joe_padavano

I admit it, I have Automotive Deficit Disorder. How else can you explain my need to keep buying cars? (One of my so-called "friends" claims that I actually have ADHD - Automotive Deficit and HOARDING Disorder )

In any case, I just bought this 64 Vista in Reno, NV:







My first car was a hand-me-down 1968 Vista, and I've always had the nagging urge to get another one. After seeing Erik Turner's 65 VC at Sturbridge a few years ago, I decided I needed an early one, and truth be told, I've never owned a 1964 A-body before.

This car is completely rust free, with original paint (the red primer is because the current owner replaced the rear quarter glass and ground the surface rust out of the pinchweld before putting the new glass in). The car is loaded with PW, cruise, tilt, and A/C. Note the thumbwheel cruise control head below and to the left of the steering column. 330 4bbl motor with Junkaway. Unlike most of my purchases, this one actually runs, though it's been sitting so it needs the usual going through to replace all the rubber parts. If I can get it shipped to VA without drama (yeah, my track record is not good on that) I'll try to have it at Nationals this year. If I get really lucky, I might even make it to Homecoming.

Getting this wagon means that I'm dumping the 80s B-body wagon project, since frankly, I'd rather be driving this one. I'll be posting info on that sale shortly.

Koda

Impressive. I didn't know the vista went that far back. Planning a stock restoration?

joe_padavano

Well, stock-ish.

I'll probably dump the Junkaway for at least the TH350 currently on the garage floor, and if I get ambitious I'll rebuild one of the 200-4R cores that I have. And depending on how the 330 runs, I may drop in the 71 350 currently on the stand that was slated for the Custom Cruiser, or the 455 currently on the shop floor. And since my 68 had 4 wheel drum, this car will definitely get discs as part of the brake rebuild. I haven't decided whether to keep the SSII wheels or go with aftermarket spoke mags. Like I said, I like Erik's setup.

By the way, 1964 was the first year for the VC, however I think they weren't released until early 1964 (I seem to recall Feb?). My 1964 CSM, printed in Aug 1963, doesn't have any VC info in it. Question for the 1964 specialists - is there an addendum or service bulletin on the VC for 1964?

tru-blue 442

Very nice Joe.
How could you say no
to all those 64 bells and whistles?

Looking forward to your build or refurbish
for the show.

Koda

Joe, I think you've got a point on all those decisions (trans, eng, brakes.) Something I'm doing with my 67 is putting a later 68 and up style disc setup in it, which won't be correct, but I am going to cheat and use some 69 SSIs which will accommodate them. The SSIs with trim rings would look neat on that VC and handle discs and be easier to find than the 69s. I'm a big fan of SSIs on anything old enough for them since there are so many SSIIs around. Either way, good plan.

m371961

Don't take any medication for that type of ADD. You are fortunate to have the ability to deal with it. Happy for you.
My vote is for the 455

dc2x4drvr

Nice lookin' VC, a 350 and OD auto, would be cool..

willys33

Nice find. Looks like a great start. Hope you'll keep us informed as you progress with it.

steverw

Very cool Joe, I have always loved Vistas.
I say either rebuild the 330, beef it up alittle or go with the 350. The 455 would be cool but a small block will give you most of the power you need and get better fuel economy. Then the 200r4, It would be a great highway car, as well as quick of the line.

Steve

joe_padavano

Yeah, that 455 is actually slated to go in my 69 442, but I've also got about a dozen BBO cores, so it's not like I couldn't build another one...

I'm hoping to just keep the 330 for now, since I plan to drive this one. Like I said, I'll see how it runs when I get it. As always, it's good to have a Plan B and even C if necessary. I think the biggest issues in the short term will be brakes and getting the A/C working. I'm likely going to use the STV conversion kit that turns the system into a CCOT system as on newer cars. Still debating a rebuilt 8,000 lb A6 compressor or one of the much lighter A6 replacements with Sanden guts.

Mr Shifty Sidney

There was a nice 64 VC in the movie A Perfect World, with Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood.

joe_padavano

I actually stumbled across a reference to that movie this weekend. There were comments that the movie is supposed to take place in Nov 63 around Kennedy's assassination, but the VC didn't go on sale until Feb 64...

