1972 Cutlass S Sports Coupe
#81
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Hey Paul, just curiosity raising it's cute lil head. What color was the car originally from the factory? I know it's red in your sig pic, but what was the factory code? (I like red myself, but I also like silver, gold, blue, yellow, green......) I know you'll be showing it off in grand style when it's done.
#82
The original colour was Nordic Blue with blue cloth interior. I really wish it still had the cloth bench seat, but at some point (I am guessing when they painted it red) they recovered the seats in black vinyl. I can still see some of the blue cloth through the tears in the black cover, but the cloth is just as bad.
#83
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
My first 72 Cutlass S was Matador Red. Only it wasn't a post. So you're doing all the seats with the Legendary reskin kit (madrid naugahyde)? Black is a universal interior color.
#84
The back seat is in pretty good shape, so I am going to just wash it and put it back in. As for the front seat, a local Olds guy I knew was working on another 72 Cutlass, and the owner of the car (not him) wanted to convert to bucket seats, so he sold me the bench they took out. It was recently recovered, so all I have to do is bolt it in
#87
Today I cleaned and polished, by hand, the front bumper then put it on the car. That was a little bit of a challenge. I think it is on pretty good now.
Hopefully I'll have another update tomorrow.
Hopefully I'll have another update tomorrow.
#88
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul,
Did you have any issues with lining the bumper up? I am going to take my front bumper off and also clean up the mounting braces/nuts/bolts. Lots of pics going to happen with that. I'm a little apprehensive about getting it back on with the right spacing. Oh well, time will tell. post a B&W pic of the bumper on the car showing the spacing??
Did you have any issues with lining the bumper up? I am going to take my front bumper off and also clean up the mounting braces/nuts/bolts. Lots of pics going to happen with that. I'm a little apprehensive about getting it back on with the right spacing. Oh well, time will tell. post a B&W pic of the bumper on the car showing the spacing??
#89
It was a bit of a challenge to try and get it to line up well with the stoneshield and headlight trim, but I think I did a decent job and it looks pretty good.
I never took a picture of the bumper on the car today. I will have to take one tomorrow.
I never took a picture of the bumper on the car today. I will have to take one tomorrow.
#90
Here are a couple of pics of this weekend's progress on the Cutlass. Today was polishing and installing the rear bumper with lights.
CutlassAtHome015_bw.jpg
CutlassAtHome016_bw-1.jpg
CutlassAtHome015_bw.jpg
CutlassAtHome016_bw-1.jpg
#91
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul, that color is just stunning!! I am going to keep bugging you about that until you break down and show us the true color I know....
BTW, your air cleaner snorkel should go to the passenger side. Do you have the stove pipe and shroud? If not, I think I know where I might be able to get one for you. WAAAIIITTT a MINUTE.... that's not a 72 stock air cleaner. Did you install HEI and need an air can with the right clearance? I had that problem too. Use a 3/4" adapter on the top of the carb and your stock air cleaner will fit just fine.
BTW, your air cleaner snorkel should go to the passenger side. Do you have the stove pipe and shroud? If not, I think I know where I might be able to get one for you. WAAAIIITTT a MINUTE.... that's not a 72 stock air cleaner. Did you install HEI and need an air can with the right clearance? I had that problem too. Use a 3/4" adapter on the top of the carb and your stock air cleaner will fit just fine.
#92
Good eye Allan. That is not a '72 air cleaner. And I think I would need to widen the opening on the one that came with the car... on the 2bbl. The one on the car is from an 84 or 85 Delta 88. It fits good.
And you just need to be patient. I will be posting colour pictures once it is finished.
And you just need to be patient. I will be posting colour pictures once it is finished.
#93
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
The stock 2 bbl air cleaner does have a very small air snorkel compared to 4bbl ones. Did you change your carb/intake to 4bbl? No worries, I'm a patient guy.
Hey! just a question about the trunk deck trim. I'm guessing you went BC/CC on the car so there's going to be a bit of a paint thickness issue fitting all that trim on. (At least that's what I find) How do you fit the curved trunk pieces on without chipping the paint? I know it screws on from behind (with those special teflon washer stainless screws) but did you sand down the paint, or widen the channel? I also have to do door edge moldings and I have 3 coats of clear on the car.
Hey! just a question about the trunk deck trim. I'm guessing you went BC/CC on the car so there's going to be a bit of a paint thickness issue fitting all that trim on. (At least that's what I find) How do you fit the curved trunk pieces on without chipping the paint? I know it screws on from behind (with those special teflon washer stainless screws) but did you sand down the paint, or widen the channel? I also have to do door edge moldings and I have 3 coats of clear on the car.
