1972
#1
1972
I have a 1972 cutlass said to be an original 442 with the 350 Rocket motor which I’m told it could be a true 442 cause they did have a 350 option in 72’ only but anyhow yesterday I was working on the console duel gate hurst shifter and and broke the gearshift cable and have been trying to figure out how to fix it does anyone know how to fix this cable? Detailed pics or description? Also, what the best place to find a replacement
Last edited by mrc816; August 10th, 2023 at 09:07 PM.
#2
I have a 1972 cutlass said to be an original 442 with the 350 Rocket motor which I’m told it could be a true 442 cause they did have a 350 option in 72’ only but anyhow yesterday I was working on the console duel gate hurst shifter and and broke the gearshift cable and have been trying to figure out how to fix it does anyone know how to fix this cable? Detailed pics or description? Also, what the best place to find a replacement
Last edited by 72442TwiceOwned; August 11th, 2023 at 04:37 AM. Reason: Typo
#3
Pictures of the car would be great to see, too! Always like to know of other 72s.
And as far as a replacement cable goes you might check Fusick, Year One, Ron’s Classic Cutlass, or other vintage sites for Olds parts. Ron’s has used parts as well as some NOS items.
And as far as a replacement cable goes you might check Fusick, Year One, Ron’s Classic Cutlass, or other vintage sites for Olds parts. Ron’s has used parts as well as some NOS items.
Last edited by 72442TwiceOwned; August 11th, 2023 at 05:02 AM.
#4
Regarding your car it sounds like you aren’t positive about it being a 442. It’s not a guarantee but if you look at the spacing of the numbers on both fenders and the trunk lid, they should look like the pic below from my car with original panels. The 4’s are very close together and the middle 4 and the 2 are further apart. The spacing is very precise and difficult to duplicate without a template. If panels had to be replaced due to deterioration or accident, then it’s a good possibility the numbers could be off a little.
#6
#9
Here are a few pics of the vehicle
442 symbols on fenders
Interior
Left front
Right front
Front
Drivers side
Drivers side
Grill
350 Rocket motor
350 Rocket motor
350 Rocket motor
the car had been sitting in storage for the past 30+ years and it ran and drove up until this past Wednesday when the shifter cable broke when I was trying to remove the Hurst dual gate shifter that broke.
Last edited by mrc816; August 11th, 2023 at 07:46 PM.
#10
No rocker trim is good. Also that is the correct hood for a 72 442. A Cutlass Supreme convertible would have a hood with out the chrome louvres, and it would not have the Oldsmobile script as that would be on the grill. Dual gate shifter, SSIII wheels, sport mirrors, no power brakes or AC. Maybe special ordered for racing? Is it a 4 barrel carb? If the fifth digit in the vin is a M it would be the dual exhaust 4 barrel and it should have the back bumper with exhaust cut outs. All signs point to being an authentic w29 but as said no way to prove without paperwork.
#11
Looking good on it being the real McCoy.
This may help on cable.
https://www.fusickautomotiveproducts...?number=407409
This may help on cable.
https://www.fusickautomotiveproducts...?number=407409
#14
Man, it looks like you e got a really great car there. Like bangscreech4-4-2 said, only paperwork can confirm. But the number spacing looks right on and they are perfectly aligned, the age/patina on the numbers, grilles, etc looks consistent with the rest of the car, and it looks like the numbers have been on the car long enough to have a good bit of wax//buildup (whatever it is) over a long period of time. And if it has been stored since around 93, I don’t think a lot of people were turning Cutlasses into 442s back then (maybe a few though?). Boxed lower control arms on the rear were also part of the suspension package on the 442 (I believe that applies to the 350 442s like it does the 455s)..
Not to dispute 4speed455 because I’m not an expert but just for the sake of trying to confirm for myself, my understanding is the rear bumper with cutouts was only standard on 72 442s with a 455 but was optional on a 72 442 with a 350. If yours has it, great! If not, I could easily be wrong and maybe it got replaced from an accident or something. I have a 72 brochure but it may not tell me there. I’ll check.
It’s a great car and looks very complete! What kind of plans do you have for it?
Not to dispute 4speed455 because I’m not an expert but just for the sake of trying to confirm for myself, my understanding is the rear bumper with cutouts was only standard on 72 442s with a 455 but was optional on a 72 442 with a 350. If yours has it, great! If not, I could easily be wrong and maybe it got replaced from an accident or something. I have a 72 brochure but it may not tell me there. I’ll check.
It’s a great car and looks very complete! What kind of plans do you have for it?
