new toro 69 owner - general questions

[Guest]

I just acquired a Toro 69 in great condition - it runs fine and the body is great shape - hardly no rust. I do not really know a lot about fixing cars - nor do I like cars that much really - but I have always had a thing for Toros and always wanted to own one and this thing just fell into my hands by pure chance! I am looking for info on reliable mechanics/body repair in the Miami area - I am not looking for cheap here, but for reasonable quality people with classic Oldsmobile experience who know what they are doing. Also, the car has a black vinyl roof in good shape but a little dull - any products to recomend that restore black color without that wet glossy ArmourAll shine?

[Peter J.Heizmann]

Jose...Welcome to the Forum.

Shortly, you should receive good information from knowledgeable people.

To join the AACA would open many doors, such as the Library & Research Center. Please do yourself a favor and join. Membership information can be found on the Main Page.

Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest greg72monte]

Jose,

I owned a 69 Toronado from 1975 to 1978. I really enjoyed it, what a highway cruiser! The problem rust area was around the rear wheel arches. It was rusted through when I bought it (only 6 years old), and I never really got rid of the rust. Too many putty jobs just cover it up, and it comes through again and again. If I knew then what I know now about rust repair, things would have been done a lot differently. After all I was 18, and just getting started with cars. It would be nice to still have it, but it really needed a lot of work when I sold it. Enjoy your Toronado, and take comfort if the fact that you will seldom see another one in your travels. It is nice to drive something that not everyone else has.

Good Luck!

[rocketraider]

Visit the Oldsmobile Club of America site (link at panel to the left), then select Chapters. List of states will open, select Florida and you'll find information on the Oldsmobile Club of Florida. It's based in Orlando/Clearwater area but they have members in the Miami area who may know of a shop that can fill your needs.

You can also link to the Toronado Chapter of OCA from the OCA site.

And of course, Toro are always welcome in AACA. Florida has several AACA groups who can help you find reliable repair shops who understand older cars.

In addition to the rust areas Greg mentioned, the windshield posts are also bad for rust due to a poor channel drainage design. Trunk floors often rust when the rear window drain tubes rot away. They are almost bulletproof mechanically, but pay attention to the drive axle CV joints. They also tend to be hard on brakes.

Fusick www.fusick.com and Kanter www.kanter.com can supply restoration parts, and NAPA parts stores are usually pretty good for being able to get early Toronado parts.

[Guest]

Thanks for the info... I certainly will look into joining the OCA and/or the AACA. There is an AACA local chapter here in Miami.

Now that you mention rust in the windshield posts... there is a little paint bubble on one post that I pushed in and indeed it was a little rust hole. I have checked for more of that but don't see any more. The trunk seems OK although it has been painted with anti-rust paint.