I don't think the vista axles are different from the the other "O" types are but will look at the other 3.42 12 bolt "O" I have.

 

This is what I mean. This is before I popped the studs and cleaned it up, but it is an O axle.

 

I have never seen that hole pattern on the "O" types I have. They all have the 3 hole pattern.

 

Hi, Made some more progress on the Vista this weekend. Got the bumpers assembled, fitted the chrome radiator hoses and wired the ignition. I an close to starting it but may wait till spring because I will ru water at first until I know there are no leaks. Here are some bumper pics.

Does anyone see any problems with running dex-cool vrs the typical green glycol? for coolant??

 

Beautiful Steve! What did you end up doing with the rubber pad that goes on top of the rear bumper? Still wondering what to do when I get to that point!

 

I know Dexcool was a big problem with the early 2000 cars , but I believe it was because of the cheap gaskets .

 

I have not decided yet. I may have to come up with somthing on my own. I would probably use the steele from the old ones and add a liner type material from a place like home depot.

 

Allan(bluevista) had found someone repro-ing these....he had mentioned it in a thread.....I'll have to find it! Will keep you posted if I find anything...

 

EINSTYN is the company he is thinking of? They are working on repros but not done yet.

 

Little update on the project. I have all the door glass back in, gate glass in and working, sport mirrors on, all the stainless trim on the sides and the front and rear bumpers. Here are some pics as of today. I am starting on the inside more now.

 

I gotta say,I really like that paint scheme

 

Steve, are you trying to tease us by leaving the raggy wheels and tires?

 

Dex-Cool is now fully backward compatible, or that's my understanding.

I coated the back side of my bumpers with undercoating, helps prevent it from rusting where they usually don't pay close attention to the plating. Once the flaking starts, it can reach the edge, and start attacking the visible area. This is important especially if you drop boats in the water off ramps. I've seen some use truck bed liner stuff too. Realize it's too late, but figured I'd mention anyway.


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Thnaks for the info HWYSTR455. I made some more progress the las couple of weeks. Installed the small mldgs that break off the tu-tone.installed the glove box and rally pac which seems to work as far as I can tell without starting the car and put fatmat on the floor. Here are the pics.

 

Really nice. Thanks for sharing.

 

That is a beautiful paint scheme, Steve!

 

Man , that car is going to shine ! Beautiful wagon !

 

Thanks for the positive comments guys. I am starting see a dim light at the end of the tunnel. Steve

 

Got the rug out of the box and laid it out on the floor. It looks like it is short at the rear outer corners where the back seat bolts down. I will have to have a piece sewn on. The last pic is of how much fatmat I had left out of a 33'X18" roll. Cut it pretty close. LOL

 

Was able to get back on this project after the holidays and got the anodized aluminum window trim back from the polisher. I did not have them reanodized and will have to polish them now and then but they came out great. Here is a couple of shots of the trim. Steve

 

That really looks excellent !

 

Looks great ! I currently have mine in the body shop and about 1 month or so from paint . All the window channels are done as are the rear quarters . The W-30 hood needs some work though. (I wish the Thortons were around when I bought this OE hood) I AM IN NEED OF THE DRIVER SIDE TINTED ROOF GLASS if you know of any . I do have one to fill the hole , however it will more than likely get painted black due to delamination . Any help locating one would be great . Thanks Tom

 

wow......big like from germany

 

I hit a little snag in th project. My oil furnace won't fire. I am guesing the fuel may be gelled do to the cold temps the past week. We are expecting a warm up first part of the week so wil see if it fires then. I did get the wrapped steering wheel from my interior guy and told him we ned to get on the rest of my stuff (he has had it over 2 years). Hre are some shos of the assembled wheel.

Sorry Tom no glass to help you out.

 

Not much going on with the Vista right now. I am getting the interior trim ready to paint plus waiting for the interior to get done at the upholstery shop. Once the weather gets a little warmer I will get it done. Steve

 

I t was nic eout this weekend and was able to get the metal interior trip stripped and primed. Install the steering wheel and cleaned all the plastic trim that has to be painted. Called my interior guy and will have my seats,door trim panels and rear side panels back by mid April. Here are some pics of the progress. Steve

 

The dash looks great.

 

x2 on the dash, looks very nice!

 

x3

 

Absolutely outstanding work

 

Wow very nice. Be real careful with those kick panels when you put them in. I have a set and they will break very easily at the part that goes up by the dash- the little u shaped piece that goes around the steel where the door closes. Mine has broke and I had to put a piece of sheet metal bent in a U behind it. The vinyl or plastic or whatever its made of isn't as good as original GM.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I have test fit them and they seem less giving than the originals and will be gentle when installing them. Steve

 

Wow, this will probably be one of the nicest Vistas on the planet when done. What a piece of art. Kudos to you man!

 

It's been a long time since I updated this project but had a lot of house stuff to do. The car is running and moving on it's own now but still waiting on the interior to be finished. Here are some pics on where it is now. Steve

 

Wow. I am speechless! That looks sooo sweet!

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Absolutely beautiful, the efforts have so paid off. The color combos work so well together.

 

The car looks great in the sun!

 

That's one nice looking cruiser. I like the color scheme, it looks awesome in the sun.

 

Wow - king of the road! Congratulations!

 

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!