@spikedpunk Haha "you could literally cruise the vistas" is a That 70s Show reference. The main character (kinda), Eric drove his Dads Olds during the show, and used that line in defense of his wagon. THIS, however is my favorite Olds color, and I've never seem it on a wagon. Didn't know I'd like it with wood-plastic, but I love it. You have to promise me you won't paint it, lol. It almost looks like a certain Ford green, but that's probably just from rendering/uploading.
@SCBianchi Thanks about the kind words. Eric did keep gruff Red in line, and others as well with regards to the '69 Vista. This is a '72 GM color, seen on a '72 Nova SS, I'll have to get the exact color name, I will find it. I was scared too at first when the car was painted, it looked so stark green.The dark wood grain totally changed how it all worked out, it is a textured 'wood grain', high quality.The color is staying as it is, no changes, promised, if anything a bit more aqua.
I love That 70s Show. Hey any kid who drives a 1960s or 70s Olds wagon with a "Rocket V8" can't be all that bad right!!?? My only complaint was--I wish Eric Foreman woulda driven his VC a little more like this guy, AND THE WAY I DROVE MY FIRST CAR -- OLD 77 WAGON WITH A 403 AND ALL EMISSIONS REMOVED, SHIFTKIT, LOL. These Vista wagons were good lookin cars for wagons (and any car), THEY HAD 11 WINDOWS! With Oldsmobile EVEN STATION WAGONS ARE BADASS!
@1967PmdGto Thank you for the words, your support is much appreciated, The 403 wagon you has was a potent car, and with a little work, would surprise many others at a stoplight. The Vista Cruisers are a 'different' look indeed for a wagon. And yes, I never did see Eric Foreman drive the wagon in any scenes in anything but a sedate manner. Perhaps there should have been an episode of it being taken to the drag races. It did get sold in a drunken garage sale episode I think.
need a posi, our 1965 olds 98 has a 10 bolt posi custom ordered from the factory, along with every other performance option that year... it out ran a 2010 mustang with a 5.0L... only by 4 feet, street racing from light to light, but still...
@smithkid1996 Oh I can believe your 98 outran a Mustang, these 98's were cars that were like executives who wore sprint shoes. Add on more things to the car, the more power options, the meaner the sprints get!
@spikedpunk yeah, just got an old quadra jet carb from a buddy, i cant wait to take that apart and tune that thing up real high... i want 480HP or more because a muscle car is considered 10 to1 power to weight, it weighs 4,800 lbs, and that carb tuned up can do it.
@dobss714 Indeed, this motor has surprised me for what it can do in this car. Oldsmobile engines have always been a decent, reliable power plant. I will look at your movies. And see what the 350 can do in a lighter car in your offerings.
very nice car. i have a black 68 vista that needs alot of work. it has rust holes under the back side windows and it is missing all the wood grain. the trim is all there but the jackass that had it before me put screws threw alot of the pieces. if you have any information of where i could get parts for it without destroying another vista, i would greatly appreciate it. i live in michigan and its almost impossible to even find another one of these cool cars.
@ManBullMoose Sorry for the delay, the computer was acting up. Thanks! The rust you are speaking of can be repaired, it is best to have the windows removed, and new metal welded in. These window channels are so bad for collecting/holding water. I will see what I can source, please keep in touch, which pieces are needed, meaning their position on the car. Would be nice to see your ride! They are too few and far in between!
@spikedpunk Thank you for responding. I will try to upload a vid of a walk around of the car sometime as i dont have tires or the plates renewed yet to get it on the road. Im only 18 and just finishing the last two weeks of highschool so i have limited experiance with welding and dont have the cash to have someone do it right now. So i just gather a few bucks here and there to spend on it. its my dads, he got it a few years ago but mom wants it out of here. im trading my 95 thunderbird for it
@rayunseitig The Sport Wagon was slightly more upscale version of the 'Sky Wagon' series. I think the 2-speed automatic fitted at the time was the biggest hold back for getting the maximum performance out of these cars.
@103quick Thanks, In all honesty, it has been pretty surprising to see how well the car moves. Enough for a while though, with the price of gasoline, I have to can the antics as such!
Wagons rule, My wife is a cutlass fanatic... She loves em... IDid that car come with the Rocket 350? You said the tranny was a 250r? How different is that from a 700r4?
@mrRhwalden Your have it well chosen! Wagons AND your wife loves Cutlass. The car has the original (albeit rebuilt with a few mods) '72 Gold Rocket 350. The trans is a 200-4R, which is albeit smaller then a 700-4R, but if made up right with a few mods, strong enough overdrive behind a small block. It has a bolt pattern that can be used on Olds, Buick, Pontiac, AND Chevy. It uses less power to work, so more gets to the wheels. The ratios are nice too, well spaced
@redneck165 Looks like I really did burnout in that. Same old, same old. not for me. Ant S-10 can do this, there is no weight in the rear. And look, another GTO doing a burnout, I am enthralled. Dude, by far this is the right car for me. Dare to be different. Your input is noted and left here. Thank you.
