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Just got handed down my grandpas old 72 Cutlass Supreme Convertible. She had a bad case of a permanent sunroof, and then tuna-canned herself on the ride home. Sat for almost 20 years, only being moved to the garage 8 years ago. If you can believe it, rain loves soaking into carpet and staying there, so the floorpan is completely shot. Just got a full floorpan and trunkpan, and next up is a gas tank. Originally a 4bbl 350 with the single exhaust, now a dual. When she first got home. tuna can top, and convenient trunk access! carpet is practically a floor, right? the lovely interior, plush with house carpet cleaned up some fun car info
Welcome. I realize this car has sentimental value, but you'll spend $30K to make that a $20K car, and that assumes you can do all the sheet metal work yourself.
Honestly, the condition is why im excited about it. I wont feel bad for using it. Gonna be built to be driven, not a restomod. Will buy new quarters, I already have a set of doors, new tank and a new top, and set off. Obviously more to it than that, but thats the gist.
Best to you on this.. as stated, its going to be a ton of work with a lot of money and time invested in a car that is to far gone. My guess is tank braces are shot, possible frame rusted through along with rust in places you have never realized would rust. Understand it has sentimental vlaue, so the very best to you on this adventure
The boxed convertible frames are particularly susceptible to rust, so I would verify that the frame is solid before putting any real effort or money into this.
The boxed convertible frames are particularly susceptible to rust, so I would verify that the frame is solid before putting any real effort or money into this.
As Joe said. Check that frame. Deep rust is something that I fortunately have not had to deal with here in Colorado. I hope everything works out for you. Hard to let a ragtop die.
Welcome to Classic Oldsmobile. Keep us updated.
I found a 72 ragtop recently. It is absolutely trashed and sitting. I haven't found out who owns it yet.
Last edited by no1oldsfan; Oct 14, 2023 at 07:45 AM.
I feel your pain having spent my earlier years growing up in and around Cleveland! The rust belt destroys so many fine vehicles. Here's hoping the frame is not gone beyond saving. Welcome to Classic Oldsmobile!
There is only one spot that is rusted on the frame, which is right before the rear wheel well! small enough to just be patched, so we are good. appreciate the advice though
And and she drives like the day she rolled off the lot. Started right up despite not being touched in 8 years, and havent had a single issue yet. so this is mostly a sheet metal job.
Best of luck to you. I'm sure you're not planning a roadtrip any time soon but make sure you get yourself a new set of skins on that thing. Those Eagle ST's were all the rage in the late '80's!
