New to Forum, Introducing my 1978 Cutlass Calais Barn find

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Christian Bivens

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 6, 2016
6
1
1
Georgia
I'm posting this to hopefully get any information on my Cutlass as far as collect-ability and value. Here's what you I can tell you about it

I found this car 3 years ago abandoned in an open barn in the middle of the woods just miles from my house. I ran the property tax and found the property was abandoned in 2002, and the car was last registered in 1998. So I had my friend who is a local sheriff come out and run the VIN and told me it would be fine to take it since it wasn't reported stolen or total loss. Here in Georgia, you only need a Bill of Sale to register older vehicle. A bill of sale my friendly sheriff wrote up for me. Must be good to "Know someone" ;)

Once I got it home, I started solving the mystery on why it was abandoned. Cause it seemed to be in very good shape. All the original paperwork was still in the car, title, insurance, registration, whole nine yards. However the entire front end of the motor was removed, water pump radiator, all engine accessories. Ignition wires were wired completely wrong. No gaskets were in place what-so ever and even the transmission linkage was reversed. There was no way this car was gonna run the way it was. But once I popped the trunk over 1400$ in new parts and performance upgrades were found. Finding a bunch of heals and a repair manual I assumed it was a woman's car, possibly the daughters and she was swapping the motor and got fed up with it when she didn't know what she was doing. Just knew enough to get her in trouble. I let the car sit for 2 years until finally getting around to it. I assumed the original Olds motor was swapped for a chevy motor but once I ran the vin I learned it had the original H.O. 305 4Brrl. So I assume they replaced the transmission cause it shifts smooth as room temp butter!
Vehicle is a 1978 Cutlass Calais with ostrich print leather interior, reclining bucket seat/ center console, full instrument, tilt column, A/C, whole nine yards except for the T-tops or sunroof
As far as I know it's the original paint with pinstriping
Has the 305 with th350
Since I've had the car I've replaced everything under the hood and mildly built it for Low end torque, and completely replaced the brake system. She is really fun to drive!
But now that I have her reliable and started to work on cosmetics, I am having the worst time in the world finding original reproduction parts for this Calais Trim
I'm not very familiar with Olds, where can I find these trim parts and how collectible is this car? Any information or comments y'all can share would be greatly appreciated
I tried selling it a couple months ago and the best offer I had was 1200 bucks. But seeing as its my daily driver and I've put about 3000 miles on it I think it was well worth the trouble of cutting some trees and dragging it out the woods either way lol
 

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Last edited:
  • Winner
Reactions: 1 user

Christian Bivens

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 6, 2016
6
1
1
Georgia
There may be a few guys on the site that could help out with parts...but you may also want to get a hold of Brian @ Classic G-Body Garage

I'm really just looking for the Calais hood ornament and side ornaments that go on the landau top. I can't find em anywhere! The interior isn't missing anything, and I had the old ornament at one time but I regretfully misplaced it
I got lucky, the car is surprisingly very complete
 

Christian Bivens

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Mar 6, 2016
6
1
1
Georgia
Another question I have. What's y'alls opinion on keeping things original? I've been told by many that in the collectors market today it doesnt really matter. Cause I have a sun roof roof section from a denali I was gonna put in this car. Done right, would it decrease or increase it's value? And when I repaint the car I was gonna go the original Ebony Black with a coat of purple pearl on top with Gold pin stripe. But since I don't plan on selling the vehicle I suppose resell doesn't really matter in the end. I'm torn between keeping it original or building it the way I want. Any comments? Cause if the Calais' are a rarer trim, I suppose I'd like to keep it original
 

SmooveG

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 25, 2009
24
4
8
I'm a believer in making it yours. Much more fun that way. Build it and enjoy! Good Luck
Interior1.jpg
Wet-Regal.gif
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user

Opie Knievel

Rum Fueled Midnight Mechanic and Moderator
Sep 6, 2010
1,512
1,859
113
Brodhead, Kentucky
I can't believe you found a Cutlass in that good of shape and got it for basically nothing!!! That's awesome man! My luck would never be good enough to have that happen to me.

You've got a nice looking, original car but if you want to personalize it, I say go for it. Especially since you say you don't want to sell it. I personally wouldn't put the sunroof in but that's just my opinion. Make it "yours". You'll have more fun with it that way.
 

Jeff Blagden

Master Mechanic
Aug 12, 2016
453
654
93
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Nice car great find I have an 80 that is a survivor and after talking to this forum I am keeping it original but it is all up to you either way you win welcome from Canada and have a great day Jeff
 
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