When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello everyone, relatively new owner of a ‘75 Delta 88 convertible. Needs a bit of work, but only 31k miles and runs well.
I live in Northern Virginia. Looking to get it painted. Not looking for show quality, but something better than the low quality shops. Appreciate any suggestions.
If there's no rust or major dents a respray should be simple enough. I recommend getting rid of those vinyl side moldings since part is already missing, they're too high to be any good against door dings and the cars look better without them.
The more trim you can remove and reinstall yourself the better the overall job will be. Gives you a chance to clean up scripts and mouldings and avoid sand scratches or overspray.
If you don't have a top boot I have a white aftermarket one left over from my 73 Royale convertible that I sold in 1997. It's doing me nor anyone else any good stored under the bed. I'm in southern Vajenya.
If there's no rust or major dents a respray should be simple enough. I recommend getting rid of those vinyl side moldings since part is already missing, they're too high to be any good against door dings and the cars look better without them.
The more trim you can remove and reinstall yourself the better the overall job will be. Gives you a chance to clean up scripts and mouldings and avoid sand scratches or overspray.
If you don't have a top boot I have a white aftermarket one left over from my 73 Royale convertible that I sold in 1997. It's doing me nor anyone else any good stored under the bed. I'm in southern Vajenya.
thanks a ton! Will definitely take you up on the top boot offer. Need to send you a couple closeups of the passenger side door. Looks like some bondo or something was used there. Also some minor rust spots. After I send those over, let me know if you think a respray will work ok.
As another owner of a 1975 Delta 88 Vert welcome to the group. My car only has 53K on it and it is a ton of fun. I get a ton of thumbs up and long stares on the roads up here in Ma. If you need any parts talk to "Big Dooley". JD somehow finds these cars and strips them clean and he seems to have just about everything you need.
If your Olds needs paint consider taking an evening auto body course at a local vo-tech. I painted my 71 98 by taking an auto body course. Well, technically I only sprayed the fender skirts because I was too chicken to do the rest of it, but I did do all of the bodywork.
Nice ride! I love the white interior! Good advice about the auto body classes. I bet doing the bodywork alone will save you a ton of labor cost, even if someone else lays down the paint in a booth. Good luck!
Northern Virginia Community College website shows they offer automotive technology and collision repair programs but doesn't specify which campus, nor does it mention a summer program like Danville and Patrick-Henry CC offer. That would be what you need.
Worth looking into if you have the time to devote to it.
Thought I should provide some photos of the rust and previous bondo repair areas to provide better advice on getting paint done… all opinions appreciated. Not looking for show quality, just big improvement
So I was putting the convertible top up Saturday night and it just stuck about halfway up. I was able to get it closed until I get some time to figure out what has gone wrong.
went in today to start lubricating the frame and see if I can find something that went wrong and found this laying in the back area where the top folds down:
Looks like a hinge pin. I had one pop out too. I think the nut just came undone, doesn't look like the pin is damaged. You just have to find out where it goes and reinstall it.
Chris, you need the 1975 Fisher Body Manual, quick. It has all the scissor top adjustments, lube points and synchronization procedures. You may be able to find it online because you're not the first to have a war with that top mechanism.
Scissor top is the one thing I don't miss about my 73. Royal pain.
The lithium grease will work ok but I'd look into a synthetic grease like SuperLube. There are some points that require a 10w oil like 3 in 1.
Just now reading this dated thread but wanted to add I too live in northern Virginia (Alexandria). I own a ‘74 Delta 88 Convertible blue exterior/white interior. I noted no one responded with a paint shop recommendation which I too could use. Maybe I’ll see you at some local car shows. Your car looks great.
