To:	oldsmobile-digest @ chebucto.ns.ca @ INTERNET
cc:	 
Subject:	oldsmobile-digest V1 #711


oldsmobile-digest           Sunday, 8 June 1997        Volume 01 : Number 711

Re: Hello, 100th?
70 442
Re: Freon-12 Replacements
Re: 70 442
Re: 70 442
Re: 70 442
olds sightings
Test (Don't Read)
widened steel wheels
Test (Don't Read)
Driveshafts
RE: All  A Frame bodys
Re: Gear Ratio Question
Re: Chicago Carb Shops
Car Show Report
oldsmobile-digest V1 ª709
Re: 58 Olds Super 88
Re: 66 Cutlass Help ( Fuel Tank & Power Steering Blues)
Plate Readers
Update on Freon-12 Replacements
=?iso-8859-1?Q?EPCO Wheel?=
WTB: DYNAMIC 88 CONV. IN CA, AZ, OR NV
Re: EPCO Wheel
The Endless Used Car Search... (long)
Frame Repairs
Re: The Endless Used Car Search... (long)
Re: Update on Freon-12 Replacements
Re: 58 Olds Super 88
'70 442 GRILLE

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Greg Beaulieu <ab348@chebucto.ns.ca>
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 19:46:12 -0300
Subject: Re: Hello, 100th?

Here's an older message from a while back. I hear that as of right now
there are about 1700 cars registered. All sorts of other things going on,
accommodations might be hard to get right now so better call soon. Here's
the older message:

On Wed, 1 Jan 1997, Les Johansen wrote:
>   Can someone tell me more about the Anniv. Event in August?

Well, the latest JWO has an update. It is scheduled for August 20-23 in
Lansing. They expect to have 2000+ automobiles and 325 vendors present.
They are arranging tours and other activities in addition to the show
itself. Apparently 7 hotels are already sold out and to get reservations
you need to call the Greater Lansing Visitors and Convention Bureau at
800-648-6630. The contacts at Olds are:

Bob Jarboe 517-885-1747
John Angell 517-377-6178
Mary Jo Ring 517-885-1750

They are preparing a registration package so it might be worthwhile to put
your name on any list they are maintaining. It sounds like a good time
and I'm looking forward to being there!

Greg Beaulieu        ab348@chebucto.ns.ca        Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

------------------------------

From: JNelson751@aol.com
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 20:22:56 -0300
Subject: 70 442

there is a 442 for sale with this plate, can someone decode?
thanks

     ST70 344487 LAN 411157
       930             10  10
       04A

------------------------------

From: grpruett@vt.edu (Greg Pruett )
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 12:04:48 -0300
Subject: Re: Freon-12 Replacements

>Dear Bob,
>
>Is this FR-12 compatable with R-12??  Or do you need to perge the system
>of R-12 or change any of the components??  Also, what about this
>R-134A??  Any information you can give us on the matter would be
>appreciated.

I've read that the EPA made it illegal to mix any refrigerants.  So you can
evacuate the R-12 in your system and replace it with FR-12, but you can't
legally top off R-12 with anything other than R-12.  It's not a good idea to
mix them anyway, since you don't really know if the chemicals will like one
another.  You can't legally vent R-12 to the atmosphere anymore, but you can
have a local AC shop evacuate it for you.  I wouldn' t pay anyone to just
evacuate a system though because they can re-use the freon once they filter
it and it's worth about $25 a pound.  There should be someone around that
will evacuate the system just for the freon.

Greg Pruett
`72 Vista-Cruiser
`67 Cutlass Supreme

------------------------------

From: Paul Hartlieb <plh@nbn.net>
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 18:30:32 -0300
Subject: Re: 70 442

JNelson751@aol.com wrote:
>
> there is a 442 for sale with this plate, can someone decode?
> thanks
>
> ST70

1970

> 344487

(3) Oldsmobile (4487) 442 Holiday Coupe

> LAN 411157

Built in the Lansing plant 411157 is the body sequence number.

> 930

Interior trim code 0 is for black.  Believe 9 is for buckets? 3 would be
the material code.

> 10  10

Upper and lower paint codes.  10 is for Porcelain White.

