Newbie - - 1979 Oldsmobile Salon Coupe (V6) w/pics

[xsivhp]

Hi everyone - just got my grandpa's car from my uncle today. It runs kinda bad, seems to fall on it's face under partial throttle. Any notorious gremlins these cars need fixed?

I'll also be looking for some parts - it's got a red interior. I need the interior rear panels and the door panels and a couple of trim panels. Raining now though so i can't have a really good look at it like I would like to.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,

xsivhp




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[Uncletruck]

Wow, the body looks really nice on that one!

Gremlins? Here are a few:

If you have the Buick 231 V6, (most likely, VIN A, 5th digit of VIN number) they switched this engine from the nice running 2GE carb used in '78 to the M2MC Dualjet for '79. That was the most common complaint about the early Dualjet- a bad flat spot at part throttle. It's difficult to get rid of unless you replace the carb altogether. The 231 also likes to develop oil leaks around the timing chain cover which is an aluminum casting. Be careful if you ever remove this as it is thin around the bottom and likes to crack. Your car looks like a good candidate for a future engine upgrade.

Like any other G body check the rear frame rails for rot behind the rear wheels. It's very common, but don't panic if they have rot as they are repairable/replaceable. Also pull a rear wheel and a brake drum and make sure the rear brake cylinders are tight on the backing plate and don't pivot up and down. There was a recall for these coming loose but as I have seen not every car had the recall work done.

Also, if your car has the Metric TH200 transmission, (most likely for '79 with the V6) note that this is not the most durable transmission out there. It holds out OK for normal use, but no trips to the drag strip with it.

Have fun 😀 Those Salons are rare in good condition so take good care of it!

-UT-

 

[xsivhp]

Thanks UT - is there a good carb to replace it with? I need to pay it off before I do any big mods, but would eventually like to go to a V8 in it.

I'm going to get the little stuff fixed up - and make it a good driver - before making it any faster.

Are there any swar bar swaps or stuff like that I can do to make it handle a little better? Are there any dedicated Cutlass parts houses?

Can I still buy seat belts from GM?

Is there a easy fix for a broken odometer?

Plus the tires are like new and I should probably wear them out too!

I'll take care of her! 😀

Thanks again!

xsivhp

 

[Derision]

Re: Newbei - - 1979 Oldsmobile Salon Coupe (V6) w/pics

Hi everyone - just got my grandpa's car from my uncle today. It runs kinda bad, seems to fall on it's face under partial throttle. Any notorious gremlins these cars need fixed?

I'll also be looking for some parts - it's got a red interior. I need the interior rear panels and the door panels and a couple of trim panels. Raining now though so i can't have a really good look at it like I would like to.

Hey, she looks really nice! Don't see too many of them anymore.

Got any interior pictures?

 

[Uncletruck]

You end up in sort of a pickle with that carb. GM never really ironed out the problems with it for '79 and '80, and in '81 swithced the M2MC to a computer controlled feedback version, (E2MC) which is even worse than the non computer version. There are 4 barrel intake manifolds avalible for the 231 that would allow you to use the much better Quadrajet, or you can switch it to the '78 style 2 barrel manifold and use the older style 2GE 2 barrel carb. Sometimes just using a different M2MC will get it to run better though, I'd probably go that route first. Also make sure the EGR valve is free and not sticking, this cvan help the situation also.

-UT-

 

[xsivhp]

I'll work on better pics next week - thanks for all the feedback - I may be looking for some help as I start digging in a little more. Or trying to find the right parts!

 

[dan2286]

I do not know of any dedicated cutlass houses, but it isnt that hard to find parts for the Gbody chassis. You will need to search junkyards to find alot of Cutlass specific parts, as there is not alot of parts that are sold for the car. Ebay can also be a big help in findin parts.

For the seatbelts the dealer may have them if your lucky, especially in that color. You probably need to call alot of dealers to see if they have some layin around. Im not sure if there are aftermarket ones made.

The odometer is ran off of the speedo cable I think. If the speedometer still works, it most likely is not a bad cable which would be an easy fix. If it is not the cable, the guage cluster will need to be repaired or replaced.

Take a look at this website, they might have some parts your interested in, http://gbodyparts.com/

 

[STLRegal]

Wow nice car. I havent seen one like that on here before. The fast back model are pretty rare.

 

[78mali350]

car looks great! can't wait to see some more pictures. welcome to the site!

 

[srercrcr]

The fastback is rare because they were an abysmal failure in the marketplace. Very few were sold. Resale values sucked. Rarity only counts financially if there's demand...unfortunately there isn't any. Enjoy it, appreciate it.