79 cutlass

[seven9cutass]

New to the forum. I have a 79 cutlass project that I want to start. I've never done this before and i dont have the skills to do everything for sure. Hopefully someone can help me with some of the questions that I have. Whats the best place to start when restoring my cutlass? Frame? Engine???????. Also best place to get parts for it. Ill try to post pic of it when I get a chance. I live in southwest washington so I dont think my frame is rusted out or anything, should I just reinforce it or get a new one? Like I said I've never done anything like this but this car has been in the family for a while and its something I want to keep and restore. So any pointers and advice is very appreciated.



Thank you for reading.

 

[Evan11]

Welcome to the forum. No need to get a new frame if yours is fine. Clean it up, coat it or paint it. Replace the shocks, grease the front end, change rear end fluid; stuff like that. If it runs, change the fluids & give it a good tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotar) that will get you started atleast. Good place for to look for parts 1st is your local junkyards, then u got mikes montes, Dixie Monte, eBay, and Gbody part for aftermarket. For most things, Interior interchanges 78-88, body 78-80.

 

[seven9cutass]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'll start out with that. I know for sure I want a different engine. My cutlass has the 260 v8 so im going to try and get something a little bigger since that year came with a few other bigger engines.

 

[Evan11]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'll start out with that. I know for sure I want a different engine. My cutlass has the 260 v8 so im going to try and get something a little bigger since that year came with a few other bigger engines.

no prob. actually, you got the "biggest" engine for the regular 79 cutlass. The main engine choices were a 231Buick v6 as standard equipment or a 260 v8 olds for a lil more money. A few came with a 305 chevy, but not many. Mainly Canadian models I believe. Now, the 79 hurst olds came with a 350 olds. You should find an olds 350 or 403, it would be a direct swap.

 

[seven9cutass]

Alright cool. I was looking into that the other day. I seen on Craig's list a guy selling a olds 350 rocket but with no heads for like 150 and another guy selling and olds 403 for like 300 what type of transmission do you think would be a good match for those?!

 

[Evan11]

Alright cool. I was looking into that the other day. I seen on Craig's list a guy selling a olds 350 rocket but with no heads for like 150 and another guy selling and olds 403 for like 300 what type of transmission do you think would be a good match for those?!

Your car would likely have the TH-200 right now, I would go for a TH-350. The 350 trans is a direct swap to the 200. It will fit right in its place w/o any mods; all you'll need different is a vacuum line running to the modulator on the th350 and a Kick down cable. I did this swap to my car. Make sure the trans you get is olds Buick Pontiac bolt pattern.

 

[seven9cutass]

Alright ill make sure to check that when im looking for one. Again thanks a lot for all the advise and info.

 

[BMR Suspension]

Welcome from Florida!