The Colonnade GMs were not very well built. Some suffered body rust though not as bad as some other makes in that era. The build quality and material quality for trim and the like was an early victim of GM cost-cutting. I remember in the early '80s when I had my '77 LeMans 2-door it needed both door window weatherstrips and outside door window sweepers. Both of those pieces were notorious for failure after just a few years. The window rubbers (attached to the door opening of the body) were an early attempt at using an oversized soft foam rubber seal to hide any misalignment and body shake. The friction seemed to cause them to fail after just a few years. The outside sweepers were always seen in fail mode after a short time - they attached to the top of the door skin and were a metal piece with a rubber coating, which is the part that always failed. Water would get under the failed rubber and rust the metal core.
In my case I went to the dealer parts counter around '83 to get new only to find the window foam seals were discontinued and NLA. The sweepers were found by the parts guy's computer search somewhere out west. He said they were the last set available in Canada. Thanks to the way GM worked then, they did not charge him (nor me) for shipment and I got them for a reasonable cost.
Back then there were still a few pull-a-part junkyards nearby and I began scouring them for the seals. There were a lot of those models in the yards by then but all of them had seals far worse than what I already had. The last visit I made during that search had me find what I recall was a very rough-looking hulk with what appeared to be brand-new seals installed. I could not believe it. They came off very easily and I think I paid like $10 for them.
I’d like the Cutlass but those late 70s early 80s GM cars were mechanically and structurally lousy designs. My 82’ Olds 88 was always breaking down and the trunk floor rotted out at low mileage.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I’d like the Cutlass but those late 70s early 80s GM cars were mechanically and structurally lousy designs. My 82’ Olds 88 was always breaking down and the trunk floor rotted out at low mileage.
Yeah, I think that the 76/7 Cutlass Supreme was particularly handsome but they didn't hold up well
Here's a good project, barnfind in Portugal - W111 fintail aftermarket wagon conversion. This was something of a trend in Europe for awhile - these conversions can bring significantly more than sedans, wagons are hot no matter what they are:
Here's a good project, barnfind in Portugal - W111 fintail aftermarket wagon conversion. This was something of a trend in Europe for awhile - these conversions can bring significantly more than sedans, wagons are hot no matter what they are:
And to think that station wagons died out because people thought they weren’t cool any more. Too bad my dad got rid of the 66’ Dodge Polara wagon that I learned to drive on.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I was just there a week ago. I could have picked it up for you!
I'll let you arrange payment too, even in that state it would probably be out of my league. When someone posted it in a fintail group, there was a barrage of "for sale?" posts. Wagons seldom come to market, but from my anecdotal memories, they bring 2-3x the price of a sedan.
Here's a good project, barnfind in Portugal - W111 fintail aftermarket wagon conversion. This was something of a trend in Europe for awhile - these conversions can bring significantly more than sedans, wagons are hot no matter what they are:
And to think that station wagons died out because people thought they weren’t cool any more. Too bad my dad got rid of the 66’ Dodge Polara wagon that I learned to drive on.
That would be somewhat desirable now too, for sure. I think for many period cars, a wagon is not far behind the 2 door HT body in terms of market, and maybe equal.
Funny thing, the "uncool" still seems true for new cars in the USDM - the wagons we did have I think might be all lifted and cladded now. Either a market demand or profit margins on the cladding.
Fintail behaved a little like a project car today. Drove to a local show not too far away, and noticed a little steering moan. Once there I checked the power steering fluid, and it was a little low. The reservoir lid is partially blocked by the base of the distributor, and you have to rotate it just a little to gain access. I guess I repositioned it poorly, as when I drove it again after adding some fluid (I will admit to not checking it in probably 3-4 years, no leaks so I never bother) it ran poorly, very sluggish, like it always wanted a lower gear, slow on hills, etc. I pulled over and played with it a little - I think rotating the piece under the distributor changes the timing in some way. I must have found a better position, as the car ran fine after. Do other old cars have something like this?
Fintail behaved a little like a project car today. Drove to a local show not too far away, and noticed a little steering moan. Once there I checked the power steering fluid, and it was a little low. The reservoir lid is partially blocked by the base of the distributor, and you have to rotate it just a little to gain access. I guess I repositioned it poorly, as when I drove it again after adding some fluid (I will admit to not checking it in probably 3-4 years, no leaks so I never bother) it ran poorly, very sluggish, like it always wanted a lower gear, slow on hills, etc. I pulled over and played with it a little - I think rotating the piece under the distributor changes the timing in some way. I must have found a better position, as the car ran fine after. Do other old cars have something like this?
