? for Brad442

[ragz442]

Brad, I remember reading the article with your car in HMM and thought there was a quote [I think] about the rear spoiler being a dealer installed item on the Cutlass. I know you [your family] are/is the original owner and I was curious if you know this to be fact? I know it was installed from the factory on the Buick Century Free Spirit which there was aprox. 1300 built. Since the 76-77 Century/Regal decklids are the same panel as the 76-77 Cutlass it is an exact fit anyway, you just can't use the end caps. Did you get yours later, and was it originally off a Buick? Doesn't really matter, I was just curious. I just installed one on our '76 Supreme, wasn't sure how it would look on the Supreme body style, but I think it looks pretty good, I'll post some pics later.

Oh and Ken, if you read this, let me know how/where/when you came up with yours. Like I said in a previous post, you guys are the reason I got mine.

[442MUCH]

Brad, I remember reading the article with your car in HMM and thought there was a quote [I think] about the rear spoiler being a dealer installed item on the Cutlass. I know you [your family] are/is the original owner and I was curious if you know this to be fact? I know it was installed from the factory on the Buick Century Free Spirit which there was aprox. 1300 built. Since the 76-77 Century/Regal decklids are the same panel as the 76-77 Cutlass it is an exact fit anyway, you just can't use the end caps. Did you get yours later, and was it originally off a Buick? Doesn't really matter, I was just curious. I just installed one on our '76 Supreme, wasn't sure how it would look on the Supreme body style, but I think it looks pretty good, I'll post some pics later.

Oh and Ken, if you read this, let me know how/where/when you came up with yours. Like I said in a previous post, you guys are the reason I got mine.

Todd, I got mine from the junkyard in 1990 for $5. I took it off a Buick Free Spirit. They weren't installed from the factory or the dealearship on the Olds as they were a Buick only item. I suppose if someone knew that they would fit exactly and knew that a dealership would have the mechanical know how to install one, I suppose anything's possible. However, it sounds more like an after thought for the Olds owners. Kinda like the one of one 455 equipped 77 Supreme Hurst/Olds prototype pace car and all 'round nice driver on ebay. We all put these on because we liked the look.

The 442 body style was used in Nascar from 1977-1981 and those cars had a spoiler. That's probably where most spoiler owners got the idea. That's where I got mine. What was dealer installed on my car from the original owner was the dual gate shifter, the W30 aluminum manifold and the 3:42 posi rear end, but that's another story. :)

[ragz442]

Thanks for the reply Ken. I paid $200 each for mine :( . You just don't see them for sale alot anymore.

[brad442]

Todd, Ken is right. It was rumored a few years ago that you could order these from the dealer. I don't remember who told me, but I investigated it a bit further, no much to it.

I guess if you have a buddy that purchased one of the '76 Buick Regal Pace Cars new and you saw the wing, you could order the wing from the dealer and have it installed? I am guessing as long as parts were available back then, you could go to the dealer and purchase them. I purchased brand new trim rings and center caps for my car from the dealer in 1998. Couldn't believe they still had them...

I personally think these wings fit the lines of these cars much better than a '70-'72 wing. The one on eBay right now looks a bit out of place with that wing installed.

[PSU442]

again, if any of you come across one, I am interested in purchasing...

[ragz442]

Thanks for the reply Brad. Like I said, no biggie, I was just curious on the history. Like Ken said, the Nascar wing probably started the ball rolling. Here's a couple pics of my cars I took the other day:


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_57_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_70_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_78_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_77_full.jpg

[PSU442]

incredible! it looks great Todd, it really does!!!! Wow!

[ragz442]

Hey thanks Chris! I put the one on my 442 about 3 years ago, I just got the other one a couple weeks ago. Funny thing too, it was the color you see it, not an exact match but pretty close. Like I said before, I'd type in "buick spoiler" on ebay, every once in a while they'll pop up. If I see one I'll let you know. I think Andre is talking about repoping these [or something similar] also.

[brad442]

Todd,

The spoilers look great on your cars! Is the interior of your green 442 the same as my car?

[ragz442]

Thanks for the comps Brad. I spent alot of time on these cars over the years and it's nice to hear. I'd say our interiors are about the same. Mines a no air car with power windows and rear defrost? It had the sport wheel w/tilt and ralley pac gauges from the factory. I may put the dual gate I got off Dave [sledhead] in it until I get the H/O done. Here's a couple of pics, wish I would have cleaned it first :o.