> 04A

Build code 1st week (A) of April (04)

Paul
- --
Paul Hartlieb
plh@nbn.net
'67 Ninety Eight Holiday Coupe
'72 Cutlass Supreme Convertible

------------------------------

From: Matt Cremean <ccremean@edcen.ehhs.cmich.edu>
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 18:42:49 -0300
Subject: Re: 70 442

JNelson751@aol.com wrote:
>
> there is a 442 for sale with this plate, can someone decode?
> thanks
>
>      ST70 344487 LAN 411157
>        930             10  10
>        04A

I'm new at this plate stuff. First, where is the plate (inside driver
door?), and where can I find info about reading it? (or do I have to
just know it?)

- --
**********************************
Matt Cremean
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
CreamerSoft) Software
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/5988/creamersoft.html
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Vista/3973/73olds.html
**********************************

------------------------------

From: James & Joanne Chermack <chermac@exis.net>
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 23:40:22 -0300
Subject: Re: 70 442

At 08:22 PM 6/7/97 -0300, you wrote:
>there is a 442 for sale with this plate, can someone decode?
>thanks
>
>     ST70 344487 LAN 411157
>       930             10  10
>       04A
>
        This decodes to:

ST70 = 1970
3 = Oldsmobile
44 = 442
87 = 2 Door Holiday Coupe
LAN = Lansing MI
411157 = Sequential Job Number
930 = Black Bucket Seats
10 10 = Porcelain White Lower and Upper Color
04 = April 1970 (build month)
A = First Week of Month

Hope this helps you out.

Jim Chermack

------------------------------

From: "Suzanne Rousseau" <ewok@clarkston.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 01:09:35 -0300
Subject: olds sightings

I just got a job delivering for an auto parts store, and on one trip I
noticed an old Toronado (66-7*, I can't tell the difference yet) sitting in
the weeds.  It appeared straight, but when I'm out in that direction again
I'll take a closer look.

Also, the casino here is giving away a few classic cars, and what do they
have?  A '62 Ninety-Eight Convertible!  Wowee.  What a nice car.  It is tan
inside and out, and very straight - no dents, dings, scratches, or rust.
They are also giving away a '50's convertible 'Vette and a '66 Ch*v*lle SS.
 I know where I'm going this Saturday when I turn 18.   :-)  That '62 has
my name written all over it.

Later...

Paul Rousseau
*1967 442

------------------------------

From: James & Joanne Chermack <chermac@exis.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 02:38:07 -0300
Subject: Test (Don't Read)



------------------------------

From: "Suzanne Rousseau" <ewok@clarkston.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 02:45:33 -0300
Subject: widened steel wheels

I've been thinking about the possibility of widening my steel hubcap wheels
instead of American TorqThrust D's for the sleeper effect.  It'll definetly
fool the 5.0's and LT1's.  Does anyone know who can widen them for me?
They are 15x7 now and I would like them to be 15x10's.  And how much would
it cost to do a pair of wheels?

Thanks...

Paul Rousseau
*1967 -Sleeping- 442

------------------------------

From: James & Joanne Chermack <chermac@exis.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 02:40:50 -0300
Subject: Test (Don't Read)



------------------------------

From: STVF11D@prodigy.com (MISS HEATHER K HUMPHRIES)
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 04:43:47 -0300
Subject: Driveshafts

In regards to driveshaft's I have done swaps with involving all
combinations of the 350&455
using 350&400TH, it been the easiest and most reliable to measure and
have one cut. Because
of the two possible positions you could have used on the block and
the difference in couple
of tranny shafts and housings you might have used . If you have one
longer than you need have
it cut. But if you still need the 400 yoke it will be cheaper to pick
up a shaft at the junk yard
that has a good 400 yoke on it already and have it cut. As far as the
shafts with the rubber
damper's if you re having one made go with out, if you find one that
will fit you can use it just
remember one solid piece of steel is stronger than two held together
by rubber.


Mark Graff
(matched numbers) 70 442 W-25
I just wanted to add that all the numbers match because I've haven't
been able to find any
others yet. Anybody else?
Minneapolis,MN

------------------------------

From: STVF11D@prodigy.com (MISS HEATHER K HUMPHRIES)
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 04:55:16 -0300
Subject: RE: All  A Frame bodys

All the A frame body's are the same with the exception of the
convertible, which has the inside
of the frame reinforced with plates welded along it. The rest,
Cutlass,Cutlass Supreme, F85,442,
and Cutlass S are interchangeable.

