'66 Dynamic, should I?

[OldsDynamic]

Hello Everyone
I need some help in making a decision. By accident I found a 1966 Dynamic 88, 2 door hard top, with a 425 high compression heads, stock brakes rebuilt including master cylinder, new radiator, alternator, and the seats have been recovered. The car is drivable as is. Some of the major issues are window channels and lower body panels break through rust, no AC (I live in South Caroline), high mileage on the drive train, and all the rubber is shot. The owner is asking $2,000.00 and that seems to be a very good price for the car.
Now about me, I’m 46 married and have two boys ages 14 and 11. I grew up in Pa and spent a bunch of time in my dads’ garage. There were 6 kids in our family so dad bought used cars. Some how I survived my 20’s started a family in my 30’s and got hooked on motorcycles. I have built two bikes including the fabrication. Now I am looking at a project car for me and the kids. The wife and kids are excited.
My dilemma is simple I don’t know much about part availability and cost to make a decision on this car. I did some searches and Cutlass pops up every ware but not Dynamic 88. I just don’t want to pull teeth every time we need something. Can someone point me in the right direction? My guess is the car will be gone very soon.

Thanks
Dave

[wmachine]

High Dave, and welcome to the Oldsmobile world!
Part availability for '66 88s is not terribly bad. Most mechanicals are are available, and body and trim parts are not what I'd call scarce. One advantage you have is that nice parts for an 88 will usually cost you less than Cutlass/F85 parts.
Start by accident, finish on purpose!

[Lady72nRob71]

Welcome to the site, Dave!

Given the low initial cost of the car, I would have to say "go for it!" If for some reason you want comething else, reselling that one should easily get you your money back.
There are many guys here with 88's who would be able to give you advice and parts sources.

The 88 is a big, classy, unique car. Having excitement in your kids (and esp. your wife!) is even more reason to do it. It would be a great father / son project.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to enjoy summer cruises in temps of 98+, but there will be plenty of other good days throughout the year to enjoy it!
What do you mean by "high miles?" If it was cared for well, then that may not be as big an issue.

[Jamesbo]

Welcome aboard Dave

Where in S.C are you from?

[citcapp]

I am a fan of the big cars and enjoy seeing them restored. There are lot of people on this site who own these fine machines. Jump on in and buy the car you will find all the help you need locating parts from other site members.

[OldsDynamic]

I just want to say thank you for your replies. I feel a better about taken the OLDS plunge. I have a check in my wallet, so tomorrow I’ll give the car a once over and drive it home. The mileage is unknown it 10,000 or 110,000 or so on. We live in Myrtle Beach SC.
Have A Good Day
Dave

[Jamesbo]

Originally Posted by OldsDynamic

We live in Myrtle Beach SC.

Do you Shag much?

[OldsDynamic]

Originally Posted by Jamesbo

Do you Shag much?

Sorry never have shagged, more in to the classic rock. The local classic car museum holds a shag night. Ragtopsbarandgrille.com really cool place.

[Oldsmaniac]

Cool car but IMO little demand for em...yep its all about the A-bodies/Cutlass442. The B bodies are fun cars too but too big for some folks. As for me I love em! A high compression is that way because of the pistons not the heads. Plenty of power but add a 4bbl carb and dual exhaust and it will come alive! If the upholstery needs redo it will have to be made from scratch. No problem as mentioned with mechanicals. If you dont have a welder already get one and start patching and sealing window channels. This is the place for any help you might need.

[Oldsguy]

Welcome to CO Dave. Glad to have another B body member. Post pictures when it's yours!

[Olds64]

Welcome to the website. Post some pictures when you get a chance. Check out Fusicks and Kanter for full sized Olds parts.

[OldsDynamic]

I took the car for a short ride and the motor has a slight knock and smokes pretty bad, but had decent power and the transmission shifted smooth.
I don’t think anything major is wrong under the hood.
Wiper motors out, bent front bumper, and the worst rust is on the panel by the trunk latch.
Well she’s part of the family now. I took a couple pictures to share.

