When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Yes, the truck feels/handles extremely well now. I've purchased a handful of cars many years ago for less than this repair bill; none of those vehicles were capable of routinely pulling boats & trailers weighing 10,000 lbs &/or 2,000 lbs loaded in the truck bed. I purchased the truck new in 2003. In the grand scheme of things on average it costs ~$1,000/year to maintain an average gasoline aspirated F250. This F250 has a turbo-charged diesel. Turbo-charged diesel engine vehicles have fewer scheduled maintenance items but when they occur they're more costly to repair. A normally aspirated F250 has an average life expectancy of ~200,000 miles while a turbo-charged diesel has an average life expectancy of between 350,000 miles - 500,000 miles. I'd say I've spent ~$20,000 on maintenance over the past 20 years or perhaps just under $20,000; so, I think the numbers align well with expected values.
Makes the $4500 I am asking for my complete 09 F150 seem like a bargain- I know apples to oranges.... Sometimes I think I am 10 times removed from prices in 2023.I still think like 1970 or so. I always think stuff is too high maybe 10 times too high. Gallon of gas seems like should still be .32. Now 3.69- New Ford truck- $6000- now 60,000. on and on....
Chris, Your wife is a very attractive lady. All that mountain climbing and exercise pays off. There are only a few things that don't lie, Children and yoga pants Greg /Norm Back in 98 I bought 3 cars [trucks] a 3/4 ton 4X4 pickup, a 3/4 ton 4X4 Suburban and a Tahoe for about 90 K about what the truck cost today. True [funny story] My truck is so beat up when I park it at the lake every time the security company [ Mountain patrol] gets a new officer he drives up my drives and knocks on my door to see if I'm being robbed An owner does not drive that kind of POS truck
Last edited by Jamesbo; September 20th, 2023 at 11:12 AM.
Chris, Your wife is a very attractive lady. All that mountain climbing and exercise pays off. There are only a few things that don't lie, Children and yoga pants
Jim - I appreciate the nice comments about Dawn, she's a keeper in every way, I'm a lucky guy! You're right about all the exercise, she works hard and watches what she eats. I was cracking up about the children and yoga pants line! 🤣
Jim - Is that '98 3/4-ton 4x4 the same truck you're still driving? If so, you've got my '2000 Ford F150 4x4 beat. I see a trend here with many of us driving these +20-year old trucks. We're all either smart like a fox, or really tight with a buck, actually probably both! LoL
Jim - Is that '98 3/4-ton 4x4 the same truck you're still driving? If so, you've got my '2000 Ford F150 4x4 beat. I see a trend here with many of us driving these +20-year old trucks. We're all either smart like a fox, or really tight with a buck, actually probably both! LoL
Yes 320,0000 miles, I put a new crate engine in it last year. My plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off then replace the wheels
Yes 320,0000 miles, I put a new crate engine in it last year. My plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off then replace the wheels
Wow, 320K-miles, amazing! Now that you jogged my memory I do remember you posting about putting the new crate engine in last year. My memory is getting worse and worse! My truck barely has over 100K-miles on it. Since I haven't hunted in many years, got rid of my boat, and don't haul wood anymore, I've turned it into a sissy relegated to hauling furniture and moving kids.
Chris, An old truck has its advantages. Last winter on and early Sunday morning I was headed back from the lake and tree had fallen across the main entrance road. The limbs were holding up the trunk. I just drove under it taking out few smaller ,limbs. If I had a new one I would have been concerned about scratching the paint
Chris, An old truck has its advantages. Last winter on and early Sunday morning I was headed back from the lake and tree had fallen across the main entrance road. The limbs were holding up the trunk. I just drove under it taking out few smaller ,limbs. If I had a new one I would have been concerned about scratching the paint
Agree 100%. Anymore I couldn't care less about scratches, dents, or letting the kids borrow it anytime they need it. Definitely advantages!
TRYing to sell Vista Bring a trailer is getting to be a PITA. I have taken over 70 pics and they keep sending me email saying they want more 15 pics of the 4 sides then more detail pics of wheels door handles bumpers etc. I'm trying to figure out how to take 15 pics of 4 sides differently
Norm, ya get an OUCH from me as well, still cheaper than a new one. Chris, ask your wife to work out an extra few minutes for me, I need to lose a few pounds, then I'll buy the weight loss credit's from her. Jim, good luck with B.A.T. a gazillion pics is the norm there.
Today is the 1st day I've had the truck back in my possession. I dropped off the rental then picked up the truck. Truck handles fantastic. I need to replace the rear shocks - I'll do that myself. I've played three rounds tomorrow I play in a charity (Hope Mission) tournament. Today I woke up w/ what I call a cold (sinus infection) in my neck/throat - sorta feels yucky kinda making me tired.
