Greetings
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 19
From: ND
Greetings
Hello everyone!
New here from ND, I have a '72 Cutlass Supreme I picked up almost ten years ago. I have done a bit here and there to keep it driveable, but really want to get down and dirty on the resto.
Hopefully I can get some good info here on where to find parts and things to watch out for when digging into a restoration.
Here's a pic a few years old. Nothing has changed except the amount of dust on it.
New here from ND, I have a '72 Cutlass Supreme I picked up almost ten years ago. I have done a bit here and there to keep it driveable, but really want to get down and dirty on the resto.
Hopefully I can get some good info here on where to find parts and things to watch out for when digging into a restoration.
Here's a pic a few years old. Nothing has changed except the amount of dust on it.
Just an Olds Guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24,528
From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Welcome aboard. Ok,now that we know you can get pics in how about some in the daylight? Your paint code should be 36 B - radiant green lower body, black upper vinyl.
Lets hear about your plans for this car.
Lets hear about your plans for this car.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 19
From: ND
Sorry, that pic is old (and the best I have digitally, one day I'll scan in some older better pics).
That pic also shows the best of the best of the car.
Oldsman, it needs a lot of work, full frame off. The frame itself is rusting, and needs repair. Both rear quarters are shot and need replacement.
The hood and drivers door look like someone bounced a baseball off of repeatedly.
Vinyl top is rotting away on the edges, needs to be redone.
Trunk floor is rusted.
Interior is in remarkably good shape. Seat on driver side is cracked/ripped, but otherwise good. Driver door panel the lower carpet part is worn through, but otherwise good. Carpet looks great, back seat looks as if no one has ever sat in it, though slightly faded on the top. Headliner is perfect, dash just needs some trim work. Even has the factory 8 track and AM radio! Not sure if it works, as all the speakers are shot.
Bought it in 2003 with ~106k on it. Original owner, drove it home. Put new wheels, brakes, and suspension under it. Dual exhaust to make it sound correct, and then just drove it.
As for my plans, I'm not really sure. I want it to be a driver, not a show queen. I like the looks of the 442 W30 hood and rear decklid, so I'm contemplating making it a clone. But I don't know if I would go all the way either. Might just make is a Supreme with a scoop hood.
I did find one more recent pic, same side though. This is from my wedding, 2011, and it is by far the best the car has looked since I owned it. Lots of wax and polishing.
That pic also shows the best of the best of the car.
Oldsman, it needs a lot of work, full frame off. The frame itself is rusting, and needs repair. Both rear quarters are shot and need replacement.
The hood and drivers door look like someone bounced a baseball off of repeatedly.
Vinyl top is rotting away on the edges, needs to be redone.
Trunk floor is rusted.
Interior is in remarkably good shape. Seat on driver side is cracked/ripped, but otherwise good. Driver door panel the lower carpet part is worn through, but otherwise good. Carpet looks great, back seat looks as if no one has ever sat in it, though slightly faded on the top. Headliner is perfect, dash just needs some trim work. Even has the factory 8 track and AM radio! Not sure if it works, as all the speakers are shot.
Bought it in 2003 with ~106k on it. Original owner, drove it home. Put new wheels, brakes, and suspension under it. Dual exhaust to make it sound correct, and then just drove it.
As for my plans, I'm not really sure. I want it to be a driver, not a show queen. I like the looks of the 442 W30 hood and rear decklid, so I'm contemplating making it a clone. But I don't know if I would go all the way either. Might just make is a Supreme with a scoop hood.
I did find one more recent pic, same side though. This is from my wedding, 2011, and it is by far the best the car has looked since I owned it. Lots of wax and polishing.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 19
From: ND
Just curious as I am still trying to figure out how to tell what everything "should" be...
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 570
From: Old Bridge, NJ
+1 on what Alex said. If you post up the data on that cowl tag, members here can decode it for you pretty quickly.
Just an Olds Guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24,528
From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
There is factory information on 2 areas of your car; The VIN, and cowl tag. Post a pic of them and we can tell you what was original to your car (up to a point).
There are a lot of folks on this site with knowledge to help you with questions you may have about your car. FYI, the W25 hood (also called OAI) is reproduced by several vendors. Fit and finish is subject to price. The rear deck wing was never offered for any of the 72 A bodies, including 442. Putting it on a CS just doesn't look right IMO.
You said you put new exhausts to make it sound proper. Is this car by any chance 455 equipped? If it is you have a relatively rare car and it should have a VIN that starts out 3J57U2(LXXXXXX) If it's not a U code car, chances are it's the 350 and the VIN will start 3J57K2(LXXXXXX)
No matter what, sounds like you're on the right track to enjoying your car.
