Look at this 88 for sale on ebay. They really butchered it! And to suggest that some GN owners would mistake it for a GN? You have to be kidding!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsmobile-Eighty-Eight-1978-Olds-Delta-88-Grand-National-Customized-Show-Car_W0QQitemZ280288690964QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Car s_Trucks?hash=item280288690964&_trksid=p4506.c0.m2 45&_trkparms=72%3A543|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1308

 

I dont think it looks that bad. The rims suck and I would not mistake it for GN.

 

The black-out treatment just doesn't look right on that big four door car, especially the all black Cadillac interior. I just don't like it. But, I owned an almost cherry '78 Delta 88 in the early 80's that was a beautiful car with all the original stainless and chrome trim.

 

X2

 

My wife and I agree, that car is beautiful

 

I don't care for the rims but otherwise I like it. I also have an '85 Buick LeSabre 4 door that I want to do that look to.

 

I would never spend the money spent on this car originally but I admire the work that went into it. I really don't think it looks that bad but those are horrible wheels. I wouldn't put those things on a trailer. It is a pretty neat cruiser.

 

Nice car. First I wold lower it , then I would go for a staggered fitment deep dish wheel.. Like 18x8's up front and 20x10's rear on a low profile with the right offset to tuck in, give it that "pro-touring" treatment. To me that would be a sweet ride.

I can't see how anyone, even a non-car savvy person, would mistake that as a GN though.

 

Well, I guess my taste is way out of whack. But I still don't like it.

 

I do agree that the wheels are UGLY.

Ar-39's would look good, if you can find them, but a nice set of Crager SS's or American Racing Torq Thrust's would look awesome

 

Not what I would have done, but you got to respect the level of effort and care. nice ride.

 

Everyone fire up your propane torches, I'm ready to be burnt after this post.

First of all the car is classic ugly, bulky nasty looking 70's and 80's grandma grocery hauler. However for this car.

I think it needs some contrast. The all black theme is way too much in my opinion. regardless of the color. I think the wheels are just not enough bling to get past the overly black hulk. If I had put this much time into this car and this much craftsmanship I would do the following.

1. Chrome wheels of some sort, maybe chrome NASCAR wheels or Chromed mid 80's 442 wheels for the Olds Purists. Chrome one way or the other would look better

2. I think I would then put some mirrored tent on the windows or dark if allowed with an Olsmobile sticker across the top of the front winshield.
3. Then I would put BLACK carpet in the car to match the black seats.
4. Take the grill out, Re chrome then black out the left and right grill inner sections.
5. Add some chrome or stainless exhaust to add some pizzaz to the back.

6. I think I would have done multiple gauges for the speedo etc.
7. Add pictures of the engine compartment, black and chrome under there.

And then maybe just go nuts
8. Hell put a pro stock hood scoop on it maybe silver metalic with the Oldsmobile Name in Red on each side.
9. Put a matching silver rear spoiler on the trunk with similar markings.
10. maybe go ahead and through a silver stripe down the lower section of the rocker panels with a red pen stripe.
11. White letter fatty tires.

Then drive

 

I think it looks great. Sure, I'd prefer a coupe, but I would not mind driving that car at all. I would change the rims, perhaps a set of early 90s Custom Cruiser rims like these (sans the scratches):

 

"During its car show appearances it was often mistaken as a Buick Grand National, with even several Grand National owners mistaking it for their own pride and joy!" ??!

The Buick guys like to call their black Grand Nationals "Darth Vader".
That car reminds me more of "Dark Helmet" from Spaceballs.

I have a few ideas too.

1. Change the wheels and tires to something rated for speed, maybe whitewalls.
2. Paint large white circle outlines on the front doors and hood with big white "88" numerals inside.
3. Name it the Double-Eight Ball.
4. Enter it in the Cannonball and beat it to within an inch of it's life.
5. Sell it as a Grand National with racing history to one of those guys that mistake it for their own pride and joy.

I really didn't know Stevie Wonder owned one.


May the Schwartz be with You

Allan

 

I think it looks Ok, although I too would prefer it to be a coupe. I would also change the rims also personaly I like the look of prostars on a car.

 

x2 i,i don't like it.

 

[quote=amh555;52142]The Buick guys like to call their black Grand Nationals "Darth Vader".
That car reminds me more of "Dark Helmet" from Spaceballs.

I love it