Dan - I'll let the wife know about doing some extra for ya, but expect a hefty charge! LoL
Norm - Hope you don't get down too bad with whatever you've got and that you feel better soon. If you start going the wrong direction call the doc and get some antibiotics.
Discovered last Saturday while I was at a car show that my auxiliary pusher fan had 2 broken attachment legs (out of 4) on it. Ordered some new parts (attachment legs that insert into the fan, plastic rods that go through the radiator, and attachment clips) and the attachment legs came today. Son's of B's don't insert into the fan housing easily like they should and if I force them I may never get them out if one breaks again. They're going back and more on order. I've got it kludged with zip ties right now and can drive it locally if I want to. We have our St. Louis All Oldsmobile Club Show this weekend and I don't want to miss that.
Took H/O on test drive this evening. Drove fine, AC is low, still having a parking light issue. WOT clatter is still there. Going to a car show soon. I need to learn how to charge R12.
Took H/O on test drive this evening. Drove fine, AC is low, still having a parking light issue. WOT clatter is still there. Going to a car show soon. I need to learn how to charge R12.
John - If you haven't opened the system, you should only need to add R12 coolant directly from the can. You'll need that locking device for the top of the R12 can. Not sure they sell them any longer. I don't believe you need any gauge(s) if the system hasn't been open.
That part which makes the R12 unique, if I recall correctly, is just the bottom piece (blue arrows), the remaining top (two) pieces are standard thread high compression hose fittings which insert into the locking cap. I refilled many of these many years ago just using a can of R12 (as long as the system wasn't opened). HTH
Took H/O on test drive this evening. Drove fine, AC is low, still having a parking light issue. WOT clatter is still there. Going to a car show soon. I need to learn how to charge R12.
John - What does clatter at Wide Open Throttle mean? Do you have a clue as to what's making the noise? Just curious?
Chris, it's either leaning out on the fuel, or too much timing, I think. It has a 350's carb on it, I have a 455's core to get redone and put on there. The secondary rods are leaner on a 350. I need to confirm I have the right part number distributor, and also confirm it gets all it and that's all at 3000 and does not keep giving it timing.
Plus, it does not kickdown from 3 to 2, even with a working solenoid. I think the valve body has to come out. Debating working like a prostitute and not pulling the trans to do that.
Norm, here is one to ponder. I don't know if the car is R12 or R134A. It has quick connects. No labels.
John - Federal standards dictate ALL conversions (assume done professionally) are to have a (generally) blue sticker located somewhere on an A/C component, like the accumulator, demonstrating the conversion date. The one tell-tale sign - when done professionally by an authorized dealer, etc. is the fact R12 fittings are screw-in fittings while R134 are push-in fittings (the type on air/pneumatic equipment). CAUTION: With that said, that is how a professional conversion should have been performed. The fittings should have been changed to accommodate R134. There might be a gazillion DIY's who made these conversions from R12>R134 who never changed the fittings, bypassed standard protocol, etc.
EDIT: I guess what I'm suggesting is it would be possible for someone (DIY) to convert from R12>R134 and never changed the fittings. IOW, they could have used an 'adapter' where they hooked up a pneumatic compression line adapter to a screw-in fitting then simply removed the adapter after they were done. A sneaky tricky method by a DIYer. Good chance if you have screw-in fittings, you have the original R12.
Last edited by Vintage Chief; September 20th, 2023 at 07:21 PM.
John - Federal standards dictate ALL conversions (assume done professionally) are to have a (generally) blue sticker located somewhere on an A/C component, like the accumulator, demonstrating the conversion date. The one tell-tale sign - when done professionally by an authorized dealer, etc. is the fact R12 fittings are screw-in fittings while R134 are push-in fittings (the type on air/pneumatic equipment). CAUTION: With that said, that is how a professional conversion should have been performed. The fittings should have been changed to accommodate R134. There might be a gazillion DIY's who made these conversions from R12>R134 who never changed the fittings, bypassed standard protocol, etc.
It has R-134A fittings. There is nothing on the compressor. BRB.
Chris, it's either leaning out on the fuel, or too much timing, I think. It has a 350's carb on it, I have a 455's core to get redone and put on there. The secondary rods are leaner on a 350. I need to confirm I have the right part number distributor, and also confirm it gets all it and that's all at 3000 and does not keep giving it timing.
Plus, it does not kickdown from 3 to 2, even with a working solenoid. I think the valve body has to come out. Debating working like a prostitute and not pulling the trans to do that.
John - Thanks for the response and explanation. Sounds like you have a good idea of what's going on with it. Good luck with the fixes.
Ok, compressor appears to be rebuilt A6, no notes on it. No accumulator on a 72. No notes on dryer or AC box. Fittings are aluminum quick connect conversion R134A style.
I do know a guy who has an old machine who could ID one way or the other.