Mark Graff
70 442 W-25
Minneapolis,MN

------------------------------

From: KarlAunan@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 04:22:05 -0300
Subject: Re: Gear Ratio Question

O.K.

Here is why few can find this code.

They are not looking for the right code.

Oldsmobile axle tubes have the differential code stamped on the front of the
passenger's side of the axle. Typically it is covered/rusted over.

You will typically need three things to find/uncover this code.

1.)Wire brush. I find that a wire wheel drill bit works very well.

2.)Flashlight. The code may be difficult to discern.

3.)A sprig of mint. (Sorry, a joke for Dave and Chris.)


Now. Find the forwards facing section of the passenger's side of the axle
tube.

Apply the wire brush vigorously.

Look for the code. There can be many more than two characters in it.

What you are looking for exactly is the two adjacent letters (usually (?)
preceded by one or more numbers) of the code that is stamped [read this as
__NOT__RAISED__] into the axle tube.

The letters themselves can be very fine and very faint. Further, there can be
flaws in the stamping dies or the application of same. Today the guys and I
saw a "C" stamping that looked very much like a "G" because the lower lip of
the "C" kept curling. While "G" codes may exist they could not apply to that
year of axles.

We looked for the code on three different axles and found all three in the
same place on the axle.

That is the data. Now go forth and scrape iron.

Karl Aune
1965 Dynamic 88 [now in three Soylent flavors; Ocean mist, Blue, and Black]
Chicago, IL

http://members.aol.com/KarlAunan/index.html

Exiting Geisha Reluctantly?

------------------------------

From: KarlAunan@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 04:38:41 -0300
Subject: Re: Chicago Carb Shops

Speed Service on Irving Park road (about 3400?) is an authorized Holley
dealer. That is the only dedicated carburetor shop I know of offhand. I
prefer to do my own work or learn how so that I can. Consult the Superpages
or the Yahoo! search engines for buisinesses in the Chicago area.

Karl Aune
1965 Dynamic 88
Chicago, IL

http://members.aol.com/KarlAunan/index.html

A one-barreled Holley?

------------------------------

From: Charley Buehner <buehner@cis.nmclites.edu>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 05:37:45 -0300
Subject: Car Show Report

Took part in the "11th Annual Bear Paw Rod Run" here today.  Put the GS in
it, just because it may be my last chance to be in one.  Very glad I did,
because there was a ~grand total~ of ~one~ Buick, and ~one~ Oldsmobile at
the show and shine!  The ~one~ Olds was a '61 Ninety Eight Convertible, and
was positively beautiful.  I got a few pictures of it, and will post them
as soon as I get my new homepage (and have them developed)  After the show
and shine, all the cars went out to the mountains at a campsight to
"socialize" (talk cars and drink beer, mainly)  Along the way, the drivers
would stop at five locations and pick up one playing card at each.  The top
four poker hands won prizes at the end of the night...  Kinda neat, but I
was fifth (out of 80 or more cars, and with AAA44, no less!!!)  Anyway,
there were three more Olds's to show up there.  All of them made me drool.
Two 67 442's, one a post, one a convert.  The convert has SSI's that have
been widenned, but I didn't hear any more details about that process.  If I
see him again, I'll ask.  Later, a '68 Cutlass showed up, really nice to
see.  The 61 made it there, too.  I talked to him for a while.  He ~thinks~
he has a 63 Dynamic 88 parts car.  Couldn't remember for sure.  Theresa,
are you getting excited???  I'll try to get in touch with the guy again to
find out.  Of course, I got pictures of all these cars.  They will be on
the web page someday as well...