@spikedpunk well that's true, the torque of a 4 cylinder would not pull something as big as the cruiser, maybe a taurus or ford focus wagon but such a bigger car like a grand marquis wagon, or etc.....hm What about a inline 6 ? Bah, those ain't great on gas either, I Do figure 302, 305, 307 v8's uh 4.9-5.9L....not sure bout the gas mileage on the highway, i do no the 305 is a reasonable 25 MPG i think
@Gibson299 Hi! Something along the lines of an early '80's Grand Marquis weighs in at about 4200 to 4600 lbs on the scales, real world. You would want an engine that puts out about 200 HP to the back wheels, and gives (an honest 300 or so pound feet of the all important torque. The car sounds like a nice project.
@Gibson299 This one has the 350, the correct 'gold' block for '72, with '71 heads ported and shaved down a touch, valve rotators fitted to the intake valves, the exhausts already had them. With the mild cam, roller timing chain, a 2200 stall converter, 3.73 limited slip and a tail-heavy body, the car has decent get up and go! Thanks for asking.
@Gibson299 Actually, this car can and will get between 18 to 20 MPG on the open road, with the A/C on. Here is how it works: The rear axle is now a 3.73 to 1 ratio. it has an automatic overdrive with a .68 to 1 4th overdrive gear. Multiply 3.73 by .68 and you get a ratio of 2.53. The engine is doing only 2000 RPM at 60, 2200 at 70. Close enough to the torque band and the cam grind to be very content at those speeds. To note, in direct third it is revving at about 3000 RPM. Overdrive rules
@spikedpunk Well back in the DAYS they obviously had to drive that through every seasons, so actually if all is good, it has a heater? it has air conditioning? or least you can roll the windows down lol. Then i'd drive it still. Just rly take care of it :P BUT GARAGE IT, you know. Other cars that old i can't say the same for. But for some reason the vista cruiser feels like it can handle a-lot despite it's age. And this is coming from a Canadian, and YES i understand Miles per hour :)
@Gibson299 They made their way through all seasons thanks to the weight and robustness of them. My poor '70 Vista, seen elsewhere on this channel, went very well in snow. It had (has, still sitting in the field!) limited slip, and combined with the heavy tail, got me through most anything, sure footed,the heater and also the A/C for demisting kept a safe view of the road, alas, the salt got to the car. This one is well protected, does NOT go out in the winter. I did see you are Canadian too.
@Gibson299 Actually if it gets wet, I am under it wiping it off the best I can! It is not a stunningly show car quality underneath, the car was made to drive, but it is nice enough underneath to keep clean so if folks look under it, it reflects the rest of the car. Too many times it is seen at shows nice looking cars, but underneath and under the hoods, it may be quite the opposite.
@Gibson299 There is always room for improvement indeed. Old car projects are never done. You are correct, this is a summer car, OK, a three-season car. Any hint of salt anywhere, it stays IN the garage, period!
@spikedpunk I buy it recently, yet not running.....because of a problem in the distributor, but soon it start......i will upload some videos.... note: im from chile
@limpioo Hopefully you will get it sorted soon, and have it running. I will look out for the movies you will make. Interesting to see cars from other parts of the world. Good luck on your endeavors down there in Chile!
@spikedpunk I buy it recently, yet not running.....because of a problem in the distributor, but soon it start......i will upload some videos.... note: im from chile
@RiotSk8Team666 The final drive gears are now 3.73 ratio, there is an Auburn Limited Slip in the rear now, there is a 2200 RPM stall converter on the car, the 200-4R has a lower first gear then the 350 or 400 tranny. The distributor has been re-curved too, And the heads intake and exhaust have had quite a reworking too, It all adds up!
@spikedpunk Guess it's a bit harder with a stock 2 bbl 350 and TH400, lol. As soon as I drop my 455 in it it should be a bit easier though hopefully! Hahaha :P. Btw is yours manual or automatic?
@RiotSk8Team666 You are probably running with 3:08 gears in the back, and these cars are tail heavy. The Turbo400, while a most rugged transmission, eats lots of power, and the first gear is only 2.45 : 1. Mine has the steeper final drive as discussed, and the transmission , to answer your question, is a 4-speed Turbo 200-4R automatic overdrive. The first gear ratio in this one is a 2.74 : 1 so this too gives it the extra 'dig' out of a hole. You could make your 350 sing too! Movies?