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_61_full.jpg


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_79_full.jpg

[PSU442]

your interior pics remind me of one of my stupider days: I use to be the grounds keeper at a few hotels while in high school. I don't know what I was doing exactly but I was using a screw driver before getting in my Olds to drive off. When I sit down I hear an unsual noise, sounds like it came from outside the car. Some sort of puncture. I get out to investigate and find nothing. I sit back down and here it again. Getting irritated, I jump back out of the car and look around.... that's when i glance down at my vinyl seat to see two holes glaring back at me. I put the freaking screw driver in my back pocket and however it was in there was slicing right into the seat. And that's what prompted me to have that seat reupholstered a few years later. Isn't that fun? haha

[brad442]

Yep, our interiors are exactly the same. Only my dad did not order the power locks, power windows options. He always thought one day you would have to fix those little motors & solenoids one day. I attached my window sticker, curious if you still have yours. I'd like to see how they compare.

[ragz442]

No, I don't have the window sticker, that would be awesome. I put a '76 speedo in mine and could tell they were the original gauges. The interior and the majority of the paint is original, it needs a paint job, but doesn't look bad from 20 foot :D .

Here's a couple underhood pics, it's nowhere near original. lol

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_80_full.jpg



http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_56_full.jpg

I tried posting some pics in the garage, but didn't have any luck.

[442MUCH]

Todd, are those original W30 wheel wells or did you do something to your originals? Looks pretty cool!

[ragz442]

Ken, they're the original wells, I painted them with SEM plastic paint. It's been over 2 years now and they still look new. It was alot of prep work, but I think it was worth it, something different anyway. Thanks bro.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_83_full.jpg

[442MUCH]

Ken, they're the original wells, I painted them with SEM plastic paint. It's been over 2 years now and they still look new. It was alot of prep work, but I think it was worth it, something different anyway. Thanks bro.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_83_full.jpg

They look great! I thought they were W30 wells as you can't tell they were painted. Good job.

[brad442]

Holy Cow! Todd, the red wheel wells look awesome! Like Ken, I thought you had replaced them with a set from a '70. Makes me want to find an additional set for my car to paint red and install. Talk about really throw some people for a loop. I can't wait to see your car next summer in Detroit!

[ragz442]

Thanks for the props guys! I wasn't real concerned about originality [hence the gold engine] and thought it would be something to make it stand out. Brad, it will be nice to meet you next summer and see your ride in person.

[keith455]

yeah i like that engine compartment. The red looks awesome and everything looks clean.

[ragz442]

Thanks Keith. I did a clip off job on it, used Zero Rust on the frame, firewall etc..It's a great product and it only cost about $20 a quart. I used a shroud and clutch fan from an a/c car, seems to cool a little better now. I'd like to pull the headers off and get them coated, I can't keep paint on them [they were red]. I'm not crazy about the air cleaner but I'm running a 1" spacer and It's the only thing that will clear. Here's a pic before I dropped the motor back in:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_25_full.jpg

[texxas8902]

Okay so the Buick Century Free Spirit spoiler fits the Cutlass. Does the whole trunk lid fit? Is the 76 77 Regal/Century rear deck lid the same as the 76-77 Cutlass S 442? I am hoping that the whole lid fits so I don't have to drill holes in a Cutlass deck lid. I have a rust free spare but would rather not make holes in it. I believe the deck lids will interchange but I'm not positive, so if someone knows for sure then please let me know.
You guys who are looking for one of these are gonna be sick but my buddy is selling the whole trunk lid with spoiler and end caps and the quarter panel extensions from a Buick Free Spirit that he pulled about 3 years ago to me for $50,(what he paid) he is sick of storing it. :D I will be putting it on my 76 442. I remember when he found it at a wrecking yard in Ft. Worth , Texas. Until I saw all the cars with the spoiler on this web site I had no idea they fit the Cutlass. Then I saw Brad's car in person yesterday and called my bud as soon as I got home. They really look nice and alot like the Nascar spoiler. I'll get some pics when I get it home and some pics of my car. I am storing it in the garage of a house I'm trying to sell in a nearby suburb. Anybody need to buy a new house in Grand Prairie, Texas? $109,900. That is the main problem with having 10 vehicles, you gotta have somewhere to put them without looking like a hillbilly and parking them in the yard, which would get the code enforcement officer called in about 5 minutes in my neighborhood.
Anyway, if anyone knows, then let me know. Thanks.

