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Howdy, I recently purchased a 1966 Cutlass convertible, red with black top. 330 CID engine, code G 320 HP engine. Thought I'd register and drop in to introduce myself and the car. It came with a Holley 650 on top that needed a rebuild, so I've switched to an Edelbrock AVS2 instead. Had to replace the power steering pump and a few other minor things. Interior is original red velour that is in decent shape but has some splits in the fabric. I've got some tech questions about it but I'll save those for the Cutlass forum. The previous owner converted to disc brakes in the front. I've got plans for a restomod type update -- modern suspension components, EFI engine overdrive trans, but I plan to drive and enjoy it for a while before tearing it apart.
Forgot to mention in the original post, this is the first car I've ever owned that is not a Chevrolet. I've always wanted a convertible Cutlass though, and now I've got one!
How's she run ? 330s are great engines. And yours was the highest rated one, even more powerful than the original 442. The Jetaway mutes that to some extent.
Also, were the wheels recently rotated. Looks like the taller rears were swapped to the front ...
Nice looking convertible. I have its older brother, a 66' 442 convertible! Any photos from under the hood? BTW not sure where those red velour seats came from but they were not available from Oldsmobile at least in the years 1964-1967, maybe a later year or from a donor car. In 1966 the seat cover pattern would look like this in Vinyl only.
I don't think any 66 Cutlass came with a velour interior, especially a convertible! So I doubt your car has an original interior. That doesn't really matter though, enjoy your car but IMHO keep it all Olds!
Just getting caught up on the replies here... The engine runs great, after I replaced the power steering pump, the carb, and the gas tank! Hoping I can actually put some miles and hours on it now. I'm surprised to hear that the velour seats aren't original, it seems like a really good job including the Olds insignia. I've attached a couple photos of the interior here.
Discs brakes are a totally solid upgrade. Warm recommendation to keep those. Consider getting spare pair of rotors before you can’t get ‘em. Pads too. Have a good critical look at your brake hoses to be sure you have confidence in them.
Velour? Well, it’s a personal taste thing, but I prefer factory vinyl or leather. See the aftermarket providers to get it back to stock if you like. Or enjoy the velour on hot days and savour the idea that you’re not sticking to vinyl. Upsides to both. As a matter of history I don’t think velour was used in cars until at least the late 70’s or 1980’s. Your interior was well done as a modification retaining the ‘66 interior trim & emblems. Somebody took the time to blend it thoughtfully.
Since the interior is fabric, consider going over the door panels, quarters, seats and carpets with a steam cleaner machine just to have it sanitary for yourself once. Not to get freaky about it, but my wife bought a steam cleaner and just playing around with it on various cars, I was astounded as what it could do to remove stains & clean fabric. Really cool with headphones, time & a beverage.
Many years ago my Dad worked with GM finance guys, they said that ‘66 was a great model year uninterrupted by labor troubles and generally solid designs. Take your family & friends for a ride and have a great time!
Thanks for the post Chris. A disc brake upgrade was definitely going to be part of whatever car I got, so I was glad that this one already had it done. It's an Eckler's kit, according to the mechanic who did it, which leaves me unsure about what rotors and pads it uses. For now it's all in good shape including new rubber lines all around. I'll have to give Eckler's a call to see about the rotors and pads. Honestly the interior is what sold it for me. I was waiting for a '72 convertible to come up on BAT but then this '66 showed up with the great paint, new top, and disco interior and I was sold :-).
