Hi Folks,

I'm on the cusp of purchasing my first Olds Cutlass, which has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I'm waiting for a pre-purchase inspection, but I'm pretty sure this is the one. I will need the collective wisdom of the people on this forum as I make this car my own with updates and upgrades.

 

Congratulations on your decision to evaluate what appears to be a fine looking Cutlass convertible. Curious - who is performing the pre-purchase inspection?

 

I went with Legacy Specialty Vehicle Services. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good report.

 

Hoping things work out in your favor, you should the original 1968 OEM GM Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manual (CSM) in your library moving forward. Best option is to own/purchase a (used) original CSM which includes a color wiring diagram as well as providing nearly all the information required to mechanically address each component on the car, (e.g. tune-up specifications, carburetor tuning, suspension, etc., etc.). Most new manuals (they are long out-of-print) lack detail and are not better than copies of the original; albeit, bet to buy an original. Good Luck! You should ask the seller if they a CSM comes w/ the car.

 

Excellent. Happy to see you're doing your homework. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely need this book as I plan on using the car to help teach my son basic car maintenance then passing it on to him.

 

I'll mention something for you right out of the gate. It is not in your best interest to use your e-mail address as your member account name since forums (this forum included) is visited by NUMEROUS guests w/ shifty not-so-ethical motives. While it's still early in the game for you, I suggest you create another account with a different member account name. Don't worry about what you've already posted when creating this thread, the moderators can easily move your images and posts around to help/assist you. I am just mentioning this to help safeguard the public display of your e-mail address. You could simply name your user member account kjthacker, or thacker, or whatever.

 

Looking nice, good luck, welcome aboard.

And last but not least, Godzuki indeed !

 

Welcome to the site, looks to be a potentially nice ride. If you pm me what you would like for a site name I will change it for you if it's available.

 

This is the CSM you want to purchase (URL link below). You might find others of better used condition, less expensive, more expensive, better quality, etc. - none-the-less this is the manual you want.
There are two other manuals which are excellent to have in your library based on your needs moving forward:
(1) 1968 Oldsmobile Product Information Manual (PIM) sometimes AKA Factory Assembly Manual you can find that manual (hopefully) by searching on this site as several members often have excellent copies available; and,
(2) 1968 (original) Oldsmobile Fisher Body Service Manual (you can find it on-line)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28587979116...8AAOSwTWdmJadj

 

Thanks, Phil.

I might need to pick your brain on some enhancements I have in mind for my Cutlass. I don't need a scream machine, but it would be nice to have some more power!

 

Thanks, Eric. I messaged you and sent an email. Hope you can help.

 

Thanks again for the pointers, Norm.

 

OHHH YEAHHH!

"History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of man!"

 

😳

Somehow never figured there were Oyster Boys on here...

 

Soft White Underbelly 😉

 

From one 68 ragtop owner to another, sweet purchase. May your next 26 years with her be as blissful as they were with me and mine.

 

Welcome! Have you crew check the VIN derivative on the engine pad under the alternator. I see a later manifold with an EGR block off plate.

Pat

 

Welcome! Nice looking '68, my favorite year and color combo.

 

Welcome and hope it works out for you.

 

Thanks, Pat. Is the newer manifold with the EGR block off plate something that should be of concern?

 

Welcome to this site! It's the best Oldsmobile site anywhere. Beautiful '68 - enjoy some top down driving!
Randy C.
'68 4-4-2 convertible

 

Welcome to the site, and congratulations on a gorgeous 68 Cutlass convertible! As an owner of a 68 Cutlass convertible, I am jealous by how much better yours looks than mine.

You asked about updates or upgrades. In my opinion, I would change nothing about yours unless your car has the 2 speed automatic. Swapping that for either a TH350 or a 200R4 is easy and will make your car much more fun to drive.

Congrats!

 

The VIN pad is under the #1 cylinder. Note this is a non-AC car so the alternator is on the passengers side.

 

Not really, I just think it makes Pat suspicious that your Olds doesn't have its original engine. Not a big deal as long as it's not being represented as an original "numbers matching" car.

 

Thanks, was not even paying attention to the non a/c car.

 

Could also be from a 2bbl to 4bbl swap and the later model EGR intake was readily available. As noted already, the VIN stamp on the block will answer that.

 

Mine had the aftermarket A/C on the driver's side too like this one. I've removed that years ago and planning on a Vintage Air unit on the passenger side like factory (no need to run the coolant lines across the firewall hindering access to the already tight spot for the distributor). In any case, a 4bbl swap seems very likely, matching numbers or not. A trans swap too would be awesome. Need interior pics and more info.