John - As demonstrated in your images the system was converted from R12>R134 as evidenced by the R12>R134 adapters. It appears to be an A6 compressor, it's most likely compatible with R134. The fact it states 4 lbs is the correct range for R134 as R12 used something closer to 8 lbs. Since you have no history of the conversion & what has been "properly" converted from R12>R134 (a professional conversion would have a very clear label with the date of the conversion), my suggestion is you take it to an AC shop and have them perform a proper recharge. It's almost impossible to make assumptions regarding the POA & the state of the system. An AC shop will perform a complete evacuation & recharge and they can evaluate. I initially thought you had an R12 system as you stated:
I need to learn how to charge R12
Kenneth knows AC systems quite well. See what Kenneth has to say. I rebuilt the entire R134 system on my 2003 F250 last year, which included replacing evaporator, compressor, etc. I did this myself by evacuating the system and a complete recharge with gauges. You don't want to over pressurize the system. I also performed a complete recharge of my '71 CS but that system was clearly labeled with date of R12>R134 conversion. You're in the "gray" zone & I'd suggest taking it to a good AC shop - $$ well spent.
Norm Do you think there might be any chance that Ms Wet Panties might need another Olds? Id be happy to pay you a finders fee
Jim - Ms Wet Panties wanted the glitzy convertible aspect of my '71 CS. I have become acquainted w/ her husband (Doug) & can assure you Doug would not be receptive to the VC.
John - As demonstrated in your images the system was converted from R12>R134 as evidenced by the R12>R134 adapters. It appears to be an A6 compressor, it's most likely compatible with R134. The fact it states 4 lbs is the correct range for R134 as R12 used something closer to 8 lbs. Since you have no history of the conversion & what has been "properly" converted from R12>R134 (a professional conversion would have a very clear label with the date of the conversion), my suggestion is you take it to an AC shop and have them perform a proper recharge. It's almost impossible to make assumptions regarding the POA & the state of the system. An AC shop will perform a complete evacuation & recharge and they can evaluate. I initially thought you had an R12 system as you stated:
Kenneth knows AC systems quite well. See what Kenneth has to say. I rebuilt the entire R134 system on my 2003 F250 last year, which included replacing evaporator, compressor, etc. I did this myself by evacuating the system and a complete recharge with gauges. You don't want to over pressurize the system. I also performed a complete recharge of my '71 CS but that system was clearly labeled with date of R12>R134 conversion. You're in the "gray" zone & I'd suggest taking it to a good AC shop - $$ well spent.
Like I said, I know a guy with a machine. Please understand, I know how to work an R134A system, my ignorance was simply the R12 connections. I typically don't let shops work on my classic cars, too many ways to get them damaged by kids who don't care. I have a set of gauges and routinely add 134 to my Chevrolet.
I will do this next spring, go and see my bud. He has a hobby shop; used to be a Ford tech, and does cash under the table services when he's not a general manager at the plant. I'll have him pull it down, ID it, fill and oil. Might take the Chevy there, too. Might take the other Chevy, too.
Got my full lab report from my annual physical back from the doctor today. Here are some key numbers:
- Hemoglobin A1c = 4.3% which is considered exceptional.
- Total Cholesterol ratio to HDL (Good Cholesterol) = 2.3 or exceptional
- Total Cholesterol = 210, which would be considered borderline, but in my case that does not apply because the Total Cholesterol number is driven up by an exceptionally high amount of HDL (Good Cholesterol) = 91. An HDL number of >40 is good, the higher the better, 91 is thru the roof.
- LDL (Bad Cholesterol) = 102, which is considered normal.
- PSA = .85, < 4.0 is considered fine.
I'm extremely happy with these results, I can't imagine them being any better!
Last edited by Dream67Olds442; September 21st, 2023 at 07:53 PM.
Thanks Norm, much appreciated. It is very satisfying to see my diet and workout regimen paying off with these kind of results. Makes me feel like it's all worth it and motivates me to keep it up.
That A1c number is not as fantastic as I relayed (2.3). I had my Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio (2.3) on my mind when I typed that in for my A1c. In reality my A1c is 4.3%, which is still pretty good though.
Headed norte at 1st light. Have a great weekend Olds friends Well I'm officially approved to sell the Vista on BAT, It takes 4 weeks to go live and they will assign me to someone to re write my description. They tell you to remove any other listing you have so I closed down the CO add and my FB listing We ll see
Good luck Jim. Heard some racket this morning when letting Buddy out. I've heard it before and wanted to find out what it was. Went on youtube and found it is a Great Horned Owl. Pretty cool....
September 20th, 2023, 04:14 AM
Greg /Norm Back in 98 I bought 3 cars [trucks] a 3/4 ton 4X4 pickup, a 3/4 ton 4X4 Suburban and a Tahoe for about 90 K about what the truck cost today. True [funny story] My truck is so beat up when I park it at the lake every time the security company [ Mountain patrol] gets a new officer he drives up my drives and knocks on my door to see if I'm being robbed An owner does not drive that kind of POS truck
