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I recently was passed down the "family car" in a sense.
(Don't get me wrong I'm not one of those privileged types.)
That said, it is a 1980 442, with the W-30 package. Anybody know where I can find some literature on this car? I've always fixed my own stuff, but I'm admittedly a little stumped on some stuff with this car.
It's in great shape, aside from a few small repairs. Runs and drives great (when I can start it).
I'm just looking for some info on simple repairs mostly. Are there Haynes or Chilton Manual's for these cars?
Originally Posted by oldcutlass
Looks to be in decent shape. Welcome to the site. Which literature do you seek?
Welcome. Nice looking car. This was the only Cutlass offered with a 350 Olds motor in 1980. Get a set of these. There are currently about two dozen of the Chassis Service Manuals on ebay, with prices starting at about $6.
Awesome, I'll definitely look into those, thank you.
Originally Posted by joe_padavano
Welcome. Nice looking car. This was the only Cutlass offered with a 350 Olds motor in 1980. Get a set of these. There are currently about two dozen of the Chassis Service Manuals on ebay, with prices starting at about $6.
Would anyone be able to point me into the right direction for ignition issues? Where would I post trying to get advice for a locked ignition?
Originally Posted by 1980_442_W30
I recently was passed down the "family car" in a sense.
(Don't get me wrong I'm not one of those privileged types.)
That said, it is a 1980 442, with the W-30 package. Anybody know where I can find some literature on this car? I've always fixed my own stuff, but I'm admittedly a little stumped on some stuff with this car.
The lock cylinder on the steering column. That and the steering wheel are locked up. I fought it for a couple days as it got worse I parked it, went out the other day and it's completely locked up. I'm not sure if I have to replace the cylinder, or if there's another issue I'm not seeing.
Originally Posted by joe_padavano
What is your actual question? Do you have a problem with the ignition system or are you asking about the lock cylinder on the steering column?
The lock cylinder on the steering column. That and the steering wheel are locked up. I fought it for a couple days as it got worse I parked it, went out the other day and it's completely locked up. I'm not sure if I have to replace the cylinder, or if there's another issue I'm not seeing.
Just so I'm clear, you have been having greater and greater difficulty turning the key, to the point that now you can't turn it at all? If that's the case, there are a number of things that can cause this, and nearly all of them require the top of the steering column to be disassembled. My money is on the rack assembly that slides back and forth when you turn the key, but there could be other causes.
I had to pull the wheel back and forth those couple days and sort of jiggle the key to get it to come free. Now no amount of moving the wheel and key simultaneously will free it up. He only thing I've noticed about the key is that it's an Ace Hardware key, not the original. Doesn't seem overly worn.
Originally Posted by frankr442
Does your key look worn? Did it turn smoothly before and now does not? Have you tried moving the wheel as you turn the key?
It never really was hard to turn, just one day after work I must have bumped the steering wheel making it lock. Ever since that day the wheel locking became worse and worse. Each time I had to pull the wheel back and forth a little tougher. Now it won't budge, like the safety lock or whatever it is, is jammed or something.
Originally Posted by joe_padavano
Just so I'm clear, you have been having greater and greater difficulty turning the key, to the point that now you can't turn it at all? If that's the case, there are a number of things that can cause this, and nearly all of them require the top of the steering column to be disassembled. My money is on the rack assembly that slides back and forth when you turn the key, but there could be other causes.
It never really was hard to turn, just one day after work I must have bumped the steering wheel making it lock. Ever since that day the wheel locking became worse and worse. Each time I had to pull the wheel back and forth a little tougher. Now it won't budge, like the safety lock or whatever it is, is jammed or something.
Pull the steering wheel, pull the lock plate, and find out what is broken.
September 1st, 2017, 07:31 AM
