I searched and searched, I finally found the 81 LS of my dreams

[Bruceynz]

That is an awesome ride! I hope to get my Cordoba to look like that one day!

 

[kkritsilas]

Bruce

That is the Nightwatch Blue that we were talking about with regards to the repainting of your car.

\Kostas

 

[compubert]

DAAAAAAAMMMMMNNN! Always thought those were sharp looking cars, wow - whole new level sir! I would try the smoked wheels too..

 

[Bruceynz]

I am tending towards painting mine back to factory colors then it will be easier to do, I do like nightwatch!!

 

[Cordoba1]

I'm considering blacking out the trim. If I did so, I'd use "Plastidip" so I could undo it. Here's how it might look:

Unchanged Trim:

Just the Rocker Trim blacked out:

Wheel Well Trim & Rocker Trim blacked out:

 

[Jack Meoff]

My vote goes for full trim.
Always liked the way the lines cut the shape.
With the plasti-dip you could always try it....if you don't like it, peel it off.

 

[MiradaMegacab]

:thumbsup:Cordoba1
Very nice!!!!!!

I personally like full chrome trim

 

[mirada80]

Looks fantastic!!! Personally I like the chrome on the darker cars, but with plasti-dip you can always go back, and while it is on it is protecting the pieces too. I would try those 5 on 5 wheels too!!

 

[efriedrich]

I'm not sure you are really asking for opinions but chrome all the way.

 

[Cordoba1]

I'm not sure you are really asking for opinions but chrome all the way.

I am / was. Leaning toward leaving the chrome on. As much as I like the look without, it somehow looks a little unfinished. And secondly, It's NOS without any dings.... So might as well show it off!

 

[aspen77rt]

Great looking doba.

 

[Slodoba]

My original Córdoba was identical to yours! My preference is the 5 on 5 wheels rather than the more common wagon wheels but to each his own! Very jealous that you found such a clean unrestored beauty! Wish mine was half this clean!

 

[9secRR]

my vote is keep the trim. nice car by the way.

 

[Cordoba1]

Some updates: I wanted to lift the rear end a bit, but didn't want to go with either air-shocks or shackles. I decided to try a pair of Monroe 58587 shocks (Load Leveling Shocks) -- and it did exactly what I wanted, raise the rear by about 1.5 inches or so. I like the look. I also replaced the (original) front shocks with Monroe 5829 premium shocks. The ride is only a touch firmer, but I can say that the car corners flatter. Also gone is the ocean-motion when going over bumps. (The car had the 34 year-old originals.) I've also spent a bunch of time tracking down creaks and groans from the interior. Turns out that where the plastic trim pieces interface with other pieces -- or the metal body, they make a groaning noise. A little WD-40 wiped between them quiets them right up. Also added a couple screws to the pieces covering the A-pillar. Further, I bit-the-bullet and purchased NOS top-of-door trim. While I had the doors apart, I put some shock-cord around the lock and door mechanisms. That put just enough pressure on them to stop rattling around in the doors. That made quite the difference. Still haven't taken more "beauty" shots yet, but here's how the car sits with the new shocks:

 

[Jack Meoff]

Gorgeous.

 

[jasperjacko]

Very unusual to see a slant six with factory? rear sway bar.

 

[Cordoba1]

Very unusual to see a slant six with factory? rear sway bar.

Indeed. I didn't think it had one until I crawled under there to take the picture. Since this car is really one of those oft-spoken "little old lady" cars, I have no reason to doubt it is factory installed.

 

[double a ron]

Hey there, what model car did you pull that stereo out of, I think it looks pretty good.

 

[Cordoba1]

Hey there, what model car did you pull that stereo out of, I think it looks pretty good.

I bought in on eBay -- There are sellers there who modify them with aux-inputs, and that's what I used to hook up the satellite radio receiver. These radios were used in trucks, minivans, and cars in the early 90's. If you buy the harness ($10), hooking them up is a simple affair. Interestingly, radios from about 1975 thru 1996 or so have the exact same mounting points: A tab on sticks out to the right on the top right of the radio, and one that sticks out of the bottom or the unit on the lower left side.

 

[moreada]

Looks amazing. Im jealous. The front and rear bumpers look perfect from what I can see. I only wish mine was in such condition.

Those 5 on 5's will look killer on that car... I like the stereo install... very slick and looking almost factory.

My car doesnt have the trim on the wheel wells etc - but it looks very nice on yours. Hats off to you.