Hello. Found ClassicOldsmobile while looking for parts for my project. It's a 1970 Cutlass S that I am looking to rebuild as a 442 tribute. I found the car in New Mexico not running and looking like it just sat for the last ten years or so. Since the motor is a later model 350 that has seen better days, I plan to give it a relatively fresh 455 I pulled from a 1968 Toronado. It also has front and rear bumpers and grilles that need replaced, so I figured it is a perfect candidate to receive 442 grilles and a notched rear bumper. It has a floor shift automatic (TH400) with bucket seats and a console. Someone had already begun restoring the interior by installing a headliner, carpet, and re-upholstering the seats.

So far I have fixed some wiring and gotten it running so I can move it around. I put in a brand new fuel tank and fixed some of the major transmission leaks shortly after that. Next I took it to the shop where I work for the engine transplant which will be happening soon. Since it's been at the shop I have fixed a few more leaks and installed new front brakes, drums, wheel cylinders, and hardware. I also installed a tilt steering column out of a 1976 Chevelle which required some minor modification for it to fit. The old column had so much damage that rebuilding would be difficult and not cost effective.

The engine going in is from a 1968 Toronado and ran perfectly before being removed. It has the "C" heads, excellent compression and oil pressure, and when I tore it down it appears to have been rebuilt recently (in terms of miles) as evidenced by brand new looking .030" over pistons, visible cross hatching on the cylinder walls, and no ridge at the top! I have new cam bearings, timing chain and gears, gaskets, and an Edelbrock Performer manifold for it. I am waiting on a W-30 camshaft and lifters to arrive (hopefully this week).

Have not decided on a torque converter or rear gears for it yet. I also haven't decided whether to run headers or original type manifolds yet.

If anyone has some wisdom that might apply to a project like this let me know. Of course keep in mind I am doing this on the stingiest of budgets! I figure I will be keeping it for a very long time though so time is on my side. I'll try posting some pics. Look forward to chatting. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the site. Interesting project by the sounds of it. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 455. Just curious why you went with a 76 column because any of the 69-72 columns from any of the A bodies would have worked without doing any mods.

Looking forward to pics of the project. And you don't have to apologize for having a stingy budget. Times are tough for lots of folks and project money is always secondary to anything for family. Nice that you have the use of a shop to do the work; that's a huge bonus.

 

I went with the '76 column because it was hard to find a decent piece that wasn't overpriced. This one cost me $20.00 and I was able to get it working with some NOS upper shaft bearings I found for $35.00 from an old timer off craigslist. The only thing I need to modify now is the shift bowl which is for a column shift, which I will get around to later. Part of the fun of this project for me is to see how frugal I can be and still turn out a top notch product.

 

Here are a few pics. There are a few more in my album. I'll post more of the build as it progresses.

 

Looks like a very nice project.
Welcome to CO.
That 68 Toro motor will be sweet,
what a sleeper.

 

Welcome, looks to be a good solid car.

 

"Bronco Fan?" Time to put that to rest for another year.

 

Ouch on the front end. BUT, don't throw those old Cutlass grills out. From what I can see on the pics the damage doesn't extend into the main grill. They could probably be fixed by someone who needs them if you still have most of the parts? Just a thought.

 

Welcome and allright! another Colorado guy I assume? Guess us Bronco fans (currently in mourning) can be worldwide. Nice car and good luck with it.

Tom
68 442
70 F85

 

Yeah I'm a native. I live in Aurora. I hope they can remember this loss (just like the '97 Broncos remembered what Jacksonville did to them in the playoffs) and come back next year and go all the way.

 

Welcome to CO! Thanks for posting pics of your project, keep us updated.

 

You are correct in that the grille sections are not damaged. The outer frame parts are broken but I suppose they could be repaired. If anyone needs them just message me and maybe we could work something out.