I recently sold my 62 Vair, and am thinking about moving into a "new" car within a year or so (gotta get my youngest outta college!) Since I was a kid my fave car sincewas a 72 Cutlass vert. I figured looking at 69-72 will expand the number of cars available. To appease the wife, I'm looking for shoulder belts and headrests.

Tho I'd prefer a vert, when it comes time to pul the trigger, I'll likely buy the most solid coupe or vert I can find for the best price. My dream car would have buckets, center console, 350, AC. This car is going to be driven, so I don't need show-quality paint.

I'm in Chicago, but would fly/drive or ship the right car - especialy if traveling S and W will get me a clean, straight body. If the right car were found at the right price, I would be willing to have it painted.

Any special areas to check for rust? Any mechanical issues to look for?

My first "nice" car was a 3-yr-old 82 Cutlass Supreme. What a sweet ride!

Looking forward to hearing from you, and chatting more as my search progresses.

 

rust is the main concern - on the front fender behind the front wheels and all over the quarter panel, floor boards, trunk pan etc. I think the Cutlass convertibles from 68-72 are some of the best deals out there. Many folks want the 442 so that drives those prices up when the Cutlass is just as good looking and many came with a 350 engine and a T350 trans - perfect driveline for cruising IMHO. My neighbor here in Oak Park found a great 70 Cutlass convertible for a reasonable price. This is the time to buy.

As for shoulder belts in a convertible I have only seen one other 1970 and one 1969 GTO with shoulder belts. Not sure when they became mandatory for convertible, but even if they don't have them you can put them in easily.

Many cars have buckets but from what I have heard over the ages is more convertibles were in fact ordered with the bench seat than not, but no one has the records to prove either way.

 

Welcome to the CO. Here is a link to help in your search...

http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cg...mit=++++go++++

 

Thanks, all. I've long been a JAXED addict!

I'm thrilled to see cars out there that fit my needs in my price range, so I'm sure I'll be able to find a car that thrills me when it comes time to pull the trigger. Right now I'm trying to narrow down what is available at what prices. My old car experience to date is on Vairs, so I'm having to readjust.

Glad to hear shoulder belts can be added, as safety is one of my wife's prime concerns. (I realize no old car is as safe as any new car.)

How would you compare price, availability, maintenance issues of Cutlasses to other GM models from the era? I really like the lines on the Skylark, Lemans and Chevelles as well. No interest in the big blocks or clones.

 

well we all favor Oldsmobiles here but I agree any of those cars would make a great choice, I especially like the 68/69 lemans and the 70-72 skylark. Of course the Chevy should be the cheapest to repair but may be the most expensive to purchase.

 

I'm in the western burbs, and see Elmhurst's cruise tomorrow will feature Olds/Buick/Pontiac. Will be a good opportunity to see several cars nearby.

 

Welcome. First, the 69-72 convertibles typically won't have shoulder belts. They were available but a very rare option. In fact, headrests and shoulder belts were optional back to 1966 but are not seen very often.

The worst rust to look for is the pinchweld rust. This is rust in the channel where the windshield and back window sit. The stainless trim traps leaves and debris, which retains water, which leads to rust. This is very expensive to fix correctly and usually if the seller says there's a leak at the windshield or back window on one of these cars, it's due to rust, not a bad seal.

The 69-72 cars are well supported with repro parts, so you should be in good shape there. Note that there are probably more 442s (or faux four twos) on the road now than when they were new, so be sure to verify the car before spending large dollars. The 69-71 cars have unique VINs for the 442, so that's easy. 72s did not, so it's more difficult to verify a real 442.

 

Take your time and buy the best your budget allows. Repair/restoration costs more than the value added, especially under car stuff like steering/suspension. Look for an enthusiast owner who will share the past history and current needs of the car, every 40 year old car needs something.

 

I am going to try to hit Elmhurst tomorrow

 

Welcome to CO.

 

Welcome aboard

My 69 drop top doesn't have shoulder belts.

 

Will you be showing your 70 442 vert?
If so, I'll make sure I look for it and say "Hi!"
What color is it?

 

yes, twilight blue/white stripes white interior with shoulder belts

 

Cool! I'll look for you.

If you see a tall, handsome, intelligent looking guy - that won't be me!

 

or me

 

Nice meeting you and checking out your BEAUTIFUL ride, Steve! I'll get back in touch with you when my search becomes more serious.

 

yes, nice chatting with you, thanks for stopping to say hi, I was happy someone showed up.