So a while ago in a quest to find a lemons racer I stumbled upon a 1976 Cutlass with like 60,000 miles. It looked rough but after messing with it some we were able to get it running like a top even though sitting for like 10 years. We ended up racing a IROC but I bought the Cutlass anyway.

The biggest issue is the drivers side quarter and the rust that was under the vinyl roof. I haven't had much luck finding a whole quarter panel and I'm not even sure replacing that much metal is worth it. Should I part it ? Should I replace the sail panel?

Keep in mind its mostly rust free except for the sail panel and drivers side quarter. Of course the interior is a little crappy too.

I kind of dig the car (it's as old as I am). I need a sanity check here...

 

Wow. I had a 76 Salon and I do miss that car sometimes. I think they are beautiful cars, although a bit under powered.
That being said that is A LOT of cancer and I have a feeling there is much more hiding in that car. The only way to know for sure would be to disassemble the car and have a media blasted. I know that's not always practical or cost effective, but rust crops up all over the place with these things. The quarters, rear of the front fenders, the rear bumper liked to fall off, the passenger floor rots through from the heat of the converter..........

I sure would hate to see a straight car be cut up for parts, but it may be too far gone to be monetarily worth fixing.

 

Part it out! That is cancerous! I'm sure there is more rust hiding in that car.

 

WoW! When viewing the first two pictures the though is "not too bad" but that third one is, well all I can say is WoW! Unless you are a skilled body man or know one that is really bad. Good luck in your efforts however you go about it. Welcome to CO.

 

Welcome aboard

The thing I noticed [before the rust] was you've got two different kinda wheels and tires on the right and left sides of your car

 

Part it out! The car is too far gone to enjoy. They are a nice car but not rare enough to make it worth while. Someone would love to have the well running motor and you don't need to make a pile of money on it - it will be sold quicker and you can move on to project that you'd prefer

 

That might be a good recommendation. I know I paid $50 for the hood ornament assembly last year to a guy over at ROP. If the bumpers are good they might bring some cash too, then there are the grilles, headlight doors, and interior parts, if good.

 

You would have to be "the man" to fix that rust!

 

Depends on how much you like the car, I have a 1977 cutlass supreme brougham that I am restoring, my dad bought it brand new in Oct of 76, so am going to restore it,down to the frame and go up from there.Even play with the engine, want 400 ponies out of her.It is hard to find parts and when you do they cost a few dollars. My interior is in mint condition so that saves me alot of money.But to give you a cost of a restore, this will cost me $15,000