Projects 1963 Olds Jetfire- Turbo, fluid injection, 4 speed

Not made too much progress but still finding parts. WTony patched the floor and welded the 4-speed hump in. Dad and I converted the car from auto and bolted the hump in 1982. WTony also installed a new rocker panel. Still more to go but we are closer. Back to working on the W30. I also found a photo of my dad guiding the 215 with the 4 speed trans attached.

 

Great project, Ken. I'm going to follow this one.

My first car as a 17-yr old kid in Southern California in 1969 was a '63 F-85 Cutlass post coupe. It did have the 4-barrel 215 with the Hydramatic and I thought it went pretty good - faster than my folks '63 Falcon that I learned to drive on anyway. I think I noticed the roofline in the Ford dealer's used car lot first, and I was hoping it was a Jetfire. Probably would have been about the same money ($750). I got the turbo finally in my a third car - a '66 Corvair Corsa.

Marshall

 

Marshall,
Thanks for the reply. Still a long way to go but we are chipping away at it. Still looking for parts so keep me in mind.
Ken

 

Ttt

 

i think that engine was rated at 215 hp. that turbo boost fluid sounds suspiciously like window washer fluid.

 

I know it was 50-50 methanol and water, no soap or detergent like washer solvent. Post #22 has a more detailed breakdown than I have seen before.

 

I had a chance to buy a low mileage Jetfire just recently. The price was a bit on the high side, but the car was very original and in driver condition.

A big hole in the unibody made me decline.

If it would have been a four speed, I would have been unable to decline!

 

Saw some photos of that car and I know the owner. Very sharp car and could be converted with out too much work. Thanks for the post and keep them coming.
Ken

 

Jeff,
Thanks for the kind words. These cars are very rare and cool. Just not enough power. Some odd things. You can drop out the front suspension and engine from the bottom. K member like. The two piece drive shaft is a pain!
Be well,
Ken

 

Been working on the 69 W30 project this summer. Just a little late was going to put the 63 Jetfire in the garage when Sandy came along. We are way better off than some but this is a real bummer. We are about 1 mile from the beach. Still no power and it looks like another week. Dent in the roof at the windshield. Damage does not look too bad but a bad location.
Ken

 

Sorry about that damage--but please keep going on it! Looks like you're doing an awesome job. Neat project!

 

Ihave a turbo-carb setup that is in good condition having been stored inside for 35 years. I would guess that the O-ring on the carbon seal has deteriorated. The nix-nox fluid was methanol with some corrosion inhibitor.

 

Theo,
Thanks for the reply!! Called the insurance and see how we make out.

Flathead,
If you need any help or info let me know.
Be well,
Ken

 

My friends father bought a new 63 Jetfire. There was an article I believe in Hot Rod around 1965 that explained some simple mods to gain performance. Doing these mods made his car go from low 15's to mid 14's if I remember correctly.

 

Aerorocket,
Thanks for the info. I will start searching for a 64/65 Hot rod magazine with the info in it.
Ken

 

The turbo setup is surplus to me. I was an engineer at AiResearch from 1962 to 1983. I worked on all the turbo cars and built my own slant 6 Lancer using prototype Jetfire pats. It was quite fast. About 1963 we worked on a Starfire turbo but it didn't get to production. Barney Navarro did much of our prototype work on the cars and helped me with my car. I presently have no turbo cars but I do have a '35 Dodge PU with a warrmed up slant 6. I do have quite a bit of info . Ask if you're interesred.

 

OK! Sandy is gone!!!
My Insurance Co totaled the car. I was able to keep the car by buying it back. I was happy with the settlement from Hagerty and they were very nice to work with! WTony had some time so the car is in the body shop. The roof is repaired and stripped, and primed. I have a few photos to post more to come.
Ken

 

Just got the car back from WTony. I will get more photos when I have time over the weekend. Now it is really starting to take shape. Will be working on the doors next.

 

Still looking for parts or parts cars.
Thanks,
Ken
kid442w30@yahoo.com

 

A quick update. Just got the doors and trunk back from the body shop. Took a lot longer than expected. Had to scrap the doors on the car. They are primed and the jams painted the color of the car. Replaced the lower glass channel and the vent window rubber. Everything is installed and ready for the car. Will try and get the other door assembled and ready for the car. By then it should be done snowing!! See the photo below.
Ken

 

I have a friend that has one. Hes had it for years. He uses a bottle of deicer washing fluid and adds an additive. Cheap as hell.

He has a spare motor. I doubt he will seperate on his extra turbo stuff though but he will the motor.

 

Send me his contact info I will give him a call. Has he registered with oldsjetfire.com site?
Thanks,
Ken

 

He is also on oldsjetfire.com. A very cool car. He is making great progress. My problem is getting the body work done. They car sure slow you up.
Nice to have CA car to start with instead of NJ rust.
Thanks for the post!!
Ken

 

Was this directed toward me?

 

Yes, I will give him a call and see what he may have. Also see if he knows about oldsjetfire.com and if he needs anything.
Thanks,
Ken

 

He hates computers and doesnt own one. Send me a pm and ill get you a list of what hes got.

 

Summers,
PM sent.
Ken

 

Interior is in now for the exhaust. That should be a lot of fun!!

 

Nice day today had the car out so I took a few photos to update on the progress.

 

Just installed all the exterior trim. Next weather strips and gaskets. Took it out for a couple mile drive. Checked out OK. Getting closer.
Will be making a list of parts I will be looking for to complete and update the Jetfire.