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My dad's '74 Ventura's I-6 still had points, and that disto-cap didn't even have a window to adjust dwell through
Haha...that's nuts. Even to this day, all of the V8 small bodied distributor caps still seem to come with that window, even the cap for the MSD Pro-billet on my SBC has that, and it wasn't even sold with a "points" option. Crazy that GM cheapened out like that for the I6 cap.
Originally Posted by GJB2000
I keep saying I'm going to head over to Iggy's and have them bend something up, maybe this will finally be the spring I do it! I have to have them put the Marauder tips on my Sport anyways. I think this summer I'll take the Vic to at least one of our cruise nights, see how many eye rolls I get. Hey its almost an antique now!
I don't think you'll get any eye rolls at all. It's a very nice example and, IMO, it falls in the same category as the 1991-96 Caprice & Impala which is always very well received. Bring it!
I am on ClassicOldsmobile (Georges75), great site. Also a member of the Olds Club of America, I'll be at the Lansing Homecoming in June if anyone else attends.
Ryan- I think it'll definitely make an appearance this summer!
I am on ClassicOldsmobile (Georges75), great site. Also a member of the Olds Club of America, I'll be at the Lansing Homecoming in June if anyone else attends.
Cool, found your initial post there w/ all the wonderful pics of picking up your 98. I'm JohnnyBs68S there. My Cutlass will be under the knife this summer for some major upgrades (engine, suspension, brakes) so it won't be mobile for awhile. I've posted some threads there on my 200-4R swap and bucket seats / floor shifter / 3-pt belts upgrade. But I'm planning on getting it to events once its back on the road. Hope to bump into you sometime, be it at an Olds or F-body event.
Cool, found your initial post there w/ all the wonderful pics of picking up your 98. I'm JohnnyBs68S there. My Cutlass will be under the knife this summer for some major upgrades (engine, suspension, brakes) so it won't be mobile for awhile. I've posted some threads there on my 200-4R swap and bucket seats / floor shifter / 3-pt belts upgrade. But I'm planning on getting it to events once its back on the road. Hope to bump into you sometime, be it at an Olds or F-body event.
Sweet, I'll have to check out your stuff. Looking forward to it as well!
Not very exciting, but I replaced the wheel well liners today. Also straightened out the driver's side fender retainer tab. Still needs a little adjusting but it's a lot better. I'll play with it again, but at least the plastic wasn't broken.
Fit was pretty okay. Not perfect but hey for 50 bucks for both I made it work!
I had a 65 F-85 post. Put a 425 in it. Wish I still had it. Still have the C heads in my garage and the Malory unilite distributor. Paid $300. Was a blue green color. Had a 330 that wasn’t running. And the variable pitch two speed.
Not very exciting, but I replaced the wheel well liners today. Also straightened out the driver's side fender retainer tab. Still needs a little adjusting but it's a lot better. I'll play with it again, but at least the plastic wasn't broken.
Fit was pretty okay. Not perfect but hey for 50 bucks for both I made it work!
I had to replace these on my '02 Z28 after a dealership jacked it up so badly that not only did they break the plastic tabs off the fenders, they also managed to destroy part of the liner. We had some "words" after that, but I didn't want them doing the repair because I doubted it would be done nicely so I did it myself.
FWIW, there are some items available to protect those fender tabs from damage. Detroit Speed makes one such piece, but it's pricey:
You could probably fab something up for cheaper, but this is quick and easy. Another option was a factory piece that was used on the 1993-98 (other than the last month or so of '98 production) that was intended to protect the fuel lines on the earlier models (but really ends up being more of a fender tab guard). They aren't available from GM any longer, but you can find them on a donor car (same one that would have a good roof panel) or maybe used on Ebay. First image is a close up with part number, and the second image I have circled (in red) how they look installed on an earlier 4th gen:
Ordered the Detroit Speed ones, thanks for the link.
My fender liners were cut (?) in the front on both sides, not sure what was going on there but I didn't like the idea of water getting blasted where it wasn't supposed to. My passenger side has the self tapper fix, but the mounting plastic tab is still there so I think I'm going to fix it correctly when those show up. I should have looked under the LT1 car I scavenged for some interior parts (97) out in Rockford the other week but oh well. Sail Panel was cracked unfortunately.
Car looked great in person George! I love everything you've done with it so far. Sorry if I slowed down your project on that Town Car today, I hope it didn't rain on you guys. We didn't end up getting any more than a sprinkle at the Des Plaines meeting spot.
I was talking with Kevin about your plans for the car and what you might be looking for, and he said he's got a Yank SS3600 converter from his old setup (he moved up to a 4,000 for his current setup) with only maybe ~2k miles on it. That's a top shelf converter and would be an excellent choice if you're interested. Just something to think about.
