Chris Robinson

I've recently started restoring a 79 Delta 88 Royale. She's up and running after 5 years, now I have to find a way to combat the rust!

Professur

As someone who's been there ... a shot bag and tear drop mallet, a shrinker/stretcher, and a bead roller .. along with a good welder are the best tools for your battle. There's little in the way of aftermarket tins for us big boys.

OLD SKL 69

Welcome to CO Chris! Post some pics of your project for us.

Chris Robinson

I needed some people to understand my love of this car! I will post some pics as soon as I figure out how to do it!

Chris Robinson

Chris Robinson

Professur

Facebook links need you to friend up to work.

Some of us understand. Some people never will. There's just something ... indescribable ... driving the living room sofa to work. You get out on the highway and start accelerating ... you don't accelerate fast .. but it's an inexorable juggernaut ... relentless ... almost effortless. You find ...I don't want to go fast ... where ever I'm going .. it'll wait for me.

Chris Robinson

Chris Robinson

Chris Robinson

Chris Robinson

so are these pictures even showing up or am I wasting the effort?

Chris Robinson

sammy

Yup, they are showing up...
Man, I scrapped one of these cars 5 years ago...engine and all.. Everyday I regret it
I am with the Prof...love the ride!

Welcome to CO

Chris Robinson

Well it looks like you've got quite an impressive collection going on there anyway!

Chris Robinson

Now I'm looking for some advice and input on what to do with it. I'm going to paint it black, put on new emblems and bumpers, and buy new tires and rims---nothing gangster, but maybe keep the white walls. New interior--maybe black leather or even red. The top is rusted through under the vinyl, so I am thinking of just getting rid of it altogether and go with a straight hard top. Needs a new steering wheel while I'm at it. The dash and panels are all in good shape, so they will stay. Maybe dye the fabric on the doors? I'm open to suggestions, especially on the tires and rims. Otherwise, I'm going to keep the look as original as possible. Nothing worse than seeing these on 25 inch wheels with obnoxious rims! Oh, and don't let me forget about the dual exhaust---it's a must, so I could use some thoughts on that as well. I'm thrilled to have found this group!

Professur

Wha ..... hold the phone. That's ... that's not an old's block in there. Am I going cross eyed?

Chris Robinson

There WAS some controversy around the time where GM was using other engines instead of the Oldsmobile engines! I think this is one of them! Maybe a Pontiac engine? Does that get me banned from here or does it make my car even cooler and more rare?!?

Here is the wiki on it: During this time, GM used GM or Oldsmobile engines in Oldsmobile cars. This caused a situation known as the "Chevy-mobile" affair. GM settled with some Oldsmobile owners by offering them warranty extensions for the Chevrolet engined Oldsmobiles, or the option of returning those cars in exchange for an Oldsmobile with a genuine Rocket V8. The "return car" option wasn't used much, because the owner had to give GM money based on the mileage of the Chevy-mobile, which could become expensive. This began the era of "corporate" engines, and for many years GM advertisements would include a disclaimer stating '"Oldsmobiles (or other divisions) are equipped with engines manufactured by various GM divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide."'

Chris Robinson

Acid dipping the trunk and hood. POR 15 Rust Prevention paint on under carriage. Vinyl interior including headliner. An old 442 Steering wheel. Rally wheels and Firehawk tires. New rear bumper. 760 HP kit. (maybe) Dual exhaust with chrome tips. Plain, simple, American Muscle. I've basically fashioned it after the 442's.

fdwheelman

Ahhhhh... **** Blue Interior...

So glad I ditched it! hahahaha. Mine HAD that same color interior. I have replaced as many pieces I can with the dark blue used in the 85s. And the carpet, GONE. Single best interior upgrade, EVER! StockInteriors.Com.

Since I started with a Holiday 88, I already had buckets and a console. But, if you are able to find a console Cutlass from the 78-88 vintage, it is a direct bolt in (will need brackets for console).

Mine's been a long slow process, but she's getting there...

Oh, I second on the Firestone Firehawks. See sig below...

Chris Robinson

The blue interior is hideous. I'm going with black vinyl. I'm keeping the console with the woodgrain, just dyeing everything around it. I'm going to keep it as simple and classy as possible. I am strongly considering taking off the old vinyl top (it needs to be replaced regardless) and covering the whole thing in black vinyl as well. Since I have a plan for it now, I'm ready to start on it today!

Chris Robinson

This is the look I'm going for.

Professur

You're gonna make the A body kids cry.

Chris Robinson

Sometimes you have to turn and run against the wind, my friend and have the vision to see through it!

oldsguybry

Love the cars , especially the Buick .

fdwheelman

No no... I think you misunderstood me. I see you have a bench seat. I was saying bucket seats, floor shifter, and a console are drop ins.

As for the wood grain, I ditched mine. I took the dash panels out, scuffed them, and painted them semi flat black. Where the wood grain is, or was rather, is now brushed aluminum. I kinda feel that the Holiday was a quiet attempt to make a big sized sport coupe. So I have taken some little liberties.

With a little love, these things are so bad!

fdwheelman

Those small car guys have no idea what they are missing.

QMaster

Welcome to the site! I used to have a '79 and it was a nice car. Mine also had the Pontiac 301. I think that that vintage 88 looks real nice with a set of Olds SS II or SS III wheels. Add a rear sway bar and poly bushings for the front bar - you will enjoy the handling.

Chris Robinson

When I press down pedal to floor it's feeling sluggish. Carb? Plugs? Timing? Wires? What do you guys think?

fdwheelman

Yup... All of the above...

And if that's the Pontiac 301 living under the hood, my bet is that might be part of the problem too...

If you are questioning it, chances are it's time to check and/or replace them.

Chris Robinson

The school of thought is to rebuild the carb, but my first instinct is to just replace it. I was told that just replacing it could cause more problems, but I'm unsure as to why. I'll check out the timing tomorrow, but I could of sworn we took care of that months ago. Now I realized that I never got around to changing the plugs on the left side of the engine....at least I don't recall if I did or not. Admittedly, this is the first car I've owned under a 1992. I'm accepting the fact that it's going to cost me more than I originally thought to get this thing where it needs to me, so I'm breaking it down in stages from here on out. Getting it running top notch is the only priority, I'll get to the other stuff in due time. What are your thoughts on putting a turbo on this thing?!? (I know, I can't help myself)

Professur

Rebuilding a q-jet isn't very hard. Frankly ... getting all the linkages and hoses identified and off, and then getting them all back on right is far more work than the rebuild itself.

Chris Robinson

I'm starting the rebuilding project tomorrow. It's time to get this thing on the road. Thanks Fellas, I'll keep you posted.

Professur

If you're rebuilding the q-jet ... maw spend some time replacing the 25+ feet of vacuum hose at the same time.