I promised myself I wouldn't do it, especially after I picked up the second car (the '94 Regal).

Unfortunately the opportunity presented itself, and I still went for it.

This is what I ended up with:




119xxx miles. No power windows, no power locks, no ABS, no fancy nuffin!

I picked this up from my neighbor 2 doors down, who is unable to get his license due to vision issues (and he'* 80+ years old). It'* one of those cars that I have been eyeing for the last 4 and a half years and have always had the hots for. For a while it was out under his carport, it was then later moved in to his "garage". It hasn't really moved since I have lived at my current place (4.5 years), and I had been after him to sell it in the beginning, but backed off after I picked up the regal (18 months ago) because I didn't have room for it.

He has grown more serious about selling it lately, and over the last week I think he was finally ready to move it. Of course, he asked what kind of offer I would give on it. I told him I could only come up with about $500 cash right now, but I would be happy to help him get it out, and cleaned up, and he could probably list it for $1500 - $2000, and go from there. I was also leery about what gremlins will pop up when I start shaking the cobwebbs off of it.

Needless to say, he took the offer, because the car is family, he knows of my knowledge of these cars, and he doesn't want it coming back with any issues.

I am not sure how this is going to turn out, but here'* hoping for the best!

On a positive note, if anyone wants to import a 20+ year old car from the desert southwest up to the rustbelt, feel free to drop me a pm!

And today a rinse job was delivered, courtesy of Hurricane Newton.

The result (careful, it'* still wet):




The sharp eyes can spot your standard parking lot fare, and some paint shedding on the roof.

I also spent about 30 minutes idling off and on with the scanner. There was a point where it tried to stall, as if the engine cut for a split second, and then picked back up before it stopped. History code 42 is now present (ELECTRONIC SPARK TIMING (EST) CIRCUIT), and code 44 (Lean exhaust) was live for a while, after it had been running a few minutes, but eventually cleared with o2 readings returning to normal. The fuel is a bit sketchy it seems (all 5/8ths of a tank if the gauge is to be believed) with possible water contamination, and the cooling system is not holding pressure, with the water pump being a suspect area.

It'* now insured at this point, so once things dry up a bit around here (this weekend probably), a trip to the gas station may be attempted once an escort can be arranged.

Not too shabby for 500.00, could turn out to be well worth the investment, it just needs a little TLC!

Another update. Today it was taken on the road. First to the gas station and back, then driven a country block, then taken to my parents house and back. Probably a solid 20+ miles. The laundry list continues to get added too, but it rolled down the road very nicely, if you are in to the cloudy floaty wallowy creampuff sort of thing.

Also it seemed to be popping more codes that don't seem to make much sense, like there is a gremlin in there having a grand ole time. I may look in to re-seating harnesses and checking ground busses.

The scanner showed hard lean the entire time I was looking at it this time, even after refueling.

I know that techron is on sale at autozone, I may just need to spring on that.

At some point, I plan to swap to the GP Rims/Tires I have laying around just to be able to get those nasty (and likely flatspotted) tires off. Maybe even tomorrow.

I am thinking the gas gauge is not to be trusted. It indicated 5/8 of a tank, and took over 11 gallons.

Did you put you some of the yellow bottle Heet in there in case the gas has a little water built up in it?

I was going to, but when I went to AutoZone to pick up a water remover, I realized the active ingredient in all of those products is just alcohol. E10 has been forced on us for years over here, so I figure the ethanol is going to do the same thing. I filled up with 91 octane, and each time I drive it, it seems to be behaving better and better. I also applied 2 small bottles of Techron concentrate (max 12 gallons each) and will let that work its wonders. Driving it today, its temperament is steadily improvement, but it'* becoming apparent that there is some sort of intermittent electrical issue going on that again is a wiring/connectivity issue, or a PCM on the fritz.

I swapped on the Grand Prix rims/tires that I picked up for the Regal that didn't end up fitting. Not only do I feel better about not rolling on 13 and 14 year old tires (according to the DOT markings), but they are also 16" wheels with 225/60r16 tires, so it spends less time driving on the sidewalls and more time on the treads, that is, assuming you are not dragging the outside doorhandles on the pavement, because it is still an absolute creampuff. Liners rub about half a turn from full lock. Normal driving seems just fine so far.

At any rate, more pics!

A look up her skirt, just to annoy you rustbelters





If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting to see the rust that I do under there, but I suppose it is a product of being parked on dirt for so long. Nothing looks threatening at all from what I can see however, but if I am wrong on that, please point it out. Rust is not my area of expertise, given where I live.

The walkaround, with the sun at a poorly chosen angle:













Interior cleaning is still on the todo list:





And the usual 2 in the driveway, only because of the lighting concerns in the walkaround



If I'm honest, I am absolutely captivated by what the rims did for the look. I couldn't imagine how the car could look any better then it did with the old wheels, but it has been topped, and I think the pics don't do it any justice.

I refuse to put the Pontiac center caps back on however, because OCD. I am looking for suggestions on that. So far however, these are some front runners, assuming they fit:


I am still trying to find a good one though. I feel it should be black center caps with the red rocket, but I am not sure if I want to jump eras with the logo. I am still looking though, I do have all 4 center caps however, so stickers may be an option.

Rims look petty good on her, not sure how bad the rust is, to me it looks like it may be ok for a few years, but I am no expert on rust by any means.
If they fit I like the black center caps...
I am sure you checked E-Bay to see if they had any others you may like?

I am thinking it will be fine as far as the rust is concerned. Like I mentioned, it all looks like surface rust, and this climate is not conducive to rust progressing.

Factory service manual ordered: 1990 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight Royale Ninety Eight Regency Factory Service Manual | eBay
$12 + $5.01 shipping.

Once you FSM, you can never Haynes/Chilton manual again. Life is good!