Thanks Again
Dave

[nickd]

I love that body style looks pretty clean also.

[Oldsmaniac]

Love the pics, congrats on the purchase, yeah the trunk channel is U-G-L-Y, dont know about the slight engine knock, a knock is a knock and is usually trouble. Smoke could be anything, I think an engine rebuild is in your future...for sure check brake lines and if the 3 rubber lines are very old or stiff change em NOW! Good Luck with the project.

[Olds64]

Cool car! We look forward to getting updates about your project.

[citcapp]

Looks like a great project car good luck and keep us posted on your =progress

[76Supreme455]

I love to see these restored to stock, but they make fantastic looking street rods also. I ran across these photos on Car Domain of a 65 Jetstar 88. I've seen this car in person at a Good-Guys show and its awesome. It just shows what you can do with one of these mid-60's full size Olds.

[nickd]

76Supreme455 Do you know what size rims them are I have a 65 Jetstar 1 that I would like to tuck some big ol rims under like that looks like the fronts are smaller then the backs. 19 front 20 back? I'd really like to know .Looks to be air ride on it also. Thanks

[76Supreme455]

Originally Posted by nickd

76Supreme455 Do you know what size rims them are I have a 65 Jetstar 1 that I would like to tuck some big ol rims under like that looks like the fronts are smaller then the backs. 19 front 20 back? I'd really like to know .Looks to be air ride on it also. Thanks

I looked on his Car Domain page and in the comment section, he told someone that it had 18's in the front and 20's in the back and they are American Torque Thrust II's. It does have air ride I think. That's about all I know about it. I have seen it several times at Good Guys streetrod shows in Nashville. It looks even better in person than it looks in the pictures. Great Car!

[gthmcty1]

Welcome to the site, this site has a wealth of knowledge! Good luck with the buil looks like a clean start!

[ijasond]

Originally Posted by 76Supreme455

I love to see these restored to stock, but they make fantastic looking street rods also. I ran across these photos on Car Domain of a 65 Jetstar 88. I've seen this car in person at a Good-Guys show and its awesome. It just shows what you can do with one of these mid-60's full size Olds.

A little over 2 years ago I inherited a rough 66 Delta 88. Shortly after I got it one of my customers saw it and brought me the March 2007 issue of "American Streetrydes" magazine that has a full 4 page feature on this car. It belongs to Clay Johnson, who I believe is a member here. It definitely inspired my build, you might even say I ripped him off.
Like someone said earlier, the mechanicals are not a problem, but If you have trouble finding a trim or body panel, let me know. I've run across just about everything for this car in my hunt. The only real problem I've had is the rear bumper. Mine is rusted & cores are not easy to come by. The front end is the same as the 98, but not the rear. WestCoast Sheet metal has them, but cost, shipping and plating is $$$$$$. I also have a lot of misc. stuff left over, so PM me if you want.

[ijasond]

Is yours a 4 bbl? If not, I'll sell you my 4bbl manifold cheap. That might give me the motivation I need to go ahead and get that aluminum one I've had my eye on.

[HolidayCoupe]

Originally Posted by ijasond

A little over 2 years ago I inherited a rough 66 Delta 88. Shortly after I got it one of my customers saw it and brought me the March 2007 issue of "American Streetrydes" magazine that has a full 4 page feature on this car. It belongs to Clay Johnson, who I believe is a member here. It definitely inspired my build, you might even say I ripped him off.
Like someone said earlier, the mechanicals are not a problem, but If you have trouble finding a trim or body panel, let me know. I've run across just about everything for this car in my hunt. The only real problem I've had is the rear bumper. Mine is rusted & cores are not easy to come by. The front end is the same as the 98, but not the rear. WestCoast Sheet metal has them, but cost, shipping and plating is $$$$$$. I also have a lot of misc. stuff left over, so PM me if you want.

Do tell what parts you all have I'm very interested??????? Thanks