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I figured I'd show you guys my 18th birthday present I bought for myself.
My 1970 Cutlass Supreme. Now I know in the title I added it has a 455, a Y79 455. I've got the build sheet to show it. I found two SX badges in a parts bin. It has front fender bracing, sway bar, and a 12 bolt rear. No rally steering wheel or 442 bumper. Is it a SX? Who knows... That isn't my concern at the moment.
You see unlike most kids my age -- I can't stand them four banger, fart can, rice burners that were a staple in my high school parking lot! I grew up with the Dukes of Hazzard, The A Team, and a uncle with a bitchin 69 Camaro RSS. Needless to say naturally aspirated V8 muscle machines have been a long time love. It's been a dream of mine to own a project muscle car. Key word is project. Being good with my hands and lack of money (irony in a project like this) made me want a project. Well for my 18th I got it. My love-hate project car.
One of my best friends parents were in the middle of a divorce where this story starts. One of the days we went to hangout we were waking around his backyard, I saw it (should've not) this car sitting there. Right there I said "man that's sweet" "Wanna sell it?". My buddy told me, his dad had said to him it was his if he would get a job and work on it. That never happened. When the divorce ran through, I got it for $800. Clean title too, ain't that neat? It is understatement when I say I had no clue what I was about to embark on.
This car didn't run, roll, or even have a new owner who knew (still don't) what they were doing. Well that's where it stands it's a really big project. I do what I can to work on it about every weekend with the dreams having it completely restored one day. Something to build memories with ya know? So that's why I'm here. Any knowledge to be shared I need. Chilton books only give so much.
Hopefully you guys enjoy the photos, and some of my commentary.
Thanks for reading, Skully When I had first found it The motor untouched The interior had seen better days It was stuffed with trim pieces See that 12 bolt posi? Came with the key The floor pans are solid The only work part of the car This build sheet I found under insulation down by the dimmer switch. Still need to drop the gas tank to see if I can find a better one. See the Y79? Still a whole lot of confusion, but one day it will be sorted
Great to see a young man take an interest in an Olds. Sounds like you've had a great upbringing. American muscle is where it is at. Good Luck with the project, you seem to be well on your way. Those floor look pretty clean.
Well done Skully! At age 19 I also had a big block 455 Oldsmobile, a V code 1972 4 speed 4-4-2, but my first car at 16 was a 1971 cutlass supreme. Your 1970 supreme with the big block SX package is a thing of beauty - one day you’ll enjoy eating those rice burners in your high school parking lot for lunch.
Here is some additional information on the SX Y79 package you may find helpful. Keep us posted and welcome aboard.
Welcome! Like others have said its great to see someone your age having such an enthusiastic interest in cars from what I consider the greatest era of automotive styling. You remind me of when I was 16 with my '69 442 convertible. Good luck with your project and remember everyone here is ready to help with questions when you need it.
I too had an SX when I was young. I have always liked them. My SX came with a 2.56 posi. I believe that was standard. Pretty sure the 4 barrel was an option on the SX. Most came with a 455 2 barrel. Cool to see yours also has the correct 1970 only Sport mirrors. Look forward to following your thread. Welcome aboard.
Congrats on a cool find. I got my SX when I was 17, for $750. There were 3 engines available for the 70 SX, all depending on when your car was built. Checking the trans ID can help narrow that down. The ID tag is on the passenger side of the trans, near the rear. Look for a metal tag with a rivet holding it in place. Then check the drivers side, above the pan gasket, for the VIN derivative, to see if the trans is original to your car.
By all means buy the 70 Chassis Service Manual. Buy an original factory copy instead of a reproduction. It will have all the original info in one book, and the wiring schematics will be in color.
This is what the trans ID tag will look like. Your tag should read 70 OD, or 70 OG
nice find!!
the engine has been messed with. aluminum edelbrock intake and Holley carb is not stock, but I'm sure it was to replace the 2 barrel carb and cast iron intake, good score.
I think it's funny how many of us had an SX at an early age. I was 17. Bought it from my oldest brother on Easter Sunday. So many great stories in that car. 2.56 posi would drop second gear at 75-80 mph. I also put a four barrel on mine. I loved the 2.56 rear. I eventually went to a 3.42 out of my other brothers' W-31. I have five brothers so plenty of cars around.
Thanks for that info man! That plate was buried underneath trans fluid, so it took awhile to finally unearth it. It read "70 - OD - 4582". I still need to identify the motor to the car, I haven't figured out where the casting date is on it.
On the engine? The VIN pad will have the date and VIN derivative that matches the vehicle the engine was mated to.
In the example below
3 = GM Division (3 = Oldsmobile)
9 = Year (1969)
M = Assembly Plant (M = Lansing)
123456 = VIN derivative that matches the vehicle
Last edited by Fun71; March 19th, 2021 at 09:55 PM.
Welcome to the club. Yeah Chilton's are just ok. Get yourself one of these. You can spend hours just perusing though it.
bought my first 69 cutlass suprem convertible 350 rocket at 15 yrs old. Bought 2nd one rebuilt to the max 455 at 54 yrs old Cutlass took 3 years to finish but at Ocean Beach feeling 19 again.! Peace
What’s up Skully I’m Cole and I’m also pretty young I’m only 20. If u want to I can DM you my number and if u have questions you can text me...I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. My car is the less than Incredible Hulk, original rocket 350 under the hood but I’m rebuilding it now
March 14th, 2021, 07:23 PM