#95
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Well I wondered where you been the last little while. Gotta check your thread to see if there's new stuff for me to also get excited about Nice to see you haven't lost all your fingers doing wrenching
#97
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul - just wondering. Did you tie the trunk down for that shot? My trunk torsion rods are set at mid point and if I pop the trunk there's no way it will stay anywhere but fully up. And I never even gave it Viagra either!
You going to try the lens restorer on the red parts of the tail lights before you paint them silver again? Saw some guys on this site do that with amazing results. I did mine using Maguires plastic finish, lots o' elbow grease and time taping off and trimming (exacto knife) to get perfect lines. When you go to tape it off? A suggestion: Use that new Frog tape. It doesn't allow any paint bleed at all. Seals instantly.
#98
Allan, yes I did switch to a Quadrajet and a Performer intake.
As for the trunk trim, the 2 pieces I have on the trunk right now (over the tail lights) I just gently pushed on. I have not put any screws on yet. I tried, but the holes seem to be too big for the screws I am pretty sure I took out. So I am still trying to figure out a solution for that. I have tried a larger screw, but they were too long. I did not see any damage to the paint after I placed the trim pieces on.
The trunk is tied down so that it is not open all the way, or latched.
I am debating painting the tail light lens. One of them has some pieces missing on it. I think I have another one somewhere, but not sure where.
As for the trunk trim, the 2 pieces I have on the trunk right now (over the tail lights) I just gently pushed on. I have not put any screws on yet. I tried, but the holes seem to be too big for the screws I am pretty sure I took out. So I am still trying to figure out a solution for that. I have tried a larger screw, but they were too long. I did not see any damage to the paint after I placed the trim pieces on.
The trunk is tied down so that it is not open all the way, or latched.
I am debating painting the tail light lens. One of them has some pieces missing on it. I think I have another one somewhere, but not sure where.
#99
Tony, I don't know how you missed it either Thanks for the compliment.
If the car is inspected, does that mean you will be driving it home from inspection? Take a video!
Good luck finishing the suspension this weekend. I hope you get the car finished in time for the wedding.
If the car is inspected, does that mean you will be driving it home from inspection? Take a video!
Good luck finishing the suspension this weekend. I hope you get the car finished in time for the wedding.
#100
Update time again.
Finally have all the scripts and emblems on the car along with all the exterior lights.
Next came a case of dominoes. I wanted to install the missing post trim piece. It turns out that to put the post trim piece on, I have to remove the piece above the window, and to do that I have to remover the top window channel, and to do that... Here is what I ended up doing...
CutlassAtHome017_sm.jpg
Next I need to put the metal window edge trim back on the glass (it had been stuck in the channel and separated from the glass) then reinstall it.
And only 5 more pieces of glass to remove the old tinting from
And just for Allan, here is a colour picture
IMG_2145_md.jpg
Finally have all the scripts and emblems on the car along with all the exterior lights.
Next came a case of dominoes. I wanted to install the missing post trim piece. It turns out that to put the post trim piece on, I have to remove the piece above the window, and to do that I have to remover the top window channel, and to do that... Here is what I ended up doing...
CutlassAtHome017_sm.jpg
Next I need to put the metal window edge trim back on the glass (it had been stuck in the channel and separated from the glass) then reinstall it.
And only 5 more pieces of glass to remove the old tinting from
And just for Allan, here is a colour picture
IMG_2145_md.jpg
#101
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul, you're killing me! Is that tinted glass? I got all new (4 sides) from PS auto glass a few years back. I'll be pulling my old 'clear' stuff and putting in tinted too.
Have to ask you, because I've seen that trick done before with the picture. How do you isolate just the script and emblem? I'll see the rest of that beautiful blue car soon enough when you reveal it. (The paint looks really nice BTW) Did you use some kind of masking filter or Photoshop? I'd love to learn how to do that too. Pleaseeee??
Have to ask you, because I've seen that trick done before with the picture. How do you isolate just the script and emblem? I'll see the rest of that beautiful blue car soon enough when you reveal it. (The paint looks really nice BTW) Did you use some kind of masking filter or Photoshop? I'd love to learn how to do that too. Pleaseeee??
#102
Allan, to be honest, I didn't pay much attention to if the glass was tinted at all.
I also checked the company you mentioned and guess what? No glass for a post coupe
I used Photoshop. If you have it, I'll send you a pm with some instructions sometime in the next couple of days (this has been a busy weekend).
I also checked the company you mentioned and guess what? No glass for a post coupe
I used Photoshop. If you have it, I'll send you a pm with some instructions sometime in the next couple of days (this has been a busy weekend).
#103
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Allan, to be honest, I didn't pay much attention to if the glass was tinted at all.
I also checked the company you mentioned and guess what? No glass for a post coupe
I used Photoshop. If you have it, I'll send you a pm with some instructions sometime in the next couple of days (this has been a busy weekend).
