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I just inherited a 1969 Cutlass S convertible that is in very good condition but needs some mechanical. I will be contacting you all and getting your input and thoughts as I repair and update this beautiful ride.
A little history on the car, my father purchased this care about 25 years ago and had we worked on it and replaced most of the interior and have the body work done. It is a beautiful ride and all stock with the engine and trans. Feb 5 my father was in a fatal car crash and this was one of the things he gave to me upon his death. He was 72 and and in good health. This has been very stressful but I am glad that I have this car to remember him by and the memories of us both working on it together.
The current state of this car it that it does runs, drives and seems very sound but it has a transmission leak, exhaust leak, and possibly a coolant leak. I know these can be a pain in the *** to fix and I am very mechanically inclined and would like to fix all of these myself.
Welcome aboard. Sorry to hear the loss of your father. Great history with the car.
Sounds as if those issues are fairly minor and you are capable of fixing them. Ask as many questions as necessary and out of the collective knowledge and experience here we can get you the correct answers.
Welcome to CO, beautiful car. But these cars from the '60s and early '70s are EASY to work on compared to anything newer. The issues you have sound pretty minor compared to the work you and your father (RIP) have already put into it. If the trans leak is only a few drips a week and the trans operates fine otherwise, I'd just keep it topped off and put sheets of cardboard under where you park. Exhaust leaks are a great excuse for a dual exhaust upgrade (if it doesn't have it already). Don't ignore the timing chain, if it is original and you have upwards of 100K mi on it, you'd be ahead by changing that as preventative maintenance when you replace any leaking coolant hoses or radiator. Good luck and post some more pictures!
Darrin, First and Foremost, please accept my condolences on your terrible loss.
Welcome to C.O.! I know you will find all the help and answers you need right here. This is a great group of folks who love to share knowledge and love of Oldsmobiles. Lastly, that is a SCHWEEET Ride!
Darrin, very sorry for your loss. Never easy to lose a loved one and even more difficult when it is sudden and unexpected.
Very nice car and the problems you describe, while perhaps annoying, do not sound major. Glad you are willing to tackle the work yourself - much of the fun of having a classic car is the pride that comes from keeping it looking good and running good with your own two hands.
I am practically in your backyard. While I am primarily a 60s Full-size guy (B/C Body), am still happy to share or help a fellow Olds fan when I can. Good luck with your car. As long as you have it your Father will be with you.
Thank you all for replying. I have added a few additional pictures in my profile. just got some dye and UV light to determine where the oil/trans are leaking. Thanks again for your thoughts and kind words.
Welcome. Your a step ahead being mechanically inclined.
Dont get crazy going off on a tangent with the leaks and dyes to find them. Additives generally aren't recommended.
There are a few common trouble spots for each problem and simple solutions. We have many 68-69 (and GM) experts here to assist.
Your first concerns would be safety and reliability related and can be resolved along with the leaks. You will already be in the troubled spot performing preventative maintenance.
1 Tires. Older than 10 replace.
2. All fluids, trans, power steering, power top fluid, rear-end, brake, coolant et al.
3. Rubber brake lines. Do them with a full flush and replacement of the 3 soft lines(brake fluid should be flushed every 5ish years on a rarely driven classic).
4. Trans fluid and filter...full flush on trans. High-quality TCI trans fluid(Jegs or Summit)
5. Belts, hoses, T-Stat, a full coolant system flush including doing the heater core separately with its hoses disconnected from the main system.
6. Repack front wheel bearings
7. Fuel system...carefully replace the inline Q-Jet filter. check and replace all the interconnected soft lines from the tank to the pump.
8. Inspect the ignition system.
9. Full chassis inspection of bushings and steering components.
See where Im going? You need to refresh some things and you will be "in" the problem spots doing this maintenance.
Your pops would want you safe. Sux to lose someone like that. Condolences to you and the fam.
Try to stick with good parts versus big box houses of chineasium parts.
You may want to keep the removed parts versus turning them in for core charges. Original parts can be important for originality and can be rebuilt...water pump, carb etc...