[PSU442]

i need more friends like that!

[brad442]

Since the spoiler bolts right on without any modification, I would guess that the trunk would be the same. I say go ahead and get the trunk too. Let me know if you need help installing it.

[ragz442]

The 76-77 Century/Regal decklid is the same as the 73-77 Cutlass.

[PSU442]

i didn't think the 73-77 deck lids were the same. I thought the 76/77 were more flat.

[texxas8902]

i didn't think the 73-77 deck lids were the same. I thought the 76/77 were more flat.

Yeah I always thought the 76-77 trunks were different from the 73-75 model trunk lids. The license tags on my 74 and 75 were down on the back bumper and on my 76 the tag is in between the tail lights with a piece of chrome trim above it that is mounted on the deck lid. Just thinking about it without looking at pictures I would say the 76-77 is NOT the same as the 73- 75 off the top of my head, holes for trim would be different for sure, but I couldn't even figure out the Century trunk fits the Cutlass and I've known of the one with the spoiler for as long as I've owned my car since 2003. I'm really disappointed in myself I usually know most interchangable parts for my cars in my head, a built in Hollander interchange. I am always scavaging other GM cars for my parts.

[ragz442]

Well I've got a rust free '75 Cutlass decklid that I got off Dennis [W451973] sitting in my garage that I'm going to put on my '76 C/S, sure looks the same to me. The emblems and such are a little different.

FWIW the 76-77 Regal [2dr] doors are the same as the 76-77 Cutlass [2dr].

[PSU442]

Well I've got a rust free '75 Cutlass decklid that I got off Dennis [W451973] sitting in my garage that I'm going to put on my '76 C/S, sure looks the same to me. The emblems and such are a little different.

FWIW the 76-77 Regal [2dr] doors are the same as the 76-77 Cutlass [2dr].


hmm.. can't argue that.

[texxas8902]

I have a nice 76 trunklid on the side of my garage and I looked at it for awhile yesterday and I think it would fit on the 73-75 cars but it is just hard for me to imagine it is the same trunk lid on the 73-75 as the 76 -77. Guess I'll have to fix my imagination and I will try to cross check it in a Hollander but if W451973 knows it will fit then I am certain it will.
So then I guess it is the only sheet metal body part that fits all the Cutlass models from 73 to 77, right? not counting inner wheel houses and supporting structures, firewall and the like.

[PSU442]

alright... here we go, let's just settle this once and for all....

'73 442.... check
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2269000-2269999/2269451_4_full.jpg

'74 Supreme.... check
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/2493000-2493999/2493014_3_full.jpg

'75 442.... check
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/2363000-2363999/2363550_17_full.jpg

i think that about settles it. my apologies to those that i doubted! :o

[PSU442]

haha.... and then i found this pic of Damaged's two rides side by side.... that really does the job, eh? In fact, it should be noted that his '77 supreme has the EXACT same rear end as the earlier supreme.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/2487000-2487999/2487101_13_full.jpg

[ragz442]

Yea it's kinda weird how they kept the sculptured body lines, tail section etc. of the 73-75's on the 76-77 4drs. If that '77 was a 2dr. it would look completely different.

The 73's are the most unique, especially the front and rear bumpers. They didn't have to meet the impact standards and the bumpers don't have the heavy ass supports and shocks. The rear view of the '73 is SWEEET!

[damaged442]

Thanks for the love guys! It's nice to be good for something!:D Glad to be of service! I hoped the pics of the cars would be worth something to somebody sometime, you know? Too bad my wife doesn't think so! I have two extra decklids, one from a 74 Supreme that was on a 73 442, and one for another 77 Supreme Brougham. Once they are stood next to one another you can really see they are identical. When you look at them on the cars, the different lines of the S and the Supreme play games with your eyes and almost make them look different.
BTW, the 76-77 Cutlass S 4 doors had completely different taillights from mine. They were like two stacked squares. There's another guy on Cardomain that has a 4 door 77 S in my same color and I noticed it.

[PSU442]

yeah, i bet the Cutlass S 4-door has the same rear tail-lights as our S 442s. Seems Oldsmobile thought of the Supreme and the S as an entirely different car. For awhile I thought the S stood for Supreme... what does it stand for?

I was just thinking that I hadn't seen you in awhile, Bert. You been getting the cars out much? I've had the fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on the mood I'm in) luck of having my daily driver's alternator die... which means I've got to drive my Olds almost a week straight. Even had my woman driving it. She was surprised at how nice of a car it is.