Car looked great in person George! I love everything you've done with it so far. Sorry if I slowed down your project on that Town Car today, I hope it didn't rain on you guys. We didn't end up getting any more than a sprinkle at the Des Plaines meeting spot.
I was talking with Kevin about your plans for the car and what you might be looking for, and he said he's got a Yank SS3600 converter from his old setup (he moved up to a 4,000 for his current setup) with only maybe ~2k miles on it. That's a top shelf converter and would be an excellent choice if you're interested. Just something to think about.
Not at all dude! I needed a break. Got back in there fresh and got the bolt right out, walking away does work I've found. We got it buttoned up and more or less driveway aligned. California clean car and every bolt still wanted to fight of course. No rain other than some sprinkles. Went down to Lynwood after for some Marauder parts and got some cheap(er) Indiana gas and cigarettes so overall not a bad end to the day, wish I could have made it over with you guys though. Next time. Appreciate all the shared knowledge on the F body stuff. Really getting into it, and how much fun (and low cost compared to the Ford) they are to play around with.
That sounds perfect, I'll give Kevin a ring soon. Thanks for that!
I always love looking over a 4th gen, finding what's left that's still stock and what all might have been changed over the years, it's like being an automotive detective. It's also interesting to see how certain things have survived better or worse on various examples, usually depending on where they are from in the country. You picked up a very solid example overall, and for a GREAT price; definitely worth the time and money you've spent to make it even better so far.
In fact, it sort of makes me want to buy another driver-type 4th gen again. I'm mostly terrified to ever take my '98 on the road, I mean I won't even open the garage if there's rain within 1,000 miles...haha! I miss having one I could just jump in and drive, maybe it's time for me to buy a 5th 4th gen...LOL!
Well I wholeheartedly agree, you need another 4th gen.
There's your encouragement! I like my cars to be nice, but i also LOVE driving them. Your '98 is absolutely insanely nice. Perfect really, and I would feel the same way if it was mine. I obsess over the 150k average car I have, I probably wouldn't even mentally be able to open the garage door without suffering some kind of mental breakdown if I had your 98 lol. I'm the same wierdo that keeps his Crown Victoria under a cover in the garage remember.
Seriously thanks again for all the knowledge sharing. I really love learning about anything auto related, especially when I own it! You're gonna get tired of my questions this summer!
Haha... thank you very much George, I really do appreciate those kind words. It means a lot to me, as I've put a ton of effort into trying to preserve this car as much as possible for well over two decades while still driving it to shows and never putting it on a trailer.
I don't think it's actually possible for me to ever get tired of talking about these cars, I've literally been doing that every day on this site for the last 24+ years that it's been open. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way - if you stop using it you lose it! LOL. After all these years it's really great to still see someone get excited about their first 4th gen, and I'm happy to share whatever knowledge I can. I very much look forward to all the conversations that I'm sure we'll have coming!
Anytime, it shows. Before I got mine I loved your car, but now owning one, I can appreciate the level of care you've put into it keeping it look so "fresh". Honestly looks like something I would have seen at the old Park Plaines Chevrolet on Busse in 1998 sitting in front. Well when the dealership wasn't under 14 feet of water every other week.
The biggest complaint about the 4th gen I have so far, is that I waited so long to get one. This car is an absolute blast lol.
That's been my goal since the beginning - to keep it as nice as my '99 Z28 looked the day I bought it brand new at Jennings Chevrolet. That was supposed to be the one that I kept forever, but this '98 has been an excellent changeling (in some ways better, not the least of which is because it saved me from the roof issue) and I've had it for so long now that it feels like it might as well have been the original one.
Speaking of local dealers, I don't think I ever went to Park Plaines Chevy, or if I did I don't remember it. My '98 was bought new at Rockenbach Chevrolet but it had been a dealer swap, so it actually was originally delivered to a dealer in Milwaukee (per the window sticker) before being brought to Grayslake. Then the original owner (who I knew and bought it from directly) took it to Tom Todd (now Stasek) for the couple of warranty/recall issues when it was still new. I had it at Jennings once, when I first bought it, just so that I could say that it had crossed through the same dealer as my first one...you know, to make it more "real"...LOL.
But you are right, they are incredibly fun to drive regularly and I miss that. This is exactly how I ended up with so many of them, with the '02 being the one I specifically bought to use like a normal car. I think I had more fun with that one than all the others combined just because I got to use it so much. Unfortunately, that's why I no longer have it. I just really shouldn't have used it in the winters, that was a mistake.
