashboards have rust in them, and the back windows can be pretty prone to leaking. Mine was anyway....
#15
The frame, rear quarters, and front fenders for rust. Also check to make sure it does not leak. A lot of dashboards have rust in them, and the back windows can be pretty prone to leaking.
#19
What are the most important question to ask when buying a 1971-1972 cutlass
Ask yourself,
" how much am I willing to go in debt to get it where I want it to be. "
Then start building a parts list for everything so you know what you're getting into.
Also remember gas prices when considering a 455 vs 350 or another option.
Consider an overdrive 2004-R or 700R4 transmission with OD.
#20
Check deep inside the trunk and if it leaks fix it immediately. Front fenders may be holed low behind the the tires, that would be acceptable to me if the rest of the car is clean. My 70 cutlass was essentially rust free everywhere except two small holes on each fender where leaves probably collected. The fenders were easily removed and fixed. I had a 71 Caddy with the same, spotless everywhere except for silver dollar sized holes in the same spot under the trim.
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