Projects 1954 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe

I really like this car, but then again, I'm a sucker for anything old and Oldsmobile. I am immediately drawn to any thread about fifties Oldsmobiles. I think it's because my dad was an "Oldsmobile man" (from Jean Sheppard's "A Christmas story"). He had a new '49, a new '51 88, a new '53 Super 88 two door, a new '55 Super 88, and a new '58 Super 88. My older brother and I (who were in high school then) managed to talk him into adding the "J2" option. My brother (who had a D/L then) and I would borrow it on weekends and go "hunting". There was one particular "rich kid" from school who had a '58 Pontiac Chieftain with the base two-barrel engine we really liked to find.

Those were the days.

 

Well, got the new fuel sending unit installed, works great and I was able to shift the tank over the left slightly to gain more room for the exhaust.

And here's how the exhaust turned out, 2.5" all the way back, SLP Bullet Muffler inline, hidden exit cut flush with the rear quarters.

^Not banging on the crossmember anymore!


And discovered that we're coming up on the 71st Birthday of the frame in June!

Of course, on the drive to the exhaust shop, discovered I have an inoperable temp gauge and Speedometer, which is weird because both were working a few months back...

So that's next on the list, along with some drivetrain/fluid services.

 

Hey, back the truck up !!! That "only 185hp" put the fear of God in many a Chevy and Ford owner. There were probably more "Mom and Dad" cars on the streets racing than many others.
Remember when hot rodders would install a 160MPH speedo to make their rods look faster... Well, a set of "dimple" valve covers would probably give the mighty 324 another 50 horse !!!
Love it !!

 

Is that a factory rear sway bar? Sure looks factory

 

That's some nice work on the brake system! Never did see where you said how well it works.

 

Yes, as far as I know.

Works great, pedal height a little taller than before, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I probably have 200+ miles with zero issues.

 

I put duals on my 55, with PS and PB. Tight, but got it to work.

 

I unfortunately do not have pictures right now, but my '54 has true duals. Tons of bends and looked like it was a straight pain to get in there. But its in there and sounds pretty dang good.