@spikedpunk Oh alright, any suggestions on what to do? My biggest plan so far for my 350 is to up the intake manifold for a 4 bbl carb... And I'll do movies VERY soon, it's finally constantly sunny again here in CA, so expect some!
my friend has a vista cruiser as well 71 drakgreen with the two hood scoops in the very front of the car looks pretty good. he went out with us racing one night and some one got him on video. he ran a high 14 here thats good.i will look for it, nice burn out by the way.
These cars can surprise a few unsuspecting people if set up right. It is the fact there is a lot of weight over the rear end so they can hook up really nice with the right gears and a limited slip. This one was with a 3.08 and open differential, it now has a 3.73 with a limited slip. I have gotten some nice burnouts since, but not nearly as much antics now but it really hooks up and launches now. Maybe when I get a line-lock on the car....
Thank you very much, I was actually surprised too, I figure all the conditions were just 'there' for this to happen. I vaguely remember letting off the brakes very lightly as the spinning started then fully let them go after a couple of seconds and off the car went! I have not cooked the back brakes yet, the front ones are Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brand. A line lock is coming soon so I do not tear things out from under the car doing these things, torque braking is hard on stuff.
Hey Brad! Actually, this one was not! Gets hard to remember where at times! The pictures of the Bowness show were awesome by the way, still going through them!
What year was yours? many have amazing stories and memories of family when they see this car, it is so nice to hear the stories. I could be anywhere and folks come up to me and just start speaking these wonderful stories. Yes, not too many of these were seen doing burnouts! Well, this has all changed now!
Don't remember the year but , Dad was driving and 4 kids in the back, on the way home from vacation, mom gets mad cause we won't shut up so she flung her shoe in the back and it hit my little bro in the head. Next stop the emergency room for several stitches. Mom always was hot headed! ( she's sicilian/italian) that vista cruser was allways packed with kids and pulling a camper!
Sounds like the usual sort of stuff for these cars in the day. "Don't make me come back there!" was the usual saying indeed! Well, I rarely wear shoes while driving in either case! I figure your mom felt bad after bonking your little bro in the head with said foot apparel!
4 kids in the back of my dads Montego mx wagon late 60's early 70's (same shit here) there were special stops for disciplinary reasons ... 2 of us got it with a fishing pole by my mother once..a chair another time,
I see the way kids respond to parents these days and I (still)think ..If I looked or commented to my (late dad) that way I'd be seeing stars and not even see the hand that caused it
Indeed, maybe a few burnouts in the Montego would have been enough to make you kids at the time smile, and be good! But I do agree it is a changed world the way things are handled out there, and the way some children respond to parents.
Not in this sort of style in either case, nor could makers afford to make them any more (the tail lamps - just the lenses - alone have over 10 separate pieces to them! yes, cars had individuality back then indeed.
I am figuring an honest 200 or so hp at the back wheels. I hope to get it on a dyno alter this season. My friend's bone stock 1973 455 with low compression 'J' heads (engine is from a front wheel drive motorhome) puts out 225 hp on the dyno. This is where I am figuring my 200 from a '72 350 bored .030 oversize, with milled and ported '7' heads, mild cam, headers/2.5 inch dual exhaust. The carb needs to be tweaked still!
@spikedpunk: Probably had a lot more than that at first. {I once read that net power ratings were very inaccurate at first when introduced in 1971-72, and really only represented around 80% of a car's actual gross hp. In this case it would probably be somewhere around 250} But if the engine has suffered degradation of any kind, you may want to have it retuned, or possibly rebuilt.
Thanks for the info, the engine is in decent shape, and has really responded to the 3.73 with an Auburn limited slip to get power to the ground without the dramatics seen here. In all honesty, the car is tail heavy, and with the limited slip, a line lock may be in order to keep from breaking parts in breaking the back tires loose.wide tires,
Actually, equipped right, wagons are very much sleeper cars, and when set up correctly, outperform coupes for the simple reason the weight (5000 lbs in this case!) distribution is roughly 50/50 front/rear, actually a little tail heavy. This means a little better cornering, and of course more weight over the tail to launch you!
Much appreciated words! The color worked! And the engine did too, better then I thought, much to the disdain of the tires. Oh, the tires were stinkin' all right, the garage smelled of burning rubber for a day or two!
Tha Mustangs would make this look like a puff of smoke only. Their engines are more strong and have much less weight over the tails. I guess all the stuff in the transmission was put bad in correctly!
When I look back at, and look at the parts I have in my work shop, it is amazing how such small parts work together to allow this to happen. It is all about co-efficient of friction and hydraulic holding power. Totally amazing. Yes, the transmission passed, the fluid is still bright red, the big coolers go a long way!
