New to 98 Forum (1st Post) Getting a 1961 98

[Moofinator]

Hi All-

Picking up my "new" olds next week, it's a 1961 98 Sports Sedan. Got it on ebay last week and was wondering if anyone had any info on things I should look for, or be watchful for on the ride home (Independence, MO) from South Carolina? Anything specific to these models/years I should be aware of? The car seems to be in nice shape with only 75K originally, so it shouldn't have much to do to it yet, right? I was told it's got the 394 with 3 speed trans.

I've owned several 70 Cutlass', but my dad was into 98s and 88s so I thought I would get a nice old one to take to the shows and cruise nights locally in his honor. He passed away just after Thanksgiving last year, but I know he would have loved this one!

Any of you close in the Kansas City area? I noticed Oldsguy is right down the road in Lee's Summit, MO.

Thanks,
Chris

[Oldsguy]

OH man! I am drooling all over myself as I looked at those pics! You gotta let me see it for real. Call me this weekend.
816-524-5651 home
816-922-0341 work until 3:30 pm.
Welcome to our site.

OH, the high compression engines needed high octane gas but my son's 394 in his '64 98 six window hardtop will run on regular but poorly. Regular old car stuff, watch for dry rot on tires, etc. if the engine hasn't been turned over in a long time prime the cylinders and turn the crank with a big socket first to make sure the rings are ok, the usual stuff. Nice find!

[Oldsfan]

She's a pretty one. I used to have a '61, but a Holiday Sedan, not a Sport Sedan. Mine was Twilight Mist (lavendar).

If you've never driven one of these cars you might be alarmed at how the transmission works. They never were a good design and are kind of quirky.

Paul

[Moofinator]

Okay, I understand about the premium gas, but is the 10% ethanol based high octaine (89) good enough or do I need to find 91 octane? And since the car has been running for awhile, do I need to worry about the other stuff?

About the tranny...What type of weird things with the tranny should I be watching for. What kind of behavior should I be looking for or will I have to get used to? You're right, I've never driven anything like this, but it should have the 3-spd hydromatic. How is this different from say, a TH350, that I am used to?

I've attached a few more pics from the latest auction... I absolutely love the three-tone interior! It's almost better than a modern "custom" interior. I'll probably have to add seatbelts to it for the kids and stuff, I think I can do that without ruining the originality...

Thanks,
Chris

[Oldsguy]

Oh Man! That is really nice. You found a good one! I noticed the engine was running when you took the third picture, if it sounds smooth and runs pretty good then you don't have to worry about much except keeping it tuned up and oil changed, general upkeep stuff.
My son's '64 with that tranny is really a beast and the tranny is terrible. Won't shift until it seems too late (compared to TH350/TH400s) from first to second and it is sloppy. He hates it and is hoping to get a different tranny in the car some day. Your experience may be different but I have heard other people share similar experiences. Hoping your experience is better.
Again, I can't wait to see it in person!

BTW, I can't say anything intelligent about the gasoline, too many opinions out there

[Oldsfan]

With the trans, you're just going to have to sort of get used to it. They kinda hunt around for gears in stop and go traffic. They don't shift like a 350. My 1-2 shift sort of goes in two stages and sometimes really bogs the motor down. It'll stall it if it's cold. And 2-3 slides into gear. I'll tell you one thing - downshifting from 2 to 1 won't happen until you are almost at a complete stop - like 7 miles per hour. Not handy for stop and go traffic. Hard to pull all that weight away from almost a dead stop in 2nd.

I've learned that keeping your foot in it makes the 1-2 firmer. Letting off the throttle makes 2-3 firmer. You'll have to play with it as you drive it and see what works for you.

Linkage adjustment and fluid level with these are very important.

Slim Jims don't have a torque converter - they have a fluid coupling that fills and drains, with a variable vane torque multiplier. And the fluid coupling is BEHIND the front pump. The fluid coupling is empty in high (I think) - direct drive - which leads to engine surges being able to get through to the trans - no fluid coupling to absorb them.

These transmissions were constantly being updated when new. '64s are better than '61s. A generally poor design.

Paul

[Moofinator]

Originally Posted by Oldsfan

These transmissions were constantly being updated when new. '64s are better than '61s. A generally poor design.

Paul

That's not good to hear, as I had planned on pulling a small vintage trailer with it (approx. 2000 lbs.). Would this work if I add a trans cooler?

