Not mine, no connection to me, but somebody needs to save this car from the demo derby.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/2412132266.html

 

That would be a shame to demo that.

 

Sold today.
stetzie is now the new owner.

 

Awesome!

 

Awesome squared!

Welcome to the "club!"

Post some photos of it when you can.

I like how the ad called it a "roundback" station wagon.


Here's a photo of mine. I added the spoke wheelcovers last week.

You ought to also consider signing up at www.stationwagonforums.com

 

Fast action saves the day!

- Eric

 

That's a beauty. Mine isn't anywhere near that condition.
I'll have it home in a few days and will try to post pictures.
I had my first one over 40 years ago. It was yellow with woodgrain trim and full power.
11 miles to the gallon was the best I got with it doing straight highway driving. As I remember, it weighted in at around 5600 lbs empty. Great car!!! Full leather interior and third seat facing the rear. My kids always fought over that seat.

 

Here's the link for pictures. sale-eb3xz-2412132266@craigslist.org

 

Nice score & thanks for buying it before I had to!! I had a '76 Chevy Kingswood estate that was a little rough, but I haven't had a big Olds wagon, yet.....

 

Well, it couldn't have been TOO much over 40 years ago as the first clamshells were in 1971, which is 40 years ago this year.

 

Glad to see this one got saved. I saw SOOOOO many of these on the derby circuit back in the day. They're so scarce around here now most events ban them because they are so stout and difficult to kill, even when ganged up on.

I always wanted to build one of these "Mad Max" style, yet still keep it road legal.

-Jeff

 

Congrats. Good luck with it.

 

Sorry about the years mentioned but the old brain not so good anymore after 73 years on use. Think mine was a 72. Bought it when it was 2 years old. Might be a little off on the years but had it for a couple of years and traded it in on a new 1976 Cutlass Brougham. Great car but gas mileage was about 11MPG. Passed everything on the road except filling stations. Always thought it to be one of the best cars I ever owned anyway.

 

I know what you mean. I remember driving the '73 we owned back in '73, and it always seemed that the gas gauge moved fast enough to actually see it move.

But you have to remember that, coupled with a gas-thirsty engine and a big, heavy car was an unusually small gas tank. While the Delta 88 and 98 in those days had 26 gallon tanks, the CC had one that was the same size as the Vista Cruiser and Cutlass, 22 gallons. It's mounted behind the rear fender on the left side. There is no filler pipe on this car. The gas cap opens right into the tank itself.

 

Congratulations, Stetzie!
A nicer guy couldn't have bought it. I applaud you, sir.

 

Will get in touch with you after I get it home.
Might need a few things for it.

 

Nice job guys!!
Post pics soon.

 

Please do. Let us know what works and what doesn't. I don't have much in the way of spare parts for it, but I've seen it naked, so if something is not working, I might be able to help you figure it out. If you don't have them and plan on doing any kind of significant work to the car, you should definitely get the '73 chassis and Fisher Body service manuals. I have an extra chassis manual. It's not in the best condition, but it's whole with the cover taped on. If you're interested, let me know and we can figure something out.

 

OK jaunty75, I'll keep that in mind. Right now, the car is about 200 miles away.
As soon as I can make the arrangements, I'll bring it home.

 

Custom Cruiser is home. Now the fun of doing a real checkup on it.
Strong run from Milwaukee. Never missed a beat at 65-70 mph for the whole trip of 200 miles. Likes gas, but that was expected. Doesn't help that the fuel return line leaks. Had to replace several vaccum lines as they are all hard as a rock from age. Seems most everything works, even the tailgate. One question: seems it doesn't shift into high gear till around 50mph. Any comments on this? Will try to post pictures soon.
stetzie

 

Good to hear that it's home. I don't have anything to say about the late upshift. Have you checked the transmission fluid? It would probably be worth changing regardless, but if the problem continues, you might be needing a rebuild.

Mine has had the fluid changed twice, at 35,000 miles and then again at 63,000, and then a transmission "overhaul" done at about 83,000 miles back in 1986. It's had 20,000 miles added since then, but here has been no further transmission service. I'm planning to change the fluid this summer as it has apparently not been changed in 25 years, although it looks ok on the dipstick, and the car drives fine.

 

Hi jaunty75,
Thanks for the info. The fluid appears ok, full, and nice and clean and light in color. Will do a check on all the vaccum lines soon. That might be the problem. Below 50, it will go into high gear if I let up on the gas pedal, but as soon as I press on the gas pedal, it drops down a gear. All shifts are crisp otherwise. Will check out the modulator also.
Pictures soon, I hope. stetzie

 

Good thought on the vacuum modulator. A poorly or non-functioning one could certainly cause shift problems. Looking forward to the photos.

 

I'll be doing a full inspection soon. Will post the results then.
Thanks for the response. stetzie

 

Given that you've already found brittle, cracked vacuum hoses, my money is on the little piece of hose that connects the hard line to the modulator.

 

Thanks, Joe.
I will be checking that this week. Kinda my thoughts on the modulator line too. Other than the shifting problem, it ran great, for a vehicle that has been sitting for so long. I have owned many, many Oldsmobiles in my lifetime. Started with a '49 76 model. Next was a 98 4 dr sedan. That started my preference for the 98 models. Great cars and great service from all of them. Really sorry to see them go. stetzie