Holy smoke indeed, a lot more then I ever expected! I guess the car is fixed now! Yes, this is very fun to do, will be even more fun to do so when I get a set of old tires for the back to do this sort of thing without worrying about ruining the good tires!
Yea. lol. is this gonna be your daily driver?im gonna see if i can get a video to upload for you. the private movie. its gonna be quiet. i was sitting in the car with the camera outside the wiendshield. so turn er up.!
This car is already out on the road at every nice opportunity I have. It is driven in mostly sunny weather, but has proven itself in heavy rain, and did well. It is not driven to work, and certainly will not see any salt either.
Indeed! It was very much a surprise - but a pleasant one - what transpired here. The wind was quite brisk that day! Thanks for the words on how it sounds, it sounds even better INSIDE the car!
On my friend Fred's farm there are many old tires on GM rims just waiting! Now that the transmission in radiator and external oil cooler are hooked up.....
@spikedpunk Haha "you could literally cruise the vistas" is a That 70s Show reference. The main character (kinda), Eric drove his Dads Olds during the show, and used that line in defense of his wagon. THIS, however is my favorite Olds color, and I've never seem it on a wagon. Didn't know I'd like it with wood-plastic, but I love it. You have to promise me you won't paint it, lol. It almost looks like a certain Ford green, but that's probably just from rendering/uploading.
SCBianchi 2 months ago
@SCBianchi Thanks about the kind words. Eric did keep gruff Red in line, and others as well with regards to the '69 Vista. This is a '72 GM color, seen on a '72 Nova SS, I'll have to get the exact color name, I will find it. I was scared too at first when the car was painted, it looked so stark green.The dark wood grain totally changed how it all worked out, it is a textured 'wood grain', high quality.The color is staying as it is, no changes, promised, if anything a bit more aqua.
spikedpunk 2 months ago
Red would be so proud
bmxracer91 4 months ago
@bmxracer91 yes, in his own gruff way he would say it was well done.
spikedpunk 4 months ago
Thats a Vista Cruiser. You could litteraly cruiser the vistas.
MrMatto91 5 months ago 2
@MrMatto91 Thanks, and if the (eventual) 455 transplant works out, in place of the 350 seen here, who knows what Vistas will be reached!
spikedpunk 5 months ago
nice job!
canadacatalyst 6 months ago
I love That 70s Show. Hey any kid who drives a 1960s or 70s Olds wagon with a "Rocket V8" can't be all that bad right!!?? My only complaint was--I wish Eric Foreman woulda driven his VC a little more like this guy, AND THE WAY I DROVE MY FIRST CAR -- OLD 77 WAGON WITH A 403 AND ALL EMISSIONS REMOVED, SHIFTKIT, LOL. These Vista wagons were good lookin cars for wagons (and any car), THEY HAD 11 WINDOWS! With Oldsmobile EVEN STATION WAGONS ARE BADASS!
1967PmdGto 6 months ago
@1967PmdGto Thank you for the words, your support is much appreciated, The 403 wagon you has was a potent car, and with a little work, would surprise many others at a stoplight. The Vista Cruisers are a 'different' look indeed for a wagon. And yes, I never did see Eric Foreman drive the wagon in any scenes in anything but a sedate manner. Perhaps there should have been an episode of it being taken to the drag races. It did get sold in a drunken garage sale episode I think.
spikedpunk 5 months ago
need a posi, our 1965 olds 98 has a 10 bolt posi custom ordered from the factory, along with every other performance option that year... it out ran a 2010 mustang with a 5.0L... only by 4 feet, street racing from light to light, but still...
smithkid1996 6 months ago
@smithkid1996 Oh I can believe your 98 outran a Mustang, these 98's were cars that were like executives who wore sprint shoes. Add on more things to the car, the more power options, the meaner the sprints get!
spikedpunk 6 months ago
@spikedpunk yeah, just got an old quadra jet carb from a buddy, i cant wait to take that apart and tune that thing up real high... i want 480HP or more because a muscle car is considered 10 to1 power to weight, it weighs 4,800 lbs, and that carb tuned up can do it.
smithkid1996 6 months ago
i was going to make a foot in your ass joke but i think red would be proud of that
munfmunf4boisdinner 7 months ago
@munfmunf4boisdinner But Red's nightmare would be the hailstorms none-the-less!
spikedpunk 7 months ago
@spikedpunk 13 hail damaged windows.... yeah the insurance company would have a cow if thy had to do that
munfmunf4boisdinner 7 months ago
@munfmunf4boisdinner It is just the fear of having to FIND windows, and THEN the insurance can have the cow - and calf - it would cost to fix them!
spikedpunk 7 months ago
@spikedpunk lmao so true
munfmunf4boisdinner 6 months ago
Never under estimate the 350 rocket, that's what I have in mine. I have vids on here check em out.
