[michaeld]

1970cat,

Sounds like pretty good advice. I'll just bring some tools along with me (sockets, a few wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers). I've also got a thermocouple as well as a non-contact thermometer that might be handy at reading potential cold spots on a blocked radiator. A multimeter may be handy as well for spotting any charging issues. I'll bring hose clamps along as well, and then assess the belts and hoses when I get there. I despise flex hoses, and try to avoid them whenever possible.

Fortunately, I have AAA Plus, and have up to a hundred miles of towing for any one event.

It just occurs to me that it's quite possible that my friend is planning to use a trailer big enough to tow TWO vehicles and tow my "new" old car as well. He's got a big diesel that puts out something like 600 plus ft/lbs, so that certainly is possible. This would make all the tools moot. That's really his call, of course. I could rent the trailer, if he's partial to the idea. At some point it will certainly be a good idea to ASK him what he's got in mind.

I'm looking forward to driving this car. I've got an old Mercedes luxury saloon with a big V8 from the same era; it will be interesting to drive the one, and then the other, to compare the engine acceleration and smoothness, shift points, comfort, and ride. It also has a 3 speed auto. The Merc actually (on paper, at least) puts out slightly more hp and torque than the Pontiac, but they're pretty close. Sound like an interesting experiment?

Stuart,
Flushing sounds like a very good idea, and I'll probably either do it or have it done unless I can verify that it had been done recently. When I bought my Mercedes, the radiator - which turned out to be 40% blocked - ran fine in town and during short trips, but started running a little hot when I took it for a long drive and an uphill grade. In that case, a flush was useless; I needed to replace the core.

I'm obliged to 1970cat, as his suggestion to bring tools made me think about the thermometers. Having the problem once has made me very aware of "hidden" cooling system problems. Most people don't know it, but it turns out that MOST engine rebuilds/replacements turn out to be caused by poor cooling system performance, and MOST rebuilders don't upgrade their cooling systems when they do a rebuild/reinstall.

As for the tires, one of the good things about this car is that John specifically mentioned that the widow replaced the tires and the battery, and both were recently replaced. He said she had all the maintenance done on a regular bases. I have a high level of optimism that I will look at the engine compartment and see new hoses and belts. I'm most concerned about the radiator (usually not replaced until something goes wrong) and the wiring (same deal) which becomes brittle with age.

Mike