This Oldsmobile Station Wagon Has Been Sitting for 16 Years! | Roadworthy Rescues
Summary
TLDRIn this episode of 'Road Worthy Rescues,' the team returns to the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota with a project in mind. They come across a 1987 Delta 88 Custom Cruiser that's been sitting for 16 years, and despite its age and initial engine issues, they decide to transform it into a pro-touring style vehicle. The journey involves diagnosing and addressing various mechanical problems, including a blown engine that leads to a search for a suitable replacement. With a newfound engine and transmission secured, they embark on a meticulous rebuild, tackling challenges such as smog equipment removal, fuel system cleaning, and the installation of a new carburetor. The team's dedication and ingenuity shine as they work tirelessly to resurrect the classic wagon, aiming to have it ready for a thrilling drive through the Black Hills' picturesque roads, showcasing their passion for automotive restoration.
Takeaways
- đ The team is working on a 1987 Delta 88 custom Cruiser wagon in South Dakota, aiming to transform it into a pro tour-style vehicle with a focus on suspension, tires, and wheels.
- đïž The plan includes a scenic drive through the Black Hills, showcasing favorite roads, switchbacks, pigtails, bridges, and tunnels.
- đ§ The car has been sitting for 16 years, and the initial inspection reveals a smog-equipped 307 engine with 145 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs of torque, which has since lost power due to smog and AC systems.
- đ The car initially had no compression and needed a new starter to be tested for functionality.
- đ© The engine had a significant issue, sounding like a rod knock, which led to the decision to replace it.
- đ The team searched for a suitable replacement engine, considering various options from different vehicles but faced challenges with accessibility and compatibility.
- đ ïž A Craigslist find provided a new 307 engine and 200 R4 overdrive transmission, which they planned to rebuild and install.
- đĄ The rebuild process involved addressing fail points, such as replacing the water pump and fuel pump, and switching to a petronics one-wire system for timing.
- đ§ The team decided to upgrade the fuel system with a square board to a spread board adapter and a vacuum secondary Holly 600 CFM electric choke unit for better performance.
- đ„ Despite the engine running, there were still issues with timing and oil pressure that needed to be addressed.
- â±ïž The project is time-consuming, with many tasks remaining, including finishing the rear suspension and addressing various linkages, cables, and cooling systems.
Q & A
What is the location where the Black Hills Blazer is being driven?
-The Black Hills Blazer is being driven in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
What was the condition of the 1987 Delta 88 Custom Cruiser when it was found?
-The 1987 Delta 88 Custom Cruiser had been sitting for 16 years and was abandoned after someone sold a house and left it behind.
What is the initial vision for the Delta 88 Custom Cruiser?
-The initial vision for the Delta 88 Custom Cruiser is to create a pro tour esque car by modifying the suspension, lowering it, and upgrading the tires and wheels for a cruise through the Black Hills.
What is the issue with the original engine of the Delta 88 Custom Cruiser?
-The original engine of the Delta 88 Custom Cruiser has a significant rod knock, indicating severe internal damage, and it is not running properly.
What is the plan to address the engine issue?
-The plan is to source a new engine from somewhere in the middle of Minnesota and replace the damaged engine with it while keeping the original heritage of the vehicle.
What is the condition of the interior of the Delta 88 Custom Cruiser?
-The interior of the Delta 88 Custom Cruiser is in surprisingly good condition, with features like wood grain, a tape player, and fold-down seats that are still functional.
What is the smog equipment's impact on the engine's performance?
-The smog equipment has reduced the engine's performance, taking away about all of its original 145 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs of torque.
What steps are taken to try and get the car running after discovering the engine issue?
-They attempt to free a sticky lifter by using a high solvent energy technology called 'Marble Mystery Oil' and then run the engine a bit more before assessing the situation again.
What is the strategy for replacing the engine and transmission?
-The strategy is to remove the engine and transmission as one piece, clean up the emission equipment and hoses, and then install the new engine and transmission that was sourced.
What is the final decision for the replacement engine?
-The final decision is to use a $600 1983 307 engine and a 200 R4 overdrive transmission, which are believed to be more compatible with the vehicle's original design.
What are some of the challenges faced during the rebuild process?
-Challenges include tracing vacuum lines, dealing with the complexity of hoses and pipes, managing the engine's timing without computer controls, and ensuring all accessories are correctly reconnected.
