68 Cutlass S - Convertible

ckimble · 05-13-2008, 04:21 PM

We picked up this beauty a couple of weeks ago and have been working on seeing what we are in for on the restoration. So far it is not too bad... the biggest issues are a rusted floor and trunk pan. The floor is due to the car sitting outside with a bad window seal. The motor runs, but is in serious need of a rebuild as it is blowing oil out of the main bearings. It has a 350 in it now, but looking at options for replacement. The numbers don't match so we are thinking why not upgrade to the 455 BB. Anyway just wanted to introduce myself and I am sure I will have plenty of questions as this is my first restoration (and Olds)....

reallife · 05-13-2008, 07:08 PM

Nice car man, I also just picked up a 68 cutlass S hardtop. This is my 5th Olds and I have to say, I love Oldsmobiles. Goodluck with with your resto job. I look forward to seeing pictures of your car.

Olds64 · 05-14-2008, 04:58 AM

That is a pretty car. There is alot of good information on this site for your project. I would suggest rebuilding the 350 that you have unless you just desire the bigger displacement of the 455. SBO engines are stout.

ckimble · 05-14-2008, 09:20 AM

No I'm not completely sold on the BB. I just want a car that is for the street with plenty of throw your head back torque. Right now, the motor can barely spin the tires. I assume with some work I can get good performance out of this motor. My neighbor keeps telling me to drop a new SBC in there and be done with it, but that just seems wrong to me. I have been told the Olds motors have oiling issues, and that is his basis for going with the modern SBC over rebuilding what I've got.

Craig

dar83501 · 05-14-2008, 11:03 PM

don't waste that olds by putting a chevy engine in it.

The_Jeremiah · 05-14-2008, 11:22 PM

I too have heard that they have oiling issues, also that they dont at all. I hear a lot of people during rebuilds install oil restrictors, or get a high volume oil pump. the only problem with the pump is you can actually lose a decent amount of HP at the rear wheels with it. But of course if the engines had MAJOR issues, they would have been corrected before production. You got nothing to worry about. That is one hell of a car though, makes me really want to go ask about a 68 about an hour away from me. Just sitting under a tarp. Good luck, and i guarantee you, your car isn't near as bad as some of the oldsmobiles I have seen. Heck even mine is in way worse condition. of course thats another story. : ) Take care of her though, she will make you a happy man

ckimble · 05-15-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dar83501

don't waste that olds by putting a chevy engine in it.

That is kinda what I am thinking... Motor is coming out this weekend, let the fun begin

Atdog · 05-15-2008, 05:27 PM

Restoration my ass!!!

Looks perfect!!!!

I don't know. But I've been told. A 350 rocket should stay in the Oldsssss.

ckimble · 05-18-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atdog

Restoration my ass!!!

Looks perfect!!!!

I don't know. But I've been told. A 350 rocket should stay in the Oldsssss.

This car is about a 20 footer...
It looks good in the pics from a distance, but the paint is in very tough shape. It was a poor job over the factory finish and is bubbling everywhere. I am a little scared to peel off all of those layers and see what's underneath.

88 coupe · 05-18-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckimble

........ I have been told the Olds motors have oiling issues ........

I have also heard that.

Never heard it from a competent machinist. Following links might be of help:

http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/....html#post9956

http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...il-issues.html

http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...-oil-pump.html

Norm

88 coupe · 05-18-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Jeremiah

........ the only problem with the pump is you can actually lose a decent amount of HP at the rear wheels with it ........

Extending the length of the gears, causes a power loss? How is that possible?

Norm

joe_padavano · 05-19-2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88 coupe

Extending the length of the gears, causes a power loss? How is that possible?

Norm

Well, theoretically the larger pump is doing more work, hence it requires more HP to drive. Could you actually measure the difference? Doubtful.

88 coupe · 05-19-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

Well, theoretically ........

Not according to the post I replied to.

Norm

05-13-2008, 04:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
ckimble Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8	68 Cutlass S - Convertible We picked up this beauty a couple of weeks ago and have been working on seeing what we are in for on the restoration. So far it is not too bad... the biggest issues are a rusted floor and trunk pan. The floor is due to the car sitting outside with a bad window seal. The motor runs, but is in serious need of a rebuild as it is blowing oil out of the main bearings. It has a 350 in it now, but looking at options for replacement. The numbers don't match so we are thinking why not upgrade to the 455 BB. Anyway just wanted to introduce myself and I am sure I will have plenty of questions as this is my first restoration (and Olds)....

05-14-2008, 04:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 1,633	That is a pretty car. There is alot of good information on this site for your project. I would suggest rebuilding the 350 that you have unless you just desire the bigger displacement of the 455. SBO engines are stout. __________________ "Some men are Baptists, others Catholics. My father was an OLDSMOBILE man." Ralphie Billingsley A Christmas Story 1983 "We rei-eign, supreme, ooooh god! Burrito supreme, and a chicken supreme, and a CUTLASS SUPREME!" Tenacious D 2007

05-14-2008, 11:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
dar83501 Brewsmobile > Bluesmobile Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 272	don't waste that olds by putting a chevy engine in it. __________________ 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 455 Big Block Project - "The Brewsmobile"

05-14-2008, 11:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
The_Jeremiah Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 248	I too have heard that they have oiling issues, also that they dont at all. I hear a lot of people during rebuilds install oil restrictors, or get a high volume oil pump. the only problem with the pump is you can actually lose a decent amount of HP at the rear wheels with it. But of course if the engines had MAJOR issues, they would have been corrected before production. You got nothing to worry about. That is one hell of a car though, makes me really want to go ask about a 68 about an hour away from me. Just sitting under a tarp. Good luck, and i guarantee you, your car isn't near as bad as some of the oldsmobiles I have seen. Heck even mine is in way worse condition. of course thats another story. : ) Take care of her though, she will make you a happy man __________________ 69 Cutlass 4 door. Built 350 inside, grandma's grocery getter outside. Best sleeper in disguise.

05-15-2008, 05:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Atdog Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Shelbyville,TN. Posts: 12	Restoration my ass!!! Looks perfect!!!! I don't know. But I've been told. A 350 rocket should stay in the Oldsssss. __________________ 1968 Cutlass Convertible aka "The Money Pit" - 1992 Buick LeSabre 293K miles daily driver - 1995 Dakota 194K miles work truck

05-13-2008, 07:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
reallife Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 11	Nice car man, I also just picked up a 68 cutlass S hardtop. This is my 5th Olds and I have to say, I love Oldsmobiles. Goodluck with with your resto job. I look forward to seeing pictures of your car.

05-14-2008, 09:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
ckimble Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8	No I'm not completely sold on the BB. I just want a car that is for the street with plenty of throw your head back torque. Right now, the motor can barely spin the tires. I assume with some work I can get good performance out of this motor. My neighbor keeps telling me to drop a new SBC in there and be done with it, but that just seems wrong to me. I have been told the Olds motors have oiling issues, and that is his basis for going with the modern SBC over rebuilding what I've got. Craig

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