Lumpy here. Stumbled across your fine site while searching for tips on installing front coil springs on my '68 Cutlass S which I have been the proud (third) owner of since 1990.

I bought the Cutlass from a doctor for $2000. The car had 37,000 miles at the time. I've put close to 28,000 on since then.

My Cutlass is a 350 cid, automatic (Powerglide), non-post hardtop with ps and pb in Scarlet Red and black interior. It also had an under the dash a/c unit which I have removed. The only modifications I have made over the years is a new sound system and Super Stock II wheels.

The car is currently undergoing a sympathetic restoration; motor/trans rebuild, exhaust replacement, suspension rebuild (including those stubborn front coil springs), and fresh paint/ interior. I am also swapping the 2-bbl for a 4 and I removed the vinyl top.

When finished I will continue to drive her every chance I get, weather permitting. I'm not going for concours here, just a refresh on what was already a really nice driver.

I will post some pics as soon as possible and hit up some of the forum's experts on replacing those coil springs.

Lump

Hi lumpy,

Welcome to TOC.


It's a common misconception. Although they are both two speeds and used the same gear ratios, your (Buick/Olds) ST 300 and a (Chev) PG are two different designs.

The ST 300 used a converter that could be "switched" from a low to a high stall, in first gear, creating a "quasi" three speed trans.


Hardtop is short for Hardtop Convertible. Since neither the Hardtop or Convertible had posts, the phrase is redundant.

If your VIN # begins with 336879, yours would be a "Holiday Coupe".


We look forward to seeing your new thread.

Regards, Norm

Holiday Coupe; I thought this was the correct title. Alas, my Oldspeak is rusty.

ST 300. Sweet! Sounds much cooler than "powerglide".

Actually I really like my Pow, uh, ST 300 tranny. I considered swapping it out for a 4-speed for about 5 minutes.

Gonna post that coil spring thread now.

Later.

Lump

Super Turbine 300, in case you feel the need to impress someone.

I'm happy with the one in my '65.


I don't do Trannys.

Norm

I get your point with the whole Tranny bit... but, your linked definition also defines as:

3. tranny
In mechanics, a vehicle's transmission.

...

Good observation, M-W lists it as a shortening & alteration of the original word...Transmission.

http://m-w.com/dictionary/tranny

Regardless, welcome to the site lumpy!

TOC Admin
Brando

Yes, after 1 & 2. Last time I posted the same link, It was 8 or 9, but no one noticed.


A recent addition. It shows how quickly the language is evolving.

Originally used as part of the phrase "tranny-slam", which has been called "neutral drop" elsewhere on TOC. Members of the culture who actually practiced that art, coined the word because "trans-slam" didn't sound cool enough.

For that reason, it's one of a few words/phrases that still rub me the wrong way.

lumpy: Since you do know how to spell Cutlass, you're OK.

Norm

Hi to another Missouri Olds enthusiast.

I dislike shortened phrases like "tranny" and "Cutty".

To me a tranny is a person you might find in San Fransisco, and Cutty is the first part of the word CuttySark which I think is some kind of whiskey.

I still remember when Norm corrected me on the usage of "Tudor". I am forever indebted to you Norm.......

Yep, Scotch. Used to be my favorite. Named after the Tall ship Cutty Sark.


Not a big deal. Only knew about it because I was raised around early Fords.



My Dad still has one.

Norm

In the future I will refer to my transmission simply as "my really bitchin' Super Turbine 300".

Actually, I apprecitate the grammer corrections. Most forum threads are impossible for me to read due to the widespread abuse of the English language. The fact that I frequent musician forums (I'm a drummer) would help explain my unintended descent into the distasteful practice; musicians are notorious for this.

Are musician and drummer redundent or an oxymoron?

The Great Dubious Cutlass Restoration and Bleed As You Learn Project pt. 2 is going swell! I finished recoating the frame and front/rear suspensions this weekend (Eastwood Rust Converter followed by generous applications of Rust Encapsulator and Chassis Black), in addition to installing the front coil springs. Engine work is soon to follow.

The engine in question is what I refer to as an "Olds 350", which some refer to as a "350 Rocket" in order to avoid confusion with it's GM cousins of the same denomination.

Lump

I like it. Can I use it?


Should be terminology instead of grammar. When it comes to things automotive, I have some knowledge of the former. Not qualified to address the latter.

Instead of corrections, how about enlightenment?


Why does the drummer get so little respect? I tried it. Not easy.


On any Olds board, a 307, 350, 400, 425, or 455 is an Olds, unless otherwise noted. The one exception has turned into a ghost town during the last year.

My 350 Chev would be a 350, if I posted on a Chev site, but a 350 Chev on a Buick or Pontiac site.

To add one more for future visitors, there is no reason to call my 307, 330, or 350, small blocks, or my 437 and 468s, big blocks.

Norm

I have a hard time imagining rock and roll without a beat... Drummers are an excellent asset to any musical group! Besides, I could listen to my brother kick out some awesome beats all day long. Drums are very cool.

I think there is a catchy tune that goes something like "I just want to bang on my drum all day" seems familiar anyway..........

OldsGuy,
Todd Rungren performed that song. You hear it at alot of football games these days.

How's the weather over on the west side of the state? We are dryer than a popcorn fart here in the southeast.

Lump

Not too bad here in the Kansas City area. All our creeks and rivers held just fine, down in the Southwest is another story! I went down to Pittsburg Kansas on Saturday and it was VERY WET down there. All the rivers, streams, creeks and ponds were way high. My son took his '64 98 fourdoor out of storage and I helped him out some. The trusty 394 fired right up after about three revolutions with the starter motor! The car had been in storage for two years, we did the usual stuff, pre-lube the cylinders, new battery, etc. The master cylinder was dry though and it started to rain before we could bleed the system. Oh well, another day..