Introducing Project Sabre, 1971 Cutlass S Pro-Touring car

[Hulley]

I cant wait to see how this progresses. The first car I bought (16 yrs old) was a 72' Cutlass, same color with a Rocket 350. I loved that car, I ran across it a few years ago at a Year One, inc car show and I wished I bought it. The current owner was selling it and it was in great shape. I had a 68' Chevelle at the time so no room for 2 cars. That was 23 yrs ago and damn I feel a little old.

[SparkyRnD]

that's always tough. Maybe one day you'll cross paths with it again and can pick it back up.

[SparkyRnD]

Sorry for the lack of updates over the last few months. Here are updates from back in February to now to bring things up to date:

Originally Posted by BulldawgMusclecars

Our first prototype 8.8 Ford rear for the A-body. We'll cap off the upper control arm mounts before paint. We are going to use round tube on the production units, and we'll have a long list of options. Sabre's will be getting a cast aluminum girdle-type cover.

[SparkyRnD]

Before the body was stripped, and a mock up with the old wheels and tires to check the stance

Originally Posted by BulldawgMusclecars

I love that its tucking the front tire, and the engine and trans aren't in the car yet!



Crossmember is a little low, but we aren't going to be jumping speedbumps in this car anyway.





Plenty of room for a nice meaty wheel and tire combo...I can get my fist in there with the 15x8 Cragars reinstalled.



I can still get two fingers in at the front



The 8.8 installed for the first time...fits like a glove!

[SparkyRnD]

A few better shots of the stance with the old wheels:



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[SparkyRnD]

The body is off!



Talk about clean floorpans...that isn't rust, its red oxide primer, and it looks fresh! This is by far the cleanest starting point we have ever worked with in the shop.





Jeremy finishing the welds on the pass-through for the passenger side (frame is upside down).







I ordered the tires through Discount Tire. I ordered Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110's based on their reviews, ratings, knowing a few people that have used them, and the price point. I got DT to price-match Summit Racing's prices (killer deal), and after it was all said and done, it saved another $300 over what I was going to pay. Thankfully, that money is now needed for some other parts that we didn't put in the budget, that are now required.

I also went to our upholsterer's new shop and looked at leather samples, and I think we've nailed down the color for the interior. It's definitely coming along, and I always forget how busy / hectic things get around the last half of a build!

[SparkyRnD]

A few more pics. The body is getting close to ready for priming, but we're going to have to do some minor blasting here and there beforehand...and its raining here now, and will be tomorrow, so the plan is to come in on Sunday to knock out the blasting and priming.



Jose working on the roof.



DA sanded in 80 grit in preparation for priming



Stripping the old undercoating from the wheel wells. I have never seen it come off so easily...no heat, just scraping.

[alfierro]

I am a huge fan of the cutlass a body cars. Your project looks like it will be loads of fun. I am finishing up my 1970 442 vert now. Good Luck and keep the posts coming.

[SparkyRnD]

The hood modifications...basically, the old lower skin was cut away where the louvered panels bolted up. New tabs are being made for one side, since the panel attached to holes drilled in the old panel. The whole opening is being boxed in, so that full strength is retained. Its actually stronger than before.





The shell, before going over it a final time in some areas with 80 grit.

[SparkyRnD]

I thought I had a few pics of the car in bare epoxy, but I don't. Here are a few shots taken today, after the bodywork has been started.