Introduction: Grandma's Apollo

Discussion in 'The "X" bodies' started by ElainesApollo, Feb 6, 2018.

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Keep vinyl top or delete?

  1. Keep it, it's factory!

    70.4%
  2. Shave it, too retro for today!

    29.6%
  1. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    An introduction. I've been an Apollo fan as long as I can remember. My grandma bought a 73 Apollo brand new in 73, and I have many memories of riding in it with her. I recently had the opportunity to purchase it from the estate, as I have always wanted this car. I've never seen another one in TN. I'm ltimately a Ford guy, so my GM/Buick knowledge is limited, as is my luck with previous GM cars I've owned. The last time this car was cranked was the late 90's, and it ran, before that, it hadn't been cranked in a decade. It's a 350/2 2 door, and I'm in need of guidance. I want to get it running, make it a weekend cruiser for my wife and I, make it more comfortable, and increase the HP, on a budget. Any help from you all would be greatly appreciated!
     

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  2. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    A little more info, it's a PS, PB, A.C. car, with a 350 turbo trans, and 2:73 rear. I remember my dad telling me that my uncle put a larger cam in it in the early 80's, but not sure. Oh, and it has the 80s obligatory CB radio. Lol.
     
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  3. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    I've done some research, and TA Performance seems to be the way to go for induction, but would a carb or self learning EFI be a better investment? Also what rear chunks will interchange to replace the 2:73 with a little more grunt?
     
  4. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    That car looks nice and dry! Congrats! I would lube it up and get it going 1st, see what it needs.
     
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  5. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    I truly hope you can get this back on the road, and that you keep the memory of your grandmother alive, and the times you shared.

    Often, people "walk away", because the journey seems difficult, but the blessings are lost.

    Dare to try, and good luck on your journey!
     
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  6. partsrparts

    partsrparts Silver Level contributor

    Welcome! there doesn't seem to be many of us X-body people around but enough of Buick and X-body owners to help you with what you need. Pretty much all suspension, interior and exterior parts are Nova.
    I have a 76 Skylark with a 1968 Buick 350 and TH400 trans with a 8.5 rearend out of a 75 Nova.
    We will help you the best we can.
    Keith
     
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  7. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    Thanks. It's been in a garage since '85. It's about to go in my shop as soon as I get my 64 Ford out. Not much rust at all. Small spots in rear quarters and bottom of fenders, typical for its age. Floor pans and trunk are solid.
     
  8. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

  9. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    20180207_160600.jpg 20180207_160612.jpg 20180207_160624.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

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  10. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

  11. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    How high on the difficulty scale is rebuilding this carb? I have to rebuild the 1bbl autolite 1100 on my Ford every year or two, so I've gotten pretty good at it, but I'm guessing this one will be a little more involved.
     
  12. 2001ws6

    2001ws6 last of the v8 interceptors

    Welcome aboard! Cool Ride! :cool:
     
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  13. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    Note the passenger side antennae. That's actually for the C.B..... lol.
     
  14. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    Brings back my SS Nova memories. ....
     

    Attached Files:

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  15. stk3171

    stk3171 Well-Known Member

    How is the Apollo coming along?
     
  16. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    As an AT&T tech working 6 days a week, I've not had any time to wrench on it. I have moved it into my shop, so it will remain dry. First order of business when I get time, is to yank the carb, see if its worth rebuilding, and go from there.
     
  17. Jerseysky66

    Jerseysky66 Silver Level contributor

    The Rochester 2 barrel carb is an easy carb to rebuild. If you clean the outside of the carb you should be able to find the GM part number. I believe the part number should be on the side. This will help find the correct rebuild kit for the carb.

    I found this carb on eBay.

    https://www.ebay.com/i/282283030211?chn=ps

    I bought one for my 74 nova one time refurbished and I did have to put new gaskets on it.

    There are a bunch of videos on you tube that show how to rebuild them.

    Also would be best to get the car running and driving safely before you decide to change the appearance.
     
  18. wormwood

    wormwood Dare to be different

    cool build!
     
  19. stk3171

    stk3171 Well-Known Member

    Is it running yet?

    Dan
     
  20. ElainesApollo

    ElainesApollo Member

    So, an update. Finally got time to fiddle with it, rebuilt carb, new plugs, wires, cap, button, etc. Went to start, no joy. Not a click, nothing. Got lights, power to all accessories, no juice to starter. Replaced cables, still nothing. Ran out of time to work on it, so next chance I get, I'll pull the starter, see if it's good, and check ignition switch.
     

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