dobss714 8 months ago
@dobss714 Indeed, this motor has surprised me for what it can do in this car. Oldsmobile engines have always been a decent, reliable power plant. I will look at your movies. And see what the 350 can do in a lighter car in your offerings.
spikedpunk 8 months ago
dam thats impressive for a station wagon
3rd4thgenFbody 9 months ago
@3rd4thgenFbody Thank you, and the car is tail end heavy and in running only a small-block Rocket 350!
spikedpunk 9 months ago
very nice car. i have a black 68 vista that needs alot of work. it has rust holes under the back side windows and it is missing all the wood grain. the trim is all there but the jackass that had it before me put screws threw alot of the pieces. if you have any information of where i could get parts for it without destroying another vista, i would greatly appreciate it. i live in michigan and its almost impossible to even find another one of these cool cars.
ManBullMoose 9 months ago
@ManBullMoose Sorry for the delay, the computer was acting up. Thanks! The rust you are speaking of can be repaired, it is best to have the windows removed, and new metal welded in. These window channels are so bad for collecting/holding water. I will see what I can source, please keep in touch, which pieces are needed, meaning their position on the car. Would be nice to see your ride! They are too few and far in between!
spikedpunk 9 months ago
@spikedpunk Thank you for responding. I will try to upload a vid of a walk around of the car sometime as i dont have tires or the plates renewed yet to get it on the road. Im only 18 and just finishing the last two weeks of highschool so i have limited experiance with welding and dont have the cash to have someone do it right now. So i just gather a few bucks here and there to spend on it. its my dads, he got it a few years ago but mom wants it out of here. im trading my 95 thunderbird for it
ManBullMoose 9 months ago
Definitely the ultimate sleeper.
indestructableforce 10 months ago
Nice hot rod wagon!
grizzleypeak 10 months ago
@grizzleypeak Thank you very much, it is a constantly evolving project and work in progress. Old car projects are never 'complete'!
spikedpunk 10 months ago
VERY NICE...way back in 1975 this was my first car I ever owned...I killed it in about 4 months...
pb4ueat1390 10 months ago
Nice, I had the '66 Buick Sport Wagon, Big V8, but NO burnouts. :-)
rayunseitig 11 months ago
@rayunseitig The Sport Wagon was slightly more upscale version of the 'Sky Wagon' series. I think the 2-speed automatic fitted at the time was the biggest hold back for getting the maximum performance out of these cars.
spikedpunk 11 months ago
damn is all i can say,that is a lot of weight moving that fast!
103quick 11 months ago
@103quick Thanks, In all honesty, it has been pretty surprising to see how well the car moves. Enough for a while though, with the price of gasoline, I have to can the antics as such!
spikedpunk 11 months ago
Wagons rule, My wife is a cutlass fanatic... She loves em... IDid that car come with the Rocket 350? You said the tranny was a 250r? How different is that from a 700r4?
mrRhwalden 11 months ago
@mrRhwalden Your have it well chosen! Wagons AND your wife loves Cutlass. The car has the original (albeit rebuilt with a few mods) '72 Gold Rocket 350. The trans is a 200-4R, which is albeit smaller then a 700-4R, but if made up right with a few mods, strong enough overdrive behind a small block. It has a bolt pattern that can be used on Olds, Buick, Pontiac, AND Chevy. It uses less power to work, so more gets to the wheels. The ratios are nice too, well spaced
spikedpunk 11 months ago
cool car man!
462ANIMAL 1 year ago
nice car !! where did you get the 2000 stall converter from a 80's oldsmobile 350 diesel ?
midnitesquirldog 1 year ago
NICE!
usagoodbyeisayhello 1 year ago
well bad car man
jamespbrownjr1 1 year ago
wtf do have is that a 572 chevy
jamespbrownjr1 1 year ago
@jamespbrownjr1 In all honesty it is a warmed over Oldsmobile Rocket 350!
spikedpunk 1 year ago
really you did a burn out in that???? what ever happened to an s-10 or a gto or something. if you gonna do a burn out atleast do it in the right car.
redneck165 1 year ago
@redneck165 Looks like I really did burnout in that. Same old, same old. not for me. Ant S-10 can do this, there is no weight in the rear. And look, another GTO doing a burnout, I am enthralled. Dude, by far this is the right car for me. Dare to be different. Your input is noted and left here. Thank you.
spikedpunk 1 year ago 5
@spikedpunk well that's true, the torque of a 4 cylinder would not pull something as big as the cruiser, maybe a taurus or ford focus wagon but such a bigger car like a grand marquis wagon, or etc.....hm What about a inline 6 ? Bah, those ain't great on gas either, I Do figure 302, 305, 307 v8's uh 4.9-5.9L....not sure bout the gas mileage on the highway, i do no the 305 is a reasonable 25 MPG i think
Gibson299 1 year ago
@spikedpunk How much torque do you figure would make one of these accerlate reasonably.
least 100 Mph
it's an old grand marquis wagon...not sure of year, 80 something i think.