Outlines
đ Introduction to the Black Hills Blazer Project
The video begins with the host in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where they are working on the Black Hills Blazer from season one. The host reminisces about helping build the shop and spots a wagon on a hill, which he manages to acquire. This wagon turns out to be a 1987 Delta 88 Custom Cruiser, which the host plans to modify into a pro-touring style vehicle with a focus on suspension upgrades and a drive through the scenic Black Hills. The vehicle has been sitting for 16 years, and the host and his friend Sean start by assessing its current state, noting its features like the wood grain, AC, and unique seating configuration.
đ§ Engine Inspection and Initial Startup Attempt
The host and Sean begin by trying to start the Delta 88, which has been left abandoned for 16 years. They discuss the car's features, including a smog pump and AC system, and the potential need to trace vacuum lines. After a failed initial attempt, they decide to add a battery and try again. The engine turns over, but there is no compression, indicating a potential issue. They discover a rod knock, suggesting significant engine damage. The host decides to use a mystery oil product in hopes of freeing a sticky lifter and plans to drive the car to the shop for further assessment.
đ ïž Engine Removal and Replacement Planning
Realizing the engine is beyond repair, the team decides to source a replacement engine from Minnesota. Meanwhile, they prepare to remove the faulty engine and transmission. They meticulously disconnect various components, including the radiator, fuel lines, and power steering, to prevent spills and damage. The host also mentions the need for new tires and a fuel tank due to leakage. They receive a $600 1983 307 engine and a 200R4 overdrive transmission as a gift, which they plan to install despite uncertainty about their condition. The host emphasizes the importance of maintaining the vehicle's original heritage by keeping the 307 engine configuration.
đ© Engine Rebuild and Component Reassembly
The team proceeds with rebuilding the new engine, which includes replacing the water pump and installing a new fuel pump. They also discuss the change from computer-controlled timing to a petronics system for simplicity. The host and Sean work on aligning the ignition wires correctly and reattaching various accessories. They decide to upgrade to a flex fan for better cooling and replace the old radiator with a new one. The process is meticulous, with attention given to details like the firing order and the orientation of the engine for proper breathing through the exhaust system.
đ§ Final Assembly and Anticipated First Run
The video concludes with the team finalizing the engine assembly, including the installation of a Holly 600 CFM electric choke carburetor with a vacuum secondary. They prepare to fill the carburetor bowl with fuel, despite not having a fuel tank installed yet due to ongoing rear suspension work. The host expresses optimism that they will get the vehicle running by the end of the day, although there is still work to be done on linkages, cables, cooling systems, and rear suspension. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the team looking forward to making progress on the Black Hills run.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄBlack Hills
đĄBlazer
đĄDelta 88 Custom Cruiser
đĄSuspension
đĄSmog Pump
đĄRod Knock
đĄOverdrive
đĄEngine Swap
đĄCarburetor
đĄTransmission
đĄRear Suspension
Highlights
The team is back in the Black Hills, South Dakota, working on a Black Hills Blazer from season one.
The host has always wanted a pro tour esque car and plans to modify the 1987 Delta 88 custom Cruiser to fit this vision.
The Delta 88 has been sitting for 16 years, and the team needs to get it running to assess necessary repairs.
The car has interesting features such as fold-down seats and a roof rack, which the team finds appealing.
The engine is a smogged-out 307 with 145 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs of torque, but the team hopes to get the AC working.
The team discovers the engine has significant issues, including a potential rod knock, which leads to the decision to source a new engine.
A used 1983 307 engine and 200R4 overdrive transmission are acquired for $600, with the hope they can be installed and make the car run.
The team decides to keep the original heritage of the vehicle by opting to use the 307 engine rather than a 350 or diesel.
A Craigslist rebuild is performed on the new engine, which includes replacing main bearings and painting the oil pan.
The team encounters challenges with the engine's vacuum lines and smog pump, requiring careful disassembly and reassembly.
The car's original computer-controlled timing has been removed, so the team opts for a petronics one-wire system for simplicity.
The team replaces multiple hoses and pipes, and removes the radiator and shroud to prepare for the new engine.
A Holly 600 CFM electric choke unit is chosen for the carburetor to provide a vacuum secondary feature.
Despite the engine running, the team notes it needs further timing work and they address oil pressure concerns.
The team plans to work on linkages, cables, cooling systems, and rear suspension to complete the car's restoration.
The host humorously suggests driving the car backwards after facing challenges with the steering wheel and radio.
The team experiences a 'mad crash' of a day, highlighting the intensity and challenges faced during the restoration process.
A fuel tank leak is discovered, and the team decides to replace the fuel tank to prevent further issues.
