slantflat

I've been looking for a 70 Cutlass convertible for quite awhile now. I'm either too picky or there's just slim pickins' out there. I'm starting to think it might be fun to have something other than a 70. My first car was(is?) a 70 4door and I've had a convertible before, but hey variety is the spice of life, right?

So I'm just wondering what a good year of Cutlass convertible would be to have a look at? Not a huge fan of the 68-69, but could probably be talked into a 68. Like the looks of the mid-60s cars. A 67 built on my birthday would be awesome.

Just looking for some opinions here. Any model year one would do well to stay away from, ie build quality, parts availability, etc? Thanks everyone.


Mike

oldcutlass

My car appreciation (most of my musical appreciation also) basically stopped around 72! Be patient, it takes time find something that jumps out at ya and screams your name!!

Jamesbo

X2 Ya gotta kiss alot of frogs to meet a Prince.

Rocketbrian

Why not look at a 71 or 72 as they are the same basic car. Most people do want a 70 due to high compression, ie., most power, but 71s and 72s are still beautiful cars. Most of the differences are mainly to grilles, taillights and seat patterns. In 68 and 69, convertibles were based on the mid-line Cutlass 'S', while in 70 to 72 they are based on the top line Supreme - just something else to think about. Good luck in your search.

droptopron

What are you looking for in a '70 that you haven't been able to find & what is your budget? I have a '70 but when I was looking I was open to a '69-'72.

jaunty75

You don't say if you want one complete and ready to drive or one that needs some work, but here's a few. I don't like the big rims on some of them, but those could always be changed out.

Of these, I like the Detroit, Jerseyshore, Quadcities, and the second San Francisco ones best.

Of those four, I like the Quadcities one best. Only 26,000 miles on it, apparently, and the price is right. Apparently owned by an older man whose son-in-law is helping him sell it. That could speak well about the way the car has been driven and cared for.

I actually bought my '67 Delta 88 convertible in exactly this way. I found it on craigslist, and it was being advertised by a guy who was helping his 80-year-old father-in-law sell it.


http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/2718041718.html

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2682193881.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2717985141.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...716328322.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2703788942.html

http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/2715798490.html

http://quadcities.craigslist.org/cto/2693651387.html

slantflat

I know the 71-72's are virtually the same, but I tell ya I just don't like them. I don't like the grille, and I don't like the fake wood design on the inside. Seems silly but that's just how it is. I wonder if my beat up 4door would have been a 71 or 72 if I'd feel differently, or if I'd found myself jonesing for a 70. Hm.

I'd like to stay under 12K. I know that won't find me a 442 that still has wheels, but I've seen a few Cutlass convertibles for this amount that are decent. Just not what I'm looking for. I found a couple in the northeast that I like, but the logistics of getting up there and getting it back are proving to be a challenge.

I don't know when I've had such a hard time finding a car. Usually they find me! I'm really liking the 67s, that might be a good alternative. We'll see. Thanks you guys for all the replies.


Mike

slantflat

Jaunty the first one from SF is beautiful. California is a bit far for me unless it's the ultimate car. I emailed with the guy from the Quad Cities. I'm from there originally and it would be a good trip, but I don't care for the way it's painted. Something just doesn't look right about it, and it's missing the Supreme side trim along the lower part of the sides.

Ug! Used to be if it had wheels, I'd say "I'll take it!" But I guess I'm getting finicky in my old age.

Oh, the ultimate car? Power windows, AC, bucket seats, and if I were really to get crazy, a 4speed.


Mike

hookem horns

Only expand your options to something you will really enjoy. More of a buyer's market, so take your time, be picky and don't settle for a 71-72 if the woodgrain or something will bug you every time you get in the car. Price point seems reasonable for a decent driver and try to buy from an owner that really knows the car, good & bad. All old cars have needs and issues, some much bigger than others.

slantflat

Actually I went back and looked at the pictures again and the one I thought was beautiful is actually from Sacramento. The first one from SF looks ridiculous.

I also read the entire ad for the white one from SF and it seems like the guy was going off the deep end! Geez what does he want from craigslist? He must use CL very often. Or he forgot his anger management medicine.



Mike
Doesn't yell at Craigslist

Bill in NC

The vert in Jersey looks nice!

droptopron

If anybody wants to give me an Cayanne for my car they can have it too.

64Rocket

I say expand your desire. Any '64 to '72 Cutlass, or Big Olds. How about a full size Olds? Just a few on a quick look around.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/2729249612.html
Not a vert, something diff.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2729146697.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2720463734.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2727368185.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...#ht_500wt_1182
A little ruff, and a project
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...#ht_500wt_1182
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...#ht_500wt_1182
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...#ht_500wt_1182
a cool looker
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...item256989fdd5
How about a couple more, a little different
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...t_24091wt_1165
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...#ht_500wt_1182
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...t_32447wt_1165
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...#ht_500wt_1182
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...ht_7723wt_1165
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsm...ht_1061wt_1165

stevengerard

yep, I'd say take your time as well, plenty of cars out there and a buyers market. I would also not hesitate to look for a Cutlass instead of a 442, you save a lot more money. I think the one in quad cities is a good deal.

stevengerard

ok I see what's wrong with the 70 in Iowa, the rims are white, White SSIIs look great on a pace car but I bet if you paint those grey like they should be and take the whitewalls off the car would look totally different and the back end is low, new springs, argent silver rims and black wall tires - you are set.