#15
A couple of minor after afterthoughts. Unless it was different for a supreme with the 442 package, I believe the back of the rearview mirror (looking through the windshield) and the headlight bezels were black for 72 442s. Just in case you are looking at a correct, full restoration. The grille colors and where the colors are applied are correct for 72
#16
Not to dispute 4speed455 because I’m not an expert but just for the sake of trying to confirm for myself, my understanding is the rear bumper with cutouts was only standard on 72 442s with a 455 but was optional on a 72 442 with a 350. If yours has it, great! If not, I could easily be wrong and maybe it got replaced from an accident or something. I have a 72 brochure but it may not tell me there. I’ll check.
#17
Agree on the headlight surround chrome for a 72. It should be partially blacked out. Easy fix though.
Headlight Bezels, 1972 Cutlass, 442 & Hurst/Olds, pair
Headlight Bezels, 1972 Cutlass, 442 & Hurst/Olds, pair
#19
I plan to restore it to its former glory I have two boys 8 and 7 and this was the first car I ever owned( not exact car but year and model also not a 442 either, but we’re going to take our time and rebuild it back to original
#20
I’m going to PM you with some stuff that may help with the cable install. I’m not sure how helpful it may be.
#21
TwiceOwned is correct, the 350 optioned W29 cars did not have the cut-out bumpers in 72. Seems like a lot of the people that attempt to clone 72's into 442's miss a few details, one of which is leaving the rocker molding in place. Your car looks to be in pretty decent shape and blaze orange is such a cool color at dusk when the sun is going down. I had a 72 Supreme hardtop in that color with pearl white interior and it always got a lot of compliments.The paint seemed to take on a different look pending on the lighting and time of day/night. Best of luck with it.
#22
It’s in pretty decent condition considering it’s been sitting for so long but engine runs strong, transmission shifts as it should. A few rust spots to sheet metal but overall it’s a solid car. Thanks to all of helping to identify I appreciate all the help
#23
As noted, the 1972 headlight surrounds should be blacked out, but these are also on the wrong sides of the car. The deep section goes towards the grille, not towards the fender. Due to the headlight adjuster notches, you can't just flip them, you have to swap them side-for-side. This is kinda like the valve cover notches. I have no idea why everyone seems to get this wrong.
#27
As noted, the 1972 headlight surrounds should be blacked out, but these are also on the wrong sides of the car. The deep section goes towards the grille, not towards the fender. Due to the headlight adjuster notches, you can't just flip them, you have to swap them side-for-side. This is kinda like the valve cover notches. I have no idea why everyone seems to get this wrong.
#30
Yes! I got the shift cable installed those instructions you sent me really came in handy 😎 , only issue I'm having with it now is when I go to put the vehicle in park it won't let me remove the key from the ignition right away, having to wait 30min or so just to remove it, kinda like its not all the way in the park position so I'm thinking maybe I need to figure out a way to adjust the cable to the right position. It did feel good to drive it around my neighborhood once I got it installed..
Now that's done its time to start working on the motor and getting it cleaned up and rebuilt. I think I'll start there then pull the vehicle off the frame and take a look at it and make sure the frame is in good shape all the way around and not rusted out
Now that's done its time to start working on the motor and getting it cleaned up and rebuilt. I think I'll start there then pull the vehicle off the frame and take a look at it and make sure the frame is in good shape all the way around and not rusted out
#31
Yes! I got the shift cable installed those instructions you sent me really came in handy 😎 , only issue I'm having with it now is when I go to put the vehicle in park it won't let me remove the key from the ignition right away, having to wait 30min or so just to remove it, kinda like its not all the way in the park position so I'm thinking maybe I need to figure out a way to adjust the cable to the right position. It did feel good to drive it around my neighborhood once I got it installed..
Now that's done it’s time to start working on the motor and getting it cleaned up and rebuilt. I think I'll start there then pull the vehicle off the frame and take a look at it and make sure the frame is in good shape all the way around and not rusted out
Now that's done it’s time to start working on the motor and getting it cleaned up and rebuilt. I think I'll start there then pull the vehicle off the frame and take a look at it and make sure the frame is in good shape all the way around and not rusted out
#32
Yes! I got the shift cable installed those instructions you sent me really came in handy 😎 , only issue I'm having with it now is when I go to put the vehicle in park it won't let me remove the key from the ignition right away, having to wait 30min or so just to remove it, kinda like its not all the way in the park position so I'm thinking maybe I need to figure out a way to adjust the cable to the right position.
#34
Found my build sheet
So I found my build sheet, was under the passenger side carpet of course it’s not in the best shape but does prove that it’s a original W-29 car which is awesome, anybody know how to decode these?
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