GM Corporation Discussions on Classic Car Forum

restore '76 olds cutlass 4-dr

sahara09 — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:23:57 +0000

I would very much like your opinion on what to do with my 1976 4-door Oldsmobile Cutlass S. I am the original owner. For the past few years my Olds has been parked in my garage and not driven. It has a good deal of rust on the undercarriage, needs a new paint job, vinyl roof and seat covers, and of course will need engine work (hopefully just a new battery, carburetor , etc).

I have a sentimental attachment to the car for several reasons of which I will not bore you with. The car is fun to drive and although the gas mileage is about 10-12 mpg, maintenance is generally quite low plus it gives me a multi-car discount on my insurance.

There appear to be four options: (1) restore it, (2) donate it, (3) sell it, or (4) make the decision later.

From the research I have done and the book I read on restoration, it seems that most of the cars (1950s thru 1970s) that are restored are convertibles, sport cars, etc. Although my Olds does not have any of the usual collectible qualities, I've not seen very many 4-door versions.

Another thing I should mention is I will not be doing the work myself but will pay to have someone do it for me. If I restore it, I thought I would do it over a period of three years. Year one â€“ get the engine up and running, two â€“ exterior restoration, and three â€“ interior restoration.

So my questions are:

1. Is it worth restoring?

2. If I restore it and spend $$, will it still only be worth what it is now?

3. If I donate it, will they send it to the clunker farm or will its parts be removed and sold off?

4. Do you think anyone would want to buy it and restore it?

Thanks in advanceâ€¦ S

Parts identification

J Spencer — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 23:00:49 +0000

Can anyone help identify the application for this GM brake cable ? Believed to be early 60's. It's NOS still in package. Chevy, Pontiac ???

Group 4.826 part #3772968

Thank You, Jim Spencer

Fuel out top of carb*FIXED Now NewProb Vapor Lock?

59elko — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:34:44 +0000

So i changed my in carb fuel filter today and now fuel is pouring out of the top of my carb. its a small block 350 with 3 overhead rochester carbs. ***i'm only running one of the three carbs to save fuel. all i did was change the filter. i touched nothing else. after the fuel started pouring out i removed the new auto zone filter and replaced it with one of the original filters from the other carb. started it up and same problem. it's as if something is now blocking the needle valve or a float problem. it just seems odd that it would happen at the same time i changed the filter. tomorrow i will rebuild the carb and see.
has anyone out there experienced this or have any ideas?

thanks in advance!

66 Chevelle Yay or Nay?

letsfish22 — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:13:41 +0000

Hello all, I am new to the classic car world. I've always liked the 66/67 chevelle's and I have located a 66 and the guy is asking 14,900 obo. I need some input from some of y'all that have the experience and knowledge that I don't about whether or not this is a good buy or not! It has a 454 roller motor with cam, long tube headers, 800 carb, turbo350 tranny, 10 bolt rear end with 342 gears. Also has dual electric fans, pro comp guages, front disc brakes, MSD ignition and a line lock. I saw it this morning and gave it a once over to the best of my ability. Floor panels, rocker panels, frame and trunk all seemed to be free of rust or repair. It fired right up and drove like a champ, shifted smoothly, power steering. It's a 136 car which is fine with me. OK, now my concerns, Noticed some bondo on the driver side rear panel, headliner is faded, when we drove it the temp got to 190 rather quick, rear brakes need to be bled once more, not a posi trac. Gimmi some input or advice please.

1975 Buick Apollo

Hxcliff — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:29:38 +0000

Is the Apollo rare? Any 70`s cars?

1965 Chevrolet Biscayne "sleeper"

TPRM — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:45:43 +0000

This '65 Biscayne may look like an everyday classic car, but under the hood is a powerful 454 that cranks out an estimated 500 horsepower. She's a real beauty, but under the hood is a monster - very cool!

235 chevy

megapanel — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:21:08 +0000

Valve lifters tight, engine has been sitting approx. 3years(bad head gasket). Some antifreeze over the the lifters when I removed push rod panel any suggestions to loosen them up?

Beautiful '41 Buick for sale on Hemmings...

SamJ — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:30:26 +0000

This is an outstanding car!

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/?op=display_ad&id=1291542
[attachment=11778]41BuickFront9611.jpg[/attachment]

GM WIRE WHEELS 1931 CHEVY ?

lostmind — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:03:14 +0000

Hello ,I'm new on this forum.I'm normally on the
Hudson site.I have two wire wheels I'm Trying to
Identify so I can sell them. Here"s the measurements:

5 1/2 " bolt pattern

5 5/8 " hubcap opening

17 " across inside bead

3 " inside width

4 " outside width

6 lug holes

I can supply photo"s if needed

I want $30.00 a piece plus shipping Ihave two wheels

If anyone can help identify these or would like
to purchase them Email tunentime@hotmail.com

Thanks Roy

1953 Buick Skylark Info Needed

mdwhit — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:41:38 +0000

I have a 1953 Buick Skylark that I am slowly (very slowly) restoring. The chassis is done, but the front suspension still needs to be assembled. I have some questions that I hope someone here on the forum can answer:

1) I have been told that there is a flat leather piece (gasket) that goes between the front brake backing plate and the rectangular flange that protrudes into the brake shoe area (I wish I had a picture of the flange to attach here). On a Roadmaster that I dis-assembled long ago, there was a thick oily gasket in this area. But again, I have been told that it should be leather. Can anyone verify this? Since this is a rare Skylark, I want to do everything right. I even went to the extent of having these parts re-silver cadium plated. I had heard there was a guy in middle or northern CA that sold these, but don’t know who that is.