Transcripts
well this week on road worthy rescues
we're back in the beautiful Black Hills
of South Dakota we're actually driving
the Black Hills Blazer we put together
season one yes sir pulling in those Wile
Motors again right now I actually
wrenched here when I was a little
grasshopper actually even helped build
the shop but when we were putting this
truck together I was eyeing a wagon up
on the hill and I happened to make a
deal on it
[Music]
this actually works in my favor because
my wife Jessica has been wanting a wagon
so I feel like I finally have permission
to bring a car
[Music]
home so this is a wagon Clark right here
1987 Delta 88 custom Cruiser in all of
its glory in fake wood grain and very
powered I actually have a vision for
this thing already I've I've always
wanted a pro tour esque kind of car so
it's exactly what we're going to do with
this hop up the suspension lower it
tires wheels and I want to go cruise
through the Black Hills I'm going to
take you guys through my favorite roads
switchbacks and pigtails and bridges and
tunnels and more all that stuff but
first Sean we got to get this running
and see what it needs get it off the
ground that would be helpful yeah it's
been sitting 16 years years and The
Story Goes someone sold a house and just
abandoned it there good friend Roger
picked it up and here it sits let's take
a look see what it's going to
take oh
yeah pretty fancy
actually oh it is wood
grain yeah I don't know I mean it's got
a tape player that's pretty sweet it's
an AC car I think you can put a fulls
size bed in there are the seats missing
or just no they're Fold It Down let's
open the back back up see what we got we
got flying creatures everywhere in this
these are cool they fold down or out
what really let me show you okay look at
this are you looking at it how do you
roll that down though is it power it's
probably Powers somewhere watch out was
everywhere but here's the other handle
and see it's got a different pivot point
and it'll come down well I'll be
man it's like mint under there
[Music]
though look at that oh we got a build
RPO Parts identification thing it's
pretty sweet and a lot of spiders stuff
like that that storage go all the way
underneath that oh yeah this thing is
awesome roof rack
spoilers we're going to have to do a
wasp relocation I think a delete yeah
aminet domain
you're going to have to
move we'll deal with that later it's
look under the hood
yep
oh what are all those
snakes it looks good
though okay oh yeah so this is a smogged
out
Ile
307 it's like 145 horse and 250 ft-lbs
of tire shreding torque and then you
minus about all of that for the smog and
AC it would be cool to get the AC
working though it's going to be hot this
week real hot I don't have any idea if
this even rotates if it's locked up it's
got a quadr bog on it does have hii
don't know what those things do have no
idea what those lines are that the smog
pump thingy would do all the vacuum
lines
are that should be fun tracing all that
down huh yeah yeah okay we should
probably get this running before we get
ahead of
ourselves then maybe suspension yes okay
did you see it had overdrive no I did
not oh man we're going to be Highway
bombing all right I'll push on the Belt
you crank the croissant wrench whoa and
hopefully it turns go yep it's rotating
go again easy too oh that means there's
no compression okay smog pumps turning
air compressor turning water pumps
turning power steering was turning okay
nothing's locked up then should we just
throw a battery in it and yep let's
[Music]
go so when they left the car they like
left it left they just that is crazy
they leave the keys and everything with
it everything just walked away there was
this in a Cadillac I don't know where
the Cadillac went all right here we go
does the engine
turn
nope remember why we were curious why
they would leave the car
uh-huh so the very first thing we got to
do is put a starter in to even know if
it
runs graub on
it
yeah she's a
runner
oh all we have to do his Rev on
[Music]
it I'm filling up the bowls here and
give them just a tickle of fuel like
that we're going to crank this thing
over and see if it fires if it fires and
we don't got to worry about the ignition
it's got spark if it doesn't then help
us understand this one bring the
Thunder bring it again
[Music]
knock
him we're going dude let's just
go just ignore the knock
yeah try it
[Music]
again old there
works it's getting worse on this episode
of Road ready rescues sounds like
another engine SWOT
so here's where we're at the car runs it
was actually running off the gas I was
in it but here's the other thing the
engine has blown up sounds like a rod
knock or something not good so we're
going through our options we're
definitely not going to find an oile 307
anywhere because why would anybody have
that we might try to find another bbody
I also see an Omega over there we're
going to go pop the hood on that maybe
there's an engine out here somewhere not
really sure but we're going to go yard
crawling right now Chevrolet Nova
Oldsmobile Omega Pontiac Venture Buick
Apollo what does it
spell I NOA oh you didn't know that
[Music]
no what's this
got rotates would that even move that
car holy look who my face was oh
