Introduction: Grandma's Apollo

An introduction. I've been an Apollo fan as long as I can remember. My grandma bought a 73 Apollo brand new in 73, and I have many memories of riding in it with her. I recently had the opportunity to purchase it from the estate, as I have always wanted this car. I've never seen another one in TN. I'm ltimately a Ford guy, so my GM/Buick knowledge is limited, as is my luck with previous GM cars I've owned. The last time this car was cranked was the late 90's, and it ran, before that, it hadn't been cranked in a decade. It's a 350/2 2 door, and I'm in need of guidance. I want to get it running, make it a weekend cruiser for my wife and I, make it more comfortable, and increase the HP, on a budget. Any help from you all would be greatly appreciated!

 

A little more info, it's a PS, PB, A.C. car, with a 350 turbo trans, and 2:73 rear. I remember my dad telling me that my uncle put a larger cam in it in the early 80's, but not sure. Oh, and it has the 80s obligatory CB radio. Lol.

 

I've done some research, and TA Performance seems to be the way to go for induction, but would a carb or self learning EFI be a better investment? Also what rear chunks will interchange to replace the 2:73 with a little more grunt?

 

That car looks nice and dry! Congrats! I would lube it up and get it going 1st, see what it needs.

 

I truly hope you can get this back on the road, and that you keep the memory of your grandmother alive, and the times you shared.

Often, people "walk away", because the journey seems difficult, but the blessings are lost.

Dare to try, and good luck on your journey!

 

Welcome! there doesn't seem to be many of us X-body people around but enough of Buick and X-body owners to help you with what you need. Pretty much all suspension, interior and exterior parts are Nova.
I have a 76 Skylark with a 1968 Buick 350 and TH400 trans with a 8.5 rearend out of a 75 Nova.
We will help you the best we can.
Keith

 

Thanks. It's been in a garage since '85. It's about to go in my shop as soon as I get my 64 Ford out. Not much rust at all. Small spots in rear quarters and bottom of fenders, typical for its age. Floor pans and trunk are solid.

 

How high on the difficulty scale is rebuilding this carb? I have to rebuild the 1bbl autolite 1100 on my Ford every year or two, so I've gotten pretty good at it, but I'm guessing this one will be a little more involved.

 

Welcome aboard! Cool Ride!

 

Note the passenger side antennae. That's actually for the C.B..... lol.

 

Brings back my SS Nova memories. ....

 

How is the Apollo coming along?

 

As an AT&T tech working 6 days a week, I've not had any time to wrench on it. I have moved it into my shop, so it will remain dry. First order of business when I get time, is to yank the carb, see if its worth rebuilding, and go from there.

 

The Rochester 2 barrel carb is an easy carb to rebuild. If you clean the outside of the carb you should be able to find the GM part number. I believe the part number should be on the side. This will help find the correct rebuild kit for the carb.

I found this carb on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/i/282283030211?chn=ps

I bought one for my 74 nova one time refurbished and I did have to put new gaskets on it.

There are a bunch of videos on you tube that show how to rebuild them.

Also would be best to get the car running and driving safely before you decide to change the appearance.

 

cool build!

 

Is it running yet?

Dan

 

So, an update. Finally got time to fiddle with it, rebuilt carb, new plugs, wires, cap, button, etc. Went to start, no joy. Not a click, nothing. Got lights, power to all accessories, no juice to starter. Replaced cables, still nothing. Ran out of time to work on it, so next chance I get, I'll pull the starter, see if it's good, and check ignition switch.