Body and interior are excellent, little rust fixable. Needs engine ;p
Gibson299 1 year ago
@Gibson299 Hi! Something along the lines of an early '80's Grand Marquis weighs in at about 4200 to 4600 lbs on the scales, real world. You would want an engine that puts out about 200 HP to the back wheels, and gives (an honest 300 or so pound feet of the all important torque. The car sounds like a nice project.
spikedpunk 1 year ago
whats this got, the 455 big block v8 or 350 ?
Shit, she is fast for a boat ey, nice car, nice car
reminds me of the 70s show, now if this thing wernt so BAD On case lol
Gibson299 1 year ago
@Gibson299 This one has the 350, the correct 'gold' block for '72, with '71 heads ported and shaved down a touch, valve rotators fitted to the intake valves, the exhausts already had them. With the mild cam, roller timing chain, a 2200 stall converter, 3.73 limited slip and a tail-heavy body, the car has decent get up and go! Thanks for asking.
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk Jesus christ, i never expected such a big car to hall so much ass at that speed LOL! it's perfect for road trips Lol!
Now if only it were easier on gas Ey, At that speed the 350 v8 is perfect
Gibson299 1 year ago
@Gibson299 Actually, this car can and will get between 18 to 20 MPG on the open road, with the A/C on. Here is how it works: The rear axle is now a 3.73 to 1 ratio. it has an automatic overdrive with a .68 to 1 4th overdrive gear. Multiply 3.73 by .68 and you get a ratio of 2.53. The engine is doing only 2000 RPM at 60, 2200 at 70. Close enough to the torque band and the cam grind to be very content at those speeds. To note, in direct third it is revving at about 3000 RPM. Overdrive rules
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk Well back in the DAYS they obviously had to drive that through every seasons, so actually if all is good, it has a heater? it has air conditioning? or least you can roll the windows down lol. Then i'd drive it still. Just rly take care of it :P BUT GARAGE IT, you know. Other cars that old i can't say the same for. But for some reason the vista cruiser feels like it can handle a-lot despite it's age. And this is coming from a Canadian, and YES i understand Miles per hour :)
lol.
Gibson299 1 year ago
@Gibson299 They made their way through all seasons thanks to the weight and robustness of them. My poor '70 Vista, seen elsewhere on this channel, went very well in snow. It had (has, still sitting in the field!) limited slip, and combined with the heavy tail, got me through most anything, sure footed,the heater and also the A/C for demisting kept a safe view of the road, alas, the salt got to the car. This one is well protected, does NOT go out in the winter. I did see you are Canadian too.
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk
thats why u garage it after ur done driving it, lol, and wash it often
;O pressure wash, or however u wish.
they did it back then, they can do it now..lol
Gibson299 1 year ago
@Gibson299 Actually if it gets wet, I am under it wiping it off the best I can! It is not a stunningly show car quality underneath, the car was made to drive, but it is nice enough underneath to keep clean so if folks look under it, it reflects the rest of the car. Too many times it is seen at shows nice looking cars, but underneath and under the hoods, it may be quite the opposite.
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk mind you their is so much room for a better engine :)
then again it's a summer car right?
Gibson299 1 year ago
@Gibson299 There is always room for improvement indeed. Old car projects are never done. You are correct, this is a summer car, OK, a three-season car. Any hint of salt anywhere, it stays IN the garage, period!
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@Gibson299 Regarding a better engine, who knows what may find its way under the hood, as long as it is 'Oldsmobile' in origin.
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk I buy it recently, yet not running.....because of a problem in the distributor, but soon it start......i will upload some videos.... note: im from chile
limpioo 1 year ago
@limpioo Hopefully you will get it sorted soon, and have it running. I will look out for the movies you will make. Interesting to see cars from other parts of the world. Good luck on your endeavors down there in Chile!
spikedpunk 1 year ago
i have this engine in a 76 pontiac ventura punk boy hahaha
limpioo 1 year ago
@limpioo This Punk Boy says your Ventura must fly! Stock or worked over?
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk I buy it recently, yet not running.....because of a problem in the distributor, but soon it start......i will upload some videos.... note: im from chile
limpioo 1 year ago
Nice Olds!!!!!
AlucardHD2500 1 year ago
@AlucardHD2500 Thanks! An ongoing project.
