1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - OMG PROGRESS!?

An 8-year 'unstarted' project, this Cutlass was originally destined to become a full-on lowrider, replescent in flake, candy, wire wheels and velour.

Slowly, though, I became more interested in the Pro-Touring scene and decided to build the car as a Pro-Touring/Low Rod style of vehicle.

Whilst working in China for 3 year from 2003-2006, I was scouring the interweb and collecting parts from all corners of the United States, and sending them to my friend in Tennessee to store for me. When I quit China in 06, I went to TN and tried to figure out how I was going to get all this stuff home.

I ended up buying a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon on eBay and travelling to North Carolina to pick it up.



With the Buick collected, I fill the cavernous rear end with all of the Cutlass goodies and shipped the whole caboodle back to the UK.

Parts included a set of Billet Specialities Vintec 7*18 and 8.5*20 wheels.



Plus matching steering wheel...



Full air-ride kit with RidePro-E digital and remote control, newly rechromed front and rear bumpers, a manual BorgWarner T5 gearbox with Chevy bellhousing, manual pedalbox assembly, plus numerous NOS brightwork, such as internal and external doorhandles.

The car has sat largely untouched for the last 8 years, being moved from pillar to post as I changed locations. It last ran about 18 months ago when it was finally moved to the Dungeon.

At the same time, I found a 1986 Hurst Cutlass for sale on this very forum. The initial plan was to sell the 79 on and turn the Hurst into a pro-touring car, but on closer inspection the 86 was pretty rusty and would require a lot of work to bring it up to scratch, whereas the 79 is pretty rust free.

The decision was made to break the Hurst for it's useful parts (chassis, 8.5 rear end, 350cu in engine [the 79 only has a 305], autobox) whilst scrapping the rotten shell and selling the Hurst parts on eBay. I got more than I paid for the 86 by selling the unique Hurst shifter alone.

Finally, last year I decided to purcfhase a full Baer Brake Track system which uses 13" discs front and rear, and the newly released "Shockwave" air-ride system from RideTech.

Having a huge sort out at the Dungeon premises, I've finally cleared enough space to work on the Cutlass, so after a massive hiatus, things are finally starting to move.

Plans are to strip the 79 and remove it from its chassis. The rear kick-up is a notorious place for rust in G-Body cars, and this one is no exception. Luckily the Hurst chassis is in excellent order, adn just needs cleaning up and powdercoating. Then the brakes, air-ride, rear axle and engine/box will be assembled onto the fresh chassis, before reassembly.



Bodywise, the vinyl roof is going, and the whole car will be repainted a monochrome pewter-esque colour, possibly something from Aston Martin.

The delightful red interior will also be going, in favour of something tan, and possibly a digital dashboard.



I'll updating this thread as and when I do 'stuff', as I could always do with a 'push' as this will be the most involved I've ever been with a project.