Customs I Just Bought A '49 Olds Convertible Now What!

I love cutting stuff up, but that one should be left alone. Aside from the electricions tape on the grill, of course.

 

Very nice... I would be careful what changes you make.... that is a very valuable car and beautiful in it's own right just stock.

 

Pardon my slobber.

Wow, a stock Series 76 convertible!!! They are super rare. I haven't found 1949 production numbers, but only about 973 were made in 1950. I am only aware of one other '49-'50 Series 76 convertible and it is/was for sale in Florida.

BTW, I have a '50 Series 76 club coupe "in process".

Your first step is to acquire 1949 Shop Manual so that you can know what you have vs.
88's and 98's.

What ever you do, do it right! IMHO, keep it all Oldsmobile as much as you can consistent with your goals. There are plenty of Olds parts available. Watch Hemmings, Ebay and Craigslist. Fusick specializes in Olds. Some parts are common with other GM A-body cars i.e. Pontiac and Chevy.

You have a full range of options from 100% pure stock to 100% custom. Because the model is so rare, keeping it stock could be cool and financially lucrative.

My own plans are to keep the look but drop in an Olds Rocket V8, 303 or 324 with 3-speed stick. The car is a rust bucket so it will nver be concors quality. A Rocket V8 will drop into your car. The front cross member is already drill for both engines. The 6 cylinder transmissions are different than for the V8 and radiator area sheetmetal is different. Also, you will need to upgrade the brakes and suspension to accept the extra weight.

If the project proves to be to much, I will be glad to come and pick it up.

Thanks.

****

 

Dangnabbit ! i just KNEW i was selling it too cheap!!!!


Ray

 

BUT, you LEFT it on while it was in your posession.....which means you must have liked it.

 

Well Denise, I guess I can see how you could draw that conclusion......

Ray

 

Do what suits you.

But, please keep an Olds powerplant.

Very nice. I am pretty jealous.

Vintageride

 

You've got a rare one there. Whatever you do take your time and think long and hard about making any drastic changes.

Frank

 

DUPLICATE the PACE CAR..

 

Drive it enjoy it You are lucky,I have been looking for a olds hardtop for years but a droptop that would be the like hitting the lottery.

 

Have to agree with the majority; it's too nice and rare to cut up or change.....

However, Sawzall does have an intriguing alternative....

 

i say lower it (tail dragger), wide whites, fiestas, and maybe pick a more exciting color of primer if you dont plan on actually painting it (thats a whole nother story ). I personally LOVE the trim on the olds, it wasnt cluttery. so my vote is to leave it all on there.

 

Thanks for all of the ideas and thoughts... I did pick up an engine for the car the other week.

I think it's pretty cool, It had to have come out of an old hot rod or g***er.
It's a late 371 Olds with the 394 style heads, Offy dual quads, matching carter carbs, Hurst engine mount, chrome acorn caps on the head bolts.

It also has a bad *** Hydro-Motive trans, the sticker says "World's Fastest & Finest Hydro" the company is still in business and does nothing but racing trans.

I'm planning on taking it over to machine shop in the next few weeks to start the re-building.

As of right now, I'm going to try to get the car running/driving as is so I can take it to the pile-up this fall.

I will keep everyone updated... Thanks for your support.

 

I was about to say just put '59 heads and manifold on in for some power and drive **** out of it but you beat me to it by buying that engine. You lucky ****!