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk No problem, I'm looking for a 84-86 Hurst Olds
AlucardHD2500 1 year ago
eric foreman would be proud
Zeethr 1 year ago 19
How do you do burnouts in this thing?! I've tried so many times in mine and just can't do it :/ hahaha...
RiotSk8Team666 1 year ago
@RiotSk8Team666 The final drive gears are now 3.73 ratio, there is an Auburn Limited Slip in the rear now, there is a 2200 RPM stall converter on the car, the 200-4R has a lower first gear then the 350 or 400 tranny. The distributor has been re-curved too, And the heads intake and exhaust have had quite a reworking too, It all adds up!
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk Guess it's a bit harder with a stock 2 bbl 350 and TH400, lol. As soon as I drop my 455 in it it should be a bit easier though hopefully! Hahaha :P. Btw is yours manual or automatic?
RiotSk8Team666 1 year ago
@RiotSk8Team666 You are probably running with 3:08 gears in the back, and these cars are tail heavy. The Turbo400, while a most rugged transmission, eats lots of power, and the first gear is only 2.45 : 1. Mine has the steeper final drive as discussed, and the transmission , to answer your question, is a 4-speed Turbo 200-4R automatic overdrive. The first gear ratio in this one is a 2.74 : 1 so this too gives it the extra 'dig' out of a hole. You could make your 350 sing too! Movies?
spikedpunk 1 year ago
@spikedpunk Oh alright, any suggestions on what to do? My biggest plan so far for my 350 is to up the intake manifold for a 4 bbl carb... And I'll do movies VERY soon, it's finally constantly sunny again here in CA, so expect some!
RiotSk8Team666 1 year ago
Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
k73mrviking 2 years ago
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never get tired of it!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
my friend has a vista cruiser as well 71 drakgreen with the two hood scoops in the very front of the car looks pretty good. he went out with us racing one night and some one got him on video. he ran a high 14 here thats good.i will look for it, nice burn out by the way.
AMXBOY73 2 years ago
These cars can surprise a few unsuspecting people if set up right. It is the fact there is a lot of weight over the rear end so they can hook up really nice with the right gears and a limited slip. This one was with a 3.08 and open differential, it now has a 3.73 with a limited slip. I have gotten some nice burnouts since, but not nearly as much antics now but it really hooks up and launches now. Maybe when I get a line-lock on the car....
spikedpunk 2 years ago
i like this one.
Good burnout.
No brakes after 4 sec?
CorsaAGSi 2 years ago
Thank you very much, I was actually surprised too, I figure all the conditions were just 'there' for this to happen. I vaguely remember letting off the brakes very lightly as the spinning started then fully let them go after a couple of seconds and off the car went! I have not cooked the back brakes yet, the front ones are Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brand. A line lock is coming soon so I do not tear things out from under the car doing these things, torque braking is hard on stuff.
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Hey Brad! Actually, this one was not! Gets hard to remember where at times! The pictures of the Bowness show were awesome by the way, still going through them!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Bad Howie! Bad, bad, bad!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
we had one of those whenI was a kid!! never did a burnout though!!
keystrucker 2 years ago
What year was yours? many have amazing stories and memories of family when they see this car, it is so nice to hear the stories. I could be anywhere and folks come up to me and just start speaking these wonderful stories. Yes, not too many of these were seen doing burnouts! Well, this has all changed now!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Don't remember the year but , Dad was driving and 4 kids in the back, on the way home from vacation, mom gets mad cause we won't shut up so she flung her shoe in the back and it hit my little bro in the head. Next stop the emergency room for several stitches. Mom always was hot headed! ( she's sicilian/italian) that vista cruser was allways packed with kids and pulling a camper!
keystrucker 2 years ago
Sounds like the usual sort of stuff for these cars in the day. "Don't make me come back there!" was the usual saying indeed! Well, I rarely wear shoes while driving in either case! I figure your mom felt bad after bonking your little bro in the head with said foot apparel!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
4 kids in the back of my dads Montego mx wagon late 60's early 70's (same shit here) there were special stops for disciplinary reasons ... 2 of us got it with a fishing pole by my mother once..a chair another time,
I see the way kids respond to parents these days and I (still)think ..If I looked or commented to my (late dad) that way I'd be seeing stars and not even see the hand that caused it
tjfreak 2 years ago
Indeed, maybe a few burnouts in the Montego would have been enough to make you kids at the time smile, and be good! But I do agree it is a changed world the way things are handled out there, and the way some children respond to parents.
spikedpunk 2 years ago
damn man, they dont make american muscle like these anymore,
omegaracer1 2 years ago
Not in this sort of style in either case, nor could makers afford to make them any more (the tail lamps - just the lenses - alone have over 10 separate pieces to them! yes, cars had individuality back then indeed.
