New to G body cars, old to wrenching

[78Brougham]

Here to pretty much read what info I need to restore my 78 Brougham... it's got a few similar quirks that I have been reading about in here... it has the 260 V8 with 3sp auto... just over 87K ... it sat for about a decade before the fella before me brought it back to life... runs sweet, needs some fine tuning to the brand new OEM 2bbl carb... it has all new ignition to the distributor... a very smooth and comfortable car... but alas, a car backed into the D/S front corner and damaged the grille, fender, headlight cowl, and now the D/S floor is wet, and a chip in the windshield is now a crack.. so a few things to do... it has a bit of sun damage to the paint, and the plastic runners on the inside of the windshield. So will keep me busy muckin about for a while.. I found a windshield and will be having that installed next week.. and I picked up some paint, mixed to the code off the car, and some Preval sprayers to do some touch up for now, until it is ready for a full paintjob.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Welcome aboard!

Before you get too far into your project, I must ask if you've taken a look at the frame rails yet? G-bodies are notorious for the rear rails rusting out, especially the 78-80 cars. The beauty of your car having a 260 is that any other small block Olds has the same external dimensions. Makes a 350 or 403 swap a piece of cake.

 

[oldtinsmith]

78Brougham,

Welcome to the site!

Doug

 

[78Brougham]

Welcome aboard!

Before you get too far into your project, I must ask if you've taken a look at the frame rails yet? G-bodies are notorious for the rear rails rusting out, especially the 78-80 cars. The beauty of your car having a 260 is that any other small block Olds has the same external dimensions. Makes a 350 or 403 swap a piece of cake.

Cheers G-Body_Vet...
yes, there is some flaking starting on the driver's side rear rail, so I am gonna get after that this summer.. thanks

 

[78Brougham]

78Brougham,

Welcome to the site!

Doug

Thanks Doug

 

[papabearxl]

Welcome to the family!
Nice car ya got there. I would be proud to have it.

 

[78Brougham]

Welcome to the family!
Nice car ya got there. I would be proud to have it.

Cheers... It just felt right, even before I seen it in person... I was looking for something different, that was grown up size ( I'm no small fella) and had the option to hot rod, rat out, or anything else I felt like.. I have nearly $1200 in parts invoices from the last owner that revived it from a 12 year nap ... so for $500 I figure I can't lose.

 

[JBreu]

Welcome to the site....NIce looking 'Cutty and for the $500.00 you damn near stole that kitty🙂 Also check the floors...as previously mentiond, as well as the rear frame rails going bad the floors go just as quick on our cars.....The 78 'Cutty's are getting harder and harder to find parts for the front ends...Because that year was unique in itself...No worries though you can find a front header panel for the 70-80 easier for some reason...........If it were me..Beat the hell outa that lil mouse under the hood, blow it up and throw in a SBC 🙂 JMO 8)

 

[78Brougham]

Welcome to the site....NIce looking 'Cutty and for the $500.00 you damn near stole that kitty🙂 Also check the floors...as previously mentiond, as well as the rear frame rails going bad the floors go just as quick on our cars.....The 78 'Cutty's are getting harder and harder to find parts for the front ends...Because that year was unique in itself...No worries though you can find a front header panel for the 70-80 easier for some reason...........If it were me..Beat the hell outa that lil mouse under the hood, blow it up and throw in a SBC 🙂 JMO 8)

Ya thanks.. the 260 is still really tight and peppy, and has been well maintained, so runs like a top, but a 350 will prolly end up in there in a few years... YA I have a wet carpet right now that has me worried, no rust signs undereneath, but I sure don't want this to continue, I read the possible issues and solutions, and since I will have to pull the D/S fender off to repair anyways, I can get in there and seal the seams too, and hopefully solve that issue.. will also be checkin the other known trouble spots I read about as well.. I have access to a bodyshop for a small fee, so will be pickin away at it...

Still wrestling with the Landeau roof....

 

[78Brougham]

Oh ya, I need a headliner and dome light too ... the list continues LOL