1965 Buick?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
(Hmmm...not sure if he wants it...Fort Drum is a looong way away, still I bought a Studebaker Hawk in Croton on Hudson and had it shipped out here). It's a convertible, and there are two different Electra 225's. The ragtop was only made in the Custom Series. Parts are not that tough to find.
The power top: been there, done that. First soak all the hinges, then disconnect the top from the hydraulic cylinders and motor and work the top up and down manually before trying it with the top motor attached. The framework is aluminum and snaps when forced. Order a subscription to Hemmings Motor News. It's up to you, personally if it isn't too rusty it ought to be worth a couple of C notes, easy. You could part it ought and make at least 2 grand, tho parting out any ragtop is looked down upon.
The power top: been there, done that. First soak all the hinges, then disconnect the top from the hydraulic cylinders and motor and work the top up and down manually before trying it with the top motor attached. The framework is aluminum and snaps when forced. Order a subscription to Hemmings Motor News. It's up to you, personally if it isn't too rusty it ought to be worth a couple of C notes, easy. You could part it ought and make at least 2 grand, tho parting out any ragtop is looked down upon.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Naah, I'd never part it out. Don't really have the heart to do something like that to a car... worse came to worst and I had to get rid of it, I'd just ebay it 
.
BUT, I don't expect that to happen. I fully intend to tinker with the thing until I get it running. I love projects like this, and I love to fix things...but maybe I was wrong about this convertible thing...worth lots more than I figured...
Right now, I'm in the process of changing jobs and moving out of state, so lots of things are up in the air for me...but I think I'm gonna jump on this while it's there.....
.BUT, I don't expect that to happen. I fully intend to tinker with the thing until I get it running. I love projects like this, and I love to fix things...but maybe I was wrong about this convertible thing...worth lots more than I figured...
Right now, I'm in the process of changing jobs and moving out of state, so lots of things are up in the air for me...but I think I'm gonna jump on this while it's there.....
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,238
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From: Kiefer, Northeastern Okla
For a while there, the "Duece an' a Quarter" was THE ghettomobile to have. The couple of homies I knew in high school swore that with the window rolled down, the door would stop a .357 at close range. When he would cruise the 'hood, they would scrunch down low in the seat, so all you could see was his 'fro. They named it "The War Wagon". 
Pete
Pete
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
A '65 GM C-body (Olds 98/ Buick Electra/ Caddy DeVille) convertible for 150 bucks? Why would you NOT buy it?! If the body is in decent shape (ie, the rust isn't out of control), this is a project worth looking at. Don't worry about the top- the motor used to power the top was built by GM for years, and it's virtually indestructable. Granted, this isn't a '65 Mustang or a '57 Chevy, but someone out there will always pay good money for a mid-60s full-size GM convertible.
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,521
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My cousin has a 1974 Olds coupe with 1200 miles on it in his barn. He keeps it spotless (rear seats have never been sat on). Most of the miles are from occasional trips up the concrete road (never been on dirt) to circulate the fluids. He is in his 80's now, bought the car new, had another car and a pickup and, "just never got around to driving it". Next time I visit him, I am going to take a ride in it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 542
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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX
Originally Posted by dono
One thing to consider ... After all is said and done, it will still be a '65 Buick, not on anybody's collectible (or desirable) list.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,413
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From: cape may county NJ
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Saratoga USA
We sure do settle for a lot less these days. Six seated comfortably, a real trunk, chrome, a V-8 with a 4 barrel, 2 tons of road hugging weight, and gas at 30 cents a gallon. What more could you want?
