Need some advice

[aero3113]

Hey Guys! it's been a while since I've been on here. As you know,a few months back I sold my 50 Plymouth and bought a 77 Vette. The Vette is auto and has a L48 with 89,XXX miles on it. It has some paint flaws and bubbling in areas but shines real nice. I installed new tires, front brake lines, aluminum radiator, alternator and a bunch of other cosmetic things. The Vette isn't my dream car so I decided to put my feelers out and see if anyone was up for a trade. A friend of a friend offered me a 4 door 1954 Old's 88. It has the original (rebuilt) V8 engine and 3 speed auto tranny. New interior, all new brakes, all mechanics redone,car redone as original except for new ss wheels and tires, he also has the original wheels and skirts.

I haven't seen the car in person yet, going to look at it tomorrow. He stopped by my place today to take a look at the Vette and liked it. What do you think? Should I do it? What's the market like for one of these if I decide to sell it or do another trade? If I end up not going through with the deal, anyone looking for a nice 77 Vette?

[Plymouthy Adams]

man that is a call only you can make..vettes of this vintage are still falling from the trees..not so the Olds...I am sure more folks if walking head on toward this Olds and the vette...the vette would take backseat to the oohs and ahs...I'm partial to the older iron..'bout all I can say..

[RobertKB]

Gotta agree with Tim on this. Those Vettes are common and in my opinion, only mine, they were the least attractive of the Vettes. '54 Olds, even a 4-door, is a cool car especially if redone as you mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I like 4-doors and own two of them, but they are not as valuable as a hardtop or ragtop. Do a search on-line for values as that may also persuade you one way or the other.

[dezeldoc]

Robert and Tim are right again as always! 4 doors are not the most desirable but i would take it over the vette any day!

[Young Ed]

I say trade that vette!!!

[Kudzuking]

As four doors go, that one's pretty sweet, vette's always get attention, especially a black one with T tops, and it doesn't have the ugly (IMHO) bubble back window, pre 80 so no computer to Mess with, dunno, your call. If the family likes to cruise, the Olds would do it for ya. side by side i would say the olds would grab my attention.

[White Spyder]

I like the Olds. Go to any car show and you see lots of vets but very few old Oldsmobiles. If you want info on it try this site http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/index.php

I have a Delta 88 also and this is a good group to be involved with.

[DCurrent]

It's your call of course, but it's a no brainer for me. I'd go for the olds in a heartbeat. Vetts are common as stated by others where as the olds has a definite style. I'd check out the web and compare prices, but the olds will gain in value I'm sure. The only fault with the olds would be 4 doors and rust in the floors or rockers. I think I'd get it up on the lift and check it over for patches and the like.

Just my thoughts though.

Darren

[T120]

Between the two,I would pick the Olds.I would be careful though to check it over for past rust repairs.A friend of mine had a 54 Olds 4 door back in 1961,the car had spent a couple of winters back east and at that time (1961) was already showing signs of rust when opening the rear doors around the fender wells.

[pflaming]

With some exceptions, a two seater says, "look at me" and any sedan/vert/etc says "join in the fun". I rebuilt a truck, but it's my last one. I like cars for the social benefits. You can't take a second couple to dinner in a vert. That Olds is NICE!

[Greenbomb]

Goin' with the crowd on this one, only cuz you asked.

[Guest bewillie]

Whats to think about. OLDS-OLDS-OLDS I sold my last vet (or should I say my wifes) 4yrs ago and will never have another one. Too old to get out once I got someplace.

[BobT-47P15]

For pricing, you can check the Old Car Value Guide or even the

NADA used car guide....on line. And/or check Hemmings Motor

News for asking prices of similar vehicles. Could also look to see

if anything similar on ebay. The Olds does look nice and they

usually have good power with a Rocket V8.

[greg g]

My Uncle had an olds like that but a 56. Same two tone but black and white. Nice car, moderate power, cruise all day at 70. Plenty of room in the trunk and rear seat. Got that Rocket engine. An upgrade to a later auto with an OD would give you a fine cruiser and family car. But your choice.

[Niel Hoback]

I'd take that trade in a heartbeat. Theres a million vettes out there. BTW, thats a 4 speed hydramatic.

[austinsailor]

I have a 75 vette, pretty good shape. I put in a 200r4, new suspension, runs and drives nice. Wife (the vette lover, not me) got a 2002, so if I got the chance I'd trade for that Olds. In fact, if you were closer I'd try to find the guy!

[thrashingcows]

I'll be a good little lemming and follow the crowd....but seriously that Olds is sweet!! The vette is nice, but has no where near the character that old olds has.

I'd swap the vette for that olds in a heart beat too.

[aero3113]

Thanks for the advice guys, ill let you know the condition of the car and my decision once I inspect the car. If you have anymore input please let me know.

[randroid]

aero,

To expand slightly on what Niel mentioned, that 4 speed Hydromatic is worth it's weight in gold! It was such a successful tranny that when Rolls-Royce found they could not produce a better one, they bought GM's patents to it in 1955 (?) and that is still the tranny RR is using today (I think). You think our ODs are hard to come by, try finding one of those laying in the bushes.

The 303 ci V-8 is still considered by many to be the benchmark engine against which all other early V-8s are measured.

Nothing more that should need to be added.

-Randy

[plymouthcranbrook]

I too favor the Olds. But I expect most of us here would, after all it is a Website for Old Mopars at heart.

[dezeldoc]

Well i guess the Hamb did not like your question! that post did not last long!

[Don Coatney]

I say keep the Corvette.

Then buy the Oldsmobile outright. Best of both worlds.

[aero3113]

A little pissed today, the guy never called me to take a look at the Old's! The search goes on.

Well i guess the Hamb did not like your question! that post did not last long!

Weird they deleted it, they said it was an off topic vehicle.

Don, if I had the space I would probably do that.

Thanks again guys