'87-88 Olds Cutty Header Panel Dilema

[sandsstorm13]

Little over a month back my Cutty and I were cut off by 2 morons that basically damaged the front passenger bumper and fender side. Minor damages, easy to repair, yet the Euro header panel is a massive pain to find, yet price gougers out there hoard them and sell at absorbent prices. However, I'm not a fan of the Euro clip and prefer the '86 tougher style. First question, will the '86 header panel fit the '88? If so, anyone know where I can get a decent one that isn't busted up and a high price?
Next question is, I have access to a '83 Olds Delta 88 which the header panel looks like it will match, yet I question the hood. Will the Delta 88 header fit the Cutty or would I need to get a new hood? .... which is in the plans anyways. Thanks for any help. Been trying to custom restore this gem but at this point I need to have a header panel that I can operate the passenger side headlight assembly.

 

[85ss/85gn]

81-86 cutlass header panel will bolt right on. Will need the bumper cover also from the same years. The headlight harness will need the bulb plugs changed. Delta 88 will not fit.

 

[69hurstolds]

Yes. The 86-back front end will fit.

It appears however, there may be some frame issues? I only say that because many times when a G is hit on the corner like that, the frame rail bends with it. Of course you can never be sure until you pull it all apart and check, but it's something to be wary of. When the new bumper doesn't fit right, that should be your first clue if something is amiss there. Fingers are crossed on that.

You'll likely need to snag an 86-back headlamp wiring harness which would include the side lamps on the fenders, with the headlight buckets (all 4) and the trim and grilles. You'll also need the bottom flexible fascia section.

Likely you'll need a bumper shock, bumper, and bumper support as well as a new fender, fender trim, hood (none of your Delta stuff will work).

If you have things like the bumper cover and header panel shipped, it's going to cost a lot. All you can do is try to find something local if possible. These cars and parts are getting harder and harder to find. Thus- price goes accordingly. With some of the prices I've seen of the earlier stuff, it may be just about as cheap to replace your 87-88 front end. JMO.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Yeah, I wouldn't call that minor damage. You need a fender and possible frame work as said. You should be able to sell the undamaged Euro front parts to help offset the cost of the earlier front end.

 

[sandsstorm13]

Yes. The 86-back front end will fit.

It appears however, there may be some frame issues? I only say that because many times when a G is hit on the corner like that, the frame rail bends with it. Of course you can never be sure until you pull it all apart and check, but it's something to be wary of. When the new bumper doesn't fit right, that should be your first clue if something is amiss there. Fingers are crossed on that.

You'll likely need to snag an 86-back headlamp wiring harness which would include the side lamps on the fenders, with the headlight buckets (all 4) and the trim and grilles. You'll also need the bottom flexible fascia section.

Likely you'll need a bumper shock, bumper, and bumper support as well as a new fender, fender trim, hood (none of your Delta stuff will work).

If you have things like the bumper cover and header panel shipped, it's going to cost a lot. All you can do is try to find something local if possible. These cars and parts are getting harder and harder to find. Thus- price goes accordingly. With some of the prices I've seen of the earlier stuff, it may be just about as cheap to replace your 87-88 front end. JMO.

Thanks for the detailed and insight. Yeah, after doing further research I have came to the same conclusion but great to know from others with GBody experience. Am worried about frame damage but am hopeful it is ok, yet as you said, hard to tell until it is pulled a part. 35mph collision might be a saving grace, yet with rust (the bane of repairs) might have furthered the damage. Still looking for the elusive parts within a reasonable budget but huge thanks for the details on the repairs needed. However, the floor pans have decided to show it's ugly head and now have to divert attention to repairing that first. Good news is the pans are easy to get. Yet finding the time to repair is my problem atm lol. Thanks again!

 

[Flyers9928]

check out www.car-part.com
Really good junkyard database, can search specific parts.

 

[ck80]

If you find there's a decent amount of frame damage on it, and still want to pull it apart to fix, let me know.

For now I have a spare frame im not using yet. Its probably a little under 2 hrs away from you that, depending what you wanted on steering/suspension-wise it would likely be cheaper than the frame work to straighten yours.

Currently set up with quick ratio steering, f41 sway bars, 7.625 inch 3.73 rear. Could let it go no axle/f41 stuff, or, leave it all together for a bit extra and leave you some upgrades in the process.