I also checked the company you mentioned and guess what? No glass for a post coupe
I used Photoshop. If you have it, I'll send you a pm with some instructions sometime in the next couple of days (this has been a busy weekend).
I don't have photoshop, but maybe I should get a copy so I can do stuff like that. I think there are free downloads of it on line now. When you get a chance fire that info along - no rush. I understand how it is when ya hafta werk (as Jamesbo would so eloquently say)
#104
Today's update:
Over the last week, I have replaced the gaskets on one vent window (fun times!) and removed more window tinting. But I have been pretty busy so that was it until a little bit of work yesterday and more work tonite.
Tonite's project was working on a personal touch for the dash. I am not a huge fan of woodgrain. The interior of the Delta has quite a bit, and it looks good, but since the dash on the Cutlass has nothing, I decided to try something different.
I considered carbon fiber, painting it another colour or maybe something else. But I finally decided on "brushed aluminum". I am using a simulated brushed aluminum vinyl material.
Here is a pic of the dash when I started tonite.
Dash02.jpg
After installing it and trimming it.
Dash03.jpg
And finally with the wiper switch trim panel back on. I do not have pictures of the rest of the dash, but I have installed it on the whole lower section except the glove box door. I was hoping the grain would show more, but it might be the fact the light is more or less directly over where I was working.
Dash04.jpg
Over the last week, I have replaced the gaskets on one vent window (fun times!) and removed more window tinting. But I have been pretty busy so that was it until a little bit of work yesterday and more work tonite.
Tonite's project was working on a personal touch for the dash. I am not a huge fan of woodgrain. The interior of the Delta has quite a bit, and it looks good, but since the dash on the Cutlass has nothing, I decided to try something different.
I considered carbon fiber, painting it another colour or maybe something else. But I finally decided on "brushed aluminum". I am using a simulated brushed aluminum vinyl material.
Here is a pic of the dash when I started tonite.
Dash02.jpg
After installing it and trimming it.
Dash03.jpg
And finally with the wiper switch trim panel back on. I do not have pictures of the rest of the dash, but I have installed it on the whole lower section except the glove box door. I was hoping the grain would show more, but it might be the fact the light is more or less directly over where I was working.
Dash04.jpg
#105
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul, that's a very interesting effect. Looks really sharp. Are you going to do the instrument pod with that overlay too? You know that once you start, you're also going to have to do the door panels too....Have you photo shopped it to see what that would look like? An engineer could do it as part of their 3000 hours of purgatory...
Seriously though, I like it. You also did a great job on the dash and AC vent reveal. Chrome sharpie??
Seriously though, I like it. You also did a great job on the dash and AC vent reveal. Chrome sharpie??
#106
Paul, that's a very interesting effect. Looks really sharp. Are you going to do the instrument pod with that overlay too? You know that once you start, you're also going to have to do the door panels too....Have you photo shopped it to see what that would look like? An engineer could do it as part of their 3000 hours of purgatory...
Seriously though, I like it. You also did a great job on the dash and AC vent reveal. Chrome sharpie??
Seriously though, I like it. You also did a great job on the dash and AC vent reveal. Chrome sharpie??
#107
Picking up some good stuff for my 72 cutlass s. Keep those pics coming!
Ted
#108
Update time (sorry, no pics).
This week all the passenger side glass has been reinstalled in the car with new seals/channels. The manual helped a little, but it still took a few tries to get all the pass. door glass in correctly. Tonite the exterior door handles and lock cylinders were re-installed, so now I can actually open the doors with one hand, or even if the window is closed.
There should be more updates over the weekend.
This week all the passenger side glass has been reinstalled in the car with new seals/channels. The manual helped a little, but it still took a few tries to get all the pass. door glass in correctly. Tonite the exterior door handles and lock cylinders were re-installed, so now I can actually open the doors with one hand, or even if the window is closed.
There should be more updates over the weekend.
#110
Allan, for the doors, I had to just reinstall the glass and the bar that the other end of one of the regulator arms runs along. For the quarter windows, it was just the glass and channel.
This weekend's update:
Yesterday was the replacement of the driver's side window channels and glass. Today's project was to get the dash back in the car. It took some work to make sure everything was lined up properly but it wasn't too bad. I started plugging a few things in after, and now I know all the lights work... I just can't turn them off at the moment I need to find the headlight switch shaft so that I can turn them off. Hopefully I'll find it tomorrow.
I was hoping to get a bit further today, and wanted to take some pics, but I was racing against the rain, and I lost.
