I think it still must cost ~$7/gallon there...you'd have to be devoted to the hobby. Of course, the guy who has that NYer probably has a 1.2 diesel car for his commuter.
For Andre's limo, maybe one of those early 80s Imperials like in Cannonball Run II could work too.
Those things were pretty cool. It's a shame they didn't make more of them. I read that they only made five of them in the 24" stretch, and two of them in the 36" stretch (one was a gift to Frank Sinatra, and is supposedly still in his estate, and the other was used in the Cannonball Run movies, and is supposedly still around). I wonder how many of the 24" stretch models are left?
I read that you can actually make your own Imperial Limo. It just takes two regular Imperials and an R-body to do it, plus the know-how and/or financial resources to make it all fit together!
I swear that butterscotch-and-white color combo had to be their best seller that year. Seems like that and that uriny-like light green metallic and white were the only colors I ever saw on '71 and '72 Chevy trucks!
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I believe that each automaker should have more than two divisions, but each division should not have its own luxury car, full size car, mid-size car, sports type car (i.e., Camaro-Firebird) performance car (Challenger-Charger) compact car, sub-compact car and SUV. By offering a full line of vehicles in each division, the division itself (Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Pontiac, Oldsmobile) loses its identity.
Ford is currently in the process of reducing the different types of vehicles it offers on a world-wide basis. That is a good move.
Andre would have a late 50's Imperial Ghia Limo just like Jackie tooled around in during the JFK years. Although I believe the Kennedy clan tended to be partial to Ford and Lincoln (maybe that's why Teddy had that Chappaquiddick incident in an Olds Delta 88).
How many people in this galaxy wants a car like that anyway? This is a good example of "rare does not equal valuable". If it's a freak show, you're going to get freak show money, not Hemi Cuda money, right?
Speaking of Ferraris, I dug up more info on that Californis Spyder sold on eBay for 2.9 million:
Apparently it was crashed and totalled in the 1960s and lay in the bottom of a swamp in Florida. It was eventually dredged up and restored in a fashion. In 1990 it went on a boat to Japan to find a new owner, during the last big Ferrari Bubble, but alas, the Japanese economy blew up and the car was a "no sale".
On the way back in the container ship, it was put in a hold with a 30s Horch. The Horch broke loose in a storm and bashed back and forth against the Ferrari for a few days whilst in heavy seas. Needless to say, when the boat reached port, there wasn't too much left of the Spyder.
At that time, it was given completely new steel sheet metal fore and aft of the doors, instead of aluminum.
Apparently he developed a fetish for wagons. He fell in love with a nice 57 Ford at the auction for that 1957 Museum, he paid handsomely for it, and then bought the Packard kind of on impulse. Didn't end up having a use for it, but couldn't flip it. Cool car and a top quality restoration, but when you get over 50K, it's hard to defend.
If it's not a woody or a full dress, top of the line 60s GM wagon with all the bells and whistles, you are going to take a beating on trying to flip one---unless you buy cheap and sell cheap. "Humble" wagons just don't cut it with collectors who want their collections to "wow" people.
All of his purchases last night were head scratchers. He was fascinated with the Ford Country Sedan because it was a V8, stick, with manual Overdrive. The Stupidbaker wagon purchase and the Multipla experience sure wasn't up to his usual performance, but shows that even the "experts" can be surprised by the hard money buyers.
I think he paid something like 45K for the Packard, then had to pay premium and shipping, got it home, had to give the brake system an overhaul, then it brought something like 50K I think - he was hoping for 15K more. Oops.
The Ford was supposedly original too - if that was an original car it had no miles on it, it was special for that, but he still paid all the money in the world for it. I guess even the experts can be overcome by emotion. He seemed to lose interest in the Multipla pretty fast too. I think he needs to stick to Bentleys and Ferraris.
