Hey Everyone... It's been a long time since I've gotten on here. The Apollo has been sitting in the garage for quite some time gathering dust until a few months ago. Sadly, I think that I'm coming to a conclusion that breaks my heart. I've been trying to get everything in line to get the car on the street again, and am starting to think it may not be worth the time and more importantly, money. Now...before you jump to conclusions, I'm thinking about pulling the drivetrain and some other components and transplanting them into another car. Since I have to spend still quite some cash on paint, brakes, suspension, interior and rubber that I know of (not to mention any electrical problems that creep up like wipers, light switches, etc) this seems to make more sense. I figure I could easily spend $4K on all this. I'm thinking of buying a different car and putting everything I can from the Apollo in to that. So here's the question. 1) Do you think I'm being over dramatic, or should I find a new body for my precious 455 2) If you think I should move on, what do you think of for my options. Keep in mind, if I move on to another car, I will want something that will make financial sense and it would be good if parts are a little more readily available than for a 1974 Apollo.
Keith,,,, pard,,, Keep the car you have now and spend time , effort and money on it.... by the time you find/buy/repair another rig you will have just as much money/effort into it as you would have on the apollo and chances are it wont be as good as the apollo.... and wont be increasing in value like the apollo will.....not one of those sitting on every street corner for sale.... if you find a car that is in real good shape, it is gonna cost you a bunch of money.... and may not be as good.... If you put out the effort to fix the apollo , then the work will be done right because you care and you will be out just the money for the parts/supplies to fix it up....and you have the satisfaction of knowing that you built it....sweat is worth money, pal, a lot of money....
I'm super new to these forums but not to cars. My other car, a '67 Mustang is my project car. I don't know how many thousands I've sunk into it, because its not about the money, it's about one day being able to drive it. I've gotten too attached to my cars to sell them. I think its all those scraped nuckles and burnt wrists that do it. It's like its fighting you when you work on it. Probably the second most challenging thing in my life, aside from my stint in the Marine Corps. One of the things I like about my Regal is that you won't see yourself coming at you down the street or even at most car shows/events. I say an old '20 something Buick at the Grand National Roadster show. The only one like it at the show. A real beauty! Plus in this day and age, we don't sell two things, thats houses and vintage cars.
Well...I think that you guys have hit it right on the head. I am very attached to my Apollo and would have a hard time selling it...might even cry if I did. I think that the best option is to talk to my buddy who does body work and see if he'd be willing to let me help him finish that up instead of the other way around. I did a quick search for some other Buick options, and that's definitely true..I will easily spend what I have left on the Apollo for those cars, and then will no doubt have to repair some things on that car. The history I have with and know of with my Apollo is worth keeping it. Looks like it's time to put the drama behind. I just told the wife that I'm going to make a list of parts needed, order it all and take a week off work to repair the car. Hopefully everything will be in by mid April and installed by May. Let's see if I can get the paint done while I can still drive the car this summer.
Good to hear! I'd hate to see you get rid of a car. You've got to post some pics for us. I saw a Buick Apollo at the drags a couple weeks ago but it was running a Chevy engine.
Summit order placed.... J&W Nova parts order placed JC Whitney order placed This is everything for the car except the body work and front suspension work
I know how you feel. But I say to people I do this for love, not money. I nearly gave up a couple of times on my project, and it languished for a few years here and there. It is a 1941 Canadian built Roadmaster coupe that I bought in late 1991! I absolutely cannot believe that its' been nearly 20 yrs, and I am only now nearly ready to drive it, if I can get the time to finish it off. Then its' on to my wife's Wildcat convert! Keith
Got the Summit order, JC Whitney order and all weather stripping. Still need the carpet. Phase 1 of the install begins this weekend. The car is currently up on stgands in the middle of the garage. Took Monday off to completely replace the brake system (pedal to wheel) and hopefully pull the trans for rebuild the following Monday.
Well, I still have to bleed the brake lines, but everything to stop the car is installed. I do have to say that the lines were quite frustrating to replace. The lines that were supposed to fit my car ended up needing my handy hose bender to get the stupid things to end up in the right place on the car. Trans rebuild comes next friday. Then the car goes in to the shop to get the front suspension bushings replaced. Maybe 1/3 the way there...
I never replaced a brake or fuel or tranny line that "went right into place" so it sounds like you got the right parts. :laugh:
