I promised myself I wouldn't do it, especially after I picked up the second car (the '94 Regal).

Unfortunately the opportunity presented itself, and I still went for it.

This is what I ended up with:




119xxx miles. No power windows, no power locks, no ABS, no fancy nuffin!

I picked this up from my neighbor 2 doors down, who is unable to get his license due to vision issues (and he's 80+ years old). It's one of those cars that I have been eyeing for the last 4 and a half years and have always had the hots for. For a while it was out under his carport, it was then later moved in to his "garage". It hasn't really moved since I have lived at my current place (4.5 years), and I had been after him to sell it in the beginning, but backed off after I picked up the regal (18 months ago) because I didn't have room for it.

He has grown more serious about selling it lately, and over the last week I think he was finally ready to move it. Of course, he asked what kind of offer I would give on it. I told him I could only come up with about $500 cash right now, but I would be happy to help him get it out, and cleaned up, and he could probably list it for $1500 - $2000, and go from there. I was also leery about what gremlins will pop up when I start shaking the cobwebbs off of it.

Needless to say, he took the offer, because the car is family, he knows of my knowledge of these cars, and he doesn't want it coming back with any issues.

I am not sure how this is going to turn out, but here's hoping for the best!

On a positive note, if anyone wants to import a 20+ year old car from the desert southwest up to the rustbelt, feel free to drop me a pm!

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

I've never actually understood those luggage racks or whatever that was supposed to be on the trunk lid. What's that all about? Is it functional in any way? How would you strap anything down to it. And is that a spoiler? Hey, we all have our own taste is what's cool, but that's a model that has always been a bit "quirky" to me. If you get it really looking good, you'll probably not pull up at a traffic light next to another one just like it! Hey, for $500, I probably would have taken on the project myself if I had the opportunity!
Good luck and I'll be looking for posts and opportunities to help you out with this one. Keep us up to date with how the clean-up goes and what "gremlins" you find in a car that has been sitting for 4.5 years.

Nice! You certainly don't see those every day.

_________________
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 247k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 98k miles

And today a rinse job was delivered, courtesy of Hurricane Newton.

The result (careful, it's still wet):




The sharp eyes can spot your standard parking lot fare, and some paint shedding on the roof.

I also spent about 30 minutes idling off and on with the scanner. There was a point where it tried to stall, as if the engine cut for a split second, and then picked back up before it stopped. History code 42 is now present (ELECTRONIC SPARK TIMING (EST) CIRCUIT), and code 44 (Lean exhaust) was live for a while, after it had been running a few minutes, but eventually cleared with o2 readings returning to normal. The fuel is a bit sketchy it seems (all 5/8ths of a tank if the gauge is to be believed) with possible water contamination, and the cooling system is not holding pressure, with the water pump being a suspect area.

It's now insured at this point, so once things dry up a bit around here (this weekend probably), a trip to the gas station may be attempted once an escort can be arranged.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

Get some fuel system cleaner in it, and change the fuel filter if at all possible.. Oil change too.. Nice fine.. Those Olds 88's are a rare find anymore..

Another update. Today it was taken on the road. First to the gas station and back, then driven a country block, then taken to my parents house and back. Probably a solid 20+ miles. The laundry list continues to get added too, but it rolled down the road very nicely, if you are in to the cloudy floaty wallowy creampuff sort of thing.

Also it seemed to be popping more codes that don't seem to make much sense, like there is a gremlin in there having a grand ole time. I may look in to re-seating harnesses and checking ground busses.

The scanner showed hard lean the entire time I was looking at it this time, even after refueling.

I know that techron is on sale at autozone, I may just need to spring on that.

At some point, I plan to swap to the GP Rims/Tires I have laying around just to be able to get those nasty (and likely flatspotted) tires off. Maybe even tomorrow.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

I swapped on the Grand Prix rims/tires that I picked up for the Regal that didn't end up fitting. Not only do I feel better about not rolling on 13 and 14 year old tires (according to the DOT markings), but they are also 16" wheels with 225/60r16 tires, so it spends less time driving on the sidewalls and more time on the treads, that is, assuming you are not dragging the outside doorhandles on the pavement, because it is still an absolute creampuff. Liners rub about half a turn from full lock. Normal driving seems just fine so far.

At any rate, more pics!

A look up her skirt, just to annoy you rustbelters





If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting to see the rust that I do under there, but I suppose it is a product of being parked on dirt for so long. Nothing looks threatening at all from what I can see however, but if I am wrong on that, please point it out. Rust is not my area of expertise, given where I live.

The walkaround, with the sun at a poorly chosen angle:













Interior cleaning is still on the todo list:





And the usual 2 in the driveway, only because of the lighting concerns in the walkaround



If I'm honest, I am absolutely captivated by what the rims did for the look. I couldn't imagine how the car could look any better then it did with the old wheels, but it has been topped, and I think the pics don't do it any justice.

I refuse to put the Pontiac center caps back on however, because OCD. I am looking for suggestions on that. So far however, these are some front runners, assuming they fit:


I am still trying to find a good one though. I feel it should be black center caps with the red rocket, but I am not sure if I want to jump eras with the logo. I am still looking though, I do have all 4 center caps however, so stickers may be an option.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

Nice steal and it looks to be in great condition, me honestly if your not gonna stick with the rims i would go for stickers but hey im "a LITTLE cheapo" but i do like the black on red look better jmho.

_________________
Member #3848
2002 Black Bonneville SE Sold But Not Forgotten
2002 White Bonneville SSEi Project car

Factory service manual ordered: http://www.ebay.com/itm/142090288155
$12 + $5.01 shipping.

Once you FSM, you can never Haynes/Chilton manual again. Life is good!