That's pretty cool about going to Jennings for that. I wrote the dealership my Oldsmobile came from in December of '74 in Montrose Colorado, and they sent me a shirt and plate frame. I geek out about that kind of stuff. Couldn't believe they were still there!
Park Plaines was where we had my dads new '92 Cavalier serviced after he bought it and until he stopped caring about it, probably around 97-98 lol. Was getting quite crusty. He simultaneously had a '76 LeSabre that we called the banana boat. Yellow, white vinyl interior and an ungodly amount of rot. He was a Greek, couldn't pass up a 75 dollar car bargain, came from a CPD impound lot. Drove that LONG after it should have been off the road. We used to lean the carb out in the parking lot of the emissions joint on Forest Preserve to get it to pass, then pull out and I'd get to richen the Q Jet back up so we could do more than idle lol. AC worked though!
Car was a surprising hit at cars and coffee on Sunday. Lots of nice comments, and a guy who followed me around and asked to buy it about 7x. Was actually serious lol. Got to sit in a 6th gen SS and boy are they nice. Don't have the 'Feel" though. Hard to explain, objectively better but just didn't make me WANT one like the 4th gen does. I still think if I ever did a modern muscle it would be a Scat/Hellcat. Now those make me feel in strange places. Was going to use the AC on the way home but pulled the T tops instead and just had a grin the whole ride. Glad I did that.
Car was a surprising hit at cars and coffee on Sunday. Lots of nice comments, and a guy who followed me around and asked to buy it about 7x. Was actually serious lol.
That's no surprise at all, that car SHOULD be well received!
Originally Posted by GJB2000
Got to sit in a 6th gen SS and boy are they nice. Don't have the 'Feel" though. Hard to explain, objectively better but just didn't make me WANT one like the 4th gen does. I still think if I ever did a modern muscle it would be a Scat/Hellcat.
When the 5th gen first came out I was excited to test drive one. Stopped at Jennings one day on my way home from work when I saw they had one of the very first ones to hit the lot. I was thoroughly disappointed...lol. The L99 (it was an auto) combined with the heavier weight made it feel no quicker than my '02 Z28, and the seating position, visibility, and tiny door widow size just made me really dislike the car compared to a 4th gen. I got right back into my '02 Z28 and never really considered a 5th gen again.
I gave a 6th gen a chance too, it was better (much quicker) but still not as pleasing to experience as a 4th gen IMO. Plus by then, it had gadgets I don't care for like the touchscreen, etc.
I'm with you on the Mopar. If I was going to put up with all the modern tech in a late model muscle car, it'd have to be some sort of 392ci Challenger I think. I do also really like the Mustangs from 2011-2014, I would do one of those too.
That's no surprise at all, that car SHOULD be well received!
When the 5th gen first came out I was excited to test drive one. Stopped at Jennings one day on my way home from work when I saw they had one of the very first ones to hit the lot. I was thoroughly disappointed...lol. The L99 (it was an auto) combined with the heavier weight made it feel no quicker than my '02 Z28, and the seating position, visibility, and tiny door widow size just made me really dislike the car compared to a 4th gen. I got right back into my '02 Z28 and never really considered a 5th gen again.
I gave a 6th gen a chance too, it was better (much quicker) but still not as pleasing to experience as a 4th gen IMO. Plus by then, it had gadgets I don't care for like the touchscreen, etc.
I'm with you on the Mopar. If I was going to put up with all the modern tech in a late model muscle car, it'd have to be some sort of 392ci Challenger I think. I do also really like the Mustangs from 2011-2014, I would do one of those too.
Was cool seeing how many young (15-20) year old kids were super into it. There's hope! lol
The 5th gen feels YUGE and also cramped at the same time to me, and I'm not a big guy, wasn't my thing. Prices are still really strong for them though so maybe we're the minority. lol. The 6th gen I agree I did like a lot better but still for the $$$, yes I'll do a nice 392. I agree the late SN197s are really nice too. Maybe someday who knows.
^^^ We all seem to have the same interests and feelings about certain models while owning these 4th gen cars.
GJB2000 you are spot on with the Challengers. I have an R/T I bought new in 2020. The Hemi in the R/T is no slouch but the top end above 90 - 100 mph is lacking if you need it. I don't need that in my world so perfectly happy with the 5.7 Hemi.It is really quick off the line and has that true 'old muscle car' feel..
On the opposite spectrum, as RPM WS6 likes, the 2014 GT is unreal at all speeds, but the kick at top end speeds actually scares you. The 420 HP Coyote is a beast in such a light car..
My R/T and GT below along with my Trans Am.
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