Ooooooh!!!!!!  Something just dawned on me!  There were only two camaros
there!!!!!!!  There were tons of Pontiacs.  Quite a few Mopars (a short
visit from a Superbird, even) And quite a few fords.  I only remember
seeing ~one~ mustang, too, come to think of it.  (He was parked right next
to the GS.  I wonder what he thought of my window and plates....)  Lots of
~uncommon~ vehicles there.  That's the second best thing I like to see at
those things (the first being Olds, of course)

While I didn't win anything, there were still quite a few cars that were
much worse off than the GS, and I had a pretty good time.  I'll be
regretting it everytime something scrapes against the back of my neck (or
any other body parts that have amazingly changed color to red, now...) but
that will go away.  I had fun, and even got in a few races.  Too few, but
some, anyway.  Kinda depressing, I lost to a GTO last night.  Pretty slow
car, too.  I'm amazed that he managed to hook up like that in the rain!  I
sure couldn't!  Don't worry, there are other days-I'll get him... :)

Better go, though.  I've been yawning for the last four hours, and it's
time to do something about it.  Later :)


             Charley Buehner       | mailto:buehner@cis.nmclites.edu
             500 4th Ave.          | mailto:charley@rocketship.com
             Box 1255              | Montana State University-Northern
             Havre, Montana 59501  | http://cis.nmclites.edu/~buehner
             "Rockit 1"            | '81 Olds Cutlass ~Dead 425~
             "BT UR 4D"            | '70 Buick GS 455
     "FAST FWD" (Soon)   | '67 Toronado 425
                    Real Cars ~Don't~ Wear Bowties!

------------------------------

From: mjones@dragon.gleep.com
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 20:35:34 -0300
Subject: oldsmobile-digest V1 ª709

OL>From: mrada <mrada@catalina-inter.net>
OL>Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 23:47:04 -0300
OL>Subject: Re: Tire Question

OL>Hi all,

OL>Does anyone know what the maximum size of tire can be placed on my
OL>1982 Delta Royale Brougham (DRB)?  It currently has 235/75 R15 and
OL>the door reads 205/75 R15.

OL>Let me know

OL>Chris Sparks

OL>------------------------------

I've had 235/75/15's on my '78 Delta 88, I was told by the local tire
shop that the biggest tires I could fit without rubbing were 245/60's.

Mike Jones
'78 Olds Delta 88

------------------------------

From: BigEJ@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 12:33:38 -0300
Subject: Re: 58 Olds Super 88

>      Anyway .....  regarding 56 Oldsmobile engines.  In '56 there were only
>two options for Olds engines er or you could say there was one standard
>engine and a single option.  The first was a 230 hp 324 cid  2 barrel engine
>and the second a 240 hp 324 cid four barrel engine.  That's it, the 371
>didn't come along until 57 including the J2 option.

I'm confused!!  Is this a 56 or a 58??

Elephant Engine Ernie

------------------------------

From: Robert Knowles <bigrob@flash.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 12:38:45 -0300
Subject: Re: 66 Cutlass Help ( Fuel Tank & Power Steering Blues)

At 11:52 PM 6/6/97 -0300, you wrote:
>> 2. My engine runs great off of a gas can of fresh gas, but crappy off of
>the
>> tank. I have drained all the gas twice from the fuel tank, and added
>fresh
>> fuel. Once I get the car started it runs fairly well, but doesn't wanna
>> idle. I have a clear fuel filter in-line, and when I am on the tank I can
>> see the fuel kinda squirting in the filter , but the filter should fill
>up
>> about 1/2 way right? It does off the gas can, but not the tank. So it
>kinda
>> starves for fuel when I punch it.
>
>When you use the gas can, are you pumping thru the fuel pump? If you are,
>then I would check all the fuel lines from the pump back to the tank for a
>pin hole or rotten  rubber hose, especially above the tank or rear axle.
>Sounds like it is sucking air into the line.
>
>  Daniel Hall
>  cdhall@carol.net
>  68 Toro
>  70 Toro
>  70 SX W32
>
>You were correct sir, and I thank you. There was a rotten rubber hose under
the tank, well sort of next to it. I still dropped the tank, drained what I
could not get out, and washed it with muratic acid. The sock filter and the
tank looked real good...but some of the fuel was really dark, like dark
beer. So new rubber and fuel pump and I ought to be in buiness.