This weekend's update:
Yesterday was the replacement of the driver's side window channels and glass. Today's project was to get the dash back in the car. It took some work to make sure everything was lined up properly but it wasn't too bad. I started plugging a few things in after, and now I know all the lights work... I just can't turn them off at the moment I need to find the headlight switch shaft so that I can turn them off. Hopefully I'll find it tomorrow.
I was hoping to get a bit further today, and wanted to take some pics, but I was racing against the rain, and I lost.
#111
Paul, where the pictures at!!!!
I'm sure your car is looking awesome, so post some ASAP.
I'm currently photo-documenting A-Arm rebuilding.
Best investment so far in suspension tools? 14$ Pickle fork at Canadian tire. 6-7 good whacks with a BFH and BOOM. Balljoints popped right out like butter.
I'm sure your car is looking awesome, so post some ASAP.
I'm currently photo-documenting A-Arm rebuilding.
Best investment so far in suspension tools? 14$ Pickle fork at Canadian tire. 6-7 good whacks with a BFH and BOOM. Balljoints popped right out like butter.
#113
Another update, this time with pics.
This week, I have been working on the interior. First was putting the dash back in. Some of those fasteners are hard to reach! But I've got the switches and gauges back in, and things are looking pretty good. I also put the rear interior panels in, which were a bit of a challenge. Also, the rear seat and "new" front seat were installed.
Still lots of work, but it's starting to feel like a car again.
And now for a couple of pics.
CutlassAtHome018.jpg
CutlassAtHome019.jpg
This week, I have been working on the interior. First was putting the dash back in. Some of those fasteners are hard to reach! But I've got the switches and gauges back in, and things are looking pretty good. I also put the rear interior panels in, which were a bit of a challenge. Also, the rear seat and "new" front seat were installed.
Still lots of work, but it's starting to feel like a car again.
And now for a couple of pics.
CutlassAtHome018.jpg
CutlassAtHome019.jpg
#114
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul,
Nice work! Really nice details on the silver inlay on the dash and side trim. Is that the normal primer color on the inside by the sail panel? I think Peter Card was saying something about that color on his 72 supreme vert???
One question. I noticed that your car has a 'disc brake' circle on the pad. Is it the original? Reason I ask is mine is also disc and doesn't have that. When was yours built and what assembly line??
Nice work! Really nice details on the silver inlay on the dash and side trim. Is that the normal primer color on the inside by the sail panel? I think Peter Card was saying something about that color on his 72 supreme vert???
One question. I noticed that your car has a 'disc brake' circle on the pad. Is it the original? Reason I ask is mine is also disc and doesn't have that. When was yours built and what assembly line??
#115
Allan, my car was built in March, 1972 at the Framingham, MA. plant.
I doubt the brake pedal cover is original since the car has 4-wheel drum brakes, and the cover looks not very worn.
As for the colour on the sail panel, I would guess it it original, but can't say for sure.
I doubt the brake pedal cover is original since the car has 4-wheel drum brakes, and the cover looks not very worn.
As for the colour on the sail panel, I would guess it it original, but can't say for sure.
#116
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Paul, mine was built in April 72 at Lansing. Curious, what are your last 6 on the VIN? Mine is 208783
I'm guessing yours is 3G77K2GXXXXXX
I'm starting to get a good idea how complicated it can be to take the dash out of these. Wonder how GM did it back in the day? Seems like they must have had people with really small hands..
I'm guessing yours is 3G77K2GXXXXXX
I'm starting to get a good idea how complicated it can be to take the dash out of these. Wonder how GM did it back in the day? Seems like they must have had people with really small hands..
#117
Another update.
Yesterday, the rear window was reinstalled and they also installed a new windshield.
Today, I picked up my painted SSIII wheels.
Now onto tires, alignment, tune up, some exhaust work, finish off the interior... I think that is about it.
Yesterday, the rear window was reinstalled and they also installed a new windshield.
Today, I picked up my painted SSIII wheels.
Now onto tires, alignment, tune up, some exhaust work, finish off the interior... I think that is about it.
#118
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
#119
Well, instead of talking about the most recent update, how about I just finally post pictures... in COLOUR! Ok, one thing that can't be seen in the pics. A friend offered to have me bring the car over to help install headers to fix an exhaust leak I had.
The car is running great... or it might just be the fact that I am driving it!
IMG_3825.jpg
IMG_3826.jpg
IMG_3829.jpg
IMG_3828.jpg
IMG_3831.jpg
IMG_3833.jpg
I still need to finish the interior and some exterior trim. I should also do some fine tuning with the carb and timing.
The car is running great... or it might just be the fact that I am driving it!
IMG_3825.jpg
IMG_3826.jpg
IMG_3829.jpg
IMG_3828.jpg
IMG_3831.jpg
IMG_3833.jpg
I still need to finish the interior and some exterior trim. I should also do some fine tuning with the carb and timing.