R.O.A.R. 1964-72
FAQ's

1) How do I know if my suspension is in need of a partial or full rebuild?

Answer:

   The suspension is a dynamic piece of mechanics working together 
   with the frame and loads of the vehicle.  Since there are many 
   components, sometimes just the worn parts over the years get    
   replaced, like shocks.  However, there are a few things to quickly 
   check for potential issues:

      a)   worn wheel bearings/ball joints = loose wheel when jacked    
            up free
      b)   worn tires, not from inflation issues
      c)   inability to maintain car alignment, e.g. sensitive to road hazards
      d)   "play" in the steering wheel, e.g. it turns an inch or two, but the 
            wheels do not
      e)   sag of the vehicle height from factory levels
      f)    loose ball joints, tie rods, etc.
      g)   very squeaky original rubber control arm bushings, that are
            buldging out and/or dry rotted
      h)   Knocks/thumps from the front/rear suspension
      j)    worn down rubber bumper stops/ car bottoms frequently
      k)   stretched, non-coplanar steering coupler (rag-joint)
      m)  shocks that won't return when off the car, or allow 2.5-3 bounces
            per car corner

2) I have a transmission fluid leak.  Don't know if its the pan or what.  
    How do I best determine the source?

Answer:

   Since transmission oil is dyed red, it aides in sourcing leak location.  
   Most cases fall into three categories: 
   
      a) the pan gasket
      b) the rear seal
      c) the front seal

   No matter which category, you must clean the transmission thoroughly 
   then begin your source inspection.  The GM factory manuals give    
   some guidance here, mostly clean and observe areas    
   independently, in order not to mis-diagnose.  All leaks are fairly 
   easily to repair, but the most labor intensive is the version (c) of    
   the common ones.  It requires complete transmission removal from    
   vehicle, replacement of the inexpensive part, then reinstallation of the 
   transmission.  Careful inspection should be made to ensure this front 
   seal is indeed a major problem before replacing.  

3) I have a starting problem when the engine has run for awhile and is    
    hot.  If I let it sit for a few minutes it will finally start.  What is the 
    problem?

Answer:

   This is an electrical overheat issue with the solenoid and wiring.  This 
   can be resolved successfully by reworking the system back to factory 
   like-new conditions: upgrading the solenoid to HD status and ensuring 
   proper wiring routing and termination.  All these conditions and other 
   items of the starter circuit system must be meet and the problem can 
   be fixed.

4) My heater box core has a leak and needs replacing.  What level of    
    difficulty is this?

Answer:

   Moderate.  The challenge is in knowing how to get to the box 
   detachment screws on the bulkhead (firewall) removed, properly 
   removing the unit from its container and sealing everything 
   back.  This is one of those perfect examples of not skimping on the 
   cost of the replacement core.  This task is moderate in labor intensity 
   and no excuse for doing it twice. At ROAR we don't like to fix things 
   over for the lack of doing it right the first time.  Sometimes this may 
   indeed mean a higher part cost.  We follow this practice on our 
   personal Oldsmobiles.

5) Do you do body and paint work?

Answer:

   No.  We have sources for referral, but not do these items ourselves, 
   due to shop limitations.  We focus on the suspension, basic 
   mechanicals and other items listed in our capabilities section we 
   specialize in.

6) Do you rebuild engines and/or transmissions?

Answer:

   No.  We have sources for referral, but not do these items ourselves, 
   due to shop limitations. We focus on the suspension, basic 
   mechanicals and other items listed in our capabilities section we 
   specialize in.

7) Do you sell used parts?

Answer:  

   Sometimes.  If we have the part available sure.  We can locate most 
   parts for a service fee through the many established points of    
   contacts we have.  Rare items take time as expected.  Today, several 
   items are available in reproduction form as well today, more so than in 
   the early 80s.

8) Do you do any interior work or put on convertible/vinyl tops?

Answer:

   In regard to installing convertible tops or vinyl tops, no.  We utilize 
   a resource who is extremely good and fanatical about his work.  He 
   has done my personal convertible.  For large interior jobs, I use 
   another resource located in Greensboro, NC that specializes in Olds 
   interiors.  Small interior items, such as sunvisor install, weather    
   stripping, window felts, steering wheel and other items in the interior 
   I do on a case-by-case basis.  Please call to discuss and also see our 
   capabilities section.

9) Where do you get your wheel alignments done?

Answer:

   8 miles down the road at an Automotive Center, McBride's, owned and 
   operated by a 20yr+ mechanic specializing in alignments and general 
   repair, including rotor turning and wheel balancing.

10) How do you decide what to do to a person's car when doing    
      repairs/work?

Answer:

   The big question.  I begin with asking the year and model of the Olds 
   and what the primary or ultimate purpose is for repairing or restoring 
   the car.  Establishing that, I then listen to what the Customer wants to 
   do and how much they have budgeted.  From there, we go over the    
   vehicle in as much as close an examination as possible regarding 
   those areas of work I am being requested to quote on.  Afterwards, I 
   will put together an estimated quote of what work/parts are    
   needed and discuss some possible options, as there always are, and 
   try to get the quote close to what should be the expected cost of 
   repairs.  Of course, there is a caveat in that not everything will 
   be discovered from a general review' some items don't show up until 
   later.  For example: cross threaded bolts into the tranny pan from 
   previous work/owners, unknown cracks in the frame, parts and 
   bolts that break during dissassembly even with the most ginger of care.
   
   When items like these come up, I tell the Customer immediately, 
   discuss solutions and request a decision by the Customer to make 
   before I proceed.  All items of work are photographed digitally    
   before and after and are communicated via email to the owner with a 
   summary of the progress at that time and as the work progresses.  We 
   keep a physical file on each Customer and everything we do for 
   their vehicle, as well as an electronic file all photos and emails.  If 
   there is ever a question from the Customer, we can simply review 
   the files.  The goal is to provide quality service, use quality parts    
   made in the USA and take the time needed to get the job done right to 
   make a satisfied Oldsmobile Customer.  ROAR is not a quick-turn    
   shop business, in that we value Quality vs. Quantity.  We do work our
   best to get jobs completed on schedule, but take the time to do the job
   correctly.  We take pride in our work in order to meet your satisfaction.

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