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hi guys have a question to ask. I have had a 1971 cutlass for a while now its a column shift and have been looking to do a floor shift conversion. I came a across a 1970 car which I was going to use for parts has complete interior in good shape and a posi I needed. I bought the car but looking at it its fairly complete. I guess my question would be should I restore the 1970 car or gut it and restore my 71? are both cars worth the same? any input would be appreciated thank you in advance.
I'm partial to the '70 version as it is different than the '71 and '72 which are essentially the same except for the grill and minor interior things. '70 was much more unique and was also the first year of the body style.
I, too, am partial to the 70, probably because that's what I have. What sort of shape is the 70 in, and what would it take to restore it? If it's truly a parts car you should probably part it for what you want, but if it's a running, driving car it would be ashame to take it apart. Heck if it were me I'd restore the 70 then have both.
the 70 is in over all good shape it starts don't know yet how well it runs. but it is complete like I said. only real bad thing about it is it had vinyl top so the roof looks really rusted. the 71 has a great body but bad interior. I like the 71 looks a lot meaner from the front end. still thinking about it ...... thanks for the input guys!
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Originally Posted by T.Wong
hi guys have a question to ask. I have had a 1971 cutlass for a while now its a column shift and have been looking to do a floor shift conversion. I came a across a 1970 car which I was going to use for parts has complete interior in good shape and a posi I needed. I bought the car but looking at it its fairly complete. I guess my question would be should I restore the 1970 car or gut it and restore my 71? are both cars worth the same? any input would be appreciated thank you in advance.
If you are planning to change the interior configuration and the 70 has the parts? I'd go with restoring the 71. Another reason I'd choose the 71 over the 70 is the rear differential and axles. 70 is an O type rear and gears for that are like finding hens teeth. The 71 has a 10 bolt corporate and carriers/gears are plentiful.
Other than the rear axles, the cars are pretty much equal IMO. The console cars are cooler. What body styles are the cars? Are they 4257 or 3677/87?
as far as i can tell its just badly rusted not through though just bought the 70 yesterday. havent really peeled all the vinyl to check yet. i will post pics tomorrow. the 71 has interior from something else dont really know and its bench. other than that its in decent shape needs body work of course but minor. have a 455 and turbo 400 ready to rebuild just thinking which way i should go. thanks for the input guys really appreciate everyone that took the time to answer. will post some pic tomorrow to see what u guys think.
Fixing or replacing interior parts is less expensive and easier than fixing rusted-out body panels. I'm sure almost everyone on here will agree that you need to start with the most rust free car available.
Fixing or replacing interior parts is less expensive and easier than fixing rusted-out body panels. I'm sure almost everyone on here will agree that you need to start with the most rust free car available.
I also would go with the 70 if the roof isn't rusted threw in a major way. I do agree the car with less rust is the right choice.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Unfortunately only the 3677/87 roof panels are reproduced now. You might be able to get a good replacement from a boneyard. I looked at DVAP and they have (2) 1972 CS hardtops that would be suitable; nothing in the 70/71 years though. Note: 70-72 CS Hardtops are identical roof skins.
Just an FYI for you about the Cutlass Supreme. The standard seat for them was the A51 Strato Bucket seats, with the option to change to A65 Split bench seat with fold down armrest at no extra cost. There are no records of how many were produced with each. Having the A51 option didn't automatically give you the D55 center console though. If you have the A65 interior, you likely also have a cloth seat with naughahyde trim and piping.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Hard to tell from looking at the pics which is in better shape. The 70 vinyl looks really bad, and that Chevy steering wheel just misses the mark by a long shot. It does have the desirable bucket/console interior though. The aftermarket mirrors don't look right IMO. Lots of work to fix it up. Are those the original colors?
The 71 is missing most of the side trim that's on the 70 and the body appears to be in somewhat better shape. It does have 72 eggcrate grills which means the rad support is likely changed from the 71. 72 grills needed to have the rad support changed to fit as they are more forward than the 71 grills. Who knows, the whole front clip may be changed. The interior is Sienna, which makes me wonder if this car wasn't Bittersweet paint color in the first place. Heavily customized interior. The OEM stereo tape player is a nice option - it needs 10 ohm speakers to work properly.
Both cars are AC, so if you decide to restore just one, there's hopefully a good supply of donor parts from the other.
Hard to tell from looking at the pics which is in better shape. The 70 vinyl looks really bad, and that Chevy steering wheel just misses the mark by a long shot. It does have the desirable bucket/console interior though. The aftermarket mirrors don't look right IMO. Lots of work to fix it up. Are those the original colors?
The 71 is missing most of the side trim that's on the 70 and the body appears to be in somewhat better shape. It does have 72 eggcrate grills which means the rad support is likely changed from the 71. 72 grills needed to have the rad support changed to fit as they are more forward than the 71 grills. Who knows, the whole front clip may be changed. The interior is Sienna, which makes me wonder if this car wasn't Bittersweet paint color in the first place. Heavily customized interior. The OEM stereo tape player is a nice option - it needs 10 ohm speakers to work properly.
Both cars are AC, so if you decide to restore just one, there's hopefully a good supply of donor parts from the other.
Are they both drivers?
71 up and running 72 havent work on yet starts up but havent moved yet. Barely going to pick it up in next few days. Both have 350 with turbo 350 but do have a 455 ready to rebuild with a turbo 400 ......Wow u really know your olds man. Appreciate your info really do.
May 26th, 2016, 11:49 AM
