Uses an Isuzu sorced diesel.
#1
I call on the CarLounge when i need info on obscure automotive information. I'm going to look at one on Wednesday and I need to know what to look for. Very little rust, but faded paint. The owner said it runs strong, but needs a clutch cable as it just moves through the bracket instead of being held by it.
Thanks,
Chris
#2
Uses an Isuzu sorced diesel.
#3
the engines are very stout and can easily outlast the rest of the car.
Originally Posted by jwaters943
#4
When you hit up the bars, you can tell the ladies about your sweet 'Vette.Then when you leave, watch the expression on her golddigging face change to a look of horror. Bring cameras and video cameras for added greatness.
#5
0-60 in 5-6
days
TCL3.0 compliance status: Pending QA
#6
It's the same basic car as the JDM Isuzu Gemini diesel of the early 80s. Only that the Isuzus in Japan even got a turbo diesel option.The Opel Kadett C aka T-Body platform was the first truly "global" GM platform, because it was sold on all six continents. One of the last mainstream European RWD compacts along with the Escort Mk II. The Kadett spawned quite interesting derivatives as the 2.0-litre GT/E, and the Kadett line generally sold well in Europe although it was increasingly outmoded by modern FWD hatchbacks such as the Golf.
The Vauxhall Chevette had a smoothed-out front end and a Vauxhall Viva engine, but along with the Ascona-based Cavalier it was the first "Opelised" Vauxhall. The Chevette and Cavalier actually saved Vauxhall's ass in the 1970s, as their last indigenous designs (whilst far better than certain competitors) were increasingly losing out to a hugely successful Ford.
Modified by David Votoupal at 2:04 PM 9-19-2006
#7
Quote, originally posted by ATL_Av8r » 0-60 in 5-6
daysYou're dreaming.
You would need to be headed downhill and have a strong tailwind to hit 60 in 5 days. At least it has a manual transmission, the 0-60 times for the automatic version were measured in decades. In all seriousness, these are very simple (some might say crude) automobiles and should be easy to take care of. Just don't expect to impress anybody with your decision to buy one.
#8
Try slamming your fingers repeatedly in your current car's door. It's a lot less painful.
#9
[useless annonying post with no usable content] The wonderful thing about Chevette Diesels is that there is actually very little that can go wrong that can be discerned from what was wrong to begin with. From a design, usability, durability and comfort standpoint, the Chevette stood alone because nobody wanted to get close to the damn wretched things.Like any good agricultural tool, they were simple machines with refinement being a quality that was not simply abandoned, but actively fought against. Favored for their sluglike performance, they were the preferred vehicle for people who had long given up on any quality of life. Frequently seen heaped to the gunwales with epherma, clothing and trash, they are favored by the trailer park crew. This solitary fact has finally dispelled the long held theory that trailer parks attract tornados. After extensive testing, the Baglady School of Atmospheric Studies in Topeka came to the determination that, in fact, it is actually Chevettes that attract tornados. Something to keep in mind while looking at one.
The Diesel Chevette is the maggotgulp in a plate of bad clams. It has all the charm of Ipecac and the desirablity of ringworm. It makes a good pit car, in that if you have a pit, a diesel Chevette is a good thing to throw in it. If you can find it in the stripper "Scooter" trim, you have not just hit the bottom of the barrel, you've started to furiously dig.
If you are looking at one in the near future, there are a few key items to look for:
1) Any other car with the possible exception of the Cosworth Vega or Triumph Stag.
2) Disinfectant. Make sure that some is handy. Tetanus is bad, but necrotizing bacteria is far worse.
3) A serious re-evaluation on what you consider imporant in life.No matter the condition of a Chevette, they can be had for very little. That is, of course, if self-respect, adequacy, image and quality hold no value for you whatsoever. Otherwise, the price is far too much. A free Chevette in mint condition should be met with the same joy as receiving free herpes.
Yeah, I owned one.