I'm amazed he even got that for it. He was very lucky not to take a major loss on such an ugly car. Sure, it's a novelty and all that, but you can buy some pretty darn nice iron for $50K and not get laughed at. You can buy absolutely gorgeous rods for that price---beautifully restored and modified old cars with AC, fuel injected engines, power steering and killer sound systems.
The late Ted Kennedy was not driving an Old 88 at Chappaquiddick-it was a long-gone model called a "Delmont". He never lived it down, despite the fact that he was only charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
from googling, I think it was a 1960. not as bulky in the back as a '58 seemed. Plus, a lot smaller than I thought it would be.
a bit ratty (I could see rust out at the lower front wheel well, down toward the floor) and the windows were hazy.
It was at a house near me where the guy has 3-4 old car that normally sit outside under tarps. Don't think they are doing the cars any good!
also has a 1975ish road runner that is usually uncovered (and I think has plates). Plus something else that I can't remember what it is, but I think a large Mopar of some kind.
given that Square Birds value isn't that high, this car is close to suffering the common fate of "Death by Negligent Owner". Probably already the car is not even close to worth restoring anymore.
Around here, the quickest way to unrestore an old car is to leave it outside under a tarp for a year or two. Might as well park it at the bottom of a lake.
I wonder if a tarp might actually accelerate the decay? My buddy with the '78 Mark V used to have another one that, when he first bought it in 2003 or 2004, looked great. But, it always stayed outside, covered under a tarp. Actually, I think it was some kind of car cover, silver IIRC. Not sure how well it breathed...it might have trapped the moisture?
Well, by the time that thing finally blew its engine (can't remember now if it was '08 or '09...the years are blurring together now) it looked horrible. Paint had fallen off in a few spots, exposing bare metal, which was rusting. The vinyl on the roof and spare tire hump was peeling. And the paint had faded considerably in general, cracking here and there.
Strangely though, my '79 New Yorker, which has sat outside since I bought it back in May of '07, doesn't seem to have decayed any. It needs a good wash and wax, but that's about it. I'm looking into finally getting a carport built across the back of the garage so soon, hopefully, it'll be out of most of the weather.
During lunch, I ran home, and the weather was so nice that I dropped the Buick off and came back in the Catalina. Took the "scenic" route back, and when I went past one house that always has two cars under covers. Usually they'd be partially blocked from view by cars parked in front, but today I could see them more clearly. Looks like two Corvettes...a 2nd generation and a 4th. I wonder what kind of condition they're in? I hate to think of nice Corvettes being forced to live outdoors!
Oh yes, tarps are absolutely deadly to a car's paintwork. If you actually intended to HARM an old car, a nice blue tarp would be an excellent weapon.
What happens is that moisture collects under the tarp and coats the horizontal surfaces of the paint---then, once the sun comes out and beats down on the tarp, it superheats the moisture underneath, causing it to blister and distress the paint.
In addition, the tarp allows water to condense inside the car, attacking upholstery, carpeting, etc.
In addition, the tarp allows water to condense inside the car, attacking upholstery, carpeting, etc.
Now that I think about it, the interior of my buddy's Mark V was deteriorating pretty quickly, too.
Now, I've heard some people say that carports can be bad for a car as well. Is that true? I know a carport won't be as good as a fully-enclosed garage, but wouldn't it still be better than having the car parked out in the driveway?
That's exactly right, like Shifty says. The tarps make it worse, kind of like keeping a car in a sealed humid greenhouse. Some car covers might be better...I think a little air circulation to get rid of moisture is the key.
The MB specialist I used to patronize restored a W111 coupe for an eccentric guy, who then parked the car outside under a tarp for a couple years. When he saw the car later, it needed everything done again - the interior especially was completely ruined. I am sure letting the car sit outside and uncovered is better than using a plastic tarp.
At least with carports you have air circulation--but you are still exposed to weather of course. There is really no good way to store a car outdoors for any length of time. These hi-tech covers are pretty good but even they cannot completely repel rain--so the moisture gets in there and does its havoc.
