Grandpa Car: 1979 Cutlass Thread

[DRIVEN]

That's one of the reasons I keep going back. Technically it's only open to pre-'73 cars. Later they opened it up to bikes, Corvettes, Vipers, exotics, etc. As you can see by the pics they have a pretty lenient gate policy. It's a weekly charity event so I think they would rather get the $5 at the gate then get into an argument over technicalities. It's organized by a local restaurant so most of the staff/volunteers are 20yo waitresses that really don't know much about cars anyway. As long as you aren't in a Camry and there's still available parking. you can pretty much get in with any vehicle.

 

[Intragration]

Those arbitrary cut-offs are annoying. Pre-'73, where do they even pull that from? Anyway, very cool car and good thread, I'm surprised I've missed it thus far. How is the transmission working out? I've got a similar feeling about transmission guys. There's only one reputable one I've ever known, he builds the finest, cleanest transmissions in the world for next to nothing, even let me use his shop to piece together a full restoration. Only works on Mopars though. 🙁

 

[DRIVEN]

Transmission #1 is in it now and working pretty well. Not perfect but much better. It shifts a little late and firm for my taste but I'd rather have that than slipping. Lockup works fine. I can live with it but I'll probably keep tweaking until I'm happy. When I removed transmission #3 it was fine but the lockup wasn't working. Probably just a bad lockup solenoid since I know the wiring is okay. Once I get #1 fully sorted I'll decide whether I'll keep #3 as a spare or just sell it and try to recoup my expenses and storage space.
What I've learned from the whole transmission experience is that the average transmission guy probably isn't any better at this than I am. Obviously, the specialists like Monster, Extreme, etc. are the exceptions. But given the proper resources and some time I can figure it all out myself. I've learned a lot.

 

[H2O gbodies]

Here in Iowa there's a guy named Ed Slifka and he's been building stock and built transmissions for drag racers for the last 20 years.....he's doing it full time now since retiring from his regular gig-senior Lincoln/Ford trans tech where he worked for 35+ years! Can replace all his knowledge! He's so reasonable its ridiculous.....last TH400 he did for me cost $420 and that was an overhaul, Kevlar seals/bands, stage 3 transgo kit, New HD intermediate sprag, swapped out all overhaul snap rings with heat treated industrial grade ones. When I gave him the trans I had no 3rd or reverse and 2nd gear was a mere suggestion. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a stout trans built....even if you have to ship it.

 

[DRIVEN]

Yeah, I don't know how I sidetracked my own thread into a transmission rant. I guess I was just frustrated about all the BS advice I was getting from all the "experts". I've rebuilt several (at least 15-20) various GM automatics so I wouldn't be afraid to tear into one. The root of the problem is that it doesn't need a rebuild. Internally it's fine. There was just a late/hard shift that I wanted diagnosed buy the "professionals". That's what I paid for but didn't get.
At this point I'm done playing with and whining about transmissions. I've just been enjoying it for the last few weeks. NW summers don't last too long so I'll save the tinkering for winter. I'd like to adjust the stance, do the exhaust, fix the dent in the fender, maybe upgrade the sound system, get a new steering wheel, and possibly refinish the plastic interior parts so that they're all the same shade of blue. I'll be lucky to get half that done. Too many other projects.

 

[DRIVEN]

I have absolutely NOTHING to update. Just been enjoying it...finally. The late/harsh shift isn't so bad that I can't live with it. Actually, if I drive it a bit more aggressively than I typically would it shifts perfectly. If there's anything I can't live with it's the bent passenger side axle. It's a used one I pulled from the yard a couple years ago. By the time I got it installed and realized it was tweaked the warranty was expired. It starts to shimmy at about 65mph. If I'm at 60 or 70 I don't feel it. maybe I'll add that to the to-do list for the winter.

 

[DRIVEN]

Going on six months since I last updated. Drove it a few times when the weather was nice and the transmission seems to be getting better -- or maybe I'm just getting used to it. I developed a pretty good passenger side valve cover leak. When I went around hard LH turns it would get on the cat and make crazy smoke screens. Today I tore it apart and replaced the vc gasket. I also did some general cleanup and took some measurements for future exhaust work. My tailpipe is getting holes in it. Might as well upgrade the whole system. I'm thinking duals through a Dynomax Ultra Flo X muffler ( http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-17552/overview/ ) in the stock location with 2 tailpipes.
I'm also thinking about picking up a set of spinners for the Appliances: http://www.spinnercenter.com/screwon-sp ... p-250.html
My tires are also looking pretty old too. Considering some BFGs or other raised white letter tires. Here's where I'm conflicted -- I really don't like RWLs. But since I'm trying to follow a somewhat period correct theme, they seem appropriate. Your input/opinions are welcome. What do you guys think?

 

[hurst1979olds]

Certain vehicles look good with RWL's. My truck and my wifes jeep I think look good like that (as they are). But my cutlass doesnt look good with RWL. But its all personal preference. Me, I think yours would look good RWL.

 

[Oldsmoletick]

I too am also torn between blackwall or white letter, right now the malibu is white letter, looks good I guess, but I've often thought about flipping the tires to blackwall. The style of wheel makes a big difference here too, old rally wheels look good with letters, a more modern or spoke wheel looks out of place.

 

[DRIVEN]

I still have some time to think about it. The shop I work for sells tires so I can get pretty much anything. The BFG T/As are more expensive than lots of other more modern blackwall designs though. Maybe I need to talk to some more guys who were "cool" when T/As were cool. I'm probably over-thinking it. If I really wanted to commit to the period correct thing, I'd just bolt a CB to the dash and hang a roach clip from the mirror :lol: . I'm gonna go watch Dazed and Confused.


Also forgot to mention in my update; I sold transmission #3 so I'm committed to #1 now. The buyer is going to rebuild it and put it in a '68 GTO. He was very happy to get it. For the amount of rapid responses to my ad, I'm thinking I should have asked more for it. Next time.