wjustinmartin

rebuilt q-jet, new cv top switch, fuel system flush, tune-up

it is a beauty inside; needs paint, which is next, to be complete

wish it was roomier, or I was thinner!

Olds64

That is a straight car. Are you going to paint it the same color?

wmachine

Great! Where are you? (Will you have to wait til spring to take it out)
Is the paint original?

Aron Nance

WJM: I couldn't agree w/you more, from a personal standpoint, as to "wish I was thinner"! Took Big Red (Juju's car; modified front bucket seat so it sits higher for her) and our niece/her boyfriend to Keller's drive in last night for burgers and beer. My head's on the top, and stomach being grazed by the steering wheel! Sure was fun getting her out, though! We were also looking through old photos; ran across one from 1991, when Juju and I married. I was much thinner, less grayer. Juju still thin, but grayer, herself. And by the way, nice looking Oldsmobile!

citcapp

Nice drop top, you'll sure enjoy it this comming summer.

wjustinmartin

Yeah - original color and top. This car is so close to cherry to do anything but original would be a travesty, in my opinion. I do not have the original rims/covers (I am assuming), but I could get SS1 replacements.

The original SS wheels with red line tires with a new paint-job will set that car apart.

gearheads78

Looks like a real nice start for a car. Some days I wish that whats my paint looked like. That way there would be less people that think I should be committed when I start grinding on mine.

OldCar_Mechanic

Great car, nice color and a convert to boost.

Nice pick

wjustinmartin

I am in Mississippi - with some luck, I might be able to get it out for a cruise in March

The paint is original - top too; repainting and re-topping stock

Mingus

Nice car. Should be fun this Summer.

wmachine

WJM, I think your mind is made up, but I'm compelled to beg you to reconsider painting the car if has the original paint.
Repainting will make it "look nice", but if you really want to "set it apart" as you say, keep the original paint, touch up a little if necessary. "It can only be original once". Anybody can take even a rust heap and with enough money can make it look good. It is a 43 year old car, and there is nothing wrong with it *not* looking like it just came off the showroom floor. So what *does* the car really deserve? To have its originality destroyed just so it looks a little better?
Buff it out, wax it well, and show it with pride!!!
People talk "preservation", but few really embrace it.

Okay, I tried.

Olds64

That is a good idea Kurt.

The car might look pretty good after some professional buffing and polishing. I've seen places do wonders with older paint. Plus, if it doesn't look good enough after buffing and polishing you can always paint it later.

wmachine

Thanks, I forgot to mention that. "Nothing to lose" to try it first.

wjustinmartin

The thing is - and this might be hard to see - there is a large scrape on the hood, passenger's side, that is down to the metal - has been primer-ed, but it is distracting and ugly.

The trunk lid also has a very large spot that has also been taken down to the metal and painted with primer, too. I will try to post pics after I get it back to show the ugly better.

I love the idea of actually leaving the paint as original as possible, but with those horrible marks to detract, I am leaning heavily toward paint. I am hoping I can preserve the inside of the trunk/doors so I can preserve the original stickers, at least.

oldcutlass

Looking good bro!! Thats the great thing about personalizing an older vehicle. It can be what ever you want it to be!!

squirell

Nice Cutlass !!!
Mine was in similar shape when I got it last summer.
I enjoyed the scrached and dull orig paint for the season,but couldn't resist...I am painting it now.
Most people at shows do dig the "survivor" look while others just think it's a jalopy.
We need more pics !!!
Tell us more about the car.

68conv455

Is your first name William?
A good friend of mine was named William J Martin. "Billy"
Killed in the world trade center on 9/11 working for Cantor Fitz.
I still cry every year.
Would be cool though if you were related.

wjustinmartin

Wilbur, at your service

not related, but very interesting story, nonetheless

wjustinmartin

Here is the "bad" paint spot on the trunk:



That and the scrape on the front - you can sort of see it in the front pic above - is why I want to paint it - other wise, some buffing compound and I'd let it go

wjustinmartin

I will have to grab some more pics and give a full show

The inside is awesome - dash is great, no splits/cracks; gauge lens are clear and not scratched or foggy; ashtray is rusty in some spots; accelerator spring needs to be replaced; carpet is awesome - no major worn spots; the doors are great, with the trim showing some wear, but not too bad; seat backs need paint; upholstery is awesome - no splits/pulls

bucket seats, but column auto shift - if I keep this for myself, I might drop a floor shifter in; also might get a set of SS1 repro wheels instead of the more modern ones on there at the moment

The top has some pinholes, and the rear window has been split - needs a new top; also, the top motor is locked-up, so that needs replacing

Mechanically, there is an exhaust leak - just a slight one toward the end; the car seems to flood out very easily, and the pick-up was not what I was hoping it would be - I had a rebuilt q-jet installed; maybe it needs to be adjusted?

Also, I was hoping the car sounded more beefy - looks like a pair of cherry bombs might be in order

The jetaway trans/switch-pitch converter combo is a bit of a dog; I will probably go ahead and drop a 700r4 under it; I was hoping a full-throttle take off would pull more Gs, honestly

lshlsh2

The jetaway trans/switch-pitch converter combo is a bit of a dog; I will probably go ahead and drop a 700r4 under it; I was hoping a full-throttle take off would pull more Gs, honestly[/quote]


Great car I now understand better why you want to paint it. From everything I have seen and heard a 200r4 would be easier conversion. With a car that orginal I would save the old trans In case someone wants to put it back.

You may want to check your rear gears and change them might be a quick cheaper way to get better get-up.

Also make sure your carb is all dialed in that could also make a big differance
My.02
Larry

squirell

When I switched out the 2 speed for the Turbo 350 lockup in my 67..
it felt like I picked up 100 hp !

wjustinmartin

Actually, after driving it a few days, it isn't nearly as fun to drive as my 98 convertible - I will probably paint it stock and sell it -

if anyone wants it pre-paint, hit me up soon

squirell

How much you looking to get ?
Where are you located ?
We need more pictures too.

wjustinmartin

I am in Mississippi - put the sexy lady in the body shop for paint - new top is next

I will roll-out full pics when the paint is finished and the top has been installed