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Comments
I bought a carbureted 1983 Malibu wagon in '95. It had 120k or thereabouts and was in decent shape overall.
One problem was that it leaked from the exhaust manifold, or more to the point, from the AIR tubes that bolted into the manifold like an 8-legged spider. Air Injection Reaction, as I'm sure you'll recall.
It took me $32 in parts and a full EIGHT HOURS of work to get the old, corroded plumbing removed and the replacement parts installed. What a mess. I had my heart in my throat the whole time because I knew if I buggered up any of the threads, that was it for me and the Malibu.
Most people didn't bother and just plugged the holes in the manifold and called it good. The problem is that when you do that and don't pump air into the exhaust, the extra gas (~ 10% according to the literature) goes unburned and winds up in the air. How do you like that? Everytime you fill up the tank, you might as well splash 2 gallons into a pan and have it evaporate. That's disgusting.
It makes me wonder whether the net effect of a lot of 70's smog equipment wasn't to increase the pollution over the life of the car. At least here in the Midwest where there's no annual smog check.
Now once fuel injection became the norm, things got much, much better. I just sold the last carbureted vehicle I ever hope to own.
-Mathias
Yeah, why pay more for a Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, or Cadillac when you can get the same thing at your Chevy dealer. Oops. :sick:
Maybe in 1956 a Buick, Olds or Cadillac was a "better built" car than a Chevy, but I don't think so in the 1970s. There was just MORE of everything, including gadgets of course.
I think that was the point exactly. Each division was like it's own little business and they were more than happy to cannibalize from each other
I just checked my 1985 Consumer Guide, and it's not showing a sunroof as an option on the Caprice/Impala, but it's an option on the Parisienne, LeSabre, Delta 88, and Fleetwood Brougham. A $1230 option. I dunno why they didn't offer it on the Caprice, though. I think they did offer it in earlier years though. Either that or it was a very common aftermarket option, because I know I've seen them from time to time.
Back in, say, 1978, you could option up a Caprice with power windows, door locks, seat, probably a power antenna and a nice stereo. They probably offered some kind of rally wheel option as well, although most of the ones I've seen just have hubcaps. That BBS style hubcap in the one above was an option, though. I don't think they started offering a leather interior in the Caprice though, until around 1986-87. By 1987 though, GM's big RWD cars were down to just the Caprice and the Brougham, so they made a few luxury versions of the Caprice, like the Brougham and the Brougham LS, which satisfied buyers who felt burned when the RWD LeSabre, Delta 88, and even 98/Electra went away.
In the late 70's though, I don't think the Caprice offered a package that would give you a plush, loose pillow look velour interior like what you could get with the LeSabre Limited, Bonneville Brougham, or Delta 88 Royale Brougham or whatever long-winded name Olds was using by that time.
They also still kept a sense of hierarchy about these cars back then, as a 350 was the biggest engine you could get in a Caprice. Meanwhile, the Catalina/Bonneville could be had with a 400 (403 in California or other areas that banned Pontiac engines). The Delta/LeSabre could have up to a 403 as well. And then a Cadillac would come standard with a 425.
In 1980 though, the biggest engine in the Chevy was a 305, except for police cars. Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, and Buicks only went up to a 350, and Caddy got demoted to a 368. For 1981, B-O-P lost the 350's, limiting them to mainly 307's and 301's, and probably a 305 here and there.
Throughout the 70's, Chevy did seem to maintain a "baby Cadillac" upscale sort of look about them, which no doubt helped with sales. It was a lot of car for the money. Meanwhile Pontiac tried to rely on past styling, with its split grilles, and tried to play a sporty angle, even if they really weren't. The Catalina used to be the volume seller for Pontiac, but it didn't do too well in downsized form. I think by that time, people were starting to realize that the Catalina really didn't give you anything you couldn't get in an Impala. In '77, an Impala 4-door sedan base priced at $4901, while the Catalina was $5050. And I don't know if there was really anything in a Catalina that made it worth $149 more. Personally, I think the '77 Catalina looks better, although I think they're both good looking cars. I like the Catalina's interior better (subjective), and I think it has a better dashboard (again subjective, but I think the Catalina's dash did use nicer materials and less hard plastic).
Probably should have thought of school before dumping 16 grand into this
Funny way to put it that the car needs some 'help' Still could be OK for an eclipse fan
Market correct? A little high?
Hard to price this but I've seen less for the same money
Daily driver... been sitting for many years???
I like the other S10 more
If it looks good in person, this could be OK
This could be good too
It all depends on what that engine noise is
What is the market fot this?
I haven't seen an ad with this much attitude in a long time
I kind of like the ad with attitude. Although it begs the question, if the needed repair costs a mere grand, why not do it?
1989 BMW E30 -- the seller sounds like he might not be well mentally. The ad is almost incoherent.
1978 corvette Silver Anniv -- price is fair enough for a beater. I sure wouldn't go putting lots of money in this car as an "investment" though. Crate motors are cheap and matching #s are rather irrelevant on late 70s cars anyway.
1970 Chevelle SS -- yet another 1970 Chevelle to be placed in row upon row of 1970 Chevelles at Show and Shine. Market correct? Depends on quality of work and ability to document the claims of "matching" numbers.
It's none of his business as to what will happen with the car. If he cares so much he should fix his tranny and keep it himself. I could use it in a demo derby if I desire, or 24 hours of Lemons. lol
I suspect he will have it on there for quite some time with that attitude.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
It'd be funny to buy that old 3er, destroy it, and send the guy some pics.
I'll admit when I sold my W126 I was concerned about it going to a good home, I was screening any potential buyers. I didn't want the car to end up in the hands of a high school girl or something.
When I had my 77 Impala, which was all original btw with 89k miles, I sold it to a guy who said he'll cut the springs and use it in a demo derby. He was the only taker for it fo the 2 months I had it for sale, so even though it saddened me, I had to let it go.
If I had a huge acreage, maybe I'd open up a car heaven, where older cars can rest and be preserved. lol
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Funny, but I always wanted to do something like that, too. In an ideal world, where I had so much money that there's no way I could ever possibly blow through it all, I think I'd buy up some big warehouses and use them to store the cars, to keep them out of the elements.
Just out of curiosity, what does cutting the springs do for a demo derby car? Shame to hear about your '77 Impala. What kind of condition was it in when you sold it?
I sold my W126 to a 60-something guy who once had a 420SEL that got hit, and wanted another one. He barely even negotiated with my price as the car was so clean and sound. What he has done with it now is his business, but I would like to think the car has been cared for.
I'd like to have my own little old car sanctuary like that too...I'd be open to parting the cars out, but keep them away from the crusher. Over the years I have seen a number of sub-$500 fintails and others that I would like to have saved.
I wish that I could see that guy's inbox today.
The car was a two owner before me, with original unfaded paint, back seat never sat on, pretty much a old gentleman drivn car since new.
My friend sold it to me after his son has a misshap and hit a tree damaging the front grille, other than that it was pretty clean.
Even the seats and carpets did not show wear (it had a light blue interior).
I sold it for $500 I think.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Funny. That's the same story when I sold my 190E. The guy had an S class that he totalled and wanted another Benz. He practically begged me to sell him mine at just a few hundred below my asking price, IIRC. He was some kind of war vet according to his buddy.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
DO NOT CALL if this is your "first BMW because you always wanted an E30."
It's my first BMW. My other cars are a Lamborghini, a Ferrari, and a Porsche.
DO NOT CALL if you think $2000 is "a lot of money" (This only means you are poor).
Well, it depends on for how much scrap metal is selling. I'm not paying more than the market price.
DO NOT CALL if you want to strip this car apart and use it for "racing."
Does "demolition derby" count as "racing?"
DO NOT CALL if you think you'll be able to "chew me down." (I make a disturbing salary, this car is only for "fun.")
I might chew you out when I find out what a hunk o' junk you sold me. Your pay is only disturbing, because one wonders how you can possibly live on so little. Your idea of the car being "fun" is sitting behind the wheel turning it back and forth making motor noises as you can't afford the gas.
I work on Wall St, wasting my time, literally costs me money.
He works on Wall Street in West Ghettosville, New Jersey.
Yeah, the time you spent away from holding a styrofoam cup begging passers-by for loose change might cost you $24.63 in quarters, dimes, nickles, and pennies.
Junior needs to slow down and be nice... or he'll be stuck with the Bimmer for a while.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
If anything, this guy probably goes to some office on the side of the Long Island Expressway and pushed crap stock making 200 phone calls a day. He probably goes home every night and watches a VHS copy of Wall St and knows every line. A Disturbing Amount of Money means that one week he screwed two widows instead of one. Mudslides were on him at Crapplebees that week.
I think their old wagon was an Olds Vista Cruiser.
I think their old wagon was an Olds Vista Cruiser.
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster was based on a 1982 or so Ford Crown Vic station wagon. They might've still been calling them "Country Squire" by that time, but I can't remember. And yeah, the old wagon, which got crushed, was a Vista Cruiser...maybe around a 1970?
"You think you hate it now? Wait till you drive it!"