68conv455

Since we happen to be experts on this forum, I suggest you post some pictures of your cars.
This forum will then determine if you are a collector or if you are a hoarder. Final say by a jury of your peers.
I think your chances are pretty good.

Aron Nance

Kudos, Joe! What a find! I know you will do it justice. Can't wait to see your progress on t his one.....after all, I do have an affinity of long roofs....
Aron

Olds_71_442

Not a big fan of the Vista Cruiser, but that one looks bada$$.

F-85 4-4-2

My '65 is nearly ready for Spring!

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ss-l-74-a.html

If you change your mind on the '64, let's make arrangements to have it stop in Ohio.

Mr Shifty Sidney

Here is a small clip I found on you tube. The video clears up after 10 seconds.


Don W

oldstata

Nice find joe! I vote keep the 330 and drop in the th350 currently on my build, I am building a 455 but I have to tell you that the 330 starts up on a dine every time I try it doesn't matter how long I let it sit. she runs like a top just my opinion

Funkwagon455

Sweet ride Joe.

Keegan

Nice find! Looks like it'll be a blast to work on. I've never seen a '64, before! Can't wait to see the progress. Oh, and nice video clip Mr. Shiftey. Hahaha.

sammy

Great car....congrats!....tilt in a 64 VC,,,when did tilt become available in Oldsmobiles ?

MDchanic

Nice, Joe! You've got all the cool cars - and a nose for finding more!

- Eric

Charlie Jones

Nice buy Joe! Rust free western cars are always the best. The money you spend in shipping will be repaid handsomely by not having to make patch panels and rechrome everything.

To answer the question about tilt wheel. It was introduced in the 1963 full size models. F-85's got it in 64.

2blu442

Congrats Joe! I love Vista Cruisers but you've got to find desert cars like this or deal with roof rot. Looking forward to hearing more about it when you get it home and start playing with it.

John

'69CutlassVert'

Nice! I got the other ADD. Got a buddy that just finished his Chevelle wagon project. I like bikes. I had nachos for lunch. Sure would like to get a 69 VC for my next project. There was a squirrel in the yard this afternoon. Wouldn't a W30 wagon be a sweet ride? Female mud wrestling is a great sport, wish the Olympics would pick it up.

nsnarsk65cutlass

Nice one i like it,i do know what your ADD is as i have it.I'd keep the a6 poa ac system if it was there,but thats just me.Nick

Alb

Joe,
If you have problems getting it shipped to you. I suggest you ship it to me. I'll take real good care of it for you. Nice find !!!!!!
Alb

Kennybill

I'd put an "under cover" 403 in it. I seem to recall someone saying, "no replacement for displacement." Jmo, Ken

joe_padavano

Well, actually, I have three 403 cores looking for homes also...

Charlie Jones

Joe you might want to try Curtis Howard at 727-452-8856. He's based out of Largo, FL and he primarily hauls used and rebuildable cars all over the country.
He brought me my 63 Dynamic from Albuquerque to Orlando for $850 two years ago.

Oldracerjones

Looks like a great project, can't wait to see the build.

DownBoy

it may be an Italian thing cause I have that disorder too.
69 olds
96 bronk
91 bronk
72 f100
72 f250
68 f100
69 f100
96 tbird
88 landcruiser
77 cj5
91 Montero
85 vette
73 electra
82 toy 4x4
80 toy 4x4
Im all over the place and this is 2012-now.
yikes

kjr442

I love the car Joe, congrats. I am thinking about the flat top 65 wagon that was on eBay recently. I think I must have the same problem as you, I just can't say no.

joe_padavano

I was looking at that one too, but I really wanted another VC.

oldcutlass

It seems the wagons are finally getting some love. Nice score Joe.

Jonb442

Beautiful! One of my brothers had one nearly identical back in the eighties. I have great memories of watching drive-in movies out the back and riding in the forward-facing third seat. Have fun with it!


Edit: found a pic.