I know where there is a '60 2 door hardtop sitting in a barn. It's got white paint with rainbow flake over it. Wouldn't have been my choice. Unless the sun hits it, it looks like it's got fly shit on it. Was a fresh paint job about 30 years ago. Long story, but owner passed, his family didn't pay the bill... I'd love to get my hands on it.
I believe that the 59-60 Olds has leaf springs in the rear. Not a coil rear end. hence the lowering blocks recommendation in my first post.
Got some info on the tires on the car. Went looking through some pictures. Firestone Deluxe Champion, G78-14, loadrange B. Will have to google alittle how mutch the loadcapacity is.
That's the Space Coke, Aussie Girl here has, isn't it? I thaught I read somewhere that Javier had the blue paneld one that's mentioned earlier here?
If you use the car in the summer only, advertise it all winter at a high price and see if anyone bites. Drive it for a few years then sell it and get something to customize. Its a great looking car as is, lower it a little and enjoy.
Thanks alot, guys! Think I've made a choice to go with loweringblocks in the rear and cut the front coils a little. Where would be the best place to buy lowering blocks? And then I'll get new tires and install seatbelts since I've got two boys, one at 3 years and one 3 months. Better being safe than sorry. Need to find somewhere to buy seatbelt in light blue and old style buckles.
Load capacity on those is 1690 at 32psi, so if you're running typical air pressures you should be safe, they should be around 1,500 lbs each which should be fine unless you're carrying insane loads.. They're about 600lbs a set under the 9.00s They're about 1.5" shorter than stock, lots of people use them because they're much cheaper than the numerical sized tires and are still a bias ply.
Try HotRodWillys, here on the HAMB: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=617972&highlight=seat+belts
Thanks for the info. Still think I'll buy a new set of wide white walls. Coker Tires sell the BFGoodrich. Thank, Mo. I'll pop him a line.
Since you asked for opinions, I'll give you mine. That car is in beautiful shape. Unfortunately, it's a 4 door, which precludes it from ever being anything worth putting any money into. I'm not saying the car isn't cool, it is...in fact, it's freaking awesome! It's nearly perfect just the way it is...just needs to lose those daytons and get a lowering job, and it would be an awesome clean cruiser. Painting it with a watson style job, or flaking it, or whatever, just isnt worth the time or effort on a 4 door car. I say this from experience. I had a 4 door 62 Olds, with a silver and tangerine scallop job for a while, and in the end, it was still just a 4 door rockabilly rod...
I agree Hudson. I'll just buy new tires, use the original rims and possible stock hubcaps/trimrings and try to lower it 2". I'll try to get ahold of loweringblocks for the back and cut the springs and mount stock height springs if I want it back to original again.
IMHO, the 4 dr. sedan will look dorky panel or flake painted, etc. Sell it, then add a few grand and buy a 2 dr hdtp to customize.
My vote is that it would be a travesty to alter a car this nice. Only thing I would consider is getting a better match on paint that's not original. If the majority of the paint is original I would protect it and go on with life. This car is a standout just as it is, doesnt need to be lowered or molested in any way. I love molesting cars but this one would never be a candidate for that.
Leave it! The LAST thing the world needs is another ass-dragger Oldsmobile. I have one of these, and they sit low enough anyway. GO OLDS '60!!! the most comfortable ride you ever tried!
Never did a paintjob on the Olds, and it was the right choice. But I did clean up and repaint the rims and put new wide whites! Still dreaming of lowering it a little, but my 69 Caprice has to get done first, and it'll be of the lowered kind Also, did send the Olds to norway last April and am enjoying it here
Your Olds looks really nice. Yep these two Olds' are benchmark Custom Paintjobs. Drooled over this yesterday at Daytona Turkey Rod Run