hello I'm brand new to the site. Just reading these posts I'm learning a lot. I've had my eye on a 1973 cutlass supreme even though the real cutlass muscle cars were the 2 gen I've always loved the look of the 73. Anyways I've finally got my hands on the one I wanted. At this point it has sat for a decade and is a full restoration...some will say it's a parts car. And I know I will end up putting 3 times the resale into the restore. I'm OK with that.

 

Welcome Andrew,
I commented on your other thread, I gather you purchased the car and are going ahead with the resto.
Lots of help here, parts a little hard to come by at times and can be a little expensive. I would try to save as much of the interior plastics as you can.
That will go a long way once you try to start sourcing parts.
Not much aftermarket stuff out their yet for our 73-77 cars.
I wish you all the best, any questions, just ask many will be here to give you some sound advice.

Cheers
Eric

 

Yes thank you Eric, it's at this point a sentimental resto the lady actually just gave it to me after years of holding onto it and letting it go to waste. She was the original owner since 73. Every couple of years I would run into her and ask her about it. The last time I ran into her she gave me the keys and the pink. And told me to do something with it because it's just going to waste.

 

Welcome to the site, thats quite the project.

 

I like the 73s a lot. Yes it's am ambitious project (I saw your roof thread) but I really like working on cars. Maybe you like working on cars. So why not, after a little time and energy you'll have something sweet. Enjoy it.

 

As soon as you can, get it up on a lift and inspect the frame and undercarriage for rust. A decade is a long time sitting outside. IF the frames shot it's time to consider your options. IF it needs a frame you can still get another 73 with a good frame and use one of the two for parts to make one good one. Part out what's left. So far though you're ahead on the money invested so far part.

 

Sitting outside without a back window doesn't bode well for the floorpans. The 73-77 cars are not well supported with aftermarket patch panels.

 

so I got her moved from the bottom of a dirt hill and onto level ground today. Was finally able to see the frame and underneath the car. She has RUST obviously but nothing is rusted through. Which is a relief. First wave of part list includes. Gas tank, Fuel pump, lines, filter and carburetor. Once I clean out the rest of the fluids and add new parts I will crank her over. This will take me some time. But this is phase 1.

 

Good luck with Phase I of your 73 Cutlass project... Just remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel...

 

Put-er-ther Andrew, all the best with stage 1. I'm sure it will be loads of fun with great rewards .

Cheers
Eric

 

The LS looks not too bad, but as Joe said the interior could be really hatched without that rear glass to keep moisture and critters out. I'd be checking for varmint nests inside and don't forget they chew wires. Good luck with the project, it looks like it's a huge one.

 

Well, if those crazy Mopar guys are willing to build a car around found VIN-plate with some funky codes, this project seems like a survivor compared to some of them

 

Welcome to the site and good luck with the project. I learned to drive in my mom's '73 Cutlass S. I still like those cars!

 

Depending on your age, finances, skills, and facilities this project could be fun or too much. This is my favorite year and model. I have owned at least seven at last count. If it is a 3J57K code, then it is the most common version built. I see it has the B84 moldings and if it is Brewster Green #48, that is a rare color and quite striking. Finding a roof should be easy in CA. I am nearing 60 and after several big restorations, I can caution you to be realistic. If you are doing it to learn and build your dream car without regard to money at the end, you are in it for the right reasons. If you have any questions regarding these cars, I would be glad to advise. Regards, Ed

 

Update on this 73 cutlass supreme. In the process of looking for a roof skin. I found a 73 cutlass s optioned up 442. For quite the steal. Basically the price of a u haul truck car trailer and $1 for the keys and paperwork. Down side. No engine or trans. Upside I'll post pics and you'll see.
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