2) On the subject of gaskets, does anyone know if there is a gasket that goes between the frame and the front hydraulic (knee action) shock?

3) Is there a rubber type gasket that goes between the front spring lower coil and the A-frame? I know that there is a thick round gasket that rests between the upper coil of the front spring and the frame.

4) The front coil springs I have are p/n 1335808, but I don’t know if these are the correct springs. The Skylark of course, is a convertible, and these may have come from a 1953 RM Hardtop (long story…). Does anyone know if these are the correct p/n for a ’53 Skylark?

5) Actually, I would like to purchase NOS springs for the car. Especially, since everything else is either new or rebuilt. I have been unable to find any. Although. I did find some places that will cut new ones to order. I looked at comments on the AACA forum though concerning these suppliers, and there were a lot of comments… a few good and more than a few not so good. Can anyone comment on where I might get NOS springs, or at least locate a good supplier that will make a set?

6) One final question; does anyone know if there is a supplier that sells the shims, which are used for proper alignment between the enclosed driveshaft and the transmission?

Some of the questions that I am asking, I could answer myself if I had a parts catalogue for the car, but I have never been able to find one. So, if anyone can help with any information I would greatly appreciate it. I used to belong to the Buick Club, but no longer do. So that source is not available to me at this time.

Thanks in advance for any comments or information,
Michael

Identify GM rear end

buba — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:32:40 +0000

I have a 1950 gmc pickup and the drive train has been replaced and the only note I have found is that the rear end is suppose to have come from an oldsmobile 80s vintage, it is 10 bolt and i found the stamp on the axle and it came out looking like
GJA G354 2 or 6JA not sure on that first letter or number, can someone help me identify this rear end I will need to put new seals in. Is there more information on the rear end that I can find and if so where. Thanks for any help you can give.

What year is this Buick Spec?

Blizzard_1708 — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:43:34 +0000

Can someone please identify whar year this Buick Spec was build?[attachment=11323]80bYourbikenexttoacarfromthe60s.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=11324]80aYourbikenexttoacarfromthe60s.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=11325]80cYourbikenexttoacarfromthe60s.JPG[/attachment]

load leveler system on 1970 Monte Carlo SS454

davidyavidy — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:07:11 +0000

Are there any authentic factory repair manuals out there for 1970 Monte Carlo? Would like to know how to inspect/overhaul/test load leveler system for this vehicle.

Value Appreciation of 1992 Firebird 35K miles

FULLTILT — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:03:16 +0000

Good Afternoon!

I currently own a 1992 firebird in very good condition. It has only 35,000 miles. The only thing changed on the car is the stereo, otherwise 100% original.

The car has 305 cu. in. V8 and T Tops.

Kelly Blue book value (for what it's worth)is $3,600.

I have a buyer for $7,000.

I would like to know how a car like this would appreciate in value.

How old does it need to be before appreciation accelerates?

How much could it appreciate in value?

Thanks for you input and have a great day!

1981 Buick Regal

81BuickMan — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:28:04 +0000

[attachment=11085]267464_2103105944648_1455472783_2315825_5167015_n.jpg[/attachment]

[attachment=11086]261824_2103106144653_1455472783_2315826_3533678_n.jpg[/attachment]

Hello all. I just recently picked up a 1981 Buick Regal with 67,000 original miles on it. She has a carbureted 3800 V6 (Non-Turbo) and I am just looking for some suggestions on some things I can do in terms of modernizing this car (Making it better on gas, etc.) I would think that maybe just replacing major components of the engine etc would help. I am in the restoration process. Thanks in advance for any input.

Now what do I do with it???

44todd — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:37:54 +0000

Hey All. Look what I bought off craigslist yesterday for $700..14000 miles, 427 Hi deck motor 5 speed, 2 speed rearend, everything works..Now what do I do with it?

Value of a 66 Chevelle

letsfish22 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:47:57 +0000

i need engine help

resq_52 — Fri, 27 May 2011 09:35:03 +0000

i have a 52 chevy styleline deluxe i need help with engine timing and how to tell what engine i have.

1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 455 V8 w/ Rochester 4 Barrel Carb

nndogg196703 — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:35:34 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado. It has been re-painted a Maroon and has a 455 V8 with a Rochester 4 Barrel Carb. The car seems to run strong and sounds great when hitting the gas down. It does however need some work such as a new Master Cylinder for the brakes, vaccum hoses need to still get hooked up to the headlights and Carb, the Trim work needs to get put back up on the inside of the car. It's just sitting in the trunk for now. I have several pictures of the inside car and more info on my Blog. I am actually trying to sell it if anyone would be interested. It's located in Moorhead, MN 56560. Blog: http://1967OldsmobileToronado.Blogspot.com

BTW: Anybody has anybody ever converted one of these from ALL drum brakes to disc brakes? If so how much has it costed and was it fairly easy or hard?