Chris

[mrwilde]

How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

[mitsudave]

That's a beautiful old Oldsmobile...congratulations on your new car! <drool>

[Moofinator]

Originally Posted by mrwilde

How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

You can see the auction on ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...5384%26fvi%3D1

I payed a little less than the buy it now due to some friendship between me and the seller...turns out I knew him via my "Vintage Trailer" circles.

I think I got a good deal on it. NADA would put this at around $10K considering the condition and mileage. Look up the values on NADA under classic cars/passenger cars...

The car was on eBay first part of December too, see this auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...4088%26fvi%3D1 in which it sold for less, but the current owner has done a few more things to help it along. I considered both descriptions and other things in my decision to buy it. A lot of consideration went into originality, low mileage, new/rebuilt parts... and man, you gotta love that color!!! How many like it are still around?!?

It'll look really great pulling our vintage 63 Shasta trailer!

Chris

[Oldsfan]

Originally Posted by Moofinator

That's not good to hear, as I had planned on pulling a small vintage trailer with it (approx. 2000 lbs.). Would this work if I add a trans cooler?

Chris

Well, I guess people pulled trailers with 'em when they were new...

You'll have to try it and see how it goes.

I often think I'd like to tow a circa '62 Chris Craft behind my Starfire.

Paul

[Oldsguy]

That is one very nice looking car!

An update. Chris spoke to me on the phone last night, he is flying out today to pick up the car and drive it back this weekend. Let's pray for good weather on his trip back and that the ice melts here by then.

[Moofinator]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

That is one very nice looking car!

An update. Chris spoke to me on the phone last night, he is flying out today to pick up the car and drive it back this weekend. Let's pray for good weather on his trip back and that the ice melts here by then.

Thanks for the encouragement, it worked! We made it back late last night. Missed all the snow and rain along the way too.

Had lots of "Thumbs up" and people coming up and talking to me about it. Even had one person want to buy it in Arkansas...

No major problems on the way back, just had to put in about 2 qts of oil every 300 miles or so. Not because of burning, seems to be leaking from the rear main seal. Averaged about 13-14 mpg, about what I expected.

Was a little concerned about the tranny though... seemed to have some type of torque converter stutter after driving it all day. The fluid level seemed to be too high, so I'll have that taken care of real soon.

Other than that, the car was just a dream to drive!!! It just floats down the road at 70 miles per hour like no problem at all. All the lights worked well, it acts and drives like a 5 yr old vehicle. Bias ply reproduction tires take a little getting used to, but they sure look cool and gave me no problems whatsoever.

All in all, what a wonderful car and I'm extremely happy to add it to the family! You'll be seeing this car a lot of shows/cruises in the Kansas City area, so keep an eye out for it, it's very hard to miss. I'd be happy to show it off and talk about cars of all types, but especially Oldsmobiles.

Chris

[Kennybill]

Hello, I am glad your trip went well. Driving an "older" car is the best part of the trip. When I go anywhere in one of my Olds I am never in a hurry like I am in my "modern" car. I like the 1961's looks. The bad part is that if you get a certain year Olds then you find yourself buying a same year parts or two. I got my 67 Olds 98 4-door LS wrecked drivers' side & rear quarter, started fixing it (money-pit) half-way done I found the grey one. The plan was it was to be a parts car but it was too good so it got saved too. Ya, I found another for a real parts car. Where does it end? Ya, I have parts cars for all my driven cars. Good Luck, Ken

[Oldsguy]

YAY! Glad you mad it with no problems. I have heard about the rear main seal leaking in those engines, I think they are a rope seal but there is a chevy seal that can be used. I can check with my son about it if you wish.

[Moofinator]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

YAY! Glad you mad it with no problems. I have heard about the rear main seal leaking in those engines, I think they are a rope seal but there is a chevy seal that can be used. I can check with my son about it if you wish.

That would be great! Please let me in on any info you find out about it. Thanks!

If it is a rope seal, it could probably be replaced without taking the engine apart. I had that done with the old 69 Ford F250 I had for awhile. The place I took it to had a tool that they called a "Sneaky Pete". Ever hear of it? Either way, I've got to get it done. What should it cost? Any ideas?

Dan, I'll have the car out Friday if you want to see it. Call me.

Chris

[Oldsguy]

Looking forward to seeing it Chris, I lost your number though. Call me 816-524-5651.

I did some research and found these guys that can set you up with the neoprene seal. Never did business with them but they are members in good standing over a OCA national and Tom is a past officer involved in old car rebuilding.

joysebrosrest@wi.rr.com

Sorry, couldn't find a website. Hope they reply to you and you can get it.

