Hello everyone,

I am new here and looking for valuable information sources.

I have purchased a 1965 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser that was previously used as an ambulance in Portugal.

I am from Germany (Berlin) and am not a native English speaker. However, I will do my best to express myself as clearly as possible.

I think the car is incredibly cool.
When I was younger, I owned an OPEL Diplomat-B, which reminds me a lot of this car, even though the Olds is a station wagon.

I bought the car some time ago and put it in my garage. Now I'm starting to work on restoring it.
The car is in a desolate condition visually, but seems to be in good shape in terms of substance. At least, when you consider the year it was built.

I have already done the following things to the car:
- Repaired the frost plugs on the engine
- Repaired the radiator
- Sealing kit for the intake manifold
- New windshield
- Service (oil, filters, spark plugs, V-belt, etc.)
- New set of tires

What still needs to be done:
- The chassis needs to be overhauled
- Some of the electrical system is not working
- Install chrome/trim strips (all available)
- Tailgate does not open easily
- Repair the tailgate window mechanism

There is a lot to do on this car, but these are the most important points that are on my mind.

I look forward to meeting like-minded people here.

Best regards,
Patrick

 

That is such a cool car! Thank you for sharing.
‘I think I’ll have to own a wagon someday.
And thank you for taking pictures of the data plate.
X- export
E- tinted windows
2K- firewall piercing for air conditioning
5O- seatbelt delete for export

I think the exterior looks pretty good. I don’t see too much rust anywhere.
So rebuilding, the chassis is next?

please share some interior pictures!
And what’s written on the rear quarter panels?

 

Welcome. The body looks solid. Keep us posted with your progress.

 

Thank you for the warm welcome!

Unfortunately, the lettering on the sides is incomplete. See photos below.
However, I may still find individual pieces in the boxes. I think I saw something recently.

 

Welcome to ClassicOldsmobile. Cool car. You have a good chassis and body. I wouldn't worry about the missing bits of chrome lettering. If you get where you want to paint the car, you can remove the chrome lettering and weld the holes closed.

Perhaps edit your profile to add Berlin,Germany as your location. This would make us aware you are not in the USA. That would also let us know you don't have the common sources for parts and accessories.

 

I don’t think that was an ambulance…it was a hearse!

Funeraria Bracarense is a funeral home in Portugal.
https://bracarense-grupofunerario.pt/en/