spikedpunk 2 years ago
how much hp does it have?
brmalo3 2 years ago
I am figuring an honest 200 or so hp at the back wheels. I hope to get it on a dyno alter this season. My friend's bone stock 1973 455 with low compression 'J' heads (engine is from a front wheel drive motorhome) puts out 225 hp on the dyno. This is where I am figuring my 200 from a '72 350 bored .030 oversize, with milled and ported '7' heads, mild cam, headers/2.5 inch dual exhaust. The carb needs to be tweaked still!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
@spikedpunk: Probably had a lot more than that at first. {I once read that net power ratings were very inaccurate at first when introduced in 1971-72, and really only represented around 80% of a car's actual gross hp. In this case it would probably be somewhere around 250} But if the engine has suffered degradation of any kind, you may want to have it retuned, or possibly rebuilt.
SanFran90 2 years ago
Thanks for the info, the engine is in decent shape, and has really responded to the 3.73 with an Auburn limited slip to get power to the ground without the dramatics seen here. In all honesty, the car is tail heavy, and with the limited slip, a line lock may be in order to keep from breaking parts in breaking the back tires loose.wide tires,
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Wow, even the station wagons had balls back then. Awesome
Jon13bur 2 years ago
Actually, equipped right, wagons are very much sleeper cars, and when set up correctly, outperform coupes for the simple reason the weight (5000 lbs in this case!) distribution is roughly 50/50 front/rear, actually a little tail heavy. This means a little better cornering, and of course more weight over the tail to launch you!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Sweet!
ProjectAchieva 2 years ago
Thanks very much! Ear to ear smiles when I am driving this Oldsmobile of another era!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
omg thats so nick holding the cam
and let me guess, dim shouting BMA.
wow
KarateSteph 2 years ago
Thanks Steph! We were all quite surprised at how the car went, myself included. Yes, Nick is holding the camera, and yes, Dim is in the background!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
What a great colour on that car. Wonderful burnout too! Strong sounding engine. Tires? We don't need no stinkin' tires!
928GTSR 2 years ago
Much appreciated words! The color worked! And the engine did too, better then I thought, much to the disdain of the tires. Oh, the tires were stinkin' all right, the garage smelled of burning rubber for a day or two!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Whoa! I won't be doing that with the Mustangs! :) Jack
raconter1 2 years ago
Tha Mustangs would make this look like a puff of smoke only. Their engines are more strong and have much less weight over the tails. I guess all the stuff in the transmission was put bad in correctly!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
I sure see that with my 72 compared to the new cars...Your tranny passes the test! :) Jack
raconter1 2 years ago
When I look back at, and look at the parts I have in my work shop, it is amazing how such small parts work together to allow this to happen. It is all about co-efficient of friction and hydraulic holding power. Totally amazing. Yes, the transmission passed, the fluid is still bright red, the big coolers go a long way!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Holy Smoke....Howie! I love to do that too...ya know! lol
AreWildZ28 2 years ago
Holy smoke indeed, a lot more then I ever expected! I guess the car is fixed now! Yes, this is very fun to do, will be even more fun to do so when I get a set of old tires for the back to do this sort of thing without worrying about ruining the good tires!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
I could easily do that now...with those lousy dry rot tires I have..lol
AreWildZ28 2 years ago
And those light up the best - and throw treads the best! Whoomp, thoomp!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
LOL
jeepoffroad12345 2 years ago
Every time I go out for a ride in this car, it is an ear to ear smile. Nick never saw anything like this up close until he took this movie!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Yea. lol. is this gonna be your daily driver?im gonna see if i can get a video to upload for you. the private movie. its gonna be quiet. i was sitting in the car with the camera outside the wiendshield. so turn er up.!
jeepoffroad12345 2 years ago
This car is already out on the road at every nice opportunity I have. It is driven in mostly sunny weather, but has proven itself in heavy rain, and did well. It is not driven to work, and certainly will not see any salt either.
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Sounds BADASS! Nice cloud going into the highway, lol.
asdfgoogle 2 years ago
Indeed! It was very much a surprise - but a pleasant one - what transpired here. The wind was quite brisk that day! Thanks for the words on how it sounds, it sounds even better INSIDE the car!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Sweet
Logansfarm 2 years ago
How much can you grab 2 wheels and tires from a junkyard for? Just use those haha
Righty736 2 years ago
On my friend Fred's farm there are many old tires on GM rims just waiting! Now that the transmission in radiator and external oil cooler are hooked up.....
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Better to burn the old tires off than let them just dry rot in a field.
Righty736 2 years ago
Thanks Quinn! Blends in with the spring colors too!
spikedpunk 2 years ago
Sweet! thats awsome paint too!
jeepoffroad12345 2 years ago