Now who can tell me why my power steering pump doesn't pump, when it did
before I took it off,,,HUH?    Somebody anwser MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

                                                                      Robert
Knowles
                                                                      66
Cutlass
                                                                      Ft.Wor
th, Texas
>
>

------------------------------

From: Matt Cremean <ccremean@edcen.ehhs.cmich.edu>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 09:23:52 -0300
Subject: Plate Readers

James & Joanne Chermack wrote:
>
> At 08:22 PM 6/7/97 -0300, you wrote:
> >there is a 442 for sale with this plate, can someone decode?
> >thanks
> >
> >     ST70 344487 LAN 411157
> >       930             10  10
> >       04A
> >
>         This decodes to:
>
> ST70 = 1970
> 3 = Oldsmobile

Okay, then can you help me with mine?

ST  73 3AJ57LAN410960  BDY
TR    957      19   A  PNT
      2B    A65

Obviously it's a 73 Olds built in Lansing, but that's all I can tell.

- --
**********************************
Matt Cremean
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
CreamerSoft) Software
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/5988/creamersoft.html
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Vista/3973/73olds.html
**********************************

------------------------------

From: "bill " <lewman@mindpulse.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 14:02:46 -0300
Subject: Update on Freon-12 Replacements

What he says below is correct.  You can not legally mix the two.  However,
by removing the old Freon, you can legally add the new substitute.

I ran into an auto body teacher who recently sponsored a Snap On seminar on
air conditioning and the new R-134.  I asked him about the new substitutes
for the old Freon.  He was told that the new R-134 worked fine in the old
systems.  He was also told to stay away from the substitutes.  When it
first came out, eveyone thought it would be very expensive to retrofit with
new hoses, etc.  What they have found is that the only requirement,
generally, is to add new O rings for the hoses.  If a hose has to be
replaced, it would leak with the new or old refrigerant.  Some oil may have
to be replaced also (I am not an air conditioning expert, but this is what
I was told).  The upside is that they find it only takes about 80-85% of
the new R-134 to run the old systems.  The cost difference between Freon
and the new R-134 is $50 vs. $15 per pound I am told.  So if you have to
get your system redone, it will probably pay to change it over.  The only
problem mau be to find a good shop to do it, but that is no different that
getting any car repaired.  It might pay to go to a shop specializing in air
conditioning repairs.

Has anyone had any experiences converting over to the new refrigerants?

lewman@mindpulse.com

- ----------
> From: oldsmobile@chebucto.ns.ca
> To: Lewman
> Subject: Re: Freon-12 Replacements
> Date: Saturday, June 07, 1997 9:51 PM
>
>
> >Dear Bob,
> >
> >Is this FR-12 compatable with R-12??  Or do you need to perge the system
> >of R-12 or change any of the components??  Also, what about this
> >R-134A??  Any information you can give us on the matter would be
> >appreciated.
>
> I've read that the EPA made it illegal to mix any refrigerants.  So you
can
> evacuate the R-12 in your system and replace it with FR-12, but you can't
> legally top off R-12 with anything other than R-12.  It's not a good idea
to
> mix them anyway, since you don't really know if the chemicals will like
one
> another.  You can't legally vent R-12 to the atmosphere anymore, but you
can
> have a local AC shop evacuate it for you.  I wouldn' t pay anyone to just
> evacuate a system though because they can re-use the freon once they
filter
> it and it's worth about $25 a pound.  There should be someone around that
> will evacuate the system just for the freon.
>
> Greg Pruett
> `72 Vista-Cruiser
> `67 Cutlass Supreme
>

------------------------------

From: Linda Wright <louie@cjnetworks.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 09:10:02 -0300
Subject: =?iso-8859-1?Q?EPCO Wheel?=

I'm looking for a wheel cover, hubcap, wheel (whatever they call them) for an
'88 Olds Toronado.  They were put out by EPCO, but they may be out of
business.  Any help would be appreciated.  Where do I order them, if EPCO's
out of business?

------------------------------

From: Greg Yonge <gsyonge@genesisnetwork.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 16:45:41 -0300
Subject: WTB: DYNAMIC 88 CONV. IN CA, AZ, OR NV

Anybody know of any Dynamic Convertibles for sale out there?
Prefer CA, AZ, NV area.

Thanks.

Greg Yonge
OCAª 029415

------------------------------

From: Mike Frederick <edison3@cpeq.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 19:51:39 -0300
Subject: Re: EPCO Wheel

Linda Wright wrote:
>
> I'm looking for a wheel cover, hubcap, wheel (whatever they call them)
> for an '88 Olds Toronado.

