The car had its manifold replaced in the first year we had it.
It was pretty trouble free until something major snapped in the engine, in 1983 with 115,000 miles. I then had the engine overhauled.
There was a badly rusted spot, at that time, on the rear frame where it curves around the rear axle. I had it plated by a welder.
It then ran well for many more years, until its manifold again cracked and was again welded. But the lovely distinctive engine sound was lost.
The rear axle detached itself on one side in 2003, right where the rusty frame curved around it twenty years earlier.
The car was a wheel-spinner. It had terrific power, and for that reason was lousy in winter, especially with the cheap tires then. It sat out the winters, probably the reason for its long life.
But in good weather it was a complete delight to drive. I still have it, stored away until I can find a few thousand dollars to get it fixed up as an antique.
Just a couple of additional points - our "Olds" would get 22 miles a gallon on the highway at 55 mph; that's imperial gallons, bigger than US gallons, before we went metric. Pretty impressive mileage for a big North American powerhouse.
It has a strange option: reverberation for the AM radio, effected by a switch under the dash, putting a strong echo in the radio. Mighty cool in the '60s.
My Dad loved to show off its power by stopping the car on a highway and then flooring it. The squeal of the 2 ply tires could almost be heard back in town.
1965 dynamic 88- 425 c.i.d
My first car while in high school... 1969.
THAT AM RADIO ROCKED!!
Midnight blue... even a photo would make me happy!
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