'80 Olds Cutlass Build Thread

[DRIVEN]

I'm not sure when they started putting the SPID tags in the trunk but I know mine never had one. Look for a fat sway bar in the front and one in the rear. Also, the steering box will have 4 bolts on the cover instead of the round style cover like the box in the trunk. I believe mine is about 2 1/2 turns lock-to-lock. I don't think the springs appear any different.

 

[rebelgtp]

Sadly no tag in the trunk. There is a nice fat bar up front but none in the back at all. While I was under there I did verify that it has a TH350 under there (I figured there was but wasn't 100%). Up front there are also the brace bars underneath (both cars have those). I checked the steering box and it does have the 4 bolts on top. Oh it also seems to have hydroboost brake system (not sure if that is good or bad).

 

[anthonychacon80]

Sadly no tag in the trunk. There is a nice fat bar up front but none in the back at all. While I was under there I did verify that it has a TH350 under there (I figured there was but wasn't 100%). Up front there are also the brace bars underneath (both cars have those). I checked the steering box and it does have the 4 bolts on top. Oh it also seems to have hydroboost brake system (not sure if that is good or bad).

I think the jounce bars were standard on the cutlass unlike the other g bodies where they were an upgrade

 

[rebelgtp]

Here are the parts so far that will be swapped over to the '80 from the '79

-Driver side fender
-Front and rear bumpers
-Front sway bar
-TH350 (possibly)
-Steering column
-Steering box
-Passenger door
-hydroboost brake system
-windshield

 

[rebelgtp]

Minor update I FINALLY put my engine hoist together and got the engine out of the back of my girl friends Tacoma only to find that I do not have any bolts for my engine stand

Anyone know what size bolts I would need to put the engine on the stand?

 

[rebelgtp]

Another parts update I had forgotten about the Regal bumpers I have to try and get a closer fit on the bumper and pulling it in. I also forgot I have 2 sets of aero mirrors as well. I checked the 80 car and guess what? Same steering box and hydroboost again. So that is 2 quick ratio steering boxes and 2 hydroboost setups.

Also I placed an order for a couple of other parts that will help give the car a more aggressive look but you won't see that until I finish all of the body work. I also worked out the overall design of the car it should be fairly aggressive though it will take me a couple of stages to complete the entire build to how I want it.

 

[anthonychacon80]

Anyone know what size bolts I would need to put the engine on the stand?

I just took one of the transmission bolts to Lowes and matched the thread to the ones they sold. Only thing you need to do is make sure it is long enough to pass through your engine stand and into the block. Don't forget to make sure you buy Grade 8 hardened bolts!

 

[rebelgtp]

Well I have a few more parts inbound for the car including a 10 lb nitrous tank which will require me to go with a girdle on the engine and some new pistons (more than likely only going to go with a 100 shot on it). More than likely those parts won't go on until next year with the more extensive rebuild. Also I may have a good line on used Edelbrock intake for the as well.

I also just got in Cliff Ruggles book on rebuilding the Quadrajet carb. I am nervous being that this will be the first time I rebuild a carb though I really can't wait 8)

 

[rebelgtp]

Went out to the yard today to rummage about and sadly the 2 G bodies that were out there have gone to the crusher. I told the owner to call me if he has anymore come in though to call BEFORE the paperwork gets sent in on them in case I want to buy the whole car.

Anyway I saw a set of Cragar SS wheels sitting out there and asked how much they want $200 for the set of 4 and turns out the came of the only G body left in the yard, an Elky. Well I got talking to the owner and it turns out that Elky was running a fairly hot motor, I asked him what rear was in it and he said he THINKS it was the stock 7.5 but not 100% sure. He is going to have the guys drag the car up and check the rear out for me and see what the gear ratio is and if it has a posi. I am hoping it turns out to be an 8.5 and I just lucked out and won the lottery.

Also anyone have a pic of the SS wheels on an 78-80 Cutlass I am seriously thinking about picking them up for that price.

 

[rebelgtp]

A couple more parts arrived today. A 10 lb NOS nitrous bottle and one of the pieces for giving the car a little more aggressive look.

I also have my yard pulling a 7.5 rear with 3.08 gears and a Posi for me to get me by until I can find some an 8.5 or different gears for my 12 bolt. Besides being able to just bolt the new rear in place and not having to modify the drive shaft or anything is going to be well worth it.