1989 Oldsmobile Other

Wagon

5.0L V8

Automatic

1g3bp81yxkr301266

Clear

GAS

With a heavy heart, it's time to say goodbye to my 1989 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. Finished in Medium Garnet Red Metallic with matching interior, it was ordered with every single option except one: puncture-proof tires. Perhaps a brass hat car, I'm not sure. It has the gauge package, heated and power rear window, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cornering lamps, fiber optics, power windows, delay wipers, locking wheels, low fuel light and chimes, power seats (driver and passenger), lighted visors, etc. etc. I purchased it 4 years ago from an old man's estate, so it does have some geriatric characteristics (like an odd ding in the middle of the tailgate, or the screws on the front vertical bumper pad, or electrical tape on the shifter knob, for example). I bought it for the occasional cruiser, and it's performed well on several state-to-state trips. No winter driving under my watch. This car runs great, stops on a dime, the trans shifts smoothly and I would feel comfortable driving it anywhere. The Olds 307 starts right up and purrs. The tires have good tread, and the steering and suspension feel tight. The interior is top notch. No signs of fading, no cracks in the dash, no tears in the fabric or door panels, just an all around great place to be. After taking ownership I fixed the little things, like replacing the power window switches in the drivers door so they all work, every time. And re-did the sagging headliner in the correct material. I also replaced the non-working radio with the best Delco-2000 series unit made (offered on Seville and Eldorado), with 5-band equalizer, cassette and amber display. The sound is exceptional from all four corners and the radio looks completely stock. This Olds was ordered with the expensive (and troublesome) Tempmatic AC system. I've since converted it to a conventional setup where the Temp lever actually controls the air mix door. Cold air when you want it, rather than intermittently (Per design, Tempmatic doesn't change fan speed or vent direction, so no big loss). It appears completely stock. Sadly, it does need a charge of R12. This summer it blew cool, last summer it blew cold and the summer before that it was downright icy! So what's the catch? It's the paint. GM's water lacquer paint. The sun is taking its toll and the hood and roof are getting thin and faded. I tried to snap some pics in both cloud cover and direct sunlight to show the effect. Depending on time of day and conditions, it ranges from "not bad" to "when's the repaint?". Frankly, if I knew someone that could spray the hood and roof for me, I'd hang on to this car, but winter is coming and I don't want it out in the elements (too many new additions to the stable this year). The brightwork is in great shape, the stainless trim is straight. Chrome is in good shape. Going down the road, or pulling in for ice cream, it always elicits a thumbs-up. It also has the popular rear-facing third seat that pops up and the two-way tailgate with power glass that operates from the dash or the rear lock cylinder. Note the pic of the 3rd seat, the marks are from the seat belts being stored with seat-down, no issue with the fabric. There's also a lockable storage compartment and a load-floor compartment in the rear that doubles as a footwell when the seat is up. This car is 25 years old so along with the paint, it does have some woodgrain 'splits' and 'peels' and the odd little rust spot. If you bid as a 'driver' and not a 'show car' I don't think you'll be disappointed for the money. I've tried to show the worst woodgrain peeling around the filler door, and the two most pronounced rust spots (driver's rear wheel arch and a spot near the passenger taillight). Please take a look at the pics and ask me any questions. I invite you to come see the car in person if you like. Bottom line- runs great, drives great, nice interior, lots of options, faded paint and the odd woodgrain split/rust spot. A cool cruiser for cheap. I sure wish I knew a paint guy. Due to age, I'm selling as-is and starting with no reserve. Thanks for looking!