I guess another thing I might have to worry about with the carport is mice. Although, they got into the garage, anyway. I think the first winter I stored cars in there, I caught something like 6 or 7 mice, and a vole (looks like a mouse but cuter, and with a shorter, furry tail). They were leaving little crap and pee trails along the filler panel between the bumper and body of my LeMans, and actually got inside my 5th Ave and chewed a hole in my mileage log. I remember one morning, backing the 5th Ave out of the garage, and a mouse jumped out from under the hood and tried to scurry up the windshield!
I finally found where they were coming in the garage, plugged the hole, and haven't had any problems since. That surprises me though, since I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find other gaps to get in.
Mice are a PITA. Have had issues with them in our camper. I've tried everything to keep them out from Bounce dryer sheets to spearmint oil without much luck. Still seems traps are the most effective way to get rid of them. The only problem with that is we keep our boat and camper over an hour away, so I can't check them every day.
I caught the last two mice partying in the camper with traps. One really started to stink by the time I was able to dispose of him. It probably took two weeks to get rid of the stench.
I've also had mice in my car before. Left the car in the garage for a week and came home to probably a quart of dog food stuffed in the insulation under the hood. I've never had them in the boat thankfully. Last thing I want is chewed up wiring etc.
I agree on the issue of covers. If they don't breath then you're asking for trouble. I had that happen with our boat last year. I laid it up in a different storage facility that apparently had moisture issues. Even though I have a quality Sunbrella canvas cover that has plenty of areas for air flow, I still had a mildew. I used several DampRid containers too, but it still wasn't enough to keep the mildew out. I will say marine vinyl is durable and relatively easy to clean, but it still doesn't make any more fun to scrub.
Speaking of cars, I passed a VW Passat W8 with paper plates yesterday. Don't see those often.
Back when I stored the Mustang at my parent's house, one year I opened the hood and a bunch of bird seed poured out of it. Every once in a while I find some somewhere under the hood. Another time, I found some evidence of something going up one of the tailpipes. After that, I covered them with a plastic sandwich bag. Last month, I found a deceased chipmunk near where I park the Explorer. The funny thing is, I parked it with the back towards the garage door, which I never do. When I started it, I thought I heard something hit the garage door, but it was probably just my imagination.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Last month, I found a deceased chipmunk near where I park the Explorer. The funny thing is, I parked it with the back towards the garage door, which I never do. When I started it, I thought I heard something hit the garage door, but it was probably just my imagination.
I know this is wrong, however, I am visioning a chipmunk being shot out of a tail pipe and I am laughing.....
That Memphian Dodge is a neat looking thing. I've seen a '57 DeSoto Firesweep Memphian around, both online and it showed up at Carlisle one year, but never a Dodge. I'm sure there were a few Chryslers built, as well. Years ago, I saw a picture of a 1957 or 58 DeSoto hearse. This was pre-internet. It was a cool looking thing. I wanted one! I'm sure they'd be almost impossible to find, though.
That '74 Olds Delta 88 is really sweet. Nice color, and a nicely finished interior. The Catalina seems a bit tacky in comparison. I think Olds did a really good job in those days of giving the people what they wanted, in a car that seemed much more upscale than a Chevy, but not that much more expensive
While that Olds 88 looks nice, '74, the year before catalytic converters were introduced, is generally the worst year for any domestic car, in terms of performance, fuel economy and driveability. I wouldn't touch it. However, I've heard that legal modifications can be made to significantly improve these deficiencies.
The person who lives across the street from me has a '74 Corvette convertible with manual transmission and no power accessories, not even power steering. He's the original owner, and several years ago he had the engine rebuilt so it would run much better. All I know is that, with it's low restriction exhaust system, it sounds like a beast. He told me it's legal. The next time I see him I'll try to get more details.
A friend of mine has a Corvette that he keeps stored for the winter. One day he gets in the car, turns on the AC, and a foul stench blasts him from the vents. Apparently, mice had been stored dog kibble in the HVAC duct work all winter. I forget how much it cost to repair, but I heard it was a lot!
