So my family might be moving to Kelowna later this year. If that happens, the Cutlass will be going on a cross-Canada road trip. The issue is: what happens if it blows up while on the road? I figure I have two options.
1: replace what's broken with used parts.
2: Cut my losses and buy an Astro/Safari.
I know that time is limited on the trip, so I'll try and fix what I can. However, in the event that the Cutlass is irreparably berkeleyed, I'd probably just give it away, and buy an Astro Van. If the engine went, taking the trans out with it, should I fix it, or buy a Safari/Astro, and move on?
Later this year? Wouldn't the next 3 weeks be the window to make the trip without snow tires?
captdownshift wrote:
Later this year? Wouldn't the next 3 weeks be the window to make the trip without snow tires?
We're planning on heading out this August.
Do you have any reason to believe that it would blow up along the way?
Woody wrote:
Do you have any reason to believe that it would blow up along the way?
Yeah, cmon. Bring a can of fix a flat, can of radiator stop leak, a pocket knife and a hammer. You're on grm after all aren't you?
On the other hand, if you are really just masking your lust for your second car at age 16, and you happen to want an astro (and nobody around you happens to share your enthusiasm for the astro) you can just say that. You are in a safe place. we have all been there. Ha. Welcome to the dark side.
Can we interest you in a miata?
If the Cutlass can get as far as Manitoba, you have a fighting chance of finding an Astro/Safari that isn't terminally rusted: AFAIK they don't salt after Ontario, and I've seen some amazingly preserved stuff on the streets of the 'Peg. That said, I personally can't see why you'd want to trade a classic G-Body for a box, even a really good box.
rcutclif wrote:
Woody wrote:
Do you have any reason to believe that it would blow up along the way?
Yeah, cmon. Bring a can of fix a flat, can of radiator stop leak, a pocket knife and a hammer. You're on grm after all aren't you?
The engine is old, and it looks like someone put oil in the trans to stop it from slipping. 
Stealthtercel wrote:
If the Cutlass can get as far as Manitoba, you have a fighting chance of finding an Astro/Safari that isn't terminally rusted: AFAIK they don't salt after Ontario, and I've seen some amazingly preserved stuff on the streets of the 'Peg. That said, I personally can't see why you'd want to trade a classic G-Body for a box, even a really good box.
This is just if the THM250-C goes.
Drive the Cutlass until it pukes, then sell it for the price of a bus ticket the rest of the way. Under no circumstances purchase an Ontario vehicle and attempt to have it inspected in BC. Even if you just had it done 5 minutes before you head west, it will fail an inspection, and you will be a sad puppy, because it will be worthless to a westerner.
I see some rustbucket with current Ontario plates show up here a couple of times a year, and its always heartache.
Really.
Streetwiseguy wrote:
Drive the Cutlass until it pukes, then sell it for the price of a bus ticket the rest of the way. Under no circumstances purchase an Ontario vehicle and attempt to have it inspected in BC. Even if you just had it done 5 minutes before you head west, it will fail an inspection, and you will be a sad puppy, because it will be worthless to a westerner.
I see some rustbucket with current Ontario plates show up here a couple of times a year, and its always heartache.
Really.
Jesus Christ. That bad? I'm doing frame rail replacement anyways, will they fail me for having a new rail welded in?
What you see as perfectly normal seems to us like the end of the world. Plus, they are horrible to work on, and we don't like rusty fuel and brake lines with every screw and clip rusted off.
Streetwiseguy wrote:
What you see as perfectly normal seems to us like the end of the world. Plus, they are horrible to work on, and we don't like rusty fuel and brake lines with every screw and clip rusted off.
I was really hoping to keep my Cutlass. Oh well, plan B it is.
