1953 Olds Rocket 88 So Calif car!!!

[NATESBPD]

My brother has too many car projects so im putting his car on here.. It is a 1953 Oldsmoble with a rocket 88 motor,, original trans. The engine starts and runs! Dont know much about transmissions, but the car drives, but seems like it is in a high gear! The body is straight and has original paint. All moldings are there! All glass is in and no cracks.. original door panels ect... I think this is a great steal and would take very little to make it cool! very little rust. He wants $3,000 or BEST OFFER! Just ask for more pics...

Call Ryan (909) 915-4897

[88 coupe]

Welcome to the site.

Originally Posted by NATESBPD

........ the car drives, but seems like it is in a high gear ........

The trans is a Dynaflow, instead of the expected Hydro.

GM Hydramatic plant burned down during the '53 model run. Until production resumed, in the new facility, Olds and Cad used Dynaflow from Buick.

Performance levels were about the same, with the Dynaflow giving up a bit to the Hydro's 3,82 first gear, then gaining it back after its 2-3 shift.

Dynaflow MPG was a bit lower because of turbine slippage vs lack of it, in fourth gear, with the Hydro.

Might be a desirable feature for a potential buyer.

Norm

[Olds64]

That seems like a decent deal. Especially if it still runs. Is the car still in southern CA?

[NATESBPD]

still in so calif about an hour east of LA. If i knew anything about Olds id tell you what engine and trans it has.. it should be the original rocket 88. after looking around this forum.. i think i might buy it from him... body moldings are all there and no dents on body... it would take very little to make the car really nice.

[NATESBPD]

No bites, and after being on this site... i think ill keep it,, now i need to read up... The car runs, has reverse.. but when i put it in dr it seems like i have the brake on or its in a high gear.. tryed the other gears with no luck.. ill try removing the trans pan and filter.. repace the fluid.. any other sugestions?

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by NATESBPD

........ but when i put it in dr it seems like i have the brake on or its in a high gear ........

Sounds like a Jetaway, when one is used to driving a real Hydro.

A missing, or disconnected, TV rod could cause a similar symptom. One rod goes from the carb to a "bell crank" affair and the other attaches to the longer of two "shifter" arms at the trans. It's all detailed in the factory manual.

How fast have you driven it? As much as 35 miles per hour? If so, with a "light foot" you should been aware of three distinct gear changes.

Originally Posted by NATESBPD

........ tried the other gears with no luck ........

Dr, S, and Lo, positions are all first gear. Until it shifts into third gear, there is no difference.

Originally Posted by NATESBPD

........ ill try removing the trans pan and filter ........

There is no filter, only a screen that may, or may not, need to be cleaned.

Originally Posted by NATESBPD

........ any other suggestions?

Have the service done by a competent trans shop. They will "read" the debris in the pan, and give you an idea what you are up against. They can also tell you, for sure, which trans you have.

If you choose to do it yourself,

Cal Tex Automatic Trans Parts
1541 W Brooks St.
Ontario, CA 91762
(909) 988-9697

should have the pan gasket, you need.

Norm

[NATESBPD]

Thanks for the great replies!,, i think you have a new olds owner.. ill keep u posted after i remove the pan and fill it back up with transmission fluid.

[TECH9TWISTA]

lmao it starts with selling the car then u buy it then ur an oldsmobile fan 4 likfe lol o well gotta start somewhere have a good day