The only time I experienced anything like that was in my old 85’ F-150 with the bad timing chain. With that truck turning the distributor slightly would restore performance until it slipped a tooth on the timing gear.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Generally, the way most domestic cars of that vintage were timed was to loosen the distributor hold-down clamp bolt and while using the timing light, sloooowly rotate the entire distributor one way or the other until the light hit the desired spot on the indicator tab on the engine. It would not surprise me if M-B came up with a different way.
Fintail behaved a little like a project car today. Drove to a local show not too far away, and noticed a little steering moan. Once there I checked the power steering fluid, and it was a little low. The reservoir lid is partially blocked by the base of the distributor, and you have to rotate it just a little to gain access. I guess I repositioned it poorly, as when I drove it again after adding some fluid (I will admit to not checking it in probably 3-4 years, no leaks so I never bother) it ran poorly, very sluggish, like it always wanted a lower gear, slow on hills, etc. I pulled over and played with it a little - I think rotating the piece under the distributor changes the timing in some way. I must have found a better position, as the car ran fine after. Do other old cars have something like this?
The only time I experienced anything like that was in my old 85’ F-150 with the bad timing chain. With that truck turning the distributor slightly would restore performance until it slipped a tooth on the timing gear.
There's a little gauge under the distributor, on the part that rotates. I am going to fiddle with it again today and see what happens. I suppose I should post it to a fintail group, but if I can "fix" it easier, all the better. It ran much better after I adjusted it yesterday, but the engine was hot enough to where playing with it wasn't fun. The car was running fine before I moved that piece to access the PS reservoir, so logically that did it. After I moved the distributor piece, It seemed to idle fine, if not a little slow, but it drove terribly - very lagged slow accelerator response without kickdown, and kickdown in these cars is not a smooth experience.
This must be something for timing advance etc - S and F - slow and fast:
How it all relates - I move it with the piece touching the PS reservoir (bottom left). I didn't drive the car but did play with it at idle - a slight movement produces a change in idle speed. I got it to a position where the car was idling very smoothly, we will see how it does on the road in the next drive. I've never played with fine tuning the car by rotating this before - I will need to make a note or maybe a mark where the best spot is. I found some chatter in a fintail group, but not much to help - maybe I moved it just enough to throw it out of time a little:
Yeah, there's no indicator. That's the discussion I found - I guess I will seek out the fintail-specific groups on fb (the site is useful for hobbies anyway). After having the car for 29 years I should probably learn it - had noticed it before but never had this issue. I also wonder if my car being fuel injected makes a difference, along with having electronic ignition - something I had done in 2001 that was well worth the minor investment.
Langsam also makes me think of this classic - don't you tell me lawn summer, you kraut meathead:
Fintail verdict from some old timer experts in a model specific group - distributor might be installed in the wrong position, the piece (vacuum advance) overlapping the PS reservoir isn't supposed to overlap like that. The S-F gauge is for slight timing adjustments for fuel quality (was not told how one adjusts it). Apparently moving the vacuum advance piece, which moves the distributor, messed up the timing just enough to make it drive poorly, and was returned to normal when I played with it. I am not sure I want to tackle correcting this without a helper, so it will be on the list for yearly maintenance probably next month. Someone also gave me a PDF of the factory shop manual, which is pretty cool - the internet is useful!
Boxster deal looks ok. Brutal attempt And spelling maintenance and props for the old “AC just needs a recharge” ploy. Color combo though, is just awful.
Starion looks exactly like I would expect one from mineola to look like. Scary workmanship I’m sure.
MG Could be a fun project. If really rust free a huge plus. Mechanical on that car is not hard. Negative is rubber bumpers but you can do a swap. Only makes sense to me if you want a platform to mod. No title, not good in NY. seller really needs to sort that out before selling.
This must be something for timing advance etc - S and F - slow and fast:
How it all relates - I move it with the piece touching the PS reservoir (bottom left). I didn't drive the car but did play with it at idle - a slight movement produces a change in idle speed. I got it to a position where the car was idling very smoothly, we will see how it does on the road in the next drive. I've never played with fine tuning the car by rotating this before - I will need to make a note or maybe a mark where the best spot is. I found some chatter in a fintail group, but not much to help - maybe I moved it just enough to throw it out of time a little:
You might want to find someone who has a timing light…like a museum.😎
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@fintail, Seeing the front plate in that picture you posted, I've been thinking about a personalized plate for my Mustang. My first choice is NOT ICE. I like the multiple ways in can be interpreted.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I am sure I could find one, but have no idea how to use one. Not sure if my dad had anything similar, but I seem to recall he had some kind of related tool. Car goes in for its annual service in the next month or so, I will see what can be done.