Don't know but you might want to send this to the Toro list.  Maybe
someone there will know.  The address is toro@armchair.mb.ca

    66 Toro
The /\   /\ and Mike

- --
Michael R. Frederick, CEO           Edison3, Incorporated
     Tampa, Florida           Data Translation & Communication
     (813) 210-8649             http://www.cpeq.com/~edison3/

------------------------------

From: Greg Beaulieu <ab348@chebucto.ns.ca>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 18:14:14 -0300
Subject: The Endless Used Car Search... (long)

The impossible quest for a good used car continues. This was another
frustrating weekend. It is kind of hard for me to believe that there can
be such *deceit* in people... ;-) Well, maybe not... maybe it's just
salesmanship. But shoot, how can you explain things like those that I
encountered the last couple of days. What I'm looking for is a GM rear
wheel drive car, either full-size or mid-size, preferably with a V-8.
Here's what I found:

The two best cars were the 87 Cutlass offered at $7850, owner would take
$7K, and an 86 Bonneville 4-door with a V-6, offered at about $4600.
These were both brought up from N.C. and the prices reflect that. The
Cutlass was nice but not great (didn't have buckets, console, T-roof,
etc.) but did have original paint, etc., and a claimed 48K miles. The
Bonneville was similarly original and except for a passenger seat
suffering some tears in the upholstery it wasn't bad and drove well. I
passed on these but I might end up going back after the rest of what I saw.

Intrigued by 2 ads from the same guy and a conversation where he
described 2 real nice cars, I drove about an hour to see an 84 GP and an
86 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham. The GP was total junk (the ad said
"Perfect car!"- yeah, suuuure!) but the Parisienne seemed nice for the
price. About 50K miles, 1 previous owner, loaded, everything seemed to
work, and it has original paint. Drove really nice too, had the handling
suspension and a V-8. Alarm bells started to go off during the test drive
when a package of welding rods poked out from under the seat. After I got
back, I asked the guy what they were for. Turned out the frame had been
welded to fix some rot in the rear body mount area. Of course, it was now
covered with so much goop that you couldn't see a thing as to the quality
of the repair. A shame because the car drove nice but I'd be afraid of a
car like that with frame problems. Asking $3850.

Next was an 85 Monte that of which the ad said "you won't believe it's an
85!". Actually it looked really nice except all of the exterior plastic
chrome brightwork had been polished to the point where there was no
brightness left (and there's a lot of plastic chrome on the outside of
one of these, I found). But, with just a V-6 showing 120,000 miles it
can't have much left. Plus it had the usual G-body rear frame rust which
hadn't been repaired -- the guy said, "yeah, but at least you have
something to work with!". Maybe, but this struck me as a sweet-looking
car that would be nothing but problems mechanically. But they only wanted
$2500 for it, so it might not have been a bad deal for someone looking
for a project. Maybe you could have bought it and mated it with the $1800
Monte I saw, 55,000 miles, but suffering from mucho rot.

Saw an 83 Supreme, T-tops, a good repaint hiding god-knows what
underneath, odometer showing 84,000 (I suspect 184,000 km, about 110,000
miles). Cosmetically good, T-tops, buckets, console, didn't look bad at
all. Crawled under it and this one had the rear frame repaired too. It
looked like not a bad job actually, but I wonder about these repairs.
Anyone have experience with these? Rot was starting to show where the
inner wheelhouse met the trunk floor also, and I didn't have a chance to
drive it so I can't say if it's worth what they want: around $4K.

Similar story on a 85 Delta 2-door, $3500 asking, 110,000 miles, beat.
Then there was the 84 Delta 4-door, original owner, 60K miles, with no
paint left on the hood (I could live with that) but also no metal
remaining in the driver's side C-pillar. I have never seen a car rust
there before and it looked like you could just peel back the roof if you
had a mind to. Passed.

