1976 Pontiac Catalina Safari

When you can't be bothered to clean the mildewed steering wheel......

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/d/1976-pontiac-catalina-wagon/6368680214.html

 

Despite the quarter panel rot, steering wheel mildew (was the rest of the interior cleaned poorly and is it an attempt at hiding mold?) and the sagging tailgate I wonder about the frame. Remember that if this one doesn't work for you, a derby guy's likely into it.

 

Its Probably not Mildew on the steering wheel, 70's-80's GM Plastic steering wheels start oozing a dark petroleum gunk when they get around 10 years old, if you drive them frequently it comes off on your hands and doesn't built up on the wheel. if they aren't driven or cleaned frequently the build up looks like what is shown in the pictured example, much harder to remove than mildew, and will start returning within a week of cleaning.
I had used many different cleaners, finally I put one in the dishwasher without the dry cycle and it came out almost like new, but didn't stay that way long. Even clear coating them doesn't seem to help, it just comes out under the clear coat.

I seriously think this is a well maintained 125,000 mile car. Not a 25,000 mile car as listed. In my area the 455 alone could be worth over $1000 if it runs, and isn't one of the late 76 thin main web blocks. Only a few of the 455's have been found with the thin castings. Most 76-78 400 block are thin wall castings not up to staying together above 400hp. But fine for a mild performance build.

 

They told me that they just got it road worthy and are taking it for a cruise today. They are asking $3500 for it.

 

I'm going to agree with cammerjeff on that, the steering wheel is probably just oozing out the hand oils that the plastic has absorbed since it was new and in use. It's a very common problem with this steering wheel type. The way to clean it and make it last is to use Simple Green or Purple Power to get ALL of the black gunk (it's just dirt and crud) off, then go over the plastic with acetone (nail polish remover). It takes a few treatments but out of the half dozen I've done over the years they tend to stay pretty clean and not ooze much more once you've done that a few times.

As for the car, at the price with a running 455 it's hard to beat despite the rotten quarters - you're not likely going to pay less and get that car. I paid that for mine that had higher options and no rust, it's hard to buy into one of these cars for less than $3k as the derby guys snatch them up quickly below that. The power locks and rear defrost are pretty cool and the seats don't look thrashed.

I'm not a fan of the carburetor and definitely would not be driving it long distance with that fuel feed line setup.