I got more info on that S-F gauge thing - there's a lever that has apparently gone missing from my car for setting the speed. After 29+ years, still learning things.
Boxster deal looks ok. Brutal attempt And spelling maintenance and props for the old “AC just needs a recharge” ploy. Color combo though, is just awful.
Comments
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
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2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I kind of like these wacky 80s-90s conversions
German
That window is scarce but no pics and that price give me pause
Uncommon model but too many mods, and again the price
Ad copy looks AI but might be a fair deal, IIRC this was a one year model
Ovals
Unique paint scheme from the local Porsche merchant selling "by owner":
Buckets? And optimistic
Related optimism
Grandma Keith might be a good deal for a driver
Seems familiar, amusing pics
My dad would approve
Same here, never seen one referred to by that name
Big cat
Bro Ham
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
A couple of quick ones from long Island
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/949720709743976/?mibextid=dXMIcH. 2 door Tahoe. High miles but looks decent for the money
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/382134381384918/?mibextid=dXMIcH. 20 footer Cutlass. Rust is scary
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/958700222315114/?mibextid=dXMIcH. Maxima looks decent but that sold as is from a curbstoner is foreboding
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1766668800468961/?mibextid=dXMIcH. Great for restoration. Even the seller says so
and sure you can restore the Impala. With enough money you can restore anything, it just usually makes no financial sense.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In my case I went to the dealer parts counter around '83 to get new only to find the window foam seals were discontinued and NLA. The sweepers were found by the parts guy's computer search somewhere out west. He said they were the last set available in Canada. Thanks to the way GM worked then, they did not charge him (nor me) for shipment and I got them for a reasonable cost.
Back then there were still a few pull-a-part junkyards nearby and I began scouring them for the seals. There were a lot of those models in the yards by then but all of them had seals far worse than what I already had. The last visit I made during that search had me find what I recall was a very rough-looking hulk with what appeared to be brand-new seals installed. I could not believe it. They came off very easily and I think I paid like $10 for them.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1960-1990 listed in the past week
This truck is not typically what you see on a lot here
Time capsule ZR1
1979 6 series Near a body shape. Great shape. Automatic must hurt it
69 Bonneville wagon
Audi 5000 wagon Haven't seen one in years. Unfortunately not running
That ZR1 is a 'put it on the shelf' kind of car, drive it much and the value drops. For that money one can get a very nice C7.
Hard to see any value in that 5000 wagon, who will want to go through the work to get it running?
And to think I let my old rusty cargo van go for $1000.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And many many $100 bills
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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Funny thing, the "uncool" still seems true for new cars in the USDM - the wagons we did have I think might be all lifted and cladded now. Either a market demand or profit margins on the cladding.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
How it all relates - I move it with the piece touching the PS reservoir (bottom left). I didn't drive the car but did play with it at idle - a slight movement produces a change in idle speed. I got it to a position where the car was idling very smoothly, we will see how it does on the road in the next drive. I've never played with fine tuning the car by rotating this before - I will need to make a note or maybe a mark where the best spot is. I found some chatter in a fintail group, but not much to help - maybe I moved it just enough to throw it out of time a little:
But F doesn't = Langsam....
And I'm not seeing what points at the marks on the dial. But here's some discussion (probably what you saw):
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/set-timing-on-w111-220s-fintail.2175945/
Langsam also makes me think of this classic - don't you tell me lawn summer, you kraut meathead:
(at least starting wasn't my issue, getting moving was the problem)
Checking 1960-2000
Boxster but a presentable Porsche for 10 grand Should correct the listing to show that it's a stick
Starion / Conquest Looks like fun
Grandpa's Cougar
MG that has been off the road a long long time But he says no ruse and turns over
Nissan President which I believe was the Q45 here
Looks like a nice parade car
Boxster deal looks ok. Brutal attempt And spelling maintenance and props for the old “AC just needs a recharge” ploy. Color combo though, is just awful.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Starion looks exactly like I would expect one from mineola to look like. Scary workmanship I’m sure.
MG Could be a fun project. If really rust free a huge plus. Mechanical on that car is not hard. Negative is rubber bumpers but you can do a swap. Only makes sense to me if you want a platform to mod. No title, not good in NY. seller really needs to sort that out before selling.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Solid values for those cars now, the generation that appreciates them will do so for a long time.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Seeing the front plate in that picture you posted, I've been thinking about a personalized plate for my Mustang.
My first choice is NOT ICE. I like the multiple ways in can be interpreted.
I got more info on that S-F gauge thing - there's a lever that has apparently gone missing from my car for setting the speed. After 29+ years, still learning things.
I have a timing light!
I’m proud of that fact.
'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