Saving Grace Introduction
May 11th, 2010, 08:41 AM
#1
Clueless Mechanic
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 74
Saving Grace Introduction
Hey All, Great forum I have been reading it for a couple days now. So here Is the story. 2 years ago my wifes uncle passed away leaving behind only sisters an apartment and 2 storage garages. I was asked to clean them out anything worth selling put in one the rest trash. first unit almost all trash except for a few tools and a rototiller it took 3 days to clean. On to the second unit the holy grail after opening the door I discovered a 1972 delta 88 convertable being stored since 2002. I was told to contact the junk yard to have it towed I said better yet the junk yard will only give you 100 for it how about I buy it. They said for all the cleaning just take it. after flatbedding it home I manually checked to see if the crank turned it did!!!
2 years later I finally had some green to invest in her. after draining the oil lubing the cylenders with a little marvel added new coil,wires,plugs,points and condenser. She fired right up
that was the look on my face. Well that is just the first step in many to come and my story. I look forward to all the knowledge I have seen on this forum and can not wait till step 2 body work begins!!
1972 Delta 88 Royale
350 Rocket 2 bbl
2 years later I finally had some green to invest in her. after draining the oil lubing the cylenders with a little marvel added new coil,wires,plugs,points and condenser. She fired right up that was the look on my face. Well that is just the first step in many to come and my story. I look forward to all the knowledge I have seen on this forum and can not wait till step 2 body work begins!!1972 Delta 88 Royale
350 Rocket 2 bbl
Last edited by salvaged88; May 11th, 2010 at 08:44 AM.
May 11th, 2010, 09:49 AM
#8
Clueless Mechanic
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 74
Thanks I am pretty lucky I probably have 90% of the trim etc. I have been looking for new lower quarters for days to no avail. The rest of the story goes like this. Instead of paying 5000 to bury his ashes he currently resides in my living room. I will restore his favorite car take him on one last ride to his favorite place the cabin up north and spread his ashes there. God I hope someone does that for me when its my time!!
Last edited by salvaged88; May 11th, 2010 at 09:52 AM.
May 11th, 2010, 09:56 AM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,291
May 11th, 2010, 10:24 AM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,471
hey Salvage, what a score! I'm a 98 guy but one of these days I want to add an 88 convertible to my garage. I'm leaning towards a '74 or '75 but they're all so damn nice! For parts, try these guys if you don't already know of them. http://dvap.com/parts/ and http://www.hiddenvalleyautoparts.com/. I was in Arizona a few years back and could not believe how many mid 70's full-sized Oldsmobiles they had! I saw more in one of these yards than I have in years of different yards on the east coast. Keep in mind they know what they have so sometimes prices are a little steep but good chance you'll find sheet metal you need. Good luck and enjoy that convertible!
Welcome to CO
May 11th, 2010, 11:12 AM
#14
Clueless Mechanic
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 74
Thank you citcapp I have found it consuming my soul in a good way
Edit can I get a little help with a sig? It is 600x150 and only like 50kb I have uploaded it dirrect and also to a host posting with img tags still no go???
Edit can I get a little help with a sig? It is 600x150 and only like 50kb I have uploaded it dirrect and also to a host posting with img tags still no go???
Last edited by salvaged88; May 11th, 2010 at 11:48 AM.
May 11th, 2010, 11:51 AM
#15
Oldsdruid
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southside Vajenya
Posts: 10,365
If you can't patch the quarters the interchange is 71-72 are the same, 73 is a year to itself, 74-75 are the same.
Make sure you lube all the pivot points on that roof frame good, once or twice a year. The electric "scissor top" is no fun when it ain't working right.
Make sure you lube all the pivot points on that roof frame good, once or twice a year. The electric "scissor top" is no fun when it ain't working right.
May 11th, 2010, 12:48 PM
#19
Oldsdruid
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southside Vajenya
Posts: 10,365
A light machine oil will work on pivot points. Apply the oil and then wipe off excess so it doesn't keep dripping and stain the trim. You can use lithium grease on the ball and socket pivots on the second bow.
Something else to expect on a 71-76 that's sat that long. You'll probably hear a chirping noise from under the car. They have a constant velocity ball joint instead of a rear universal joint. The ball gets dry and chirps. Some have a lube fitting. Most don't.
Something else to expect on a 71-76 that's sat that long. You'll probably hear a chirping noise from under the car. They have a constant velocity ball joint instead of a rear universal joint. The ball gets dry and chirps. Some have a lube fitting. Most don't.
May 11th, 2010, 02:55 PM
#23
Registered
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 4,430
Welcome
I'm glad your daughter didn't use the top for a stage.
John/2blu442 had a car sort of like that, not my area of expertise, as a matter of fact nothing is?? Bigfoot was trying to rip-off the hood last time I saw it. Not sure if it's still around but John may have some nice The Great Northleft area parts either way.
John/2blu442 had a car sort of like that, not my area of expertise, as a matter of fact nothing is?? Bigfoot was trying to rip-off the hood last time I saw it. Not sure if it's still around but John may have some nice The Great Northleft area parts either way.
May 12th, 2010, 05:12 AM
#25
Past Administrator
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Rural Waxahachie Texas
Posts: 10,068
Welcome to CO. I have heard stories of barn finds but never, never seen evidence of one until now. Your story is really cool and a dream come true for guys n gals like us. Your car is truly in good shape. I really like the B bodies and have begun to develop an itch for an early seventies convertible similar to yours. Very nice!
May 12th, 2010, 05:18 AM
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,291
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123
All he needs to do is get the year right. He calls it a '73, but it's a '74, which he notes at the end of his description. Regardless, it is a very good looking car.
May 12th, 2010, 05:28 AM
#28
I saw an awesome blue 75 go last week for under $6k very sad http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1182
May 12th, 2010, 06:07 AM
#31
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 11,798
Very nice find - lucky you! Great story on the car and about your wife's uncle as well. One last ride and leaving him at his favorite spot - I hope someone will do that to me when I go, too!!
Glad you saved it - keep us posted with updates!
Glad you saved it - keep us posted with updates!
May 12th, 2010, 06:41 AM
#34
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fair Play, SC
Posts: 231
Great story and find. I love to hear of lost/forgotton items being found/preserved. In our throw away society(on many levels) it's cool to see old stuff surface.
Good luck on your resto and keep us posted.
Good luck on your resto and keep us posted.
May 12th, 2010, 07:12 AM
#35
Clueless Mechanic
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 74
Thx All for your reply's Currently working on a game plan for her in these times money is tight all around so rather than rush into this restore and do it half assed on a budget think she will be getting the slow and steady treatment.
May 12th, 2010, 11:01 AM
#36
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 14,291
May 12th, 2010, 12:24 PM
#37
Welcome to the forum! I can't tell from the pics but she looks nice and solid. Can you get away with patching in metal from any car or you need specific pieces for your car? Nice story and keep the updates coming.
May 12th, 2010, 02:34 PM
#39
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: six one two
Posts: 143
Im sure you can keep yourself busy for years simply cleaning and repairing all the minor details. I know I sure have.
May 12th, 2010, 02:40 PM
#40
it's too bad I have no kids or nieces or nephews at all interested in this hobby which brings up a new topic for a thread WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR OLDSMOBILE AFTER YOU'RE GONE? (no hijack intended)