Well at 190 HP that '74 Vette certainly needed help. I hope he got rid of the cylinder heads and the points ignition. If his car had the L-82 option he'd be in better shape, with better cams and nice big dual exhaust pipes.
I hope he got rid of the cylinder heads and the points ignition.
This is one thing I always thought was sad...POINTS by 1974? And on a Corvette?!
I think Chrysler put electronic ignition on all its V-8 cars in late 1971 (not sure if that was 1972 model year, or if some late '71's got it), and I think even the slant six got it for 1973. When did Ford start with EI?
As for GM's electronic ignition, is there anything inherently bad about those HEI systems they used in the 1970's? My '76 LeMans had it, but it's been swapped out for something else. I've heard a few sources say it wasn't all that good, but nobody's ever given me details.
Oh, I was impressed with my '67 Catalina this morning. It got a bit cool last night, around 48 degrees. I drove it to work. Got behind the wheel, pumped the pedal once. Turned the key, and it started on the first try, and went into fast idle to warm up. Just like GM intended! And the fast idle even kicked off without any issue. I think this is the easiest first-start of the day I've EVER had with the car! Now yesterday, when I started it, it took awhile to get started, but it also hadn't been run since I got it back from the mechanic the previous Thursday night.
It's amazing the difference it makes when you find a mechanic who knows what he's doing!
As for GM's electronic ignition, is there anything inherently bad about those HEI systems they used in the 1970's?
I always thought that it was actually decent compared to Chrysler and Ford. I know some Ford guys that actually swapped out the DuraSpark modules for HEI.
As I recall GM's HEI is pretty darn good but their coil not so good---so some guys run an aftermarket coil with the stock GM system---others fiddle with it and switch out little mystery parts but I don't know all the ins and outs of this dark and esoteric ritual.
Any solution to the missing oil and coolant mystery?
Not yet, but I went out to the parking lot around 11:30 to check on the car. At this point, it had been almost 4 hours since I drove it in to work. Oil showed full on the dipstick. And stupid me, the coolant was still under pressure, so when I turned the radiator cap to check, some blew out. Not hot, just a little warm.
I've also only driven the car about 25-30 miles since it came back from the mechanic, so time will tell, I guess. But, no new stains in the drip pan on the garage floor!
Since he backs it into his garage I don't recall whether it's got dual exhausts, but I believe it does. If that's correct, then, from your response, I'd deduct that it's equipped with the L-82 option. Of course, he could have just added dual exhausts to the standard model. It's hard to believe that some Corvettes came with a single exhaust. Anyway, this piques my interest, so when we happen to be outside at the same time, I'll get some details.
Despite being a '74, that Delta 88 is sweet -- I like the interior and especially the dash much more than the Catalina, which someone apparently bought for nearly $10K. The delta is languishing under $2K right now. Maybe my preference for blue interiors is showing.
I had forgotten that the smaller of the 2 rear side windows on these actually rolled down.
I can't tell you how many times I have found chipmunks in the downspouts. Not sure how they manage to climb up them, but they do. Usually, I get a stick and hit the downspout a couple times to give them a headache.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Comments
Those things were pretty cool. It's a shame they didn't make more of them. I read that they only made five of them in the 24" stretch, and two of them in the 36" stretch (one was a gift to Frank Sinatra, and is supposedly still in his estate, and the other was used in the Cannonball Run movies, and is supposedly still around). I wonder how many of the 24" stretch models are left?
I read that you can actually make your own Imperial Limo. It just takes two regular Imperials and an R-body to do it, plus the know-how and/or financial resources to make it all fit together!
Ford is currently in the process of reducing the different types of vehicles it offers on a world-wide basis. That is a good move.
Not Avalon!
After your post, I came up with OHVille. smiley emotorcon.
