Project LS1-F85

[rockytopper]

I decided to start a thread on my 1965 cutlass build here as my project is getting closer to completion. It is currently in the paint shop and the interior is at the uphostery shop. Will up date with pic's as things progress. Here is the build from scratch if anyone is interested. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...ject-pics.html

[rockytopper]

Let the FUN BEGIN! Car returned home from the paint shop. I couldn't be happier with the paint color I went with.

[CruizinKev]

sweet!!! love the color!!

[Motown 454]

It looks great.

[bonecrrusher]

Think I saw this on Ls1tech as well... cars looking good.

[jocko124]

lookin good!

[rockytopper]

lookin good!

Back at you Jocko your olds is looking mighty good too.

I have sucessfully installed the door handles, locks, A-piler chrome , Mirror, antenna, rear tail pan & tail lights with out a scratch. Wish me luck I got a ways to go. The tail light lens are new repos that have just now become available.

A few cool interior parts have also arrived. The new kick panels with built in speakers look pretty nice. No respectable hot rod would be complete without a good set of tunes.

[jocko124]

Thanks Rocky. Where did you get the kick panels? Custom made or off the shelf? That's the only downside to the Oldsmobiles--I can never get all the cool aftermarket parts the Chevelle guys have!! Where you located?

[rockytopper]

Thanks Rocky. Where did you get the kick panels? Custom made or off the shelf? That's the only downside to the Oldsmobiles--I can never get all the cool aftermarket parts the Chevelle guys have!! Where you located?

The kick panels are off the self. OPGI carries some. I bought mine from here. http://www.casmfg.com/index.htm I used this dealer from their site http://www.soundmove.com/kickpanels.htm

I am located in Texas near the DFW area.

[1BAGTO]

Nice to see something new for a change, great build, nice car!

[cmraman]

I like the project, although I'm a little biased. The tail pan piece, is that repopped or rechromed? I am also interested in the paint color for the logo.

[rockytopper]

I like the project, although I'm a little biased. The tail pan piece, is that repopped or rechromed? I am also interested in the paint color for the logo.

The Tail pan piece is original if you can believe that. It is a Texas car and most of the chrome is still nice. I painted the logo median Garnett red same color as my 1993 z71. If you wish to make it more exact to original go to the resto page on this site http://www.442bro.com/ The oem color is discussed. You may already know about these guy but if you don't know BRO is the Mosses of the 1965 442. There is a wealth of knowledge on his site. You can also join 65 442 forum. I use to be a member but I kicked myself off. They have olds red running thru their veins and they didn't care much for the LS1 *******izing a 65 cutlass. So Just don't tell them that Rockytopper sent you and you will be fine. They actually have a topic going on at the moment about your ride and the magazine. You would make their day if you pop in.
Rocky

[gearheads78]

Looks great Rocky!

[NvrDun71]

What's the new color? Looks great on that body style

[rockytopper]

Thanks everyone. The color is 2009 nissan Titanium Grey paint code KAC. The color was used on the GTR. It is also called desert shadow effect same paint code. The pictures really don't do it justice. The color changes from dark grey to a bronze color depending on the lighting and viewing angle.

[rockytopper]

I made some progress over the weekend.
Installed the sound deadening material and layed the carpet on the floor still need to trim it. Started fab work on the glove box that houses the head unit for the stereo. Cut the back deck to install the (2) 6 x 9 speakers.





My Great friend Darren hooked me up with a new set of shoes. He even helped me install the bumber and aligned my hood for me. I owe you man. What a difference it made in the looks. This first is a comparsion of the old vs new.

[bonecrrusher]

Autobots... Transform!

LOL... car looks awesome

[Mingus]

Car is looking great. Can't wait to see it finished.
Have you been happy with the LS1? I'm leaning heavily that way. I was going to do a 455, but even with aluminum heads it would be way heavier than an LS engine. I know I'll catch grief from the Olds guys, but since I've already "ruined" the suspension and body ('67 front clip on a '66) I'm used to it.
Mike

[BanditDave]

Car is looking great. Can't wait to see it finished.
Have you been happy with the LS1? I'm leaning heavily that way. I was going to do a 455, but even with aluminum heads it would be way heavier than an LS engine. I know I'll catch grief from the Olds guys, but since I've already "ruined" the suspension and body ('67 front clip on a '66) I'm used to it.
Mike

You do what YOU want to do with your car. It is a little more work to ge tthat engine in the car...wiring, etc...but you will NOT regret it once it is in there. I swapped an LS1 into my '78 TA and NEVER regretted it for a second. Instant starts every time...it was fantastic.

Olds is looking mean btw...keep up the good work!

[rockytopper]

Car is looking great. Can't wait to see it finished.
Have you been happy with the LS1? I'm leaning heavily that way. I was going to do a 455, but even with aluminum heads it would be way heavier than an LS engine. I know I'll catch grief from the Olds guys, but since I've already "ruined" the suspension and body ('67 front clip on a '66) I'm used to it.
Mike

The LS1 is fast, reliable, & cheap. Pick 2

Does that answer your question?

Sorry the olds power plant can't compete with it. It is a no brainer if you are building a car to drive which I am. I mean drive across the USA and back without thinking about it. I put 10.5 k on mine the first year I had the engine in. Nothing wrong with big block power I still like the feel of it better out of the hole but thats about it. Doesn't really meet the needs of this ride a go anywhere do all driver. I don't want to just win the red light to red light drag race anymore, I want to hang in the corners as well. The coolest thing is just crusing along the interstate in the fast lane with modern vets and BMW's and pushing them to pick it up a notch your holding me up. After all I'm geared for the open road. I plan to go with V rated tires at some point. My next upgrade after finishing the cosmetics is to up grade the steering box and add upper adjustable control arms with better shocks Springs all around. My goal is to make this car handle as good as a gen iii iroc camaro. Honestly that is the best handling car I have ever owned. If I could get my cutlass to handle as good I would be more than happy with it.