Projects 1956 Super 88: "Elizabeth" gets a heart transplant

Hey folks, just can't seem to get away from these Oldsmobile projects. My damn 1964 98 project ain't even done yet...
"Elizabeth" came into my life 7 years ago, with a frozen motor. Try as I might, just couldn't free up this Rocket 324. a full overhaul was recommended. At that time, even had access to a whole 'nother 324 engine to build. Owner had no spare cash, so back in the garage it went. About 6 weeks ago, he says she's gotta go, after being in same family since new. Elizabeth, his great aunt, received the car as a present, from her husband. apparently he had a successful ice business, in Iowa.
She served the family well, over the years. Seller remembers being picked up from school in this car, as a kid. It spent some time in D.C. in early 90's, before making her way to Orlando. Funny thing, besides the great aunt, his Mother and sister were both named Elizabeth. Guess what, my Grandmother and middle sister both named Elizabeth. Was meant to be.
Any-who, somewhere between all the coincidences, my love of cl***ic Oldsmobile's and a price I couldn't p***-up, she came home with me.
So, fast forward to last week. My car club brother runs across a fully rebuilt 1974 Olds 350/350 combo, for sale on FB marketplace. Guy is willing to trade a vintage motorcycle. We just so happen to have a basket case 305 Honda Dream resto-project, at our workshop, that fit the bill. Today Flip(yes his actually name) was kind enough to bring the engine to the shop, so we could both inspect the merch' Long story short, he left with a bike and I scored a new engine for Elizabeth.
What makes this deal even better, is his partner is an expert in those bikes...and, this engine used to reside in Flip's 1951 Oldsmobile 88. He gave me all the parts to make it fit, except for trans cross-member. Sometimes, you meet the nicest people in this hobby.
Engine is a fully rebuilt 1974 350, aluminum intake, Quadrajet, Mallory dist., "RV" cam, double row timing chain and stock bore. Only has less than 10,000 miles on block, this was a fresh rebuild 5 years ago and never installed. Owner decided to go the Street Rod route with his car. TH350 has also been fully built with mild shift kit, even came with a driveshaft, but not sure '51 and '56 are the same length.
Also scored a much better steering wheel, from a separate FB marketplace vendor. noticed they are available from e-bay and Fusick for around $300 clams, but this was only $100.

 

Short term plans call for:

• remove old Rocket 324 and hydro trans(both available $$, for local pick-up, PM me)
• detail engine bay
• fab engine and trans mounts
• rebuild brake system as needed.
• sort all electrical systems.
• detail interior, perform minor repairs
• 2 additional wide white walls
• fender skirts
• buff existing paint
• possible lowering kit.
• enjoy
• (everything's for sale at the right price)

 

That will make a really cool cruiser. Olds in a Olds, what's better?

 

Greg, those fake Rocket Olds valve covers, on SBC’s make my skin crawl


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FINALLY cleared the shop lift and got her inside and up in the air.
Floors and frame look great/solid. Probably result of the years of oil leaks.
Rockers inside and out a bit crusty and should be replaced
Unsure if I’ll get into them. Staying focused on running and driving.







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Flip, whom sold me the engine, dropped off his home made front mount/cradle
Looks like it will make installing the 350 a snap
The trans crossmember I’ll have to fab myself. But with the “X” frame shouldn’t be difficult


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Looks like you're off to a great start!

While you have the engine out, you should address the steering too. Much easier then!

 

My Grandfather had one just like it in the early 60's. It was black & white 2 tone. When I saw that pic of the interior I could smell that interior of his old Olds.

 

What do I need to know about the steering??
Hopefully mating the Cutl*** 350 pump to the ‘56 p/s box
Will this be a problem??
One thing’s for sure, the header tube will need some help
Flip “m***aged” it to fit his ‘51 Olds ch***is


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Whipped up this little walk around video. Actually made some headway Saturday. Underneath stuff all loosened/unbolted. No surprise all exhaust bolts required use of the blue wrench
Radiator weighs a ton, but appears to have been redone and in good condition. Taking hood off gonna require 2 men and a small boy.



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Can I have some jam for this toast??




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Made a little progress today. Stripped off top of engine to investigate cause of not turning and lighten the load. Dammit Man that trans and short block gotta weigh close to 500lbs??
Can’t imagine what the whole enchilada tips the scales at??












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Looks like you made a good choice to replace that 324. Odd how it seems to look good on the outside but so trashed and rusty inside!

 

Greg, I thought the same thing, but sitting in a closed up tight Florida garage was possible the worst thing
So much humidity
Also noticed new water pump and radiator
Did she blow a headgasket at some point????[emoji848][emoji848]


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There is a lot going on there. Keep up the good work!!!

 

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What a score brother!
Your going have a great cruiser... could be your daily driver if you wanted it to be.

 

Excuse the ****py pictures. Managed to drop the 350 combo into the ch***is today.
No way in hell that left side exhaust is going to work. Power steering box clearance is very tight. May have to resort to a set of stock exhaust manifolds. And raising engine up a bit.






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Wow, last post all the back in April. Amazing how time flies by. Elizabeth had to take a back seat, while I was involved in a few other cars at the shop, selling my '64 Olds 98 to buy a Corvair Greenbrier Van and dealing with a sick wife and building a studio in the backyard for said wife. Don't ya hate it when that 9-5 job gets in the way of doing stuff??
So she's back on the lift and making some progress with engine install. Had a new driveshaft made, which helped me position the engine in the ch***is. Trying to locate all the accessories like pulleys, brackets and p/s pump. Actually found a couple members that have what I need.
Racked my brain with ideas to mount this engine, and have settled on buying a cradle style mount from Speedway. With a little slicing and dicing, it may just work.
Happy New Year everyone.
JT

 

...and if all of life's distractions aren't enough, got a call from an old Hot Rod friend up in Cleveland. His health is poor and he wants me to come up and clean out his garage. Super cool details to come.

 

With some help from friend and coworker Eric, we finished the fabrication and installation of engine and transmission cradles. May not win any Ridler Awards, but it’s strong, straight and tuff.
So excited to get past this part of the build. Now onto stuff I can handle easily.
P/S pump, pulleys and brackets on their way from the boys at French Lake Auto Parts.
Our annual Groundhog Gala gathering is February 5th. Going to shoot for having this in attendance

 

I like the way you used a crossmember for the front mounts. Clean install

 

'57 Joe, thanks because I lay awake countless evenings and stared at it for hours trying to come up with a solution. (OCD syndrome)
Got a really nice mount/crossmember with the engine, but simply would not work with a '56. It was designed to work in his '51 Olds.
Thought about pie-cutting/slicing and dicing the left side, to match the frame better, but hated to ruin the perfect piece of tubing and once again, not building a show car.

 

Since you are not too keen on those SBC Olds valve covers, what do you think of grafting the old Olds valve covers on the later Olds?

 

Nah, got bigger fish to fry.

 

Wowsers, that is crusty. It is a shame that is so far gone. Like the progress, though. Best wishes.

 

Or just add those 303 valve cover spark plug doo-hickies.