Newbie with lots to learn.
#1
Newbie with lots to learn.
Hello all, I recently picked up a 1971 Olds Cutlass Supreme last week. This thing is all original with 114,000 miles on it. I had a 72 Cutlass Supreme back in Highschool but Minnesota winters being what they are took its toll on the car to the point it was not worth fixing.
I am excited to work on the car with my 13 year old son that thinks its his car. It does have some front end damage so I am trying to find a fender and front bumper for the car but am finding it tough to find the parts so I hope to get some ideas.
I am also very torn of what to do with the car as I said it is completely factory right down the the single exhaust. I am wondering how far I should go when making any changes like dual exhaust, wheels and trying to get some more HP out of the motor because it is a little weak at this point.
Thanks for the help in advance.
I am excited to work on the car with my 13 year old son that thinks its his car. It does have some front end damage so I am trying to find a fender and front bumper for the car but am finding it tough to find the parts so I hope to get some ideas.
I am also very torn of what to do with the car as I said it is completely factory right down the the single exhaust. I am wondering how far I should go when making any changes like dual exhaust, wheels and trying to get some more HP out of the motor because it is a little weak at this point.
Thanks for the help in advance.
#2
Thats a great looking car from that angle. Looks like we can barely see the bump in the passenger fender. Hopefully its not going to be too difficult to replace. Since its a Cutlass Supreme, you aren't going to have a negative impact adding things like dual exhaust in my opinion. Make changes as you want! Good luck and congrats.
#3
Welcome to the site. That is a pretty car. Hopefully the damage won't be too hard to fix. IMHO, do what you want to the car. A car is only original once, and for every Oldsmobile that is long past.
#4
Welcome. Suggest you purchase the factory service manuals. Even if you are not doing the work yourself, they are indispensable. Start looking for them on E-bay.
As far as the engine, do you have any previous service records? I would look into doing a compression and leak down test to assess current health of engine before doing other engine add ons. At that mileage, I would also be wondering about the timing chain and gears, along with the usual tune up items.
As far as the engine, do you have any previous service records? I would look into doing a compression and leak down test to assess current health of engine before doing other engine add ons. At that mileage, I would also be wondering about the timing chain and gears, along with the usual tune up items.
#5
I do have all the papers for the car and from what I can tell the tranny has been overhauled and a new radiator and that is about it. I think it still has the orginal shocks because it is like driving a boat...
#6
Welcome to the site. Father and son projects are cool with participation. Parts for your car should be plentiful on this site. Posting a list in the parts wanted section should yield you some joy. Good luck
#7
Welcome. With over 100K miles, one of the things I'd be most worried about is the timing chain. Olds used a cam gear with nylon teeth for reduced noise. Unfortunately, by 80,000 miles these plastic teeth start to wear down and come apart. I usually replace mine between 80K and 100K as a preventative maintenance item. Good luck with the car.
#8
Welcome to the site D. Despite the damage, its a good looking car and great place to start your plans. Like the suggestions already, determine the engines health at this stage before you do too much else.
#9
Welcome to C.O.! It's your car, do with what you will. IMO I would keep it stock , just add some nice sounding exhaust and maybe some raised whites to the super stock II's. If it helps you here is my 70 with the same mods.
Pat
Pat
#12
Nice car. I just bought a 72 cutlass. Previous owners added buckets, 4 bbl , headers dual exhaust and modified the guage cluster. It's not a collectible cutlass that those things hurt the value , so i would just change what you like to make it yours
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