Last edited by Allan R; Jan 24, 2014 at 03:18 PM. Reason: number change 47 changed to 57
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 19
From: ND
Easy, I looked it up in my paint guide. Olds only offered a certain selection in each model year, but other paints could be obtained with special order (read as 'extra cost'). I also recognized that color as it was one of my favorites back in 72. Your second pic of the car in the sun is exactly the way I remember it. Yes, I know. I'm old.
There is factory information on 2 areas of your car; The VIN, and cowl tag. Post a pic of them and we can tell you what was original to your car (up to a point).
There are a lot of folks on this site with knowledge to help you with questions you may have about your car. FYI, the W25 hood (also called OAI) is reproduced by several vendors. Fit and finish is subject to price. The rear deck wing was never offered for any of the 72 A bodies, including 442. Putting it on a CS just doesn't look right IMO.
You said you put new exhausts to make it sound proper. Is this car by any chance 455 equipped? If it is you have a relatively rare car and it should have a VIN that starts out 3J57U2(LXXXXXX) If it's not a U code car, chances are it's the 350 and the VIN will start 3J47K2(LXXXXXX)
No matter what, sounds like you're on the right track to enjoying your car.
There is factory information on 2 areas of your car; The VIN, and cowl tag. Post a pic of them and we can tell you what was original to your car (up to a point).
There are a lot of folks on this site with knowledge to help you with questions you may have about your car. FYI, the W25 hood (also called OAI) is reproduced by several vendors. Fit and finish is subject to price. The rear deck wing was never offered for any of the 72 A bodies, including 442. Putting it on a CS just doesn't look right IMO.
You said you put new exhausts to make it sound proper. Is this car by any chance 455 equipped? If it is you have a relatively rare car and it should have a VIN that starts out 3J57U2(LXXXXXX) If it's not a U code car, chances are it's the 350 and the VIN will start 3J47K2(LXXXXXX)
No matter what, sounds like you're on the right track to enjoying your car.
It's an original 350 4bbl, but only had a single exhaust on it when I bought it. I put true duals 2 1/2" with glass packs to give it some rumble. I am often asked now just from the tone if it has a 455 in it
VIN is 3J57K2M143029, for whatever information that will tell you.
Was the OAI hood even an option on a CS?
I know I have seen a rear deck wing on 72 442s (or had 442 badging, not the greatest at telling what is "real"), so must have been added after by the owner then.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,815
From: Mo-Ray-Al, K-Bec.
Easy, I looked it up in my paint guide. Olds only offered a certain selection in each model year, but other paints could be obtained with special order (read as 'extra cost'). I also recognized that color as it was one of my favorites back in 72. Your second pic of the car in the sun is exactly the way I remember it. Yes, I know. I'm old.
There is factory information on 2 areas of your car; The VIN, and cowl tag. Post a pic of them and we can tell you what was original to your car (up to a point).
There are a lot of folks on this site with knowledge to help you with questions you may have about your car. FYI, the W25 hood (also called OAI) is reproduced by several vendors. Fit and finish is subject to price. The rear deck wing was never offered for any of the 72 A bodies, including 442. Putting it on a CS just doesn't look right IMO.
You said you put new exhausts to make it sound proper. Is this car by any chance 455 equipped? If it is you have a relatively rare car and it should have a VIN that starts out 3J57U2(LXXXXXX) If it's not a U code car, chances are it's the 350 and the VIN will start 3J47K2(LXXXXXX)
No matter what, sounds like you're on the right track to enjoying your car.
There is factory information on 2 areas of your car; The VIN, and cowl tag. Post a pic of them and we can tell you what was original to your car (up to a point).
There are a lot of folks on this site with knowledge to help you with questions you may have about your car. FYI, the W25 hood (also called OAI) is reproduced by several vendors. Fit and finish is subject to price. The rear deck wing was never offered for any of the 72 A bodies, including 442. Putting it on a CS just doesn't look right IMO.
You said you put new exhausts to make it sound proper. Is this car by any chance 455 equipped? If it is you have a relatively rare car and it should have a VIN that starts out 3J57U2(LXXXXXX) If it's not a U code car, chances are it's the 350 and the VIN will start 3J47K2(LXXXXXX)
No matter what, sounds like you're on the right track to enjoying your car.
Last edited by Professur; Jan 24, 2014 at 02:09 PM.
Just an Olds Guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24,528
From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
It completes the information for the cars birth certificate so to speak.