[/useless annonying post with no usable content]
Modified by Porridgehead at 11:11 PM 9-18-2006
Measure with mike, mark with chalk, cut with axe, pound to fit, paint to match
#10
I know what they're all about. I just want one to run back and forth to Cincy in. I will be running a veggie conversion in it. All of the VW diesels are bringing ridiculous prices. I should be able to score this one for something like $200 to $300, which seems pretty fair to me.Other than the fact that they are the bottom rung of auto-dom, is there anything wrong with them? Do they break down? Are parts expensive? I can put decent shocks on it and dynamat the interior to make it tolerable. Even seats are replaceable.
The thing gets 48 mpg and I will soon be running veggie oil. Who cares if it's ugly. Are there any objective reasons why I shouldn't buy it? I could care less about image.
Chris
#11
Quote, originally posted by Bonfire » When you hit up the bars, you can tell the ladies about your sweet 'Vette. Then when you leave, watch the expression on her golddigging face change to a look of horror. Bring cameras and video cameras for added greatness.
I'll be waiting for the video.
To the OP, you are a brave man. Not just a Chevette....but a diesel one. That takes guts.
#12
Quote, originally posted by Porridgehead » If you can find it in the stripper "Scooter" trim, you have not just hit the bottom of the barrel, you've started to furiously dig. I should point out at this time that I once owned a Scooter, a car so detestable in most every way that Parklife couldn't even be convinced it ever existed, even after many, many beers. And we all know Parklife KNOWS truly awful cars.
The Scooter was a "stripper" model, much in the same vein of the strippers here in Atlanta at the Clermont Lounge; ancient 60 year-old women with sagging boobs and more wrinkles than a sharpei who can probably give you the clap just by shooting a ping-pong ball out of there ****** in your general direction (and yes, this is a real place. Look it up).
Among the items cut in order to save costs:
- Carpet (the floors were mostly bare metal with a few specks of some rubbery substance probably made from used condoms)
- A rear hatch strut, which made holding the 90 lb hatch open while trying to load the car a gymnastic challenge even if your name is Olga Korbut
- Adjustable rake on the front seat backs--they only went fore and aft
- Roll-down rear windows on the five doors, which didn't matter much because they also eliminated
- The rear seat.
My five-door Scooter had the optional one-speaker AM radio and backseat, as well as the eventual rusted out floors (surely where VW got their idea for a glass-bottomed Phaeton). My muffler had also disintegrated long, long ago.
You would often see me loudly cruising down the left lane of the Beltway with the windows down, singing along to the local Spanish radio station over the drone of the exhaust. At this point it's probably good to note that I don't actually know more than five words of Spanish, with my vocabulary consisting of "adios" and "taquila."
It would be safe to say that the Chevette Scooter would be the worst car I've ever owned, except I once dragged Download_Complete to west Kansas to buy a Dodge Lancer ES turbo. If anything, it all makes me thankful I also didn't buy that Triumph TR7 coupe I was considering, because then I wouldn't be able to drive legally anywhere, for simple bad taste.
Oh, and if you're looking for a Vega Cosworth, I know where there's one in West Kansas...
#13
Honestly, I wouldn't defend your choice of vehicle to anybody who goes by the name of Porridgehead. Seriously, why bother?*sigh*
It pains me to do this. It feels so wrong that every instinct in me is telling me not to... but, I guess I have to.
They're fairly reliable. For your purposes, it will do the job fine. They're pretty easy to fix, in fact, it's a great car to learn on. Though Parts are plentiful at any breaker yard. Even new parts are cheap. And a veggie conversion sounds like it might almost be as much fun as you can have with a Chevette.
So in answer to your question, I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't buy one.
There. I did it. I actually talked up a Chevette as if it were a good thing to get. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go take a shower because I feel very, very dirty.
#14
I haven't had any experience with a chevette diesel, but I definitely have a soft spot for all of the models. My brother-in-law had one about a decade ago, was given to him in rough condition. we got it running and flogged it in the back field until it blew up...was a lot of fun
#15
Well, I don't really need a car to learn on, as I've owned over 65 cars in my 10 tenure (haha) a driver (I'm 26). They've been in varrying stages of tune and disrepair, from brand new Toyota Camrys to rolled Rabbit GTI's.Strangely enough, I've found that I get more satisfaction from beaters than new cars give me. I suppose I'll have to give myself a little bit more time getting to school, but it will work out, I suppose.