Nick

RE: Need help to ID Nova Fenders

nhp1127 — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:29:13 +0000

[attachment=9879]038.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=9880]040.JPG[/attachment]
Can someone help ID what years Nova front fenders these are? Thanks in advance!

RE: Need help ID what year and model OLDs Hood

nhp1127 — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:23:01 +0000

[attachment=9877]032.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=9878]034.JPG[/attachment]
Can some one help verify what years and model this hood is? Thanks in advance! I'm going to list it on e-bay...

Building a replica of the 1961 Cadillac

KnightInExile — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:56:14 +0000

I am interested in buying a 1961 Cadillac. But after watching a video about a crash test between a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs a 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air, the footage left me disturbed and now I'm having second thoughts.

You can see the video here:

It appears that cars with crumble zones are indeed safer than the classic cars. I know that it is virtually impossible to retrofit a 61 Caddy with crumble zones because the frame was not designed that way.

Then I was thinking what if a replica was built using more or less the same raw materials for the hull but with a redesigned frame with crumble zones, air bags, ABS, and side beams in mind, would that make the car safer than it's original counterpart?

How do I get the rear seat out of my 1969 Olds 98

69OLDS98 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:17:15 +0000

Hi, can anyone please tell me to get the rear seat out of my 1969 Olds 98? This is my first classic car and I need to remove the seat to get the faded torn plastic off from around the seats.

Thanks a bunch,
Harry

68 pontiac catalina- parts needed

suzzi4579 — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 11:31:42 +0000

i have a 68 catalina hand me down ( im the 3rd generation to own it, my grandfather bought it new) i am looking to restore it. it is in ok shape as i have it road legal but it has some rust damage. i am having trouble finding rear quarter pannels ,rear floor pan, trunk pan, hood, dash panal and the lever that runs the top(i dont want a toggle switch) if any 1 knows where this can be found at i would appreciate it. or what years are compatable. thanks in advance.

Site for classic cars?

hussey — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:17:52 +0000

Hi all,
iam in search of good classic cars sites which have very good collection of old (1930 1960) cars.

crazy question....50s caddy as daily driver?

AngelEyes — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 07:32:00 +0000

How difficult/expensive/insane do you think it would be to use a car from the 1950s, particularly a Cadillac or Imperial, as a daily driver? Here's the caveats:

-I don't care if the car is all-original besides the exterior, meaning I have no problem using newer/better parts or replacements for the engine/trans/brakes etc.

-I don't care if the car doesn't look 100% pristine, it doesn't need to be perfect and shiny, just presentable.

-I have absolutely no desire to try re-sell the car for profit in the future. I just want to drive a cool old car, not make try to any money off the hobby like some restorers/collectors.

All this in mind, is this anything a sane person would do? If not, how old of a car would you consider using for a daily driver and why?

how much does a restored 67 impala cost?

JonImpala67 — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 04:35:02 +0000

im looking for a 2 dr hard top. with a reasonable amount of miles.

everything doesn't have to be brand new but im looking for one in rather good condition.

im not very picky, although its what i prefer, it doesnt have to be SS or matching numbers and what not. im just in love with the body of it.

due to a settlement im at least getting 16,000 but probably going to be in the 20,000. in around 6 months soo i have a some time to look.

how much does one cost around that description. and will it be easy to find one?

thanks!

Wondering what my Dad's 1975 Chevrolet Impala is w

close1974 — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:43:09 +0000

My dad is considering selling his 1975 Chevy Impala and I am curious what it might be worth. It has under 28,000 original miles - 2 owners (my grandpa and then my dad). Here are the other specs:

4 door

400 ci engine

redish brown with white top

interior is in excellent condition

exterior is in very good condition with only a little surface rust in a couple of small spots

Nearly everything is original

The car has been shedded since my grandpa purchased it new in 1975.

I appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks.

Need help to Id tilt steering column.

Ornberg — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:08:52 +0000

I have no idea what car this column comes from. I’m not sure if the steering wheel belongs to it from the beginning either but this is the way I get it. I don’t know if it from Gm or could it be from a Rambler?

I need to Id this column so I can buy a new bottom bearing for it.

Thanks

[attachment=8487]column3.jpg[/attachment]

[attachment=8488]column2.jpg[/attachment]

[attachment=8489]column1.jpg[/attachment]

On the hunt for collectors value

ScottyH — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:17:47 +0000

Hello, I'm here looking for a friend to find the collectors value of his 1976 Pontiac Grand Lemans. It's the 2 door sport coupe, has a 350 engine, air conditioning, and a luxury package. I know he's in the process of restoring it, and I don't know if he could get pictures or not.

I looked it up on a pricing site and found that it was worth $6,075 retail value, however he's looking to price it at what it would be worth to other collectors. If anyone could give me an estimate without pictures I'd really appreciate it. If not I can try to get pictures for you.