SmartCarAmerica

Just purchased a 1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible (my 3rd one) I purchased it on EBay and drove it home to Tampa Fl from Chicago. Car was not exactly as advertised, but still a nice car!

The A/C blew cold in Chicago but now it blows warmer than Mideast!
I took it to a local mechanic. The estimate was $1,820.96 including tax. He rate is $68.00 an hour and was going to charge 8.40 hours.

Parts included compressor ($476.79), V.I.R. valve ($60.00), evaporator ($176.00), o-rings (6) ($12.00), A/C oil ($15.00) Freon ($240.00), hoses ($200.00) for a total of $1129.79.

Labor was $571.20 and $119.07 tax.

It has been a few years since my last Delta Royale but this seems very pricey.

I found most of these parts from a lot less money. What type of parts should I look for? What questions should I ask? What is a fair price and how should I go about having the work done?

The car will need a new top soon, any tips or suggestions regarding the replacement?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Jim

ozoneblue

Wish you lived in Mo. I could save you alot $ Larry Henry

SmartCarAmerica

I wish I owned a parts store and was a mechanic.

Unfortunately I don’t and I’m not, any other useful tips?

Thanks,

Jim -$

SmartCarAmerica

Paul

Thank you, I'll get a second/third opinion.

I'm wondering if it really needs all those parts too? Went to see about getting the top replaced and it was blowing cold? I live in Florida and I think we can use the cheaper freon?

Thanks again for your help.

Jim

71 delta88guy

First. What was the failed component? Seems he is changing the whole darn system. Why? Second. the price he gave for freon is SICK! ANYONE who does A/C work would retrofit to 134a freon. Which would cost 60 bucks for the whole kit. In short you are getting murdered. Find out the causal part. Replace that part and convert to r134a. The pressures are a bit differant with r134 so the need for an experienced tech is there. I myself have a 71 and a 74 conv. Both are 134(now). Both are cold. BUT I had to adjust the pressures to find the right setup.134 is pressure sensitive. Too much and is not good. Too little and the same. Just right and is excellent.

SmartCarAmerica

Will take your advice, thanks.

Steve C

First check on a retro fit to r134a as it is now industry standard and easier to come by. The prices he is asking is outrageous. Parts are crazy but labour there is a lot cheaper than here. 95 per here. Simple test. High side hot, low side cold. puddle under the car. Run the system and feel the lines a the compressor. one should be hot, the other not so hot. If not, make sure the compressor is cycling. Any competent mech can put a dye in the system to check for leaks. Verify system functions and charge state before authorizing any serious work. r12 and r134a are not compatible. different seals in the system. hope this helps. hope im rightLOL.

bevhiatt

what is a car like that worth?I want to buy one from a family member

jaunty75

You mean what is a '75 Delta 88 convertible worth? Without some knowledge of condition, it could be anything from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

According to the Old Cars Price Guide, at the low end of the spectrum, meaning runs and drives but needs complete restoration, the value is about $3,000. In showroom condition, anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.

We need details and photos.

bevhiatt

Thanks It was purchased brand new by my parents it has 60,000 miles on it has a brand new convertible top on it . My dad passed away 4 years ago and my mom just told me today she wants to sell it ,I really want to buy it,just not sure of a fair price,it has always been in their garage and had service every spring.It is in the local parade once a year and other than that it sits...needs a new paint job ....

joe_padavano

This may be a record - dredging up a thread from 2006.

jaunty75

It can't be TOO bad if the parade organizers want it!

We'd love to see photos. From your description so far, it obviously runs and drives and gets somewhat regular service. 60,000 miles is relatively low, so that's good. I'd have to say the value is somewhere in the $5,000 to $7,500 range, give or take.


I had one like this back in the '90s and sold it in 2001 for $5,000 even. At the time, it had about 115,000 miles on it and had been repainted by the prior owner in the early '90s, so the paint job was about 10 years old at the time of the sale. Here's a photo from about 1998 or so.

jaunty75

It's an oldie but goodie.