Kansas City, MO newbie with 1970 Delta 88
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Kansas City, MO newbie with 1970 Delta 88
Hey everyone! I'm Alex from Kansas City, MO. I have a 1970 Delta 88 four door that needs work. I've had it for five years but was at school and never really did anything to it. Now I'm ready to start to fix her up, I know exactly what I want to do and where to start, but I know nothing about working on car and am hoping this site will really help me and take me in the right direction. For now I want it to just run and stop, wont start and the brakes don't seem to work. I think the starters out but I had it replaced about a year ago, the last time it ran. So any help would be great!
Thank,
Alex
Thank,
Alex
Phantom Phixer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5,527
From: Apopka, FL
Welcome to CO.
As far as the brakes, since this car has been sitting for a long time. I would recommend that the entire brake system be overhauled. The master cylinder should be rebuilt, or better even, replaced. The same with the wheel cylinders (or calipers). The brake shoes (or pads) should be replaced and the brake drums (or rotors) should be re-machined or replaced.
The front wheel bearings should be thoughly cleaned and inspected. If the bearing surfaces show any pitting they should be replaced. Replace the front wheel seals. Pack the bearings with grease, but don't fill the entire hub.
Inspect the area where the rear axle shafts go in to the axle. If there is any oil leakage there, the rear axle bearings/seals should be replaced.
The brake hoses should be replaced and the metal lines should be inspected carefully for rust pitting. Rusted or damaged lines should be replaced.
As to the starting problem. Does it crank over and just not fire? Or does it not even crank over when you twist the key with a fully charged battery?
As far as the brakes, since this car has been sitting for a long time. I would recommend that the entire brake system be overhauled. The master cylinder should be rebuilt, or better even, replaced. The same with the wheel cylinders (or calipers). The brake shoes (or pads) should be replaced and the brake drums (or rotors) should be re-machined or replaced.
The front wheel bearings should be thoughly cleaned and inspected. If the bearing surfaces show any pitting they should be replaced. Replace the front wheel seals. Pack the bearings with grease, but don't fill the entire hub.
Inspect the area where the rear axle shafts go in to the axle. If there is any oil leakage there, the rear axle bearings/seals should be replaced.
The brake hoses should be replaced and the metal lines should be inspected carefully for rust pitting. Rusted or damaged lines should be replaced.
As to the starting problem. Does it crank over and just not fire? Or does it not even crank over when you twist the key with a fully charged battery?
Last edited by Charlie Jones; Sep 12, 2013 at 07:58 PM.
Phantom Phixer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5,527
From: Apopka, FL
The factory service manual is the best source of service info and detailed "how to" instructions. It can be downloaded for free here:
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9930340732039
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9930340732039
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7,286
Read the factory manual first. At least the parts that cover your immediate needs. There will be some learning GM-speak as you go. They assume you have every special tool ever made, so you might need to improvise a bit. Maybe buy a few special tools such as the brake spring tool-- though I did many brake jobs with vice grips and regular tools.
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,393
From: Tennessee
Welcome Alex,Oldsmobiles are always a good choice to put back on the road.Be sure and get the brakes right since that's one of the most important parts of the car.I am far away from K.C. , but like the others on C.O. ,I am as near as your computer when questions arise. Larry
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