Barn Finds is a great name and concept, we all agree, but many cars materialize out of garages or carports or from under covers, no barns in sight. This 1967 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible is one of those, but by the looks of the photos in the ad here on craigslist, it might as well have been stored on the back forty, so decrepit is the shed that has housed it. Is it worth $3600? Let’s think about that while we buy round trip tickets to Boston for a look.
It’s cheap, but it might be a heap. I’d be very scared of the truthful statement of the seller that it “needs floors and rockers under vent windows,” which indicate some real issues, especially on a 1960s droptop, never the most rigid of structures on their best day. The price, though, might make the body shop bill an easier pill to swallow, or perhaps you’re handy with the torch and rods yourself. This is certainly a project that will pay off in fun once you’re done.
The Olds 88 line extended from post-War (1949) to the turn of the century, with this model being part of the sixth generation of an eventual ten. The 1967s received a sheet metal refresh for style and a shift in proportions via a lengthening of the hood and shortening of the decklid. This convertible body style is eighteen feet long, with a 425-CID “Super Rocket” V8 engine providing the push. Miles claimed are 29,000, likely rolled over since there’s no claim otherwise or for low miles. But the miles don’t really matter, as the car needs full restoration, according to the seller. However, it does run on a fuel can, so you will likely get away without an immediate rebuild. It’s not clear reading the ad whether the car needs a starter, water pump, and the rest of the guy’s list or whether that’s what it already has. That aside, there’s nothing which tells you what else the under-hood compartment looks like.
Same is true with the interior, though in one long shot, it’s evident that the driver’s seat has gone to seed, and possibly that the interior has been wet. The car was stored with its top up, and in the top-up shot, it looks to seal, but that interior says “scary.” So count on a full interior kit, and when you take up the carpet, likely some rust problems to deal with. Before you make this car yours, it’s probably worthwhile to take the seller’s advice and “come check it out.” You might be sorry if you buy without doing that. It’s unlikely you’re going to get to Weymouth, MA and find that this is some kind of bargain.
He appears to have that floor jack placed at that sweet spot where floor and rocker meet under the vent window.
Maybe He was changing the starter.
Jim, maybe he’s jacking on the exact rusty spot mentioned in the writeup? I would not crawl under that car to change a starter if jacked as such. And, I have a lift, so I don’t crawl under cars anymore.
Oh, that 4-two bits was a sweet motor. I worked with a guy that had this car, only a hardtop. I think most of us have been here long enough to tell a 29K vehicle( like the Ram pickup), so no sense dragging that around. That 2nd pic is clearly from an earlier time, and I just don’t know about projects like this. Certainly in the “doable” range, but a full restoration, and no sense doing it half axxed, will cost plenty. I don’t think people today see the worth in that. Not much was better than mid-60s GM.
It’s in Boston so the rest of it’s rusted out cancer mobile.
And of course,no shots of the back of the car –
Heaven forbid that someone will see the license plate!
How much for the cat?
Hi I would love to make a bid on this car but i’m having problems trying to make a Bid So if you want to sell The car you can Give me. A call (650) 924-5588.
I have a 67 Delmont 88 425. so far have put close to $12K in it, getting it road ready. On the positive side, my nephew did the paint and body work as time allowed over about a 1 year period, so only the cost of materials and paint. Still an expensive proposition. Nobody make replacement fuel tanks, so best to get it cleaned and welded up, sending units are a no go, but Spectra has one that is close. NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING from a 67 Impala fits so don’t go there, or get B.S. into buying it. I have
had the car close to 7 years, as my wife wanted it, I was trying to hold out for a 66 Dynamic 88 2 door hardtop, the first car we bought on time after getting out of the Army after we were married. She passed last year from cancer, so I am not real big on hanging onto the car, to many memories.
The reason why I want to know the price because when I saw the car. I used to own a 1968 Delta 88 4 25 hardtop twtudor in my teens and that’s been about 50 years Aso. That’s why I’m wondering what are you asking for to call? How much?
Edwin, this car is for sale on Craigslist.
I think the ask is $3600.00 being a Massachusetts car, look real close at the frame kick up over the differential, also trunk and floor pans. I don’t know of any reproductions available. Fusicks has a good online catalogue available but have deep pockets. If the frame is bad, or you need patch panels, look at desert southwest salvage yards. also if you look in person, check lower body carefully with a magnet, to detect old bondo. These are just precautionary advice, as the car is 56 years old. Be sure of your skills and abilities as shop rates are real stout anymore. On average about $150.00 an hour in the midwest.