The favorite was a 77 Electra, original owner, 403 Olds under the hood,
48K miles. I got so excited when I saw this ad I called right away. The
guy described it as a real solid car, good transportation, just a few
rust "pits" here and there, 4 new tires, new this, new that, I couldn't
wait to see it. Asking $2700. I raced to the scene. Well, if he bought
new tires, he didn't buy air for a couple of them. Both flat. Plus, the
rust "pits" were confined to the entire set of doors, the roof (which had
given up it's paint to the cause, showing a real interesting reverse
dalmation-like pattern of mostly dark rust with occasional spots of white
paint holding on valiantly), the trunk lid... a total mess. I've seen
parts cars in junkyards that were lots better than this. I couldn't believe
it. Might make another interesting project with that 403, but that's not
what I want or what I understood it to be.

I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't start looking into what it takes to
bring a car up here from the USA, from a place like Virginia, where I'll
be next week. A rust-free southern car would sure be a nice change from
these hulks. The quest continues...

Greg Beaulieu        ab348@chebucto.ns.ca        Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

------------------------------

From: Greg Beaulieu <ab348@chebucto.ns.ca>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 18:18:40 -0300
Subject: Frame Repairs

With all of the GM cars I saw this weekend needing or having had some
sort of rear frame repair, can anyone here tell me whether this is
something that can be done so that you don't need to be concerned about
it later on? I would be wary of buying a car either having had or needing
this repair done to it, but what do I know? Is it a big deal or shouldn't I
worry about it, assuming it was done correctly?

Since I have owned 2 GM cars from the 60's with no frame problems, I
wonder why these late models seem to suffer from the affliction so much.
Lighter guage/poorer quality steel would be my guess.

Greg Beaulieu        ab348@chebucto.ns.ca        Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

------------------------------

From: Eric Aksomitis <aksomi@cs.uregina.ca>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 18:23:06 -0300
Subject: Re: The Endless Used Car Search... (long)

On Sun, 8 Jun 1997, Greg Beaulieu wrote:

>
> The impossible quest for a good used car continues. This was another
> frustrating weekend. It is kind of hard for me to believe that there can
> be such *deceit* in people... ;-) Well, maybe not... maybe it's just
> salesmanship. But shoot, how can you explain things like those that I
> encountered the last couple of days. What I'm looking for is a GM rear
> wheel drive car, either full-size or mid-size, preferably with a V-8.
> Here's what I found:
> car like that with frame problems. Asking $3850.
>
> $2500 for it, so it might not have been a bad deal for someone looking
>
> Similar story on a 85 Delta 2-door, $3500 asking, 110,000 miles, beat.
> wait to see it. Asking $2700. I raced to the scene. Well, if he bought
>
Well, you should look into a '75 Olds Cutlass 4dr or 88/98.  It seems
that these things sell for scrap metal price + value of battery and
amount of fuel in tank.  I'm not complaining, though, I'm the buyer!

It's amazing that a '78 88 is worth 5 times more than a '75 88 in the
same shape, all for about 2-3 more mpg's!

...............self-promo sig file Version 2.2...............
Eric Aksomitis:
Virtual Junkyard: Current count -> 5 vehicles
Oldsmobile Index: Current Count -> 8 vehicles
http://www.cs.uregina.ca/~aksomi/       mailto:aksomi@cs.uregina.ca
Last update: 970504
..............................................................

------------------------------

From: "John M. Loban" <cyberpsych@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 18:52:07 -0300
Subject: Re: Update on Freon-12 Replacements

If 134 is compatible with R-12 then why all the new R-12 substitutes?

I would do my homework very carefully before substituting anything for
R-12.  I have heard from AC shops that 134 is not a R-12 substitute and
the other R-12 replacements although they may work for awhile, are
blends of chemicals and break down over time and can do damage.  There
is a big market for a good R-12 substitute and plenty of companies want
it but at what long term price?  Talk to several experts before you
convert your system you may find the cheapest long term solution is to
stick with what you have -  R-12.   John Loban

------------------------------

From: J2RKT@aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 19:26:07 -0300
Subject: Re: 58 Olds Super 88

  I must be getting dislexic in my old age i could swear that was a 56
instead of 58,
OOOPPPSSS.

                                J2RKT@aol.com

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From: Richard Staley <rstaley@fastlane.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 20:32:09 -0300
Subject: '70 442 GRILLE

What all do you need to do to get the grille out on a '70 442
   Thanks in advance,
  RS
'70 442 4-speed W-25

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End of oldsmobile-digest V1 ª711
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