[Oldsguy]

Ok Olds fans! I jut rode in it! Chris was down in my neck of the woods for dinner and took the 98 for a cruise. What a sweet ride, it is everything he described it as, and more. A very clean car and worth every penny he spent. I told him I wanted to go home right away and brag on it. The stainless and chrome is excellent, interior is that beautiful three-tone they did so well in the sixties. Looks to be original paint too on the outside. One nice car!

[Oldsfan]

I bought one of those neoprene seals from a vendor on eBay. I can dig around for the information if you want it.

Paul

[alrandmae]

Hi Chris,

As the previous owner of your car, I can vouch for the condition. If Eric didn't re-adjust any of the tune up, this car runs perfect on 92 Octane unleaded. I am a mechanical engineer, I do my own engine work, and am an Olds expert, and I had your car since 2000, so I know every inch of it. You are good to go...dont worry about anything. That car will drive cross country without any problems - i've been over everything including the engine, driveshaft, trans, and differential. The trans was blown when I got the car and it was rebuilt to perfection. As long as you dont abuse the car, you will be fine, even for towing. The key is not to shock the unit too bad since it is made from cast aluminum parts inside and out that can break under extreme load. So no neutral drops - and watch when slowing down almost to a stop and reaccellerating...there is sometime a lag (on all slim-jim cars) before first gear 'catches' again. So just go easy and you'll be fine. You can go full throttle and the car will scream and push you back in the seat...just dont jerk the throttle around or slam it suddenly - you get the picture.

All best
Alan

[Moofinator]

Thanks for the info, Alan.

I sure don't plan on doing any "nuetral drops" with this classy lady! It does surprise people sometimes as it keeps up in traffic very well...most other drivers see an old car as an obsticle on the road (I had the same situation in my Conversion van) kinda like a dinosaur, ya know. But when the gas pedal goes down just a little, the torque kicks in and it justs make them wonder...

It's nice to have you onboard the forum where you can lend your expertise on Oldsmobiles. Oldsmobile experts are getting pretty hard to find these days. Expecially ones who know about the classics.

Thanks again for getting my "new" car in such great shape for me! My brother is also looking for a classic 98, do you have any others for sale? He is looking for one that is ready to go without much restoring. He is still kicking himself for the Tropic Mist one in Tonawanda, New York that got away recently.

There is a really great looking one on ebay right now if any others are interested...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fully...ayphotohosting

Chris

[alrandmae]

Hi Chris, great am glad the car is in good hands. I can vouch for the condition of the Fawn 98 coupe that's shown in the link you sent. That car used to belong to my friend Mel; in fact I drove the car at that time (in the scorching summer heat with the factory AC working!). It's a solid car that's worth buying. Had some weak points such as the die cast chrome which was kinda pitted up, and the interior side panels were not so great. The paint is good, but it's a base clear job that doesn't look too authentic. So I would consider it a nice driver that could be show worthy with some tweaking.

Regarding a car for your brother, I do have another 61 98 that I would consider selling. I've only had this one for a little over a year, so I have not gone over it completely yet, but it's a really nice car to start with. Is a 98 Holiday Sedan (six window 4dr hardtop) with 31,500 original miles. I drove it from NY to Ft Lauderdale in November and it did great - it sits down there in a clean cool garage for the winter. It's a very rare color combo that is factory special order (is on the vin tag but according to the original documentation had to be special ordered) of white with twilight mist roof and stripe, and white trim on the deluxe hubcaps. Twilight Mist is a metallic silver/blue/purple color which is really cool.

Let me know if he has interest and I'll email you with more details and photos.

All best,
Alan

[Oldsfan]

Twilight Mist...

I used to have a Twilight Mist '61 98 Holiday Sedan. I bought this car for $500 back in February of 1988. It still had the original seat covers on it, with heavy quilts over top of them. I bought this one because my grandparents had a '61 Super 88 Celebrity sedan, and this was as close as I could get at the time. I traded it even-up for a '52 98 sedan. Last I heard this car was on it's way to New England to become a parts car for a Starfire restoration.

Paul

[muttmeg]

That is very sharp! I bought a 62 last fall and I love it. It is not running right now, the battery crapped out and because it had 15 year old gasoline, it either is clogged in the gas line or I am told it needs a new fuel vacuum, the rubber on it is cracked. I am a wanna be motorhead, so I have so much to learn. That is if I can keep my two sons from talking me out of the car!

[88 coupe]

Originally Posted by Moofinator