Interchangability

[hemiqc2003]

Ok I am new to the G body scene and was wondering if there is a thread that explains what all interchanges with what. I am trying to save myself time and headache from chasing down a part for my 1978 cutlass wagon, which I see are not as well know,when I could have been chasing down the same part for a more common malibu that fits my car. I am mainly wanting to find out if suspensions parts are the same for the wagons, coupes and sedans. What frame works in case mine is worse for wear than initially seen. Will a complete doghouse switch work or just a header. And what interior parts are compatable. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Longroof79]

Joe, Looks like an original car.
As for suspension pieces, all G-body cars will interchange. However, '78 is an oddball year. Steering column, intermediate shaft, spindles are one year only. Also, '78 wagon and El Camino taillights are also one year specific. The position of the backup lights change after '78...which also includes the taillight wiring harness. Different bulb /socket configuration.
The frame is also wagon specific, if I'm not mistaken. Elky frame is several inches longer. Coupe and sedan frames are different.
Are you anticipating a bad frame? If the rear frame rails are badly rusted, they can be cut out and replaced. Considering that the rest of the frame is solid.

Regarding the fenders and header panel. The 4-dr sedan header panel and fenders will interchange. The Cutlass coupe header and fenders will not....at least not with a certain amount of fabricating work involved. It apparently has been done before, and looks pretty cool.

Oh, and Buick Century/ Regal wagon doors will interchange with the Oldsmobile wagon. There's other parts that will interchange as well. I'm scratching the surface here.
I'm sure some of my fellow wagon brethren will chime in.

 

[Ringers]

That was great info Jack! I went with 86 Monte Carlo SS sway bars, took the column and that meant taking the wiper motor too, so I could have the intermediate. The wiring harnesses are different, as I think the later years switch the negative. I tried a bunch of cheapo junk yard springs, never satisfied and finally bought some QA1s from Global West. Super happy. Can't beat the ciol overs! I put Monte Carlo rear springs in the rear and stuffed air bags in them for some extra hauling . I don't really know much more than that, but the 1 year only info is good to know.
Matt

 

[hemiqc2003]

Thanks guys. I was mainly wondering about suspension parts as I plan on updating it to tubular a arms and control arms at some point and lowering it an inch or three and searching for a cutlass wagon is not an option on most sites. The frame looks good, just some flaking rust way back by the rear bumper but was wondering just in case I do get into it and it is worse for wear than I saw so far.
Jack, yes it is all original, 250K miles still has the block heater that came from the factory and all the ac stuff is new and works so static rear windows won't be too bad. I plan on driving it for now until the restoration on my 66 Malibu is done.

 

[hemiqc2003]

So Jack, do you happen to know what spindles I would be able to use to lower the front a couple inches. Will the S10 ones work with no moding of anything to make them work? Thanks.

 

[Longroof79]

Joe,
The S-10 spindles will fit a G-body, but they won't change the ride height any, unless you go for a set of Belltech drop spindles.

 

[hemiqc2003]

I meant to say S10 drop spindles, but anyway a set of drop spindles for any G-body will work right.

 

[Longroof79]

Yes sir, G-body or S-10 drop spindles will certainly work.

You could even go with a set of S-10 MOOG 5660 springs and cut a half to a whole coil out to lower it.
Here's a chart that you'll find useful for springs.

 

[oranGekrate]

Yes sir, G-body or S-10 drop spindles will certainly work.

You could even go with a set of S-10 MOOG 5660 springs and cut a half to a whole coil out to lower it.
Here's a chart that you'll find useful for springs.

Chart? lol

 

[Longroof79]

Sorry Charlie.
I had a senior moment...d'uh? http://www.maliburacing.com/coilspring.htm :?