'83 Cutlass Cruiser Build Thread

[Blake442]

Should be pulling the wagon out of storage in the next few weeks here...

I'm getting pretty sick of driving my pickup so it'll be good to get back behind the wheel of the wagon.
The front end will be treated to fresh bushings, ball joints and tires as soon as time and money allows, and then it's just a matter of time before I pull the trigger on tearing it apart for paint...

 

[81cutlass]

It looks like I'm getting the cutlass out sometime soon here too. Starting to warm up nicely! Im sick of driving my firebird, rough ride, hard to get in and out, loud. Im going to back to luxury! 😀

Cant wait til i see it taken apart for paint!

 

[Blake442]

Well after our bullshit "spring" which brought us about a foot and a half of snow, the weather came around and I was FINALLY able to get the wagon out of storage Friday...
Hooked the battery back up, filled up the power steering fluid, put a quart of transmission fluid in it, pumped the gas a couple times and it fired right up.
Drove it around as much as I could to burn up all the old gas and she's running so good I really can't justify pulling the motor.
Front end will be rebuilt as soon as I get the parts then I'll just keep cruising it all summer.
Sure does feel nice to be driving the wagon again!

 

[liquidh8]

Glad you are getting on it. Can't wait to get wrenching on mine. Working on selling/buying parts right now to get ready for june/july.

Blake, I have a thread I started in the cutlass section maybe you have some knowledge on?

 

[Blake442]

Jim, popped in on your thread, better late than never lol...

My wagon has always had a small PSF leak at the pitman arm, but it started leaking pretty heavily after getting it out of storage and back on the road. Turns out the top cover developed a leak and drained my reservoir.
Debating taking a chance on a seal kit or just replacing the whole steering box.
I already gotta pull the front end apart to rebuild the steering and suspension, so I might as well swing for the bleachers, right?
Then there's detailing the frame while it's apart... Christ, this could snowball quickly... :lol:

 

[liquidh8]

I haven't much luck resealing old steering boxes. At least you'll have the front end apart already to rebuild the front suspension, then you just need the jeep shaft, maybe some big brakes...

 

[Longroof79]

Blake,
If your current steering box is a 605 type with the round snap ring top, sh*t can it and find an 800 series box. Get a quick ratio box, I think you'll like it. You probably already have one in your 442. That will give you a good idea of how it would work in the wagon.
I know what you mean about things snowballing. One thing generally leads to another.

 

[Blake442]

It is the 605 box and I can see the fluid coming out along the snap ring...
My neighborhood CarQuest has the four-bolt cover style remans in stock for $150 or so.
I do like the feel of the quick-ratio box in my 442, but for what the wagon is, I prefer the stock "slush box" to be honest.
Call me crazy... :lol:

 

[Blake442]

No updates to speak of... It sat for a week or so when I accidentally let the license tabs expire.
I have to top off the power steering fluid once or twice a week, but other than that I've just been driving it every day.

 

[Blake442]

Woke up last nite around 7 to the sound of hail pounding the windows of the house... :shock:
When it stopped, I went outside to find all three cars with considerable damage.
My truck got it bad but I don't really care...
My moms car looks the worst only because it's the only one that's still shiny :lol:

Unfortunately the wagon also got it pretty bad...
It already had quite a few hail dents in it when I got it, but it is twice as bad as it was.
Even worse it destroyed my aluminum hood.
I'll have to take my revenge on mother nature by taking the 442 out for a spin... :razz: