QB, a question: have you ever driven cars like these? I ask because I hope you don't end up disappointed. Even a well-done one will have aspects that are very "old-car" like. I'm thinking that if it was me, I would want to drive a number of them locally to get a sense of what I like and don't like before going into serious buying more.
First was along Meydenbauer Bay, 2nd Medina, 3rd near Phantom Lake, 4th and 5th in Sherwood Forest/Ardmore area (not too far from Crossroads), 6th is around 116th heading towards downtown.
It's possible that weber setup in the Mustang is fuel injection. The latest Ingelese catalog I could find was 2013. I found Ford small block intake systems in the 2012 catalog.
The engine in that Buick is not a Chevy 350, doesn't really look like one.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I wonder if my '72 Duster's ball joints had been done before I got it in '74. I drove it until '80, put 60k miles on it, no problems.
Those Duster ball joints weren't THAT bad! Maybe after 50,000 they were getting worn out. This was true for lots of cars in those days. Chevrolets were every bit as hard on ball joints and Pontiacs may have been the worst! They used tiny little lower ball joints. Smaller than the ones Chevy used. To replace them the proper way was to replace the whole lower control arm.
Of course a lot of perfectly good ball joints got needlessly replaced in those days. The guys would unload the joint by taking the pressure/weight off of them. Then they would take a four foot prybar and pry up on them. If there was ANY slop in them they would recommend replacement.
A lot of this had to do with the fact they just didn't know any better.
First was along Meydenbauer Bay, 2nd Medina, 3rd near Phantom Lake, 4th and 5th in Sherwood Forest/Ardmore area (not too far from Crossroads), 6th is around 116th heading towards downtown.
I wonder if my '72 Duster's ball joints had been done before I got it in '74. I drove it until '80, put 60k miles on it, no problems.
Those Duster ball joints weren't THAT bad! Maybe after 50,000 they were getting worn out. This was true for lots of cars in those days. Chevrolets were every bit as hard on ball joints and Pontiacs may have been the worst! They used tiny little lower ball joints. Smaller than the ones Chevy used. To replace them the proper way was to replace the whole lower control arm.
Of course a lot of perfectly good ball joints got needlessly replaced in those days. The guys would unload the joint by taking the pressure/weight off of them. Then they would take a four foot prybar and pry up on them. If there was ANY slop in them they would recommend replacement.
A lot of this had to do with the fact they just didn't know any better.
I should have added - I put 60k miles on top of the 50k it already had, for a total of 110k with no problems. Sold it to a friend, he drove it another 20k until he totaled it with 130k. No problems outside of a water pump, a radiator (because I added a/c) and a starter, the whole time (8 years). I thought the Duster was a sturdy, simple car, way better than my prior '65 Mustang. Course, that's not saying much!
QB, a question: have you ever driven cars like these? I ask because I hope you don't end up disappointed. Even a well-done one will have aspects that are very "old-car" like. I'm thinking that if it was me, I would want to drive a number of them locally to get a sense of what I like and don't like before going into serious buying more.
Not exactly like these, but I have been around long enough to have some experience in just about every "type" of car. I know these are all quite crude in comparison to more modern cars, but I'd wager my old CJ7 would have put all of these to shame in that department. I also have fond memories of my Zephyr, which was still just a derivative of the '60s Mustang. I actually think the Buick might be even more pleasant than I imagine. My grandfather had an old car similar to that when I was a kid. I think he must have driven that for about 15 years or so from when he retired up until he could not drive anymore. I remember it was metallic brown with a brown vinyl top. Had to be a Pontiac since he worked at a Pontiac dealership. So probably a third gen Lemans.
Anyway, I get what you are saying and the thought has crossed my mind. Hell, I may not even be comfortable in one. We'll find out. Sometimes you just gotta get that bug out of your system. If I am disappointed, I'll pass it on to the next sucker and get a more modern toy.
'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
The Buick is probably just a super comfy cruiser mobile. With some good rumble. Big, solid, ease on down the highway. Basically kinda sorta a real modern car.
The Duster, well, that is going to be crude, uncomfortable, and probably squirrely to drive. Never mind revving really high with a 3.91 rear end (I would assume on that part). IOW, unless you are planning to go out hustling kids in the stoplight grand prix, it isn't going to be very family friendly. The Pontiac probably somewhere in the middle.
so I guess the question is, other than a cool old car, what the heck are you really looking to end up with?
I have multiple pairs of sunglasses. Definitely more bikes on the road yesterday than I had seen in 6 months. Gotta get out and enjoy it while the getting is good
What kind of gas mileage do you get from fintail? Is it a 4 speed automatic?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
so I guess the question is, other than a cool old car, what the heck are you really looking to end up with?
That about sums it up. Ideally, it will have some get-up and go, not to mention mean sounding. Something to mess around with and add some upgrades, etc. And, of course, something I (and my boys) find attractive.
'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
Yep, 4 speed auto, the kind without a torque converter. 15 city, maybe 20-22 highway, which is surprising with how it revs at speed. It's actually really happy between 50-65 mph.
Not many/any other blue fintails with wide whites on the road around here anymore, if you see one, it's me
I haven't been to XXX for several years. MB club had a meet there way back around 2010-2011 or so. I'll need to find a meet that looks interesting and maybe one where my old project car would be appropriate.
Plain Jane interior, but that dash brings back memories. I had a Duster in HS, and my best friend used his families 74 or 75 Valiant, with that same dash. Good times. I got a story about that car, for another time!
and for my "get off my lawn" moment, it really needs more period correct wheels/tires, something with sidewall height that looks proportional. But I am probably fighting a losing battle here.
and for my "get off my lawn" moment, it really needs more period correct wheels/tires, something with sidewall height that looks proportional. But I am probably fighting a losing battle here.
As far as wheels go, these look pretty decent on that car, I think. Not ridiculously over-sized with rubber-band tires, but low profile enough to eek out a little better cornering performance than "original."
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
News of the day: Edd China has left Wheeler Dealers and the new season in production has replaced him with a fellow named Ant Anstead who is a mechanic/restorer who has been on other UK shows. Lots of reaction on social media, almost all of it favorable to Edd and questioning the future of the series. I posted a thank-you on Edd's FB page and got a "like" from the Tall Man himself!
I'm sure the full story will come out eventually, whether it's just him wanting to do something else, or if the producers wanted to take the show in a direction he was uncomfortable with. Certainly the last season was not a direction I liked. Interesting times.
News of the day: Edd China has left Wheeler Dealers and the new season in production has replaced him with a fellow named Ant Anstead who is a mechanic/restorer who has been on other UK shows. Lots of reaction on social media, almost all of it favorable to Edd and questioning the future of the series. I posted a thank-you on Edd's FB page and got a "like" from the Tall Man himself!
I'm sure the full story will come out eventually, whether it's just him wanting to do something else, or if the producers wanted to take the show in a direction he was uncomfortable with. Certainly the last season was not a direction I liked. Interesting times.
wow. that sucks.
funny enough, I have been missing it lately. Unless new ones have stalled due to this news?? On-demand in my area had up through, I think, the electric Maserati biturbo and then they removed wheeler dealers from the on-demand menu altogether.
'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
That Cutlass is really nice from what I can see and read. That was a factory color in '71, and combined with the white interior it makes a great summer ride. There is one locally in those same colors and I would love to have it. I actually have it's original wheels (Olds SS1 wheels,, like a Magnum 500, as seen in the pics of this car) on my Cutlass. I bought them from the owner of the convertible when he went to body-color SSIII wheels. I would not have made that change myself.
i can't even find my comment anymore. Over 1600 replies in less than a day. Impressive.
on my saga: showed the boys the video of the black '74 Nova. We are all in love. They still like the blue one coming up Sat morn at Mecum, though. Tough call. I did mail my check today but I'm not sure it will get there early enough to satisfy them. Then there is the issue of arranging transport fast enough. They want the cars gone by Monday afternoon. Almost forces you to use their transport company, which wants 2.5x what several other companies have quoted me.
'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
Ok, question: am I right that this would be considered a Base '69 Skylark? Trying to assess value. A base model is only work $19k in concours condition. Which would also mean this is far less valuable than the blue duster I'm interested in. https://www.mecum.com/lots/KM0317-277946/1969-buick-skylark/
Also, is anyone else seeing what I'm seeing on the one pic of the underside? Appears it may have some rusting issues?
'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
It is a replica so I assume just a base car with spoiler and stripes. I can't see rust through. Maybe a little surface stuff on the frame rail bracket piece?
The "concours condition" number is not relevant here because this car is not in that condition. It is a "nice driver" (assuming it actually drives nicely) based on what I see. Whatever value it has above that is from the replica GSX bits and modification it has had done to it. It appears to have started life as a Skylark Custom based upon the seats and door panels.
The "concours condition" number is not relevant here because this car is not in that condition. It is a "nice driver" (assuming it actually drives nicely) based on what I see. Whatever value it has above that is from the replica GSX bits and modification it has had done to it. It appears to have started life as a Skylark Custom based upon the seats and door panels.
well of course it is not concours. My point being it is worth far less than that. About $13k is #2 condition, which this isn't even up to that standard. I may have to lower my bidding limit on this one by quite a bit. Curious what shifty thinks.
Thanks for the info. A Custom is worth a little more, but not much.
I wonder if my '72 Duster's ball joints had been done before I got it in '74. I drove it until '80, put 60k miles on it, no problems.
Those Duster ball joints weren't THAT bad! Maybe after 50,000 they were getting worn out. This was true for lots of cars in those days. Chevrolets were every bit as hard on ball joints and Pontiacs may have been the worst! They used tiny little lower ball joints. Smaller than the ones Chevy used. To replace them the proper way was to replace the whole lower control arm.
Of course a lot of perfectly good ball joints got needlessly replaced in those days. The guys would unload the joint by taking the pressure/weight off of them. Then they would take a four foot prybar and pry up on them. If there was ANY slop in them they would recommend replacement.
A lot of this had to do with the fact they just didn't know any better.
I should have added - I put 60k miles on top of the 50k it already had, for a total of 110k with no problems. Sold it to a friend, he drove it another 20k until he totaled it with 130k. No problems outside of a water pump, a radiator (because I added a/c) and a starter, the whole time (8 years). I thought the Duster was a sturdy, simple car, way better than my prior '65 Mustang. Course, that's not saying much!
Nothing in that price range/category could compare to a Duster. The tough as nails slant sixes, the Torqueflights and the solid construction put them way ahead of their competition at the time. These were just good cars! Rebuild the front end once and you were good to go!
These were 150,000 mile cars (or more) at a time when most cars were pretty tired around the 80,000 mile mark!
Q, I like that one much better. Especially the interior, and looks nicer overall. I also believe in paying a little more for a lot more quality. And if you can't afford a good one, don't but a crappy one.
$14k with 3 hours to go on s not bad. Definitely makes that white one at 16k look for overpriced.
Comments
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OK, you replace the lower ball joints, tie rod ends and probably the idler arm - ONCE!
I say once because the replacement parts (usually Moog) were far superior to the OEM stuff
Do it once and you're done for as long as you're going to keep the car!
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I found Ford small block intake systems in the 2012 catalog.
The engine in that Buick is not a Chevy 350, doesn't really look like one.
Of course a lot of perfectly good ball joints got needlessly replaced in those days. The guys would unload the joint by taking the pressure/weight off of them. Then they would take a four foot prybar and pry up on them. If there was ANY slop in them they would recommend replacement.
A lot of this had to do with the fact they just didn't know any better.
That's because it's a Buick 350. Distributor is on the front of the engine.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Anyway, I get what you are saying and the thought has crossed my mind. Hell, I may not even be comfortable in one. We'll find out. Sometimes you just gotta get that bug out of your system. If I am disappointed, I'll pass it on to the next sucker and get a more modern toy.
'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
The Duster, well, that is going to be crude, uncomfortable, and probably squirrely to drive. Never mind revving really high with a 3.91 rear end (I would assume on that part). IOW, unless you are planning to go out hustling kids in the stoplight grand prix, it isn't going to be very family friendly. The Pontiac probably somewhere in the middle.
so I guess the question is, other than a cool old car, what the heck are you really looking to end up with?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
'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
I haven't been to XXX for several years. MB club had a meet there way back around 2010-2011 or so. I'll need to find a meet that looks interesting and maybe one where my old project car would be appropriate.
And, yes, stick, I would absolutely change that stupid steering wheel. There are a few things I'd do to the interior, actually.
http://gatewayclassiccars.com/milwaukee/1974/dodge/dart-S190.html
'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
and for my "get off my lawn" moment, it really needs more period correct wheels/tires, something with sidewall height that looks proportional. But I am probably fighting a losing battle here.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
I'm sure the full story will come out eventually, whether it's just him wanting to do something else, or if the producers wanted to take the show in a direction he was uncomfortable with. Certainly the last season was not a direction I liked. Interesting times.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/6049595492.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
funny enough, I have been missing it lately. Unless new ones have stalled due to this news?? On-demand in my area had up through, I think, the electric Maserati biturbo and then they removed wheeler dealers from the on-demand menu altogether.
'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
'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
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/867700.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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'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
It is kind of sad, because it seems clear Discovery is taking this into the "Fast & Loud" mode of manufactured drama and contrived situations.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
i can't even find my comment anymore. Over 1600 replies in less than a day. Impressive.
on my saga: showed the boys the video of the black '74 Nova. We are all in love. They still like the blue one coming up Sat morn at Mecum, though. Tough call. I did mail my check today but I'm not sure it will get there early enough to satisfy them. Then there is the issue of arranging transport fast enough. They want the cars gone by Monday afternoon. Almost forces you to use their transport company, which wants 2.5x what several other companies have quoted me.
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/KM0317-277946/1969-buick-skylark/
Also, is anyone else seeing what I'm seeing on the one pic of the underside? Appears it may have some rusting issues?
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Thanks for the info. A Custom is worth a little more, but not much.
Stick, this is my area of some concern:
'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
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-buick-gs-2/
'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
These were 150,000 mile cars (or more) at a time when most cars were pretty tired around the 80,000 mile mark!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
$14k with 3 hours to go on s not bad. Definitely makes that white one at 16k look for overpriced.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm really really leaning toward the blue Duster today. You could eat out of that engine compartment.
'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