[ragz442]

Bert, my first car [1979] was a '74 Salon 4dr. the same color as your '77. It had those big fat reclining buckets and console..... I loved that car.

[damaged442]

The S was just that, the S. It didn't stand for anything. It was the less expensive, less trimmed, not to mention lighter (of course) version of the Cutlass. Because then you had the Salon, the Supreme, and the Supreme Brougham. All price ranges covered, depending on what the buyer was looking for. Things up here haven't been bad, just busy as hell. Thanks for asking. I had to replace the starter in the 442, so I hadn't taken it out much. I also had the boat parked behind it in the driveway, so she was tough to get out. I had the 77 out a few more times. Now the boat is in the lake at camp and it's much easier to get the cars out. Bummer about the alternator. It sucks to have to put money into OTHER cars. Must be nice to get the woman involved though. I can't get the wifey to go anywhere near them anymore. My three year old daughter is very excited about em though. She can read "442" and "Cut-a-lass" and loves to go cruisin. lol

[PSU442]

haha... that's cute. Tis the time to make priceless Olds memories. What lake and camp do you have your boat at? A friend once took me to a camp on a lake up that way. I'd have to look at a map to figure out where exactly...

I apologize for the way off topic discussion but this forum isn't that strict anyway... :rolleyes:

[damaged442]

In the Adirondacks. Brantingham Lake. About 1.5 hours from the Cuse. THe lake is quite small, but large enough to ski and wakeboard, which I try to do as often as I can. To keep it Olds related, I actually had a tree at the end of the driveway come down on my 77 during a nasty windstorm up there about 8 years ago. It did some damage and she still shows the scars, but I lucked out. We had another car in the driveway that got totaled. Chevy Berettas do not hold up well to large hemlock trees!

[PSU442]

Brantingham Lake? I don't think that was it... pretty sure it was west of syracuse. Maybe around Auburn there... not sure. Oh well...

[texxas8902]

Went over to my friends house today and got the deck lid, rear spoiler and both rear quarter extensions with end caps from a 76 Buick Free Spirit. He said he paid $37 and that's what he wanted for it. Total score, my luck was so good with this I should probably go buy a couple of lottery tickets.
The spoiler has a couple of stickers with an eagle and 10 stars in the top corners, I don't remember these being on the Buick, I thought it had a different bird sticker. The deck lid is rust free and looks exactly like the Cutlass deck lid. I'd say the 76 77 Regal,Century, Free Spirit trunk lid is the same as the 73-77 Cutlass. I don't think the spoiler ends will work, looks like they will interfere with the top edge of the Cutlass tailights and I don't want to run Regal tail lights. I may try to modify the end pieces to work or maybe not.

[442MUCH]

The way I see it, it has to be the same trunk lid. Otherwise you wouldn't have the perfect fit that you do. Good buy Tex!:)

[texxas8902]

Don't know if it is a perfect fit but sure looks to be. I'm sure I'll be finding out shortly.

[sumrof75]

The end caps sure would finish them out cool if you could get them to work. Any more info from Team 11? Hey guys, any luck with a cap for that piece your working on?

[ragz442]

Went over to my friends house today and got the deck lid, rear spoiler and both rear quarter extensions with end caps from a 76 Buick Free Spirit. He said he paid $37 and that's what he wanted for it. Total score, my luck was so good with this I should probably go buy a couple of lottery tickets.
The spoiler has a couple of stickers with an eagle and 10 stars in the top corners, I don't remember these being on the Buick, I thought it had a different bird sticker. The deck lid is rust free and looks exactly like the Cutlass deck lid. I'd say the 76 77 Regal,Century, Free Spirit trunk lid is the same as the 73-77 Cutlass. I don't think the spoiler ends will work, looks like they will interfere with the top edge of the Cutlass tailights and I don't want to run Regal tail lights. I may try to modify the end pieces to work or maybe not.

You got an awesome deal there, nice score! You could do like I did and paint the decklid and spoiler satin black, don't look bad until you can get the car painted. I used SEM trim black from a gun, has held up well for 3 years. Like I said previously the decklids and doors are the same, I've used them as donor panels in the past, our '76 C/S has regal doors on it now. I've got a couple sets of those end caps, if you can make them work on a Cutlass your a better man than I ;) .

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/684000-684999/684771_81_full.jpg