1970 OLDS CUTLASS CONVERTIBLE - FRAME OFF PROJECT - NEW FLOOR, COWL, ROCKERS 442
1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Opportunities like these don't come along very often. Here is your chance to own a piece of Oldsmobile history. A vehicle that is likely to not only fulfill a dream, but also become a solid investment as these cars are known to increasein value with every passing quarter.
Back when this 1970 Cutlass Convertible was new, itmay have beengrandma's grocery getter or just a weekend cruiser perhaps. This is YOUR chance to make this car into whatever you want it to be. Keep it original, or make an asphalt melting 442 street machine. The choice is yours. Much of the hard work has already been done here and this convertible is a blank canvas for anyone looking for their dream car, or maybe a father-son weekend project.
The body has been off the frame, and at that time, the rolling chassis had been media blasted and painted 2k Hot-Rot satin black. While the frame was away at the blast shop. The body was braced, and the complete front floor, and rockers were removed. A new $700 complete 1 piece floor with inner rockers and bracing, was ordered. New complete outer rockers were ordered as well. The floor and rockers were welded in place, and at around the same time, all new upper cowl/dash metal was ordered and installed removing any old rusty cowl parts. Many of you Oldsmobile fans are aware how these older classics tend to rust out at the bottom of the windshield / wiper area. The cowl was then sanded/primered/ and painted 2k satin black. Under prior ownership, I can see that someone a while back had alreadyreplaced the quarter panels, fitted the car with a 3-piece trunk floor, and also installed 2 new aftermarket fenders.
When the frame came back from the blast shop, a new body bushing installation kit was ordered, and the two then became one again. Thebig block 455 (stamped 396021F)engine is from the previous owner, and was being stored inside for years. I have never attempted to fire it. It may run with a little TLC, and some new gaskets, etc. who knows. There was oil in it when I bought the car. The engine is equipped with a Edelbrock 1405 4bbl. carb, and an HEI distributor. The 455 is backed by a Turbo 400 (TH400) automatic trans that came with the purchase. Assume it will need to be gone through, but it may be a good trans. I have not had the pan off or even pulled the dipstick.
The undercarriage is where this car really shines. The new floor looks great from underneath, and the freshly blasted 12 bolt posi looks good too. I do not know the ratio for the diff. I haven't had the cover off to count the teeth. The car does have 4 wheel disc brakes and I think that some of the wear items up front have been replaced at one point or another. Some of them have grease fittings, something that I don't think came factory on these cars, only if they had been replaced at some point.
The interior is mostly complete and I would rate asa low driver quality condition. Anyone looking for a frame off car at this stage is probably planning to completely refurbish the interior,making it any color you want. A complete interior package tailored to suit your needs, can be ordered online, and from many parts catalogs, at a reasonable price.
The exterior chrome is 90% present, missing only a few pieces that I can tell. All new weather stripping, and rubber seals will need to be purchased and installed. The convertible top is in OK shape, has a couple tiny holes, but should in my opinion be replaced. Again, why purchase a car that has already been off the frame, and then build it to be a 10 footer. May as well go all the way. A high end top kit for these cars with new pads, cables, top, and glass rear window in any color I believe, is around $500 from most places. You can see a dual outlet 442 chrome rear bumper is present. A lot of the rough body work has already been done. More will still need to be performed by a professional, or a do-it-yourselfer before the body is ready to paint. It has been protected with 2k primer currently, and it's a starting point for blocking to find out where your high and low spots are.
The car is fairly complete. I didn't want to bolt all the junk consumable plastic / rubber type parts back on it, only to have someone have to remove it all just to replace it with new stuff anyway. This car has exhausted my time, budget, and patience. I am moving on for personal reasons. It's sad to see it go, but I'm sure to the right individual, it's going to be a great car. These classic GM A-body convertibles that have survived nearly half a century are becoming harder and harder to find and are making great investments that can be enjoyed as they escalate in value. I've sold a number of frame-on,convertibles over the years, bringing over 30k for a nice driver quality car. A fully frame-off restored '70 - '72 convertible, dressed out in 442 trim can easily bring 40k or more at auction.
When setup properly, these cars have great power, handle extremely well, and ride like dream. Whether you choose to use the bench seat provided, or switch to buckets, the ride quality is nice and you can go on long trips without feeling the least bit fatigued.
One other noteworthy thing to mention are that this car, I believe has a dash" - " paint code, meaning that it was a special order car, and to the best of my knowledge, can be painted any factory 1970 cutlass color you wantand be considered original color car. The car is being sold with a NO RESERVE auction, will sell to the highest bidderon Sunday evening. The sale is as-is where-is with no returns or refunds for any reason. Obviously everyone has different ideas of what is good condition, and what is poor, what is usable and what isn't. With that said every make and model of car throughout the years has its strengths and weaknesses. I went to great length to try to represent this car as accurately as I can. Please feel free to ask questions. It is being sold as a project where most every part and piece will need attention in some way. Do not expect to come pick this car up, and drive it up on a trailer, it's not going to happen.
Here is a prime opportunity to acquire your dream car. The deposit will need to be paid within 24 hours, and the balance is due within 72 hours, prior to the pick-up or transport of this car. The title will be sent out the same day the funds clear, orcan be kept in the glove compartment for transport. Whichever way the winning bidder decides. Thank you for taking the time to read and view my auction. Good luck!!!
- Make: Oldsmobile
- Model: Cutlass
- Type: Convertible
- Year: 1970
- Mileage: 89,182
- VIN: 342670M
- Color: Gray
- Engine size: Rocket 455
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Turbo 400 automatic
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Black
- Drive side: Left-hand drive
- Options: Convertible
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
