7th Apr 2009, 17:07
I own a 78 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale 4 door. It was my first car, so I did all the body work, gave it a custom paint job black with green stripes, and has new vinyl interior to match. Flowmaster dual exhaust and it ROARS! Has a rebuilt 403 with 89,000 on it with the original 3 speed tranny that finally gave up.. all in all, a great car and looking forward to getting it mechanically sound..
Paul
Maryland.
21st Apr 2009, 14:03
My father wanted a car in 1983. It was between a Monte Carlo SS and a 1978 Delta 88 Royale. I said get the Olds and it started a love affair with them ever since.
My VW bug broke down in college, so I started driving the Olds, then I blew up the rear. Later in 1989 I bought an 76 455, rebuilt it to 68 H/O specs, added headers, a TH400 full manual trans, and 3500 stahl, C cast heads with all the goodies, a 800 double pumper, and 8.5 rear with an Auburn posi and Richmond 3.42 ring and pinion. Then I installed poly bushings, air lift bags and a battery in the trunk, strapped the engine to the frame, put in drag shocks all around, and added a high volume fuel pump.
Needless to say, many an unsuspecting Corvette, Mustang and Porsche fell victim. My VA reminiscence plate said DLTFORCE. Anyone interested in how to build a 12 second Delta, I will be glad to post some things I learned the hard way!
27th Apr 2009, 17:01
My grandfather bought a 78' Delta 88 Oldsmobile new for around 8,000 in 1978. When he died in 89' my dad inherited the car. My father drove it like there was no tomorrow because this was such a reliable, fast, and indestructible car. That's when it got the nickname "The Beast". When I turned 16, it was my turn to have The Beast. I wasn't too happy because all of my friends were getting new cars for their birthday's and I was getting stuck with the family hand-me-down. I had no idea what I was thinking. This truly lives up to its name! I beat the heck out of all my friend's Honda's, Fords, and Toyota's. Even after 30+ years of wear and tear, this "Beast" can sure put up a challenge for the newer cars of today. I'm 18 now and I've tried to make this car as "fresh" as possible with my part-time job and a bit of my dad's help. New red paint, new white walls, new roofing in the interior, new carpet, and a new stereo system (which includes new head unit, 4 new speakers, and 2 12" sub-woofers).
I still need to find many more things and I will need some input on where to look/find these things from you other Oldsmobile owners. OK, I need new bench seats for the front and back/or new upholstery, a new dashboard because its cracked in many places, new brake light that goes in the back window, a new side view mirror (that looks like the original), new bumper fillers (the black rubber things that fill the space between the bumper and the rest of the car), a new glove box lock (I had to take the lock out because it broke),and I need to find out how to fix the rubber lining between the doors and windows on all sides because those are cracked.
I love this car and will NEVER sell it! But, if you could please help me out and give me some information on how or where to find all of those parts/things I would be extremely grateful. Thanks guys.
Email me at: Psaik25@gmail.com.
24th May 2009, 09:25
I'm going to pick up a 78 Delta 88 today that I bought for $400 because a guy's cousin couldn't make the final payment he needed. It's blue with a white top, and if I remember correctly it's got the 350 rocket under the hood.
20th Dec 2009, 11:27
I have a 1978 that's been in the family since new. At 32 years and 180,000 miles, the car still looks fantastic. It will be undergoing a ground up restoration very soon. The 350 Rocket (the last year they were put in the 88's) is going to be rebuilt. The car will receive a new paint job and the suspension will be upgraded. The car has been garaged its entire life.
9th Apr 2010, 14:32
I have a 78 Delta 2 door with the 403 small block. I bought it for 1000 bucks off the second owner in fabulous shape; no rot anywhere on the car.
This car has been reliable and fun to drive. I get many compliments on it (even more now that it is a lowrider), however it is still a work in progress, but will look fabulous when it's done.
I do however have 1 problem with the car... it seems that below a quarter tank of gas and below freezing temps, it doesn't start without gasline antifreeze and quick start; even then it has trouble to get her going? Again today it is 10 degrees Celsius here with half a tank; it stalled in traffic and I could not start it without quick start. New fuel filter, new plugs, no holes anywhere in tank or lines. I was thinking along the lines of fuel pump, but.. when it is running, it doesn't bog or hesitate, and runs beautiful. Any ideas???
29th Jul 2003, 20:43
Hi Folks.
Just reading your great comments on your cars. I just recently purchased a 1978 Delta Royale 4 door with 74,000 miles on it. Always garaged and rarely out in the rain. This car has a 403 in it and is loaded with goodies and like new. It even has the original Window Sticker with it showing the price of 8500.00. It is Carmine red with vinyl Roof. I thought I did pretty good at 2100.00. Has an awesome ride and looks like it came off the showroom floor. This car also has the factory Am Fm 8 track Stereo in it. I feel very lucky and enjoying it so much that I now use it off and on as my daily driver. You just can't beat an older Oldsmobile for the ride. I'm always looking for extra goodies related to the 78 Olds. I'm in Missouri.