Hello!

My dad & I have had a 1963 Olds Cutlass F-85 for a while now (all original except rims/tires) and for now it's just sitting here, hasn't been driven in a while and lacking some love.

We've been wanting to do a complete restore, parts are hard to find because it is rare, but we are able to find parts with some searching

Would you guys recommend restoring to original specs or completely overhauling it (because other parts from diff manufacturers might be easier to find)

Any info would help, thanks guys

Hi Sergio Rocha,

Welcome to TOC.

First, because we must make sure everyone is on the same page:

Since a rim is only part of the wheel, can we assume you meant wheels/tires?

By definition, to "restore" is to return an item to its original condition. In most cases, a complete overhaul is part of the process.

Having said that:

What is its present condition? Pictures are always helpful.
What is your budget and skill/experience level?
How will it be used? Commuting? Local transportation? Highway travel? Shows? Cruising burger stands? Racing?

But equally difficult to adapt to your application?

If you are in Downey, CA, a Wednesday evening visit to Bob's Big Boy or to a local Oldsmobile Club meeting or event, might be of help.

Regards, Norm

Welcome! Pictures are always helpful (as stated above), and my father referred me to a goldmine of all parts automotive. I've posted it here.

Enjoy your time here! Everyone here knows their stuff.

Thanks for the responses!

Yeah "wheels/tires" is all that is done to it. We bought the car off the original owner who took really good care of it. Straight body, clean original paint, clean interior with no rips. I'll post pics soon

As for restoring, I've had some experience but none with Olds. I partially restored my 69' Chevy c/10 fleetside (passed down to me from my grandfather), dropped in a smaller 307 to replace the stock 350 and converted it from 3 on the tree to 3spd automatic floor shifter w turbo 350 tranny.

That's MY baby, but the F-85 here is me and my dads next project

We wanted to make it more of a hotrod, we just dont know what other engines/suspension can fit, from asking around no one really had knowledge on the car...(i.e. disc brakes, lug conversions, tranny, suspension, engines...etc)

Thanks guys,

Serg

Sounds like it should be driven and enjoyed for what it is.

It came with a 350 Chev and you replaced it with a 307 Chev (same engine, except the bore and stroke) and added an aftermarket shifter?

A "partial restoration" would be to replace the incorrect 307 with a correct 350.

"Hot Rod" = more power and more speed. You will need to be more specific.

What can "fit" depends on your fabrication skills and/or your budget.

Before you use the word again, try Googling "tranny".

Norm

Not up to date w all the lingo, just have some questions that still haven't been answered.

I guess I should be using the work "customize", but yeah...

I would just like a list of years/models any make of car and parts that would fit a 1963 Cutlass F-85 (engine, suspension, etc..)

Budget doesn't matter right now, it's gonna be a long project and I just want to get in the ballpark with things

Thanks

Not being "up to date" is the reason your questions are too vague to answer accurately without writing a book.

1. "Hot Rod" = more power and more speed. You will need to be more specific.
2. What can "fit" depends on your fabrication skills and/or your budget.

I am here to address your questions, not to make light conversation. If you want clear answers, clarification of your questions must be your first priority.

Guessing that you mean "direct interchange" as in 307 and 350 Chev engines":

1. Engines:
   '61-'63 Olds F85/Cutlass/Jetfire and Buick Special/Skylark.
   "61-'62 Pontiac Tempest/Le Mans V8.
2. Trans:
   '61-'63 Olds F85/Cutlass/Jetfire and Buick Special/Skylark.
3. Suspension:
   '61-'63 Olds F85/Cutlass/Jetfire and Buick Special/Skylark.

I know of a 10 second, 454 powered, '62 F85 wagon, but it was not a direct interchange.

Best way to start, is to learn the "lingo".

Norm