To those of you who owned them, did they ever break down on you?
Chris
#16
Some happy Chevette Diesel owners on carsurvey:
#17
My condolences, Swallow. I've only just come to recover fully from my ownership experience, after years of therapy, 12 step programs, electroshock. and hundreds of mood enhancing drugs. Some of which were even legal.Sadly, I don't think there's any recovery from owning a Scooter.
Modified by Porridgehead at 11:45 PM 9-18-2006
Measure with mike, mark with chalk, cut with axe, pound to fit, paint to match
#18
Known as the Holden Gemini in Australia, they are probably the most modified 4 cylinder car, or they were at least.I consider them a great platform for a first modified car ie. RWD, relatively easy engine and tranny swaps, unbreakable and very simple design. They were rustbuckets though, however there is always going to be some "Gems".
http://memimage.cardomain.net/...1.jpg
He who dies with the most toys wins..........I'm losing, but having fun keeping up
#19
Quote, originally posted by Porridgehead » Sadly, I don't think there's any recovery from owning a Scooter. Truly, it is the kind of vehicle that drives you into the deepest, darkest heart of dispair. It creates monsters out of men, and ruins lives with its evil intent. It's like John Wayne Gacy and Adolf Hitler had a love child, or at least screwed each other without lube where the backseat normally would go.
#20
Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti » It's like John Wayne Gacy and Adolf Hitler had a love child, or at least screwed each other without lube where the backseat normally would go. LOL, LOL, and LOL
... and I have a new quote!
#21
I've gotta come out of the closet on this one. I have a soft spot for the chevette (yes I do in fact know what I just said). As hard as people were on this car I think it needs a little more credit than people are giving it in the 'lounge. I did happen to have a pristine example that I paid a whopping 75 dollars for though. I believe it was quite out of the ordinary and definitely and exception to the rule of crappy chevettes I did not have the priviledge of having a 10 owner car that was in 19 accidents. It was a decent car. Only 48000 miles on it and no rust. When I bought it, it didnt run, I threw a battery in it and threw a new air filter on and it fired right up. There was something very odd with that car. After sitting for probably 4 years and never being run, it simply started right up with very little fuss. The car drove from Fargo ND to Mpls without a hitch. I drove that car for 2 years throughout highshcool, and out of all the cars I've ever owned I put the least amount of money into it (I have quite a penchant for buying the worst most beat on examples of used cars). After putting a new interior from a Junkyard chevette ( a whopping 20 dollars for new door panels, all interior plastic, rear hatch strut, seats and a steering wheel) , and getting rid of the 1 speaker AM radio, I had a car that was enjoyable to drive and got ridiculously good gas mileage. I will say it now, and I will say it proud I miss my Chevette!
#22
Quote, originally posted by David Votoupal » It's the same basic car....... You're knowledge base and delivery of information is just surreal. I just LEARNED something. AND it sounded rather important. About a friggin' Chevette. If you ever find yourself in NJ, a
on me.
#23
Quote, originally posted by Mugjug77 » I will say it now, and I will say it proud I miss my Chevette! Your doctor will happily perscribe a nice mix of Xanax, electroshock and penicillin. Not only will that get you over missing your Chevette, but that nasty rash you've had ever since you first sat in it will clear right up, and it'll no longer burn when you pee.
#24
Tho the chin spoiler and the fender flares r SWEEET..................I'd never buy one.
Modified by l3L4ZN at 12:04 AM 9-19-2006
#25
Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti » The Scooter was a "stripper" model, much in the same vein of the strippers here in Atlanta at the Clermont Lounge; ancient 60 year-old women with sagging boobs and more wrinkles than a sharpei who can probably give you the clap just by shooting a ping-pong ball out of there ****** in your general direction (and yes, this is a real place. Look it up). Thanks. I was actually enjoying this thread.... and then you have to bring up the Clermont.
