'76 olds 98

[miho35o]

hello,

i am yet another new guy who just bought a 1976 olds 98. It's got 68,000 original miles and has the rare dual exhaust. A collector purchased this one and another from an estate sale last year and decided to keep the other. this is the car i've always wanted ever since i turned 16. Everything was original and so far i have replaced the engine and transmission mounts, spark plugs, tranny filter, gasket and fluid, exhaust manifold gaskets, PCV, fuel filter and had a carb rebuild kit put in. The only things left it needs are the valve cover gaskets replaced and a new water pump. I want to do all I can to keep it running and looking like it did when the Bicenntennial was here. I am an amateur when it comes to car repairs so any advice for a beginner is greatly appreciated.

[Danny Wiseley]

Keep the vinyl top "nourished." I recommend Nu-Vinyl, but there are probably several good vinyl treatments available. I like the Nu-Vinyl because it doesn't seem to attract dust as much.

[Olds64]

That is a beautiful car. My dad (Oldsguy) had a 76 98 coupe. It was the best highway car I ever drove.

[Modern Motoring]

beautiful car, more pics !

[miho35o]

thanks to Danny for the advice on the vinyl top. Another issue i have is that it had a factory repaint sometime in the past and evidently there was an abrasive type wax used on it because it's got swirl marks. any idea how to get rid of these? I have waxed it once (with a good non-abrasive wax) but it really didn't do much to mask them.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by miho35o

hello,

i am yet another new guy who just bought a 1976 olds 98. It's got 68,000 original miles and has the rare dual exhaust.

Congrats on your acquisition and welcome. Be aware, however, that your dual exhaust is so rare that is it one-of-none. All 1976 Oldsmobiles came from the factory with a single exhaust due to the new for 1975 federal requirement to incorporate a catalytic converter in the exhaust system. After 1975 only the 98s with diesel engines came with true dual exhausts. Likely a previous owner either had exhaust pipes custom bent or fitted the dual exhaust pipes from a 1971-74 car.

[citcapp]

Welcome aboard. This is a great site you will get a lot of great information here. Have fun with your new toy

[Oldsguy]

miho,
Nice car and welcome to our site. It is rare indeed to find and be able to afford to buy your dream car, lucky dog, lucky dog. About the swirl marks, they could be from applying wax and leaving it in the sun. You might try a "cleaner" wax product in a non-conspicuous place. It may work. And there are a few paint/finish specialists members here. Good luck.

[Allan R]

Love the color combo. Beaauutifulll Sled.
What kind of options does it have?

[miho35o]

Originally Posted by Allan R

Love the color combo. Beaauutifulll Sled.
What kind of options does it have?

thanks. it really doesn't have many. I think it only has standard features. the only options i know of for the '76 year and model are intermittent wipers, a low fuel indicator and a fuel economy gauge. There might be others. I haven't driven it in rain yet but i have a feeling i am going to miss delay wipers!

[miho35o]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

Congrats on your acquisition and welcome. Be aware, however, that your dual exhaust is so rare that is it one-of-none. All 1976 Oldsmobiles came from the factory with a single exhaust due to the new for 1975 federal requirement to incorporate a catalytic converter in the exhaust system. After 1975 only the 98s with diesel engines came with true dual exhausts. Likely a previous owner either had exhaust pipes custom bent or fitted the dual exhaust pipes from a 1971-74 car.

damn. i was hoping it was original. I had seen a few 98s and 88s with this feature so i thought it might be an option.

[jeffreyalman]

sorry to raise a dead thread but my 76 Toronado has duals (coming off 1 cat)