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I have been lurking around Classic Olds for a long time but have never introduced myself or gotten involved. Today's the day.
First of all, I have a 71 Olds Cutlass Supreme Convertible with a 455ci. It's drivable and was in fair shape when I bought it 10 years ago. I've driven it a few times a year and just barely touched it otherwise. Well now is the time to change that. I am retiring from the fire service in May and am ready to start this hobby that I have talked about forever.
I have it up on blocks and have started pulling the front suspension off and hope to have that rebuilt by mid-January (please excuse the dirty shop - I was in the process of building the shop while working on the Olds - shop is done now). Then it will be on to engine mod's and interior. My hope is to drive it to my retirement party at the station and show up in style.
So, I'm here in N. Texas. Perfect place for a convertible. Hoping to share the experience and get advice along the way.
While I'm getting started here let me just ask a question. I'm replacing the front suspension and have had 2 different suggestions. One is that I should replace the springs when I replace the shocks the other is that it's a waste of money. I gotta believe it makes sense but money is always an issue.
Any thoughts from the forum?
'71 cutlass supreme with the big block 455
I would definitely replace the front springs. I put Moog 5531 springs in the front of mine and really like them. The ride height was the same as the factory original sagging springs, and the ride quality is firmer but still very comfortable.
They are specced for a 455 without AC, so you might need something along the lines of the 5450. But seeing as the 455 is only around 60 pounds heavier than the 350, they might be OK.
I have a few posts on the forum with spring specs and pictures of the ride height.
I figured someone would notice the S right off. The title says it's a Supreme. I think the previous owner put the S on it because he mentioned how he liked the style. So I believe it to be a Supreme.
thanks for the input.
Oh yes it's definitely a Supreme. Body style was unique 1970-1972.
Not sure when Olds officially started writing out the words on outside of the body. I believe on your car it would only say Supreme externally on the grill. The hardtop and earlier ones had a C/S on the exterior C-pillars.
Drum brakes all around no booster with such a powerful engine could be a handful if your mostly used to the incredible stopping ability of newer cars.
The 66 442 I had, came with power assisted drum and drum. Huge improvement over my first car a 67 Cutlass that was same setup as yours. I essentially mastered its inadequateness in modern traffic by downshifting religiously (she was stick) and keeping my distance.
Excited that you are finally actively participating on the site. You may want to introduce another thread dedicated to potential work, mods, repairs, etc. So we can really dig in. Newbie threads are mostly for hellos.
The "S" on the fenders is for a Cutlass S not Supreme.
The trim above the headlights should be body color on a 71. I think the fender trim on the car is for a 70 that would match similar trim across the front of the hood.
And you are correct, it would have a script Cutlass Supreme emblem in the drivers side grille. There are flanges with holes for the emblem between the uprights.
I see what you are talking about from the signature pic of your beauty.
Im curious if 1971 is the first year that Oldsmobile formally wrote Supreme on the exterior. Also mkellyturner does your back bumper have exhaust cutouts ? I can't tell because of the angle of the rear pic.
While I'm getting started here let me just ask a question. I'm replacing the front suspension and have had 2 different suggestions. One is that I should replace the springs when I replace the shocks the other is that it's a waste of money. I gotta believe it makes sense but money is always an issue.
Any thoughts from the forum?
Just my opinion here, but don't fix what ain't broken. I would put the new shocks on, put the tires on all around, properly inflated, and then measure the car's height at various points around the frame. The correct numbers are given in the chassis service manual, which we all presume you have. If the car sits at the correct height, new springs wouldn't accomplish anything. If the car sags, or if it is not level all around, then, yes, new springs would probably be in order.
The oldest car in my stable, a '73 Delta 88 with 60,000 miles, has its original springs and sits beautifully. On the other hand, my '77 Toronado with about 80,000 miles on it seemed to sit low in the back, so I took it to a shop. They advised that new rear springs would definitely help, so I had them installed. The difference is small but definitely noticeable, especially when sitting behind the wheel.
Before new springs:
After new spring installed:
Last edited by jaunty75; Dec 24, 2025 at 05:04 AM.
If the front springs are old, absolutely replace them while the suspension is apart. A new set is not expensive and the effort needed to install them from scratch is significant - so it's a definite MAW (might as well) accomplishment in my opinion while the car is already apart.
Add a set of Energy Suspension poly end links to the mix as well - they'll help sharpen the ride quality a bit over stock rubber mounts.
My rag is similar to yours - similar red (i.e. a non-factory shade) but with white bucket interior and I added the same '71 non-a/c vented louver hood to mine a number of years ago.
I'd replace the springs. FWIW, here's a thread on my 1971 CS convertible (350 cid) suspension rebuild & an image of profile measurements after completion. Good Luck.