Uggghhh- I remember when several of my friend's parents had Chevettes, including the infamous POS Scooter. A carpool ride in a Chevette would have you longing for your other buddy's parents' Impala, complete with vinyl seats that glued themselves to your legs in the summer and rear windows that wouldn't roll down.
I think the 'vettes were better cars than anything sold by Fiat, though. At least the ****vette got you where you were going. I distinctly remember several trips in my babysitter's Fiat sedan. Which ended with her dad (who owned the dealer) sending a tow truck to pick us up.
#26
Quote, originally posted by riceburner » Thanks. I was actually enjoying this thread.... and then you have to bring up the Clermont. Saying that your enjoyment of a thread about the virtues of owning a Diesel Chevette was ruined by a mention of the Clermont Lounge and its AARP-certified strippers is rather oxymoronic.
I should also point out here that, when I was born, my parents bought an AMC Pacer--this after owning not one, but two Plymouth Volares. Apparently, owning shi'ite boxes is a genetic trait.
#27
Quote, originally posted by riceburner » Thanks. I was actually enjoying this thread.... and then you have to bring up the Clermont. Uggghhh- I remember when several of my friend's parents had Chevettes, including the infamous POS Scooter. A carpool ride in a Chevette would have you longing for your other buddy's parents' Impala, complete with vinyl seats that glued themselves to your legs in the summer and rear windows that wouldn't roll down.
I think the 'vettes were better cars than anything sold by Fiat, though. At least the ****vette got you where you were going. I distinctly remember several trips in my babysitter's Fiat sedan. Which ended with her dad (who owned the dealer) sending a tow truck to pick us up.
Hey now don't go bashing Fiat to make Chevettes look better... My family's 1976 Fiat 131 was a great car until my brother wrecked it in an ice storm.
#28
We used to have a receptionist whose boyfriend had a "paint roller painted with house paint" Chevette. She drove a 99 F-150 (5 speed). She said she needed the F-150 so she could move in the night if needed- so her boyfriend couldn't find her. I told her- why bother? He couldn't keep up in broad daylight anyways.
Seriously- only when a car is considered completely and utterly worthless- the the point that all of them are let to disintegrate- will they be something cool again in a 'that's a rare car' way.And then again- I know people that actually look for old Chevettes- since the 90s. They are simple, durable, easy to fix cars. And you can drop the old 3.8 Buick engine in them. But I am not sure about the diesel. If it truly is an Isuzu engine- it may be a good engine. If it is a Detroit Diesel- run. run far far away and don't look back.
_______________mazda__________________ http://www.spellchecker.net/spellcheck
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#29
Quote, originally posted by Porridgehead » The Diesel Chevette is the maggotgulp in a plate of bad clams. It has all the charm of Ipecac and the desirablity of ringworm. It makes a good pit car, in that if you have a pit, a diesel Chevette is a good thing to throw in it. If you can find it in the stripper "Scooter" trim, you have not just hit the bottom of the barrel, you've started to furiously dig. A free Chevette in mint condition should be met with the same joy as receiving free herpes.
Sigged. Pure gold.
It's a Jeep thing. I understand now.
#30
Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti » Saying that your enjoyment of a thread about the virtues of owning a Diesel Chevette was ruined by a mention of the Clermont Lounge and its AARP-certified strippers is rather oxymoronic.
I should also point out here that, when I was born, my parents bought an AMC Pacer--this after owning not one, but two Plymouth Volares. Apparently, owning shi'ite boxes is a genetic trait.
A diesel Chevette at least had the potential promise of something. I'm not sure what it was, but it was......more than the Clermont.
My parents owned a dark green '74 Gran Torino and a **** brown '78 Pinto- at the same time. Until the Gran Tarantula was replaced by the first Pontiac Phoenix that money could buy. Which was later replaced by the first GMC Safari that hit the ground. Woof.
Little wonder that, when my parents divorced, my mother called me to help her pick out an Accord.
