79 cutlass-starting to customize, advice welcomed

[79OLDSCHOOLSUPREME]

Hi everyone, i look forward to being a part of the forum and getting advice from so many fellow cutlass owners.

I have posted pics of my starter car.

Its a 79, and is mostly stock. its been lowered, it has the small v8. the interior is stock minus the steering wheel. it is on 17in wires.


I want to do the following- :idea:

Paint question here mostly is concerning the top. Has anyone removed the fabric top and just worked it over to be smooth metal. no fabric, and repainted. any before and after pics? Whats it like under the material? if i remove it is it a smooth transition from the roof to where the material starts or do i need to be ready for some body work? mine isnt in bad shape but i just dont care for it exactly. option B would be to re-do upolstery on it, anyone done a recover? do they sell kits premade? I just want to hear from others who have ripped the sh*t off and know what to expect.

Suspension- i want to put 20 to 22 in wheels on it. it has 17s and sits on them nice, but i wonder what i need to go bigger now, what springs and shocks or other combo is best for a cutlass running 20 to 22inch wheels, is there a certain size of spring i can go out and buy just that you know of???? someones running 20 to 22s for sure on here- message me please, i know there is a million routes to go, i just want some advice from those who have went big. im thinking 20 in wires but depends. This is going to be a budget build, anyone with some badass 20 to 24 inch wheels that can help a fella out hit me up

I am looking for front grill inserts- i had to modify some 78s to fill my grill, one was busted out totally, anyway if someone has a stock 79 set up please hit me up, anyone find a company that make some aftermarket inserts possibly? i was thinking about making something custom, like something to match some wire/spoke wheels in place of the stock grill pieces. any ideas/???????

SEAT QUESTION- i have read a lot about swapping seats and using the split bench seat rails etc. :?:

I have stock seats, split bench electric, i want to put some buckets in front. I have read you can use 2nd to 4th generation camaro bucket seats and usually attach right to the split bench rails with not much issue, anyone install buckets in their ride? using stock rails? I know where a set of 78 camaro buckets are right now and want to buy them but need to know they will work. I know of course anything can be modified and i will pry go that route in the end anyway. I have a welder and can fab whatever i need but rather just go easy way. ANYONE GOT ANY BUCKETS THAT DONT NEED RE UPOLSTERED BADLY,this is a budget build-hit me up

Thanks to any who take time to read my first post/book and reply 8) Thanks

 

[stallings.sean]

nice to have you on the forum.

I have a 78 cutlass supreme brougham that had a vinyl roof that I have removed. Its pretty easy to remove you wont need any of the trim (I kept the B pillar trim until I find non vinyl roof b pillar trim). Grind down the studs and put new trim on. You will need to get screws to hold the rear window trim in place but you should be able to get those through OPG. Unlike the 80-88 models you wont need to change out the windows or get new window trim for the back or sides. Hopefully your roof under the vinyl is good.

I dont know much about the suspension yet as Im just starting my resto mod.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Here are some pics of my vinyl off the car.

 

[shotgun]

FYI, I am parting my 78 (pic below).

Looks like you could use some good metal.

 

[79OLDSCHOOLSUPREME]

thanks sean- great pics, just what i wanted to see.

 

[dr78442]

Here is my 78. I am running 18 inch billet specialties , 4 wheel disc breaks , a ramjet502 and trubo 400 trans with a gear vendor overdrive . Any questions I love to help

 

[stallings.sean]

FYI, I am parting my 78 (pic below).

Looks like you could use some good metal.

what are you selling from the car?
I imagine you wouldnt be able to ship the doors if your willing to let those go.
Other than the doors and rear quarter the metal is pretty solid. The frame will probably need some work though.

 

[wb32]

hows it going as far as suspension i have 20s and was running them with my stock springs with no problems before i bagged it any bigger and i would do a lift [ not my thing tho lol] check my pics i will load one with 20s but before i bagged it so you can see

 

[Kutdoctor2k11]

FYI, I am parting my 78 (pic below).

Looks like you could use some good metal.

are you selling the grilles

 

[-83MONTESS-]

FYI, I am parting my 78 (pic below).

Looks like you could use some good metal.

Not to jump off topic but why are you parting out your car? That car looks great!!!

 

[thedoctorisin]

I got a 79 with a LT1 in it. Just picked up a set of crager ss rims. Bucket seats from a acura integra. Custom door panels. And some other light mods here and there. Should have pics in my user garage. Welcome to the gbody family tho.