Project: Oldsmobille 88 LS

[nos4blood70]

Probably the elbow. Pretty common issue. Get the metal ones and never worry again.

[tytotheler92]

Yeah I replaced the upper one when I did the LIM.

Didn't know there was a lower one. You can't even really see it.

[94SilverSSEi]

The lower one on the H-bodies is part of the tensioner or rather there is no lower elbow as it is molded into the tensioner. At least this was the case on my 1997, don't see any reason this would be any different.

Never realized how much I like these cars especially the LSS, I have one in the works myself.

[tytotheler92]

THAT'S WHY I CAN'T SEE IT!

I assume it could still be leaking from an O-Ring however?

[Backhoe]

I think when I did mine, the o-ring on the second elbow I didn't use came off and went on the tensioner.

Pretty sure but it was a couple years ago.

[tytotheler92]

Messing with my camera, complete with bug guts and chips!



It is a very clean and uncluttered design for sure. No badgeing or anything really.



Also, I saw a MINT Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser wagon on my way to Columbus over the weekend. Burgundy on Red...It was REALLY nice.

[tytotheler92]

Hey look! A Buick Reatta! Figure someone here would love to see this. Its for sale locally. It even has the CRT Touchscreen!!!

The Oldsmobile is still running/driving like a champ. NO issues. Still need to do the tensioner O-rings....I'll get to that before winter...lol.

[tytotheler92]

So I drove this thing for the first time in about two months to check up on it from my sister driving it and such.

Still drives great. The hole at the end of the converter has gotten bigger so I'm going to have a new one welded in soon enough. Still need to do the o-rings.

It's amazing to think what it looked like 5 months ago.



Installed a stereo I had around. The bass caps in the Oldsmobile stereo were gone. Whenever there was any loud bass in a song it would just got to sound. Again, amazing to me how well 16 year old speakers can sound with simply a headunit upgrade.

[tytotheler92]

Well, I replaced the o rings over the labor day. Way less involved then I thought it would be.

Removed the alternator.


First bolt you can't see.



Second bolt you can't see. (not the one on the water pump)



Boom. Replaced all o rings that I removed. The lower O ring (Which on these is built directly into the assembly) was basically plastic. It was hard as a rock. There was not much sealing going on there. Somehow, the heater core o rings were still ok, but they got replaced too. Anyways, there was alot of cleaning and everything got a little RTV to help a bit.



The heater core inlet/outlet hose removal is really simple. Just unbolt the retainers, and wiggle it out.



GM makes a small repair kit for this, ACDelco 24502846.




Also picked up a new visor, new door handle/power seat bezel, and replaced the C-Pillar Fabric.



C Pillar fabric before:



After:



I used a micro suede that is quite soft and very close to the color of the headliner.

So there, some actual updates.

[Backhoe]

It's funny, I have had my C-pillar pieces sitting on the bench for a month now waiting to be re-covered. Again. The first attempt to color match was off a little, as well as the year of rain with goofed up sunroof drains that didn't do them any favors. You've checked your sunroof drains, right?

Your car is obviously getting all the love it deserves! Looks great!

[tytotheler92]

I don't have a sunroof!

And thanks for the compliments!

[Backhoe]

[tytotheler92]

Well, since I want this thing to last forever I oil undercoated it too....

Did the front first. I'll do the rear later.



Polish....



These things always look good clean. lol.



Got a new tank and a used filler neck!

This is gonna be fun to put in..............

[tytotheler92]

Well the old cat blew apart finally, so I ordered a Magnaflow for $60 bucks and had it welded in today.

Way more balls.

Also, I took a great picture of it.

[Backhoe]

Outstanding! That's a sig-line shot for sure!

[tytotheler92]

Well the comments that were here just disappeared and my sig is lost. Guess I've got to redo that.

Thanks for the comments that are not here anymore everyone. lol. Looks like the servers went down.

I should detail the inside and get quite a few good pictures and go for COTM/best salvage ever. lol.

[tytotheler92]

Got some used factory mats finally.





Drove it for the first time in some real snow. These things do well!!



I kinda of laughed at this because of the location of where the snow and salt sit...

[tytotheler92]

Got it cleaned up.



Miles keep racking up.



Paint hasn't flaked off yet though this rough winter lol.

[1oldman]

You've done a great job of taking care of the Olds. It's nice to see an older car so well taken care of. Makes them look really good. You'd never know the rear end had been smacked into. - BC

[tytotheler92]

Thank you!

This thing now has 145k. It's still awesome! My sister broke the flip out cup holder, but I promptly fixed that.

Anyways, recent project.

Someone hit my '02 Blazer.



I fixed my '02 Blazer.

But it's a Jimmy to you.

It's quite dirty in this picture, but such is life in NE Ohio.