1983 Cutlass Cruiser, opportunity to buy, yes or no?

I'll buy a project if the pikapart has the part cars.

 

Hi Buffalojoe

I would hope one could find a complete car for between $2k-$3k, with intact wiring and emissions. Maybe not running but important stuff there.

One nice thing on these later G-body cars (Olds Cutlass, Buick Regal, Pontiac LeMans/Parissiene (I think?), Chevy Malibu/El Camino/Monte Carlo) is the drivetrains, emission hardware on the motor and wiring/computers are very compatible, if not exchangable. So if the rust bucket you saw before could be had cheap enough and it was intact as far as emissions, you might be able to use parts/wiring from that car. One thing I have encountered on these when looking at them as donors for my car (family owned 84 Monte Carlo with a Chevy 305) is that some have Chevy V8's, some Olds, just depends model year and model. On that Buick you were discussing, one would need to make sure a Chevy V8 was an option for Smog here in California; if it was supposed to be an Olds V8 and it now has a Chevy V8, you fail. Also, out here I have been checked on my Monte for it having the correct size 305 (can't be a 350). So if you buy that car and are able to get all the emissions stuff going again, you still may be SOL with a Chevy 350.

The interior/ac stuff is compatible to a greater or lesser extent across the carlines, you just have to get lucky finding the parts you need.

When I was looking for a wagon, before I got my Chevelle, I considered a late G-body Malibu V8 wagon. Couldn't find one that had not been butchered as far as smog controls and wiring. Or that wasn't a non-compliant V6 to V8 conversion. So gave up, as I don't want to mess with trying to piece a smog system back together.

Not trying to be a downer, but this is the problem for those who have to go thru inspection with these cars. If the car is not super complete or original, it can be a headache.

Good luck, as these platforms are really bitchin' canvases to start a project on.
Tom

 

So I guess the 87 olds my neighbour has for maybe 1700 isn't such a bad deal after all,it has a lot less work to be done to it and I can still drive it around while changing parts.

It's such fun going around looking at cars that have been misrepresented. :banghead3:

 

I think I may buy the car anyway. Got him to $1,800 and did some research/parts hunting online. Found in several places g-body a/c parts for cheap locally. Apparently everyone tears out their a/c in their Monte SS. Don't know why because its hot hear in the B-low in the summer.

Also,I can drive it while I make it how I want it. The interior is not ideal, but it's rare to find a car this clean and rust free in the North/Rustbelt. Can someone tell me how to post pictures?

 

Rite here....

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9

 

It sounds like buffalo joe and I are kismet. I have been looking for either a box style or a RMW. Whatever happens , happens I guess. Still waiting for the neighbour to get back to me on my offer.