79 Cutlass Calais Build Thread(Formerly an intro)

[N3M3S1S]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

Had been having issues with every few months wheel cylinders popping in the rear. Well after thoroughly looking into it we discovered the P/O had been using the wrong drum shoes and so had I; I figured incorrectly he knew what he was doing. Apparently not. So, new shoes and cylinders in and it would seem my woes are over. I hope. Was getting really pissed off having to tear it apart every few months - I hate drum brakes. :x

 

[N3M3S1S]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

My girl got some new rubber in the rear. 225/70s for the moment, will be switched to the front when I finally get the 15s ready. This weekend is time for inner and outer tie rod ends. Started cutting the front passenger side interior of the tire so I needed new ones. Decided to go larger and slap'em on the rear. So far it works out better on the highway with about 200 or so RPMs lower than with the 205s. Keeping my eyes on the 255/70 prize on those 15s though!

 

[88hurstolds]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

A literal creampuff 8)

 

[Blake442]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

You might run into clearance issues with the 255/70R15 being as they're so tall.
We ran that size for a little while on the rear of my buddies Grand National, and when the suspension flexed (like when pulling into a driveway) one of the tires could catch the lip of the wheel opening towards the front.
Now the different design of the wheel opening on the Olds vs. the Buick may leave you with enough room, but just something to keep in mind...

 

[N3M3S1S]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

A literal creampuff 8)

Haha my friends call her "Vanilla Pudding".

You might run into clearance issues with the 255/70R15 being as they're so tall.
We ran that size for a little while on the rear of my buddies Grand National, and when the suspension flexed (like when pulling into a driveway) one of the tires could catch the lip of the wheel opening towards the front.
Now the different design of the wheel opening on the Olds vs. the Buick may leave you with enough room, but just something to keep in mind...

I'm banking on the opening being enough there. I've researched pretty the topic extensively and I'm fairly certain I'll be alright. I already dig the stance the 225s gave it so I'm giddy for 255s. Lol.

 

[N3M3S1S]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

Busy day. New inner and outer tie rods, then took it in for an alignment. Found out my wheel bearings were more or less shot, spent a decent amount of time doing them since it had been like 5 years since the last time I touched them on any car. By that time it was starting to get dark. Also, had to do brake lines because as soon as we pulled the wheels this is what we found almost identical on both sides:

Here we see a Cutlass in its natural habitat. Lol

I also fixed my rear seatbelts which were jammed up, just had to loosen the receiver and let'em pop back out. Good day overall.

 

[pencero]

Re: A quick introduction! My new(to me) 79 Cutlass.

Here we see a Cutlass in its natural habitat. Lol

^ on my next coffee mug for sure

 

[N3M3S1S]

Soo.. I'm on for Friday to replace the front ratty *ss tires with Furuta 215/70s. This is temporary until I get to finishing those 15 inch wheels. Hooray for a smooth ride again! If time allows I'm going to replace the shocks front and back this weekend.

 

[N3M3S1S]

Aaaaaannndddd, officially new rubber all the way around. Rides excellent now.

 

[DRIVEN]

Very nice!