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Jan 19, 2007 13:41:32 GMT
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Jan 19, 2007 15:08:32 GMT
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Running an American car in the UK is really quite easy. Especially something like that Impala wagon. There are knowledgable specialists everywhere who carry most of the basic service parts on the shelf and have regular shipments of stuff from the states. I think the longest i've waited for any part was about a week for a steering idler. Even ordering parts direct from the US they arrive pretty quick.
The only troubles you'll have are they can be a little thirsty and it you'll need a couple of spaces in Tescos car park.
Edit: Left hand drive will make car park barriers and Maccy D's drive thru's a challenge. ;D
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Last Edit: Jan 19, 2007 15:09:40 GMT by Jack
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Jan 19, 2007 15:32:59 GMT
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Good call on car park tokens, shuffling across the seat might get irritating for Mrs Gareth when she drives it!
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Jan 19, 2007 15:52:12 GMT
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Seems ok. I like the way the seller says he bought it as a whim and now wants to get shot, but still wants to make £240 on it. Its ok but a bit steep for one of the little engined ones IMO
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'82 944 Lhasa green
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Jan 19, 2007 16:09:58 GMT
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Jan 19, 2007 16:23:14 GMT
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Seems ok. I like the way the seller says he bought it as a whim and now wants to get shot, but still wants to make £240 on it. Its ok but a bit steep for one of the little engined ones IMO He paid the bloke to deliver it and has also incured some other costs along the way  , so he's not making £240, he might make a few quid out of it (for his time), but not a whole lot |
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The lurker formerly known as Cappuccinocruiser.. or wedgedout..
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stinkwheel
Posted a lot
Doctor Of Gonzo Journalism - One of gods own proptypes, never even considered for mass production.
Posts: 2,280
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Jan 19, 2007 17:54:53 GMT
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I ran a 1979 oldmobile delta 88 royale for a good while as my daily driver, very similar car to the impala wagon but a full size saloon. Mine was the 301ci pontiac V8 that was an option on the olds for a couple of years. Very easy, parts suppliers will get you stuff as quick as normal auto factors and prices are reasonable. fuel consumption can be an issue but don't kick it down everywhere and you will be fine. Do remember they are big and some of our small B roads you will be over the white lines. Yanks are good fun  |
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1973 Citroen Dyane 6 1980 Citroen Acadiane
1992 Citroen AX 1990 Citroen BX
1997 Citroen XM 1993 Citroen BX
1997 Citroen Xantia 1977 Citroen Ami 8
1996 Ford Escort 1989 Citroen BX
1997 Suzuki RF900 1988 Yamaha TDR250
1979 Honda CB400.
'I need less vehicles'
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Jan 19, 2007 20:01:44 GMT
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my parents ran a caddy coupe de ville 7.0 v8 and a olds cutlass 5.0 D trooper car and both were easier than the belmont to get parts for.
cadillac sts is a dog though, badly made and woeful handling. a feeble attempt to get european. seen one a few times about 60 miles from me and its schweeeeet, gold wires FTW
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Dave's right - I paid over £100 to have the thing delivered to me, so the price just about covers my hairy ass. I've driven several yanks as dailys and this would be ideal. You get used to LHD and full size. People get out your way and you can get 25mpg if you cruise it carefully. I had a 1976 Caddy Fleetwood which was 8-litre when I lived in London - I was a foolish curse word. Remember 80s Cadillac Sevilles were mostly front wheel drive so they are a bit shat.
If you want more info it's probably better to email me direct on jonnycarpervert@gmail.com
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I nearly bought a 1970s Mercury Monarch which was in good condition a few years back, RHD as well. In the end I didnt buy it because I was worried about the size of it. Really wish id taken the plunge now.
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1987 Maestro 1.6 HL perkins diesel conversion 1986 Audi 100 Avant 1800cc on LPG 1979 Allegro Series 2 special 4 door 1500cc with vynil roof. IN BITS. HERITAGE ISSUES.  |
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Jan 21, 2007 18:23:25 GMT
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The only thing with 80s Yanks is that they are not yet "classic" and so don't have the classic backup and repro parts, but they are not "modern" so some stuff is no longer available new. With a Chevy Impala / Caprice you are OK mostly I'd say because theres plenty of them in the UK so if you do find yourself needing a trim part or whatever you should be able to getit. All service items are cheap and easy to get.
The other thing to watch is that some of them have miles of vacuum hoses, strange ECUs and computer controlled carbs. If that lot starts going wrong you are in Miseryville, Tennasee, population: you. My Chrysler has gone tits up and its a PITA to sort.
Also some models have a different crossmember for the V8 models as well as other differences so don't just assume you can buy a 6 and drop an 8 straight in.
but all in all they are great cars to own. Lose the emissions junk and enjoy some performance. Thats what I'm doing with mine now.
All old cars are as reliable as their maintenance. Those old Chevys are pretty much bullet proof but one thats been abused or run with no oil or whatever will be as bad as any other car thats sick.
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1937 Austin Street Rod - 1941 Wolseley Not Rod - 1956 Humber Hawk - 1957 Daimler Conquest - 1966 Buick LeSabre - 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury - 1968 Ford Galaxie - 1969 Ford Country Squire - 1969 Mercury Marquis - 1970 Morris Minor - 1970 Buick Skylark - 1970 Ford Galaxie - 1971 Ford Galaxie - 1976 Continental Mark IV - 1976 Ford Capri - 1976 Rover V8 - 1994 Ford Fiesta
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