#31
Make sure it's a three-door to be truly 'euro' - the 5-door was, surprisingly enough, created specifically for the US market, though I think it eventually found its way to Brazil. Most of the world got the 3-door hatch, 2-door coupe (which was sold here as the Isuzu Buick Opel or some other incomprehensible brand mismatch), and a 2-door wagon (which we never got). There was also a Kadett Cabrio in Europe, a 4-door sedan in some markets, and two or three different pickup truck bodies. The GM T-car is a workhorse.The 5-door has a unique long wheelbase which always looked odd to me.
Isuzu diesels are very good engines.
I grew up with an early Chevette in my family, and I happen to like the car a lot. It's just about the only light RWD car that hasn't been "discovered" by racers to a large extent (though they were popular ice racers before rust made them rare in the north). There were at one time kits to install the Buick V6 in this car.
They have some ergonomic quirks (the controls have a strange offset) and the build quality was suspect (as in any other '70s to early '80s American car) but it's a very solid little design, good enough that just about any car company within GM's sphere of influence has built a couple versions, including Isuzu, as mentioned; and a fledgling Daewoo:
The Daewoo Maepsy, relaxing at home. "Maepsi" means "charm" in Korean.
Splinter - Team Post-Killing Ninja
Help clear my driveway: 1994 Chevy beater truck
#32
Quote, originally posted by CosmicTDI » Hey now don't go bashing Fiat to make Chevettes look better... My family's 1976 Fiat 131 was a great car until my brother wrecked it in an ice storm.
Ha. You have obviously never spent the better part of a 95 degree day in the K-Mart parking lot. While your overweight, socially awkward, confidence-challenged teenage babysitter bawled and blubbered while her Italian POS tried to catch itself on fire. It was like the car knew what it was and wanted to end its own existence before the evil had a chance to spread.
Egads, no wonder I drive Japanese cars.
#33
Quote, originally posted by riceburner » Ha. You have obviously never spent the better part of a 95 degree day in the K-Mart parking lot. While your overweight, socially awkward, confidence-challenged teenage babysitter bawled and blubbered while her Italian POS tried to catch itself on fire. It was like the car knew what it was and wanted to end its own existence before the evil had a chance to spread. Egads, no wonder I drive Japanese cars.
Oh, she must have had an X-19...
#34
Quote, originally posted by Swallow Doretti » The Scooter was a "stripper" model, much in the same vein of the strippers here in Atlanta at the Clermont Lounge; ancient 60 year-old women with sagging boobs and more wrinkles than a sharpei who can probably give you the clap just by shooting a ping-pong ball out of there ****** in your general direction (and yes, this is a real place. Look it up).
I would like to add that for $5 Blondie will crush a PBR can WITH HER BOOBS!!!!
It is a sight to behold.
TCL3.0 compliance status: Pending QA
#35
Quote, originally posted by 200HP4dr » I just want one to run back and forth to Cincy in.
Don't you mean a slow asthmatic jog back and forth?
Quote, originally posted by 200HP4dr » I will be running a veggie conversion in it. All of the VW diesels are bringing ridiculous prices. I should be able to score this one for something like $200 to $300, which seems pretty fair to me. I do give you a big
Quote, originally posted by 200HP4dr » Other than the fact that they are the bottom rung of auto-dom, is there anything wrong with them? Do they break down? Are parts expensive? I can put decent shocks on it and dynamat the interior to make it tolerable. Even seats are replaceable. The thing gets 48 mpg and I will soon be running veggie oil. Who cares if it's ugly. Are there any objective reasons why I shouldn't buy it? I could care less about image.
I say put some low rolling resistance tires on it, and jack up the air pressure. Strip it down to just what you need in it, and use it as a rolling gas can. Drive it until the wheels literally fall off. Run to Autozone and get the $5 replacement parts, and continue down the road.
I remember my Grandfather had one for years and loved it...the spring storms took their toll one year and swept it away. I still think if you dredge it out of the bottom of the nearby lake, replace the battery and air filter, it will likely start right up!
GO FOR IT!
Mikey
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