i'm getting ready to bring my 72 olds cutlass supreme home for the first time and start the renovation process. i want to get the motor, transmission and brakes in shape before i do anything with the top and interior.
I haven't worked on an old car like this since i was in HS in the 70's and many things have changed. Tuneup parts and lubricants have improved or changed.
My question is do i need to worry about the type of spark plugs, wires, weight and brand of motor oil, tranmission oil, grease and so forth when i go to change those things out. In other words i dont want to put something in the engine or transmission that it isn't going to like and risk damaging something.
thanks,
Dave

 

Use what is recommended for oil weight, tire sizes, etc. For replacement parts, no need to go overboard with super hi-tech spark plugs, just OEM replacement type like AC or Champion brands. For tires, radials are going to be ok instead of bias plys

 

Oil has changed for the worse, when used in old cars with non-roller cams. The zinc content (zddp) is lacking, so i recommend diesel 15w-40 which has much more zinc than regular oil.

When regreasing ball joints, use plain ol' grease - nothing exotic. This is what the service stations use and I heard it is not a good idea to mix different kinds of grease.
Tranny fluid and axle oil should be as per mfgr specs.