3- Oldsmobile division of GM
J - Cutlass Supreme
57 - Hardtop coupe
K - 350 4bbl V8 180 hp, single exhaust
2 - 1972 model year
M - Lansing production
143029 - build sequence at Lansing. This was the 43,029 A body car built at Lansing for the 72 model year. When you get the pic of the cowl tag I'm guessing this was built around October of 71.
The OAI (W25) was an option that could be ordered (154.00 in 1972 as factory option).
No doubt you have seen rear deck wings on a lot of 72 Cutlass models. Fact is they never came from the factory with them, and were not available as an option in 72 either. They were discontinued in around May of 1971, well ahead of the 72 model year builds. The wings are popular features with a lot of folks and are usually added as a matter of desire by the owner. Even in 1971 the W35 wing was an option for the 3687 and 3677 models. It was never an option on the CS - even when ordered as a W30.
?? I don't understand your comment.
3- Oldsmobile division of GM
J - Cutlass Supreme
57 - Hardtop coupe
K - 350 4bbl V8 180 hp, single exhaust
2 - 1972 model year
M - Lansing production
143029 - build sequence at Lansing. This was the 43,029 A body car built at Lansing for the 72 model year. When you get the pic of the cowl tag I'm guessing this was built around October of 71.
No doubt you have seen rear deck wings on a lot of 72 Cutlass models. Fact is they never came from the factory with them, and were not available as an option in 72 either. They were discontinued in around May of 1971, well ahead of the 72 model year builds. The wings are popular features with a lot of folks and are usually added as a matter of desire by the owner. Even in 1971 the W35 wing was an option for the 3687 and 3677 models. It was never an option on the CS - even when ordered as a W30.
?? I don't understand your comment.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 19
From: ND
It completes the information for the cars birth certificate so to speak.
3- Oldsmobile division of GM
J - Cutlass Supreme
57 - Hardtop coupe
K - 350 4bbl V8 180 hp, single exhaust
2 - 1972 model year
M - Lansing production
143029 - build sequence at Lansing. This was the 43,029 A body car built at Lansing for the 72 model year. When you get the pic of the cowl tag I'm guessing this was built around October of 71.
The OAI (W25) was an option that could be ordered (154.00 in 1972 as factory option).
No doubt you have seen rear deck wings on a lot of 72 Cutlass models. Fact is they never came from the factory with them, and were not available as an option in 72 either. They were discontinued in around May of 1971, well ahead of the 72 model year builds. The wings are popular features with a lot of folks and are usually added as a matter of desire by the owner. Even in 1971 the W35 wing was an option for the 3687 and 3677 models. It was never an option on the CS - even when ordered as a W30.
3- Oldsmobile division of GM
J - Cutlass Supreme
57 - Hardtop coupe
K - 350 4bbl V8 180 hp, single exhaust
2 - 1972 model year
M - Lansing production
143029 - build sequence at Lansing. This was the 43,029 A body car built at Lansing for the 72 model year. When you get the pic of the cowl tag I'm guessing this was built around October of 71.
The OAI (W25) was an option that could be ordered (154.00 in 1972 as factory option).
No doubt you have seen rear deck wings on a lot of 72 Cutlass models. Fact is they never came from the factory with them, and were not available as an option in 72 either. They were discontinued in around May of 1971, well ahead of the 72 model year builds. The wings are popular features with a lot of folks and are usually added as a matter of desire by the owner. Even in 1971 the W35 wing was an option for the 3687 and 3677 models. It was never an option on the CS - even when ordered as a W30.
The Noob Messiah
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 327
From: Godley, Texas
I love the movie dialogue drop...
Your Cutty flashes me back to 1985.....Cruising Cooper St., Arlington Texas.
A Cutty with Cragar SS's.....a Jensen EQ, some Ratt and Dokken..oh yeah
Great looking pics. I feel 23 again
Your Cutty flashes me back to 1985.....Cruising Cooper St., Arlington Texas.
A Cutty with Cragar SS's.....a Jensen EQ, some Ratt and Dokken..oh yeah
Great looking pics. I feel 23 again
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 19
From: ND
Past Administrator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 10,359
From: Rural Waxahachie Texas
" I put true duals 2 1/2" with glass packs to give it some rumble. I am often asked now just from the tone if it has a 455 in it "
2 1/2" exhausts will do that, besides the fact that an Olds 350 sounds very nice anyway. Welcome to CO.
2 1/2" exhausts will do that, besides the fact that an Olds 350 sounds very nice anyway. Welcome to CO.
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