OLDSmobility.com - The 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass and 442 Resource

Rearend Housings

Also see Identifying GM 10-bolt Rearends

From 1964-67, GM A-body rearend housing dimensions measure 56.5 inches, from flange to flange. Total measurements with the drums in place is 60.5 inches. The dimensions are similar to the 1967-69 Camaro/Firebird, and 1968-74 X-cars and clones, except leaf springs were used. 1968-72 rearend housings measure 58.5 inches from flange to flange, and with the brake drums in place, the total dimensions measure 62.5 inches. The dimensions are similar to the 1970-81 Camaro/Firebird, and 1975-79 X-cars and clones, except leaf springs were used.
The Oldsmobile 12-bolt has a 12 bolt cover and a 10 bolt gear, which measures 8.3".
Axle shafts are common to the housing used, and due to the usual characteristics like overall length and spline count, the shafts only interchange with the housing that is used. (e.g. 12 bolt shafts fit other 12-bolts, and 10 bolt shafts fit other 10-bolts.)
Rear spring mounting pads differed, in which 1964-66 rearends used a flat pad with a hole drilled in the center. 1968-72 rearends have circular spring mounting pads, which are 3/4" higher that the early flat pad.
1967 was a transition year, in which A-cars might have a 1964-66 style rearend, a 1968-72 rearend (which is wider and commonly available), or a "hybrid" rearend, which will have the 58.5" width, but with the early spring mounting pad and trailing arm brackets.
Rear upper control bushing eyes differ, and the positioning of the bushing eyes will differ. 1968-72 rearend housings will have a 3/8" forward positioning, which is farther that 1964-67 rearends.
1964 was the only year that the rearend bushing are small, and any upper trailing arm (from any GM division) will fit 1964 rearend housings.

Rear Trailing Arms

The rear trailing arms (or control arms) consist of four arms that connect the rearend to the frame, and the setup consists of two long and two short arms. The lower trailing arms for use with a sway bar are unique, and the usual characteristics is that the arm is boxed and gussetted. The upper arms vary, and there are two part numbers in the Chevrolet Parts Interchange Manual that separate 1964-67 and 1968-72 Chevelles and BOP A-Bodies.The lower arms are interchangeable (all years), and a car that did not have a sway bar can be modified to fit.
1973-77 lower rear trailing arms will bolt in, if using either 1973-77 rear anti-sway bars, or 1977-96 B-car sway bars, common on vehicles like Cadillac limos and police-optioned Caprice 9C1s.
There are 201 1965 Chevelle SS 396s (RPO Z-16) had unique lower arms, which is a one-year item.
Upper trailing arms of 1964-67 vintage interchange, and they are 1" shorter, which will not fit into 1968-72 A-cars. 1968-72 A-cars have longer upper arms, and when switching upper arms, be careful here, in which the pinion nose angle might be affected. According to Inside '64-'72 A-Bodies, there are 10 different rear upper control arms offered. Other characteristics include clearance bulges, common with 12-bolt differentials in A-cars, and adjustable upper arms, optioned on Oldsmobile A-cars (F-85, Cutlass). 442s had boxed upper arms, and this is a sought-after item in a restoration.
On 1968-72 A-cars, like high-performance, 4-speed, and Monte Carlos/Grand Prixes, there is a triangulation brace bracket that is standard. This stiffens the chassis, and tubular versions are available from Edelbrock and Hotchkis Performance.
Note: the trailing arms fit either side, and this means that the left upper arm will fit on the right, and vice versa.

Front Control Arms

Most of the control arms for the 1964-72 Chevelle interchange, and the lower control arm used for the front suspension had these distinct features:
- One version was produced from 1964-66, and utilised 1.90" (1 5/16") diameter bushings. There are two arms used from 1967-72, and the category includes the LCAs with round bushings (1.625" diameter), commonly found on 1968 (all models) or 1969-72 vehicles like Chevelle SS, Pontiac GTO, Oldsmobile 442, and the Buick GSX. Most of the lower control arms used on the other A-cars had oval bushings.
- The bushings described in the lower arm are located in the rear pivot area (the TRW or MOOG manual calls this the rear control arm bushing) on both sides of the car.
- All oval bushing arms, 1.90", and 1.625" round bushing arms (1 5/8") manufactured used a 1 3/8" (1.375") diameter front bushing.
- The lower arms interchange as an assembly, regardless of the spring diameter that distinguishes 1964-67 and 1968-72 front springs. You can use a later arm on early models (1964-67), but I have not heard of a 1.90" lower arm used on a later A-body.
Note: The lower arms may differ, in case a replacement or factory mismatch are common when locating the correct lower arm for a restoration. The only problem with oval bushings is that the existing bushing cans will have to be reused, and aftermarket companies that use solid or Del-A-Lum (a Global West product) bushings as replacements might require locating a set of round bushing lower arms, either a 1.90" or 1.625".
Upper control arms for Chevrolet Chevelles and El Caminos use crosshafts that used bolts to secure the cup washer to the bushing. BOP A-Bodies used crosshafts with threaded ends with locknuts. Due to the possibility of frame spread, MOOG or TRW manufactures an offset control arm shaft that allows the camber angles to be corrected via OEM specs.

