Noob from Canada Eh

[clean8485]

I'm not happy about the appraisal regulation either, but its not hard to understand. The government saw a situation where they were losing sales tax revenue, because some people weren't disclosing the actual price that they had paid for a vehicle in a private sale. Instead, they would claim that they had paid less for a vehicle than they actually did, in order to pay less sales tax on the transfer of ownership. After many years of that situation going on, the government decided to close that loophole, and they now require the appraisal, in order to collect a more realistic amount of sales tax money when older cars change hands. That doesn't mean that some people don't try to get a more "friendly" appraisal done on a car that they're buying, so they can get away with paying less sales tax.
Its a similiar situation to what's happening in Ontario now with emission control inspections. Existing laws that had been on the books for many years, but poorly enforced, are now being more strictly enforced, so the government can collect some more revenue from people whose cars aren't emission compliant.

 

[pontiacgp]

I could understand trying to find out the past history of the vehicle, previous owners, etc... but the local municipality seems to hold you for ransom with a charge for every little thing.
The appraisal law sounds ridiculous. Just another reason to reach into your pocket.😕

it needs an appraisal since there is no value on the sellers package or if you purchased the vehicle below the value on the sellers package. I got one for my Jeep cause on the sellers package it was valued at $2,000. I bought it for $400. The appraisal cost me $40. The tax on $2,000 is $260, the tax on $400 is $52...they use to accept the amount you claim you paid on the receipt but no more...cash grab like you said

 

[streetrod]

I got everything taken care of, it was $60 for the appraisal and she is now registered and plated.
After running the motor for a couple of hours, over several evenings, I eventually figured out the oil pan leaks like a sieve. She ran fine at night and the next day I went to start her and she wouldn't fire. Eventually got it going to hear a loud mechanical clacking noise. Possibly a cam that's wiping lobes.
Also, I was kinda hoping I had a 200-4R behind the 3.8 but it turns out it's got a TH350. I would have left the OD trans in with the 4.8 I was originally planning to temporarily swap in....
Either way, this is going to speed up my LS swap. I already have a BRC mount kit, and a friend has offered up all the running gear from a parts truck including a 5.3, 4L60E, wiring, ecu etc for $700. I figure I can get it up and running on the cheap and rather quickly. I've also found an LS3 cam, so if that works with my timing cover and cam sensors then it should be a great "bolt on" upgrade!
I'll probably end up starting a build thread once I get all the parts together.

 

[clean8485]

Looking forward to your build thread. Still trying to find a decent Cutlass wagon.

 

[Longroof79]

I'm also looking forward to your build thread.

 

[streetrod]

Hey folks, been a while but here is the build thread:
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/83-olds-cutlass-cruiser.59802/

 

[Sundancer]

Hi everybody, noob here and I recently picked up an '83 Olds Cutlass Cruiser wagon. I've lurked on these and other forums for a couple years and waited for the right moment, I guess you could say. I've been a mechanic for 10+ years and have done lots of work on muscle cars, engine building, restorations, custom fabrication etc and plan to do most of the work myself at home in my garage.
I've owned a LOT of fox chassis Mustangs, and a slew of other cars but I've never owned a G-Body. Worked on plenty of other people's rides, and finally I'll be able to work on my own. She's been off the road for ten years, apparently 8 of those indoors. She looks pretty decent for her age, with little rust here and there. Currently sports a 231 V6 and brown interior with faux wood grain exterior. Classy! The price was right so I couldn't pass it up.

The plan is to throw in an L33 aluminum 5.3, single turbo, overdrive trans (still unsure between 4L60 and 700R4), Mustang disc 8.8 rear end with 3.27 gears and redrilled axles, Jimmy/Blazer front brake upgrade and some new lowering springs and balljoints/tie rods. I REALLY like the idea of somehow fitting the 88 Cutlass Supreme nose on my wagon. Kinda like this guys coupe:

Obviously I'd like to see if the nose works without swapping fenders and such as the wheel arches are different shapes. Or a Regal front nose isn't out of the question, I'm just not a big fan of the nose she's got.

Anyway, for the time being a friend has offered up a good running 4.8 for $250 and he will throw in an ecu, wiring and a bunch of other stuff real cheap. He may even have a spare 4L60 laying around. So I might just do the swap, get it on the road and accumulate the rest of the parts to do what I actually want in one shot down the road. It's either that or fix the brakes and brake lines and get the 3.8 running right and drive her through the winter like that. I figure I'll swap in the 8.8 rear end asap since the trac-lok will help with winter traction.
So, that's my plan of attack and here are a few more pics of the wagon!

Beautiful wagon, enjoy fixing her up

 

[clean8485]

Keep us updated with your progress.

 

[oldtinsmith]

Welcome to a great site!

Doug

 

[Longroof79]

Glad to see you back at it. I'll definitely be tuned in for further updates.