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This 1970 Cutlass Supreme SX convertible with W32 option has spent its life in Southern California, having been built at Freemont, CA. The body is solid as a rock, and required minimal restoration.
Originally I set out to restore the car to its original showroom condition. The only change was from its original yellow/black color scheme to the red/white combination (my teenage kids hated yellow!). Unfortunately, two problems rendered the result less than satisfactory: First, built without many options the car lacks air conditioning, bucket seats, center console shift, and power windows: so, it's not the most comfortable daily driver in San Diego. Second, the engine required rebuilding several times: it was cursed to eat its pistons!
To deal with these shortcomings, I have converted to a "resto-mod" project. The objective is to preserve the best of the Cutlass, but to modernize the drive train, suspension, brakes, and interior. This means: ZZ502 crate engine, 4L80-E transmission, Ford 9-inch rear end. New suspension, steering, brakes. An interior customized to my specifications, in white leather. Modern air conditioning and stereo system. Exterior block sanded and painted to perfection. This work is now underway at Hot Rods & Custom Stuff in Escondido CA; a really cool outfit who builds cars to die for!
The goals are to achieve a comfort level rivaling my neighbors' BMWs, to embarrass them with a cloud of tire smoke, and to look like a car is supposed to look.
