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True SX?

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Old December 13th, 2018, 09:16 AM
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True SX?

Hey Guys and Gals,

New to the site but not new to Olds Cutlass. Had a Cutlass in my younger days and had to sell. Sorry I did every day since. Been on the look out for another car and fell into a 1970 Cutlass SX. I have read up on these and want to make sure the car is a true SX and not a clone. Is there any designation in the VIN or elsewhere that I can verify when I go to look at the car?

Thanks for all your help and I am sure I will need more if I get this car. The interior looks identical to another SX I have seen on line, but again that does not mean much.
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Old December 13th, 2018, 09:39 AM
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Paperwork is the best bet. make sure that the vin derivative on the block matches up to the title and the vin plate at the base of the drivers side windshield. The interior means nothing, as these could be equipped with any interior offered on the Supreme, buckets or bench seats, column or floor shift auto with or without a console.
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Old December 13th, 2018, 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by 1969w3155
make sure that the vin derivative on the block matches up to the title and the vin plate at the base of the drivers side windshield.
That should do it.
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Old December 13th, 2018, 11:12 AM
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1969w3155, Thank you for the quick response. As I remember the number stamped on the block is the first letter + last 8 of the VIN in the windshield and title, is this correct? and where is the number on Oldsmobile blocks? Is there anything that designate it an SX in the VIN? Or will it be noted on the title? I am just trying to figure out how to tell when I see the car. It is nice but needs a lot of work. It is supposed t run and be driveable. Is there any difference on the frame or the drive train?
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Old December 13th, 2018, 11:26 AM
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Nothing in the VIN will indicate that it is an SX.

Location of VIN on engine block. Typically hard to see because of power steering/alternator so bring some rags to clean the location and use a camera/cell phone to take a picture.

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Old December 13th, 2018, 11:39 AM
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Thank you vey much. So I can assume if the 455 engin numbers match the VIN then it is an SX? I was hoping for something in the build option plate, which I do have a picture of this plate. Just not the VIN, yet.
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Old December 13th, 2018, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by tazenman
Thank you vey much. So I can assume if the 455 engin numbers match the VIN then it is an SX? I was hoping for something in the build option plate, which I do have a picture of this plate. Just not the VIN, yet.
OK, let's start here: It has the SX fender badges and cutout rear bumper, correct?

Your best proof? A build sheet or broadcast card with the Y-79 Supreme Performance Package option on it. Look under the bucket seats or in the bucket seat backs, under the carpet on either side if it's a bench seat car, under the back seat, or under the rear window package tray if it is a Fremont-built car. If its built anywhere besides Lansing, on top of the gas tank is a possible build sheet location too.

Besides paperwork, if it is a 455 2 barrel (L-33) with an OD transmission, it may or may not be an SX. Regular Supreme hardtops were built with that drivetrain. Not many, but I did document several of them for the SX website archives over the years.

If it has a 455 4 barrel and OG transmission that both match the VIN, yes it is an SX and you got really lucky since it is the more desirable W-32.

If it is a 455 4 barrel (factory, not added on) with OD trans (L-31) and both match the VIN, then you have an SX as well.

Let us know what you find. Also, I have tracked these cars assertively for almost 20 years and have many photos and ad screencaps. If you PM me what you're looking at I may be able to tell you if I know of the car or if it is in the sx455.com registry already.

Terry
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Old December 13th, 2018, 02:02 PM
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Terry,

Thank you for that really informative post. I think it has the 4bbl carb BUT the rear bumpers do not have the cut out for the exhaust. I will get some pictures and send them to you via PM. BTW I did see your website and I really wished the website had a limited free access for guys like me. If this is an SX I do plan on joining the sx455.com website.

Thanks again!
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Old December 13th, 2018, 02:12 PM
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It would not allow me to send the pictures to you via PM. Here are a few that i have. Note the bumper does not have the exhaust cut outs.




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Old December 13th, 2018, 02:13 PM
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Here is one with the fender badge for SX.
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Old December 13th, 2018, 02:51 PM
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Hmm. 1970 cowl tag; 1971 bumpers, front end parts, and hood. Been in a wreck and repaired with '71 parts?
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Old December 13th, 2018, 02:56 PM
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This 1970 Cutlass Supreme (from the trim tag) has a bunch of 1971 parts on it. Including front and rear bumpers, hood, grills.
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Old December 13th, 2018, 05:46 PM
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That is a great catch! I thought the turn lights were square in earlier models, but I was not positive. So it is a safe bet this is not a true SX. I will still go check it out and look at the drive train and then make a determination if I want to mess with it!