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

On the rust, not typical for your area. I am wondering if it spent some time in the North in its youth.

Looks very clean and very retro! Nice find.

A few updates have come to pass.

I purchased these, and put them on tonight: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291849635963?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT



Admittedly, I wasn't expecting a simple printed decal, I was expecting it to be a raised plastic type. At any rate, it was cheap, albeit a hair too small for the space I wanted to use them in. The looks settle down a bit once you put some distance on them however.

The results, and the current standing of the car:





I am approaching the end of the first tank of gas, so fresh gas should be coming soon. So far it has been fairly smooth sailing. When it is cold out, the car acts like it is down a coil, which makes life pretty interesting. Also the car is prone to stall. It's still intermittently setting code 42, usually when it's throwing its horrific tantrums. It has also been throwing lean codes, and has been exhibiting some odd behaviors that cause me to suspect the TPS is having troubles too.

Still no regrets, but it's looking like the honeymoon may be over, and it's time to start getting down to business, which the first order will be to dump the magnavox ignition system in favor of the newer delco style, and do some harness repair for the ICM as well, because dryrot.

It also took a blast of rocks (5-6 hits) thanks to an idiot on the interstate on Monday, which has cost me the original windshield. It chipped at the bottom, and cracked out before Safelite could get out to repair the chip. That really makes me mad because it still has the original dealership windshield sticker and "GM Protection Plan" sticker on there, and I doubt those will survive any kind of move.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

I hadn't realized how long it's been since I gave an update on this ol' bird.

Progress has been very slow moving on getting her up to tip top shape.

So far, I have done a Delco ignition swap on it, and replaced a bad battery, which knocked out most of the gremlins. It still has a persistent lean code that acts like a fuel delivery issue. The fuel filter still hasn't been replaced, primarily because my driveway is full of sharp pointy rocks, and the fact that everyone wants in the neighborhood of $80 swap it out, which I think is ludicrous.

I finally had the cracked windshield replaced about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, the chrome trim didn't get settled back in properly, and tried to jump ship at the first carwash. Unfortunately, the whole purpose of the wash was to get artsy fartsy with the car, because I haven't yet, so y'all get to deal with some silly green tape on it for this round. Safelite should be squaring up the issue here next week, but I am not sure when the next photo op will be.

Here is what I got:




















I parked the car back at home at noon in this condition, and headed back out in a different car.

Unfortunately, upon my return 7 hours later, it had already been dirtied by the local pine trees, and the grass getting mowed.

Pine trees suck

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

That looks pretty great!

_________________

WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
2009 G8 GT - Sport Red Metallic, loaded, SOLO Axlebacks, Rotofab Intake, Tuned, autodim mirror, removed intake manifold cover, HSV GTS triple gauge pod, two tone red-hot shifter and HSV SuperSport steering wheel, GXP rear sway bar and diffuser, 3.45 diff and various Camaro suspension bits, LED Taillights

It's come a long way from those first pics. Those GP wheels look factory option with those Olds center caps. Looks good.

_________________

95 SLE... a keeper. 241k miles. Low and Slow.
97 BMW 528i
98 Infiniti vq35'd i30: 13.3@104mph, 30MPG Hwy (RIP)
02 Jag X-type
03 BMW M5
05 Chevy Cobalt LS
07 Infiniti G35s 6MT (Sold)
07 Ducati Monster S2R 800 with DS1000 swap
83 Yamaha IT175K
72 Yamaha DS7: '74 RD250 swap, JL chambers

Info on dropping a 92-99: Here.

Thanks guys. I guess it's easy to focus on small imperfections on the car when you can see it in person up close. I have a hard time remembering that it is 27 years old.

On another note, curiosity got the better of me, and I plopped it on the truck scales, given the spartan nature of creature comforts. Wikipedia suggests the LE Bonneville bears a 3325lb curb weight.

This car, with 3/4 tank of gas and no driver weighed in at 3260, which includes the bigger rims/tires, which are noticeably heavier than the 15's I picked it up with, or even the 14's that it left the factory with.

I can certainly see the appeal in the Series 2 L67 swaps with figures like that. My only experience with the L67 was my dad's '97 Ultra, which was slugging around a 4000lb car, and wasn't a slouch by any means.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

Unfortunately, this will be my final update.

Safelite finally got everything squared away with the windshield. The trim was a complete pain in their backsides. However, on a positive note, I now know that the lock for the trim over the windshield is part 20577801, and it can be tricky to come by, and very easy to lose.

I did a quick code scan this morning as a general health check, and it was showing 10 codes again across multiple systems, so it's looking like the ECM may be cooked after all. Again, not surprising given the archaic battery charger the previous owner used on it repeatedly.

But alas, all good things come to an end.

This car did happen to catch the eye of someone else looking for a solid base for a project car, and I was made an offer I couldn't refuse.

I did tell him about the forum, and he did agree that he will at least check it out. Hopefully we will see him at some point.

It was a relatively short affair, but I have to admit, I am glad that we had the time together that we did.

Until then, the parting shots:




So long, until we meet again.

_________________
~Randall~


1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place

There are far worse reasons to have to part with the car. Good it left with a good offer and a new home.

_________________

95 SLE... a keeper. 241k miles. Low and Slow.
97 BMW 528i
98 Infiniti vq35'd i30: 13.3@104mph, 30MPG Hwy (RIP)
02 Jag X-type
03 BMW M5
05 Chevy Cobalt LS
07 Infiniti G35s 6MT (Sold)
07 Ducati Monster S2R 800 with DS1000 swap
83 Yamaha IT175K
72 Yamaha DS7: '74 RD250 swap, JL chambers

Info on dropping a 92-99: Here.