New Member - 72 Cutlass Supreme convertible to 442 Clone questions
July 5th, 2015, 03:51 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Alabama, USA
Posts: 3
New Member - 72 Cutlass Supreme convertible to 442 Clone questions
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
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
July 7th, 2015, 01:57 AM
#5
Rocket Renegade!
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 4,406
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.
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.
That's less than a VIN 9 307.
August 6th, 2015, 02:59 PM
#8
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tejas
Posts: 211
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.
August 6th, 2015, 03:31 PM
#9
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.
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.
August 7th, 2015, 07:04 PM
#11
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Modesto CA
Posts: 1,528
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.
Last edited by 4speed455; August 7th, 2015 at 07:08 PM.
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