God danger we we walk the yard there's a
couple of what appear to be 307 or 350 o
mobiles various different options but
they are stuck in there it would take us
a day to get them down to the shop and
pulling another questionable motor to
this we're back on this so I'm going to
dump in Marble Mystery Oil no one knows
what's in it it's a mystery but it could
help free a sticky lifter hopefully and
then we're going to run it a little bit
more and then we're going to put air in
the tires and we're going to try to
drive it down to the shop and then
reassess the situation for the fourth
time and then come to the conclusion
that the engine's still bad this here is
high solvent energy technology I don't
know what's in it there's skulls and
crossbones and stuff I usually dump it
down the app clean up the fuel system
but I just had an idea let throw in the
crank case see if we can clean up these
hopefully gunky stuck lifters or we just
ruin everything
[Music]
what is that noise now I see a smog
P sounds like that slip knot drummer
that metal band you do never really know
what's going to
happen hey remember when we were going
to drive this through the Hills
[Music]
what was that
about I moved the steering wheel and all
of a
sudden anti- radio theft you
know how do you change the station then
turn it left
well we're going to try to drive this
down to the shop
anyway maybe we just drive
backwards you ever seen the movie smoke
signals that's how they get around
really
yeah we're going forward here we go
while we're on a oh oh oh easy with the
brakes now
great
[Music]
work that motor's toast
man I've got a loose tentative
plan we found an engine somewhere in the
middle of
Minnesota and uh our producers is going
to jump in a pickup and go get that for
us it's like an eight hour drive he's a
wild man
Meanwhile we're going to pull this
engine and transmission and all the
different stuff out and get this ready
to receive this other engine that
hopefully fingers crossed Rand Park deal
will work the good news is we can clean
up a lot of this emission stuff and
hoses and do dabs and whatnot and it's
starting to rain so we've got to just
knuckle down and try to get something
done
[Music]
figure out what all this is plugged into
there's a lot of things that it's
plugged into what is happening look at
this thing how's that
work what's this do it's ground that's
already off it's good thing D's a
Maverick mechanic you can just put all
this back together
sleep I don't know what any of these
wires do we're never going to get this
motor running again huh
[Music]
no well on the top side we just got a
lot of hoses and pipes and whatnots and
we tried to unhook most wiring but let's
be honest there's things cut now it
looks more like an engine we got the
radiator out the Shroud the
fan we got the fuel disconnected we've
got the power steering unhooked now
we're underneath get the starter
unhooked we got to do motor mount bolts
transmission crossmember bolts
speedometer any other wires drain the
trans drain the engine as well so when
we pull it we're not dumping stuff all
over the ground cuz we have haven't
spilled a single drop
[Music]
[Laughter]
yet what are you even doing right now
what are you what did you do I was
moving the oil pan but I forgot that
there was already oil in the oil pan oh
and you shoved it I pushed it I pulled
it back towards me how'd that
go since we're going to be cutting these
Corners up at about 14 to 15 mph speed
I'm probably stock rotten tires by the
time we get the engine in here we're
going to want a new fuel tank so
sediment things aren't slashing around
also the fuel tank is leaking all the
way around the
[Music]
seam guys's got the quadro bog off here
we got a new pole plate
installed we should be ready to yank the
engine and transmission out we're going
to do it as one piece since we're
getting rid of this transmission doesn't
really transmit anything
anymore and we left all the accessories
and everything on here trying to save
time which is going to bite Us in about
5
minutes it's going to drag but just keep
[Music]
going well today's been filled with
highs and lows and empty spaces and a
lot of knocking noises but I think for
tonight we're just going to clean up the
engine bay here call it a night tomorrow
we'll hit it hard and we've got to fill
this space with something other than one
[Music]
horsepower we were greeted with a gift
this morning this is our $600 1983 oob
30 7 and 200 R4 overdrive transmission
no idea if it runs no idea if this
shifts but we're going to go ahead and
put it in anyway now you might be
wondering why didn't we just put a 350
in or a diesel or some other thing that
would potentially bolt in well it can
happen but there's a lot of rig andaro
with mounts and do dabs and hoses so we
decided this just keep the 307 keep the
original Heritage of the vehicle and
this is what we're going with I've
already power washed it we're going to
Craigslist rebuild it you know add some
new main bearings by just spray painting
the oil pan and I got to start taking
the old manifolds off this one's been
welded shut we need that to keep our
original custom exhaust which is mostly
rotted and kind of works and then start
moving accessories and everything over