Anyone want to supply the URLs for dummies version?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
HTML Codes
Or to make it easy, when you press the "URL" link button below this "post a message" box, it will give you an area in the code called "link title" in which you can wirte whatever you want your link to be called.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And the Vista Cruiser (you can tell the crushed car is not the one they drove in)
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I think lemko saw one of these a while back
Economy car survivor
The LApina is nice too, but I'd prefer it in the long wheelbase version (I know they don't make them like that).
The Datsun is funky too, fairly good shape.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
4.3 (262 CID) V-6/3-speed automatic: 18/23
4.3 V-6/4-speed automatic: 18/25
5.0 (305 CID) V-8/4-speed automatic: 17/25
I'd imagine the vast majority of them came with the 5.0.
The EPA's website is also listing an Olds 307/4-speed automatic, rated at 18/25. I dunno if that's right, though. I didn't think the Olds 307 ever went in the Caprice coupe/sedan. At some point though, and I guess it could have been 1986, they started using 307's in the wagons.
I'd think 24-25 mpg on the highway would be attainable if you didn't get too wild with it. They tended to use a 2.56:1 axle with the 305, and a 2.73:1 with the 307. Once they went into overdrive, that would effectively knock it down to around 1.7X-1.8X:1. They were just barely loafing along, although if you put your foot into it they would downshift pretty readily, and around 45 mph tended to hunt back and forth. But yeah, most people wouldn't be getting 25 mpg in typical driving.
When I had my grandparents' '85 LeSabre, which had a 307, I'd usually get around 14-15 driving locally, which included pizza delivery, and maybe 22 on the highway...which is about what the new, downrated EPA estimates are for it. Back when it was newer, Granddad actually got 29 out of it. Once. That was when they took a trip out west, back when the National speed limit was still 55. Granddad probably hung around 55-60, and this was a flat desert stretch, in the springtime, so they weren't running the a/c.
I'd imagine fuel economy, or at least the perception of it, might be hurting this car to a degree. Even though it's not a horribly thirsty car, I'd imagine a lot of people are going to think that it is, simply because it's big and has a V-8.
i do keep the tires aired up, just so it is driveable.
it's great when my daughter with her permit pulls into the parking lot at driving school and all the boys are getting out of their mom's minvan, mom driving of course. this one is still a hold 'em
In January I bought a 2002 Blazer xTreme which he drools over daily.
The boy has taken good care of the '99, no tickets, no accidents, not even a bump. Now dad has to decide if he gets to take the xTreme off to college. My thoughts are because of mileage ('99 ~90K, '02 `68K) but his level of maturity over the next year (senioritis. Been there, done that) will help with the decision. I figure one of the two will be replaced in about a year, and neither will bring much on a trade. However, I love reading the "fair market values" on xTremes. They are so rare and sought after that you can never find a decent one within $2K of the published guides. Even harder is to find one with <80K miles or hasn't been "customized" with bad audio, mongo wheels, and busted ground effects (extremely expensive to replace).
But it is fun to see the kid beg.
I prefer these early models to the later ones
Not seen every day
This is as rare as the owner claims - but will only receive demand from a few...also "trip tronic" always make me laugh
As for the Benz I thought there's be more than just 22 in the states but then I guess it could have been a limited run just before the model changeover.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
The 2000 C43 had a short run as the W203 cars were ramping up. I have never seen a 2000 MY example in person, but 1998-99 cars (as the one I had) are around. I think that number is correct, or close to it. Seller claims it has xenons, but I don't see headlight wipers, so if he has those, it's a conversion.
hey, hey now. Watch it, bud!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Brand new flasher module!!!
Great Mileage, no power, and don't get run over
I hate to admit it, but I'm guilty of doing sort of the same thing with my '68 Dart. I was driving it less and less, and then finally sort of retired it over at my grandmother's place. I'd move it around every once in awhile just so it didn't kill the grass. One time though, after only letting it sit a few weeks, it wouldn't start back up. It would crank, but wouldn't fire up, and if you dumped gas down in the carb, it would run for a second or two until that burned off. So I figured it was the fuel pump or breach in the fuel line somewhere.
In my defense though, I guess, at least I know more or less what's wrong with it. With that Catalina, it would be nice if the guy at least described the events leading up to its demise, and the symptoms of what it does now. Like, does it crank but not fire up? Or nothing at all? So yeah, you're right in that it's probably got more issues with it than he's letting on.
I guess one advantage is that it probably wouldn't be too hard to just find another Pontiac 400, or even a 455, and throw it in. But then it's dumb to pay running-car money for a 2 1/2 ton garden gnome.