Springs

FRONT SPRINGS
The springs vary with application and chassis packages, but there is one thing that is important: 1968-72 A-cars have a different front spring diameter when compared to 1964-67 front springs ("Knuckle Sandwich", Hot Rod, 6/87). 1969-present springs are based on computerized data concerning chassis package and body-styles, but the rates vary, in which a softer or stiffer ride is preferred.

Note: 1964-67 front springs can be found on 1967-69 Camaros and 1968-74 Novas, but the spring rates will differ. 1968-72 A-body front springs are used on 1968-70 BOP full size cars, but the spring rates vary.

REAR SPRINGS
The data that is true for front springs is the same for rear springs, and 1964-67 rearends have provisions for bolting on the spring to the pad. Another difference is that 1964-67 springs are pigtailed on one end only. 1968-72 rearends use a cup, and is flanged to hold the spring in place.

Frames

1964-67 A-bodies used the same frame design, but different models and body-styles utilized various body mounting, while all frames had a 115 inch wheelbase. The '64-'67 boxed convertible frames use welded-on tabs to provide attach points for the transmission crossmember. (So, if updating the drivetrain with more modern components such as the TH400 transmission, you must consider this: Since the TH400 was not available in the 1966 and earlier A-body, the tabs do not extend far enough rearward to support the crossmember for that application. You will need to cut the tabs off of a 67'-up frame and weld them to the earlier frame in the appropriate position.)
1968-72 frames had two different wheelbases, a 116 and 112 inch wheelbase. Sedans, station wagons, and utilities like the El Camino used a 116 inch frame, and the frame is interchangeable, except that the sedan had non-boxed rails.
The hardtop and convertible used a 112-inch wheelbase version, and all models except for Pontiac 455 powered hardtops and convertibles interchange. The convertible utilized a boxed design, for added strength.
1969-72 Grand Prixs and 1970 Monte Carlos used a modified hardtop frame, and the only design difference is the movement of the front wheels four inches forward of the traditional front wheel position on the hardtop and convertible. The engine and tranny position remained at the same place, but the mass of the components resulted in the engine and tranny combo behind the front wheels. The frame's wheelbase dimensions measure 116 inches, and this frame design is exclusive to the Grand Prix or Monte Carlo.
The 1969-72 Grand Prix was designated as a "G" body by the Fisher Body division, but A-car suspension components are used. The Monte Carlo was designated as the "A-Special" series, and the official use of the G-car designation was in 1982.

Here's a comprehensive list of frames that interchange with 1968-72 A-body hardtops/convertibles

112" wheelbase only

Buick Special '68 2dr.,conv
Buick Special '69 2dr., exc GS400 H.T.
Buick Special '70 2dr., conv
Buick Special '71-72 2dr.,exc 8-455
Chevelle '68-'72 2dr.,exc pickup
Chevelle '71-'72 2dr.,H.T.& conv
Olds F85 '68 2dr.,conv
Olds F85 '69 2dr
Olds F85 '70 2dr.,conv
Olds F85 '71-'72 2dr
Tempest '68 2dr.,conv
Tempest '69 2dr
Tempest '70 2dr.,sdn., H.T & conv exc 8-455
Tempest '71-'72 2dr., exc 8-455

Also remember that Tempest also includes G.T.O. and LeMans. Olds F85 includes Cutlass and 442. Buick Special
includes Skylark and Gran Sport/GSX.

116" wheelbase exc. El Camino/Station Wagon and Monte Carlo/Grand Prix

Hollander Interchange lists the following as a heavy duty replacement for '72 four doors:

Buick Special '68 4dr sdn

Buick Special '69-'72 4dr.,sdn & H.T.

Chevelle '68-'71 4dr.,sdn & H.T.

Olds F85 '68-'71 4dr., sdn & H.T.

Tempest '68 4dr., sdn

Tempest '69-'71 4dr., exc. S.W.

Tempest '72 4dr., H.T.

The original type frame interchange for a '72 four door is

Chevelle '72 4dr., sdn & H.T.

Olds F85 '72 4dr., sdn & H.T.

