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1971 Cutlass Supreme just purchased as is

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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:20 AM
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exhausted's Avatar
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1971 Cutlass Supreme just purchased as is






Other side similar

Other side similar

Car rides and drives ok, front end loose. Low oil pressure. Previous owner said original owner had a cam replaced and may have contributed to low oil pressure condition. Been mostly sitting since 06, driven + or - 200 miles according to previous owner. I'm not sure which direction to go with this car....
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:22 AM
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Interior of 71


Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:25 AM
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Well, seeing as it's a fairly common item and it looks like you'll be pretty much bringing it back from the dead, I'd say you have a blank slate. What do you like best?
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:58 AM
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Welcome and congratulations on the car. Right model and right color! But I may be a bit biased.
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 12:09 PM
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I'd first establish a goal - daily driver, full restoration (rotisserie), etc. Establish a budget. How much you going to do yourself &/or shop out (budget). Based upon budget write out a couple plans on paper (or otherwise; e.g. Excel spreadsheet, Word, notepad - whatever) under select categories: i.e. suspension, engine, transmission, body work, brakes, electrical, AC, interior upholstery, etc. Add prices of replacement pieces along the way. Nice project car.
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 12:36 PM
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Cool car. Great colors. I love a Supreme. I love that it is a survivor. Clean it up. Give it what it needs and enjoy it. 👍
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 12:40 PM
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Congrats, welcome to the site.
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 01:28 PM
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Welcome. Is that a tach mounted on the hood or heat gauge?
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 01:42 PM
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Vintage Chief's Avatar
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Originally Posted by tnswt
Welcome. Is that a tach mounted on the hood or heat gauge?
I caught that earlier, also. I'll bet it is. Have to love ingenuity - whatever it takes.
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by tnswt
Welcome. Is that a tach mounted on the hood or heat gauge?
Its an oil pressure gage. You can see the feed line going to the oil port in the one underhood picture
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 02:23 PM
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I think youve picked up a nice project/driver. Make the car safe(suspension/brakes), then decide which way you want to go
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 04:39 PM
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If you are decided on keeping the car, I'd try to figure out what the low oil pressure issue may be - fully tune the motor up (new plugs, wires, cap/rotor oil change, air/fuel filters, coolant flush, etc.), maybe run 15w-40 oil when you change it, to see if that brings the pressure up a bit temporarily. Also replace the oil sending unit on the block for good measure (they're cheap but make sure you get the correct one - different units for factory dash gauge vs. warning light)

I'd also suggest replacing the battery cables and voltage regulator (if still the external part) - originals are way past their safety limits at this point.

Otherwise agree on replacing chassis related items first - suspension, brakes, steering. Replace the fuel pump, gas tank (new aftermarket pricing fairly reasonable) and sending unit.

Assuming it has 14" wheels, consider moving up a size ito at least 15" so you can comfortably upgrade to front disc brakes if it doesn't have them, or at least for a better tire selection.

...and the beat goes on!

Last edited by 70sgeek; Aug 6, 2022 at 04:48 PM.
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 05:17 PM
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If you note in the pictures and discussion above, there is a mechanical oil pressure gauge.
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 06:05 PM
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Welcome!
Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:51 PM
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exhausted's Avatar
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Thanks to all for your suggestions and welcomes! I'll post as things develop....
Old Aug 7, 2022 | 03:24 PM
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'72 Cutlass ragtop
 
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I just looked at your photos again and noticed the loose dash chrome trim

you can replace it with OPGI's full kit (new strip and clips) pretty cheaply

Molding, Dashboard, 1970-72 Cutlass, Chrome @ OPGI.com
Old Aug 8, 2022 | 02:22 PM
  #17  
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Thanks for the tip on the dash trim!
Old Apr 7, 2024 | 02:52 PM
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Definitely get rid of that" PLASTIC Oil Line" ! Replace it with "COPPER". ! the plastic WILL break and might cause a fire !!
Old Apr 7, 2024 | 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Fonz
Definitely get rid of that" PLASTIC Oil Line" ! Replace it with "COPPER". ! the plastic WILL break and might cause a fire !!
While your recommendation is good, it's highly doubtful the OP will see your recommendation since their last on-site activity was nearly two years ago - October 21st, 2022 02:49 PM.
Old Apr 7, 2024 | 07:29 PM
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Additionally, the nylon line “MIGHT” break. Mine has not failed since it was installed in the 1980s.
Old Apr 7, 2024 | 07:35 PM
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Given where that oil gauge is mounted, I would say their is much more danger of stressing copper tubing past its fatigue strength by opening and closing the hood then there is with a plastic line. Not that it matters since this thread was long dead anyway, but given the location of that oil gauge, the best bet would be an AN braided line.
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