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I have 1978 buick lesabre custom model 5.7 350 engine mi. 67161. i like this vehicle very much and would like to restore it BUT like all old cars it has its problems. took recently to mechanic and i will list the problems/estimate.
This is the listed quote:

1. found transmission leaks at the speed bullet
2. pan an cooler lines
3. the transmission fluid was a little low
4. oil leaks at valve cover gaskets and the front of motor
5. rear shock broken and all 4 need to be replaced
6. pitman arm with a lot of play
7. steering box has play
8. sway bar links and bushings need to be replaced
9. upper arm control bushings are broken
10. ball joints have no play (but are original)
11. right front caliper is sticking
12. rear shoes will need to be replaced soon 3-4mm left
13. drums and rear cylinders will need to be replaced when rear brakes are performed
14. the rear of the master cylinder is seeping
15. washer pump inoperable
16. carburetor may need to be rebuilt
17. a/c doesn't blow out of vents all the time (could be a blower issue)
18. the reverse lights do not work
19. starter and/or fly wheel may need to be replaced (due to grinding on start up)
20. gas gauge bounces
21. tested the battery and it tests bad (needing to be replaced)

now numbers 2,4,5,6,8,9,11,12,13,18,21 those items where listed as priority, BUT out of the priority what would need to be first? the quote is for atleast $2500.00 and not to mention what else might break or go wrong. i would like to break the "bold" numbers listed into their own priority. the car runs fine for now and i just use it for work and the gym (distance about 5mi/frequency 4 to 5 days). sorry for the long post, am not a mechanic by any means and not too much knowledge in this area. so all help is appreciated. sorry for the long post

I have 1978 buick lesabre custom model 5.7 350 engine mi. 67161. i like this vehicle very much and would like to restore it BUT like all old cars it has its problems. took recently to mechanic and i will list the problems/estimate.
This is the listed quote:

1. found transmission leaks at the speed bullet (What it that?)
2. pan an cooler lines (real rust bucket? Not that expensive)
3. the transmission fluid was a little low (well, it's leaking)
4. oil leaks at valve cover gaskets and the front of motor (A sign of PCV overwhelmed w blow-by = worn engine)
5. rear shock broken and all 4 need to be replaced (Routine)
6. pitman arm with a lot of play (I forget, may need whole center link?)
7. steering box has play (Are you sure it's that and not the pitman arm? You can adjust those if you have a clue and not that far off but do it wrong and box is toast)
8. sway bar links and bushings need to be replaced (Dirt cheap and common)
9. upper arm control bushings are broken (? New bushing or whole arm with them and ball joints already installed. Some bucks there)
10. ball joints have no play (but are original)
11. right front caliper is sticking (Dirt cheap again and expect to do brakes on anything now and then)
12. rear shoes will need to be replaced soon 3-4mm left (Depending on how measured for thickness they only come with about 5mm new - still brakes are routine for a car)
13. drums and rear cylinders will need to be replaced when rear brakes are performed (If the need doing do it and do hardware too)
14. the rear of the master cylinder is seeping (Another dirt cheap item - bleeders must all work)
15. washer pump inoperable (Delete those for $10 buck in line electric with knowing which wires to use)
16. carburetor may need to be rebuilt (It does or doesn't so that's no answer)
17. a/c doesn't blow out of vents all the time (could be a blower issue) (If you mean it needs a blower motor none are easier - not expensive)
18. the reverse lights do not work (Switch probably just needs cleaning or replaced)
19. starter and/or fly wheel may need to be replaced (due to grinding on start up) (If flywheel/ring gear really trans has to come out - labor mostly)
20. gas gauge bounces (most did)
21. tested the battery and it tests bad (needing to be replaced)(Routine again)

now numbers 2,4,5,6,8,9,11,12,13,18,21 those items where listed as priority, BUT out of the priority what would need to be first? the quote is for atleast $2500.00 and not to mention what else might break or go wrong. i would like to break the "bold" numbers listed into their own priority. the car runs fine for now and i just use it for work and the gym (distance about 5mi/frequency 4 to 5 days). sorry for the long post, am not a mechanic by any means and not too much knowledge in this area. so all help is appreciated. sorry for the long post
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Ok, Made comments in bold on your whole post. This if rusty body and poor interior may not be worth it at all. If this has the Pontiac engine those were lousy IMO so really forget doing this car up. Yes the put any GM division's engines in up to Buicks - people were ticked. *th digit on VIN should be an "X" or just look at the water pump.


Again, whole investment would be lost if this thing doesn't have a good body, interior upholster, paint and generally excellent. Were good cars but upholstery alone could cost zillions.


Trans and engine must check out as sound also or find another if you want this vintage. $$ is low per most repairs but could be tons of things to do to make a daily driver out of it........


T