How many people in this galaxy wants a car like that anyway? This is a good example of "rare does not equal valuable". If it's a freak show, you're going to get freak show money, not Hemi Cuda money, right?
Apparently it was crashed and totalled in the 1960s and lay in the bottom of a swamp in Florida. It was eventually dredged up and restored in a fashion. In 1990 it went on a boat to Japan to find a new owner, during the last big Ferrari Bubble, but alas, the Japanese economy blew up and the car was a "no sale".
On the way back in the container ship, it was put in a hold with a 30s Horch. The Horch broke loose in a storm and bashed back and forth against the Ferrari for a few days whilst in heavy seas. Needless to say, when the boat reached port, there wasn't too much left of the Spyder.
At that time, it was given completely new steel sheet metal fore and aft of the doors, instead of aluminum.
In 1993 it underwent some further restoration.
All in all, a rather hard life I'd say.
Ya think! :surprise:
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Also bought a Multipla that couldn't hit reserve.
He never lived it down, despite the fact that he was only charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
a bit ratty (I could see rust out at the lower front wheel well, down toward the floor) and the windows were hazy.
It was at a house near me where the guy has 3-4 old car that normally sit outside under tarps. Don't think they are doing the cars any good!
also has a 1975ish road runner that is usually uncovered (and I think has plates). Plus something else that I can't remember what it is, but I think a large Mopar of some kind.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, by the time that thing finally blew its engine (can't remember now if it was '08 or '09...the years are blurring together now) it looked horrible. Paint had fallen off in a few spots, exposing bare metal, which was rusting. The vinyl on the roof and spare tire hump was peeling. And the paint had faded considerably in general, cracking here and there.
Strangely though, my '79 New Yorker, which has sat outside since I bought it back in May of '07, doesn't seem to have decayed any. It needs a good wash and wax, but that's about it. I'm looking into finally getting a carport built across the back of the garage so soon, hopefully, it'll be out of most of the weather.
During lunch, I ran home, and the weather was so nice that I dropped the Buick off and came back in the Catalina. Took the "scenic" route back, and when I went past one house that always has two cars under covers. Usually they'd be partially blocked from view by cars parked in front, but today I could see them more clearly. Looks like two Corvettes...a 2nd generation and a 4th. I wonder what kind of condition they're in? I hate to think of nice Corvettes being forced to live outdoors!
What happens is that moisture collects under the tarp and coats the horizontal surfaces of the paint---then, once the sun comes out and beats down on the tarp, it superheats the moisture underneath, causing it to blister and distress the paint.
In addition, the tarp allows water to condense inside the car, attacking upholstery, carpeting, etc.
In addition, the tarp allows water to condense inside the car, attacking upholstery, carpeting, etc.
Now that I think about it, the interior of my buddy's Mark V was deteriorating pretty quickly, too.
Now, I've heard some people say that carports can be bad for a car as well. Is that true? I know a carport won't be as good as a fully-enclosed garage, but wouldn't it still be better than having the car parked out in the driveway?
The MB specialist I used to patronize restored a W111 coupe for an eccentric guy, who then parked the car outside under a tarp for a couple years. When he saw the car later, it needed everything done again - the interior especially was completely ruined. I am sure letting the car sit outside and uncovered is better than using a plastic tarp.
I finally found where they were coming in the garage, plugged the hole, and haven't had any problems since. That surprises me though, since I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find other gaps to get in.
I caught the last two mice partying in the camper with traps. One really started to stink by the time I was able to dispose of him. It probably took two weeks to get rid of the stench.
I've also had mice in my car before. Left the car in the garage for a week and came home to probably a quart of dog food stuffed in the insulation under the hood. I've never had them in the boat thankfully. Last thing I want is chewed up wiring etc.
I agree on the issue of covers. If they don't breath then you're asking for trouble. I had that happen with our boat last year. I laid it up in a different storage facility that apparently had moisture issues. Even though I have a quality Sunbrella canvas cover that has plenty of areas for air flow, I still had a mildew. I used several DampRid containers too, but it still wasn't enough to keep the mildew out. I will say marine vinyl is durable and relatively easy to clean, but it still doesn't make any more fun to scrub.
