Hello everyone,

I purchased a 1972 Cutlass Supreme Convertible over a year ago. I finally got her running good and want to make her a complete 442 clone. The previous owner already added the fender emblems and the dual exhaust is next on my list after I get the proper rear bumpers. I tried to skim through all the posts about the Fusick 442 grilles but figured I could make it easy on myself and ask if anyone knows exactly what I will need to make the 442 grille fit (which mounts are needed, tools, etc). Anyone have a list of everything I need to make the clone complete?

Thanks in advance!

- Jamelle

 

Welcome to the site, nice car. I'll let the others with more knowledge about your model year answer.

 

Thanks Brother

 

I also cannot answer your question because I'm fairly new here as well but just wanted to say welcome to the site and I agree. Car looks pretty nice and you're off to a great start!

 

That's a very nice looking car.

Why not leave it (or take it back to its former status as) a Cutlass? As I'm sure you're aware, 1972 was the year the 442 reverted to a handling/appearance option package rather than a separate series (as designated by the VIN) with its own specific engine/drivetrain/suspension specs, as it had been since 1968.

That said, there are a lot of fake '72 442s floating around out there, being passed off as the real item because there's virtually no way of documenting them. Sure, the VIN will tell you what engine belongs in the car (a long-overdue protocol GM finally saw fit to implement in '72) but that doesn't really help when you realize you could get a '72 442 with a 180 hp 350/2V.

This may help to explain why the market price differential between a really nice Cutlass convertible and a 442 convertible is much narrower for '72 than for other years. What I'm saying is, there's really not much percentage in cloning a '72 442 -- if anything, it'll just take value away from what appears to be a really sweet Cutlass convertible.

Just something to think about. Welcome to CO.

 

Great point brother!

 

Sadly, the 350/2bbl/single exhaust motor was only rated at 160 HP net in 1972. That's less than a VIN 9 307.

 

I put the 442 grilles on mine because I liked the looks better. Just bolted right up from what I remember. Used brackets from Cutlass grille I think. They are hard to fit in though without pulling the bumper off.

 

Great looking ride.

I'd look at the suspension upgrades that the 442 had. Everything is available through the aftermarket. I just up graded my 1969 cutlass suspension to basically the 442 specs with Bilstein shocks.

I like the 442 grille for 72 as well. I'd put it in if it were my car.

 

Can't you just let me have this?

 

The 72 442 didn't have the chrome lower rocker trim. But the Cutlass Supreme emblem on the glove box door is correct. That with the 442 grills and rear bumper would get you close. I would also add dual sport mirrors and swap your incorrect Cutlass S front door panels for Cutlass Supreme ones.

 

Awesome car. Welcome to the site. Good luck with it. Enjoy!

 

Nice car & welcome!