I will keep you guys posted. If you can think of anything else please let me know!
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Old December 13th, 2018, 07:04 PM
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Was that car out of TN? Seems like I remember seeing it for sale online. Good luck with the car.

Don W
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Old December 13th, 2018, 07:12 PM
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Don,
I am not sure. it is located at a car lot in Huntsville, AL right now. I will go check it out but at this point I am not sure it is worth buying especially at the price he is asking. If I can get him down after pointing out the obvious wrong parts on it, I might get it. I love that year Cutlass and loved my 72.
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Old December 14th, 2018, 08:27 AM
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Don,

Yes this car is from TN. It was bought at an auction in Gadsden AL a while back. From that video it looks like the roof and Door pillars are rusted out.
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Old December 14th, 2018, 08:45 AM
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Here is the video of the car when it was at the auction. The guy said he had the car researched at sx455.com and it is an actual Cutlass SX, but that is what he told me.

What do you guys think about the car? Can it be restored? I can work metal and weld but I am almost afraid it is a little too much for me, but I like a challenge!
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Old December 14th, 2018, 09:16 AM
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What does he want for it?
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Old December 14th, 2018, 09:23 AM
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Bondo bucket. What's the ask?
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Old December 14th, 2018, 02:29 PM
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Another tip off for a SX is the oversize battery tray.
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Old December 14th, 2018, 03:53 PM
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Oversized battery tray on drivers side
Windshield washer bottle on passenger side(not present)
Under fender braces(by hood hinges), used only on hardtop 455 cars.(not present on this car)
Correct gas pedal for a T400 car

Best indication its not worth the price is that its being passed around by local auctions. First dealer couldnt sell, so it goes to auction, second seller cant sell, so, it'll go to another auction.

I wouldnt consider it until it was put on a lift and I checked the frame and underside for collision damage and rust.

Just watched the video, the fenders, rear filler panel, roof, are loaded with bondo. Probably means rea quarters and doors are the same. this car would cost more to restore correctly than what its value would be when done.

Last edited by 70W-32; December 14th, 2018 at 04:04 PM.
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Old December 14th, 2018, 04:46 PM
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I do like the almost 80s porno music.
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Old December 15th, 2018, 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by vette442
OK, let's start here: It has the SX fender badges and cutout rear bumper, correct?

Your best proof? A build sheet or broadcast card with the Y-79 Supreme Performance Package option on it. Look under the bucket seats or in the bucket seat backs, under the carpet on either side if it's a bench seat car, under the back seat, or under the rear window package tray if it is a Fremont-built car. If its built anywhere besides Lansing, on top of the gas tank is a possible build sheet location too.

Besides paperwork, if it is a 455 2 barrel (L-33) with an OD transmission, it may or may not be an SX. Regular Supreme hardtops were built with that drivetrain. Not many, but I did document several of them for the SX website archives over the years.

If it has a 455 4 barrel and OG transmission that both match the VIN, yes it is an SX and you got really lucky since it is the more desirable W-32.

If it is a 455 4 barrel (factory, not added on) with OD trans (L-31) and both match the VIN, then you have an SX as well.

Let us know what you find. Also, I have tracked these cars assertively for almost 20 years and have many photos and ad screencaps. If you PM me what you're looking at I may be able to tell you if I know of the car or if it is in the sx455.com registry already.

Terry
Terry,

I completely agree. You definitely know the SX!!
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Old December 15th, 2018, 06:03 PM
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And also the voltage regulator is mounted on the firewall! Of an SX,

Last edited by twilightblue28A; December 15th, 2018 at 06:06 PM.
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Old December 17th, 2018, 05:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Koda
What does he want for it?
Sorry for the delay, was out working on my other project this weekend. They want 10K. I offered him 3K for it and he said no. Not sure if it is worth that as you can see ALL the rust.
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Old December 24th, 2018, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by tazenman
Sorry for the delay, was out working on my other project this weekend. They want 10K. I offered him 3K for it and he said no. Not sure if it is worth that as you can see ALL the rust.
I have looked at this car previously, not in person, but through video and pictures on-line. I think your offer of 3K was very generous on your part for this car. I am actively seeking to purchase another SX, specifically a W-32 car. I have passed on this one and many others so far. I have found one of the nicest examples in existence out there for $20,000, and would have grabbed it in a second, but it does not have the W-32 option that I am looking for.
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