Hello cutlass friends, I am new to site and I am now the proud owner of a 69 cutlass s. I have lots of questions I hope I can get some help with . I am thinking about a frame off restoration, I have been reading and researching for months now about the car and cutlass in general. How should I go about doing a frame off? Where to start, what to do and not to do? I thought asking on here from actuall owners and people who have done so would be the best place to ask. I bought the car in Alberta and is on it's way to Nova Scotia. It will be here any day now. I have been waiting for 4 weeks and I am excited but want to do it right. Thanks for reading and any help is very appreciated.

 

Welcome Johnny

There's lots of ways to get it done, browse the major builds section many members have detailed some or all of their efforts. Some tips that may help you are first get the chassis manual, then to take lots of pictures before disassembling any parts or section, then bag and tag all fasteners and parts. I can't count the number of times I've gone back and studied my pictures and the manual to replicate the original assembly. Don't be afraid to ask questions on here chances are whatever your doing someone's done it before...

 

Welcome to the site, post some pics when you get it home. Whats your experience level with these old cars, or cars in general?

 

Johnny,
First off, Welcome,
I am also at the point where I am going to start a frame off. I have done a lot of research, and I think I am ready to begin. For me, I did not want to start until I had all the manuals I thought I may need and exactly who was going to do any outside work I needed. For example, I know I am not a body/paint guy so my number one goal was to find that guy.
I would also say, Do not get rid of anything no matter how small until you have a replacement and you know it will work.
Good Luck. Jim

 

Welcome Johnny.
I"ll add a couple thoughts and that is too bag and tag items and put a description on the packages as you store them for later.
Take lots of photos, you almost can't have too many.
Keep in mind this project might take awhile. I can only speak for myself, and that would be two years...or more. Good Luck.

 

Welcome!

A couple of other tips.

If it runs, drive it for a while. 2 to 3 years is a long wait, and it most likely will be that long.

Depending on your skill level, determine what you can and cannot do. Then start finding places to do what you want done, and when you can get it done.

Determine what you want: Factory show car, more of modern touches, or somewhere in between.

Budget, Budget, Budget.

 

Get ready for some of the most fun and aggravation you have ever had, don't be in a hurry. If you need to walk away for a few days, do it. My project has been going on 3 years, I took everything and I mean everything apart to be media blasted and painted or powder coated and rebuilt,the car will be a virtually brand new 66 Cutlass when I'm finished. Find good quality people to do what you are not comfortable with. I just sent the car to the body shop a few weeks ago, I found an older body guy who works in lead and does very good work for reasonable price, Be patient, work methodically and you will have a very nice car when you are finished. The fellow CO Members have been a wealth of knowledge and items that are near impossible to find for me and I'm sure they will be more than eager to help you as well.
Thanks, Ron