hopefully by the end of the day this
combination will be on the car and it
will once again be running except
without a
[Music]
knock this is is the old manifold off
the old knock knock engine the one that
came on our new sweet $600 unkown engine
the guy welded this off so he only had
exhaust here this is a crossover that
goes to the other side well we need both
sides of the engine to breathe but the
stud was snapped off so I'm making a
stud right now so we can attach or
hopefully attach the exhaust
[Music]
woo guys just doing a quick visual
inspection when you buy these used
engines sight
unseen you could be surprised what you
fine also we got a Craigslist rebuild
and I don't want to ruin my Chrome cuz I
won't get
home so we're um going to take both
sides off then we'll fog it down and
then we're just continuing to doll up
[Music]
accessories they of it look
sharp sharp for a nail sharper than a
thumb
tack getting ready to set the engine on
top dead center it's got the typical
18436572 firing order but I think
somewhere in the early 80s they switched
from clockwise to counterclockwise
ignition I think it had something to do
with the AI not sure 84 to 87 could be
wrong but we're going to test out the
starter here see which way that turns so
we can figure out which way the flywheel
turns and thus the accessories and
lastly the distributor so when we do put
it in at TDC we line up the the ignition
wires correctly in the right order
trying to save
us hassles down the road
Sean
[Music]
good we rebuilt the whole engine we've
replaced a water pump we've put a new
fuel pump in it basically we're just
trying to fix all the fail points now so
when we're in the Black Hills trying to
have fun we're not fixing it more than
32
[Music]
times the old engine had computer
controlled timing we don't have that
anymore because someone took a
Leatherman and cut everything out of the
engine bay so we're going to a petronics
it's a one wire system and we're gaining
vacuum advance and a simple one wire
hookup which we have and then we don't
have to worry about all of the computer
controls old stuff for
timing we think we have this where we
need it we've guessed on Belt sizes we
have the accessories on it looks less
complicated it finally has less hose
than an LA nightclub we're going to
stick this thing in hopefully pop the
bolts in and it's done right right okay
bring
[Music]
around more up yeah
[Music]
okay
[Music]
now
inage
okay okay now
in
down
in down in and down same time little
more in than down way too much down then
[Music]
in all come
down you see what's
happening good hold
on come
down down a
[Music]
little that's good that's good
yep well we've got the engine and
transmission in drive shaft hooked back
up we've got the rear end drained looks
pretty good we haven't filled it yet
though basically we've got to do all
fluids engine oil transmission and rear
end now we're just working on all the
accessories we got the the uh gear box
power steering hooked up we've got the
compressor hook back up we've got one of
the heater hoses in we're getting ready
to drop the ride in get those hoses on
we're going to move to a flex fan it is
hot and I live in the south we're going
to need all the cooling capati we also
got a cheapy little plastic rad we're
going to put in and get rid of the old
one it's moving along slowly there's a
lot of little things I'm about to embark
on the fuel make it happen I got to put
a square board to a spread Bard adapter
in here that's going to be our Holly
this goes to the edel bro side and then
finish up the cap and lightning hoses or
ignition is all set up Sean already put
spark lers in hopefully by Sundown this
thing's going to be running no but
that's all right we made
[Applause]
[Music]
progress so we're going to go with a
vacuum secondary Holly 600 CFM electric
choke unit so this is a nice bolt-on
unit it's got the digal like I said you
don't have to run a manual TR clever
it's vacuum secondary so whenever the
engine wants the four barrels that's
when she's going to get
it more
[Music]
[Music]
like well we're getting ready ready to
fire this thing sh's filling the
transgression up I'm trying to fill the
carbureter bowl we don't have a fuel
tank still and we decided to
intentionally leave that out cuz we
still have to finish the rear suspension
which there's a lot of bars and tubes
and brackets and bolts and washers and
gadgets so we need all the room we can
get but I'm going to fill the bowl we
should be able to turn the key and if we
just hear it make noise I think we're
ready to call it a night
accelerator pump
confirmed drank it make sure it's a
[Music]
par do it again
[Music]
a oil pressure oil
pressure going to say yeah no it's not
working oh it was maxed out past 60 so
well the engine works it sounds like it
needs timing work that's why it burnt
all the hair off my right arm but it
sounded like it had oil pressure and
about 50 horsepower
so that's going to do it for tonight we
absolutely exhausted what a mad crash
today tomorrow we've got a lot to do yes
it runs but there's linkages and cables
and cooling systems and then we're on to
rear suspension there's still a lot to
do to make it to the Black Hills
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