Tempest '72 4dr., sdn

RADIATOR

The radiator dimensions vary with application, like engine size, and which options are available, like HD cooling and A/C.
The base radiator (commonly found on six cylinder and non-A/C cars) measured 20 3/4 x 16 1/8 inches, and the HD radiator measures 28 3/8 x 16 1/8 inches.
The HD radiator is the most preferred, and the cores varied from 2 to 4 rows (sometimes five, typical for those that find radiators from a Cadillac).
The cooling tank on 1972 models is angled, and this distinguished it from the earlier radiators. There is also a provision for a coolant recovery system, which is the small tube that is located next to the radiator cap.
For the dimensions that involve the automatic tranny cooling lines, the earlier spacing measures 12 inches, while 1972 and later radiators measures at 8 1/2 inches.
Other GM vehicles from the 1970s (1971-76) may use a radiator that may fit into a GM A-body, and this means that finding a radiator for an LS6 or GEN VI 502 big block (a four core) could mean looking under the hood of a Cadillac (e.g. a Coupe DeVille) or BOP full-size vehicle (LeSabre, Bonneville, Ninety-Eight).
Another way to locate a radiator is to reference the Hollander Interchange Manual, which has different engine options that interchange with what might be needed.
Note: Some of the radiators from the BOP/C cars of 1971-76 vintage will have a fitting on the RH tank for the 3/4" heater hose, which is the primary hose that flows antifreeze back into the radiator. Most of the OEM part numbers have been discontinued, and the wrecking yard might be the logical choice.

Glass

1968 VENT GLASS FOR 2-DOOR HARDTOPS
This piece is commonly interchangeable with all 1968 2-door hardtops/convertibles and the vent wing assembly is a direct interchange. Note: 1968 was the only year that the vent assembly was present on a hardtop, before GM used the Astro Ventilation system on 1969 A-body hardtops. 1969-72 door glass, for the hardtop/convertible, is a one-piece design.
1968 2-DOOR HARDTOP DOOR GLASS
The vent glass is a one-year item for '68s, and this also holds true for the door glass. The window regulator (which has a cross-arm assembly) and its parts are interchangeable with the
following:
- 1968-72 El Caminos
- 1968 2-door hardtops/convertibles
- 1968-72 pillared coupes built by the BOP marques.
There are two regulators used, one for manual windows, and one for a regulator with a power motor setup. Warning: If you end up with a four-door vent glass from a pillarless sedan (e.g. the wrecking yard), or if someone has one for sale at a swap meet, don't buy it unless you want to use the parts from a 4-door hardtop sedan to repair an existing 2-door part!
1970-72 HARDTOP DOOR GLASS
All A-body hardtops built by General Motors during this time period will interchange, and the 1970-72 Chevrolet Monte Carlo door glass will fit any 1970-72 A-body hardtop or convertible. The window regulator will also interchange (the regulator has only one arm).

QUARTER GLASS

1968/69 Chevelle 2-door hardtops quarter glass will interchange, and there is a rumor that the quarter glass from an Oldsmobile Cutlass 2-door hardtop will interchange with 1968/69 Chevelle hardtops. I have little knowledge for the Buick Skylark; it might interchange with the Chevelle, but the Chevelle glass (which is smaller) would not fit the Buick. Another note: the hardtop glass, which includes the 1968/69 Chevelle, will interchange with the 1968/69 Pontiac Beaumont (Pontiac of Canada), a Canadian-built variant of the Chevelle with a Pontiac-like grille.
1970-72 Chevelle and Buick Skylark 2-door hardtops interchange. 1968-72 Pontiac Lemans/Tempest 2-door hardtop quarter glass will bolt into a 1970-72 Chevelle hardtop, but part numbers differ.

WINDSHIELDS

1964/65 A-body hardtops are interchangeable with the following:

1964-67 El Camino

all A-body Station Wagons, sedans, and 2-door pillared coupes exc. 1966/67 Lemans pillared coupe

1966/67 2-door hardtops (including the 1966/67 Pontiac Lemans and Buick Special post coupe) used the same windshield assembly

The 1968-72 hardtops and convertibles used the same windshield assembly with one other note: 1970-72 windshields incorporate an integrated antenna in the windshield. The windshield from the El Camino and 2-door pillared coupe will fall into the same category with the hardtop and convertible.

WARNING: a 4-door A-body windshield, which is also a station wagon part, will not interchange with the hardtop, which is 1" taller.

REAR GLASS

1966/67 Chevelle 2-door hardtops 1966/67 Oldsmobile Cutlass 2-door hardtop, 1966/67 Buick Special/Pontiac Tempest or LeMans 2-door pillared coupes, 1966/67 Buick Skylark hardtop shared the same back glass.
Note: 1966/67 Pontiac Tempest/LeMans/GTO 2-door hardtop back glass is completely different, and has no relation to the tunneled rear window found on other A-bodies mentioned above.
The 1968-72 Chevelle rear glass for hardtops and pillared coupes will interchange with the following vehicles:
1970-72 Monte Carlo
1969-70 Pontiac Grand Prix
The BOP A-bodies rear windows are unique to the bodystyle used and this includes the following vehicles that interchange:
1968-72 Lemans/GTO hardtops and pillared coupes used the same glass for all models,
1968-72 Buick Skylarks had the same rear backlite for all years
1968-72 Oldsmobile Cutlass hardtops shared the same rear window.
1968-72 4-door Chevelle, Tempest/LeMans, and F85/Cutlass shared the same rear window assembly
1971-72 Grand Prix and 1970-72 Cutlass Supreme "Holiday Coupe" shared the same component