Speaking of cars, I passed a VW Passat W8 with paper plates yesterday. Don't see those often.
Every once in a while I find some somewhere under the hood.
Another time, I found some evidence of something going up one of the tailpipes.
After that, I covered them with a plastic sandwich bag.
Last month, I found a deceased chipmunk near where I park the Explorer.
The funny thing is, I parked it with the back towards the garage door, which I never do.
When I started it, I thought I heard something hit the garage door, but it was probably just my imagination.
Nice luggage, big money
"Memphian"
Pimpy
Money pit brought some money
Wacky
Not for the faint of heart
"Dutch Jeep"...words you don't often see together
I think this is the engine you'd want
Or if you prefer a Poncho
The 70s
Odd hybrid
Czech style...seller rubs me wrong somehow
Conversion van with all the subtlety and elegance of modern Russian money
The funny thing is, I parked it with the back towards the garage door, which I never do.
When I started it, I thought I heard something hit the garage door, but it was probably just my imagination.
I know this is wrong, however, I am visioning a chipmunk being shot out of a tail pipe and I am laughing.....
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
That '74 Olds Delta 88 is really sweet. Nice color, and a nicely finished interior. The Catalina seems a bit tacky in comparison. I think Olds did a really good job in those days of giving the people what they wanted, in a car that seemed much more upscale than a Chevy, but not that much more expensive
The person who lives across the street from me has a '74 Corvette convertible with manual transmission and no power accessories, not even power steering. He's the original owner, and several years ago he had the engine rebuilt so it would run much better. All I know is that, with it's low restriction exhaust system, it sounds like a beast. He told me it's legal. The next time I see him I'll try to get more details.
A friend of mine has a Corvette that he keeps stored for the winter. One day he gets in the car, turns on the AC, and a foul stench blasts him from the vents. Apparently, mice had been stored dog kibble in the HVAC duct work all winter. I forget how much it cost to repair, but I heard it was a lot!
This is one thing I always thought was sad...POINTS by 1974? And on a Corvette?!
I think Chrysler put electronic ignition on all its V-8 cars in late 1971 (not sure if that was 1972 model year, or if some late '71's got it), and I think even the slant six got it for 1973. When did Ford start with EI?
As for GM's electronic ignition, is there anything inherently bad about those HEI systems they used in the 1970's? My '76 LeMans had it, but it's been swapped out for something else. I've heard a few sources say it wasn't all that good, but nobody's ever given me details.
Oh, I was impressed with my '67 Catalina this morning. It got a bit cool last night, around 48 degrees. I drove it to work. Got behind the wheel, pumped the pedal once. Turned the key, and it started on the first try, and went into fast idle to warm up. Just like GM intended! And the fast idle even kicked off without any issue. I think this is the easiest first-start of the day I've EVER had with the car! Now yesterday, when I started it, it took awhile to get started, but it also hadn't been run since I got it back from the mechanic the previous Thursday night.
It's amazing the difference it makes when you find a mechanic who knows what he's doing!
I always thought that it was actually decent compared to Chrysler and Ford. I know some Ford guys that actually swapped out the DuraSpark modules for HEI.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Not yet, but I went out to the parking lot around 11:30 to check on the car. At this point, it had been almost 4 hours since I drove it in to work. Oil showed full on the dipstick. And stupid me, the coolant was still under pressure, so when I turned the radiator cap to check, some blew out. Not hot, just a little warm.
I've also only driven the car about 25-30 miles since it came back from the mechanic, so time will tell, I guess. But, no new stains in the drip pan on the garage floor!
I had forgotten that the smaller of the 2 rear side windows on these actually rolled down.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Not sure how they manage to climb up them, but they do.
Usually, I get a stick and hit the downspout a couple times to give them a headache.