57 88 4 dr htp for parts ?

auto doug · August 31st, 2009, 08:28 PM

Hey guys I just came home with this 57 4 dr htp from a auction, I haven't decided what to do with it yet ? might cut off the rear clip to make couch and then part the rest of it out, to bad it is rough shape the floors are completely rusted away, all engine parts are there minus water pump. If I get some time I might mount the body up in my new rotisserie the Roller Hoop just to get some pictures and video of how well it works with big car bodies that need rust repairs.

Dan Wirth · September 1st, 2009, 12:13 AM

Wow...man, it makes my heart sad to see this once beauty that way...this old girl has certainly had her day in the sun, quite literally. I went to a salvage yard a few weeks back and saw a few 57 Olds and was depressed for the rest of the day. Yours reminds me of that experience...but at least you have a some plan for it, instead of letting it sit and rust further away.

I think of the 57 Olds as a genuine piece of auto art, as well as history. It was one heck of a year for Olds. Their 60th anniversary year, What you have is a Golden Rocket 88. Too bad it is not deemed worthy of a restoral.

Good luck with it.
Dan

auto doug · September 1st, 2009, 07:45 AM

Dan your right I'm still having a hard time after seeing about 40 old cars and trucks get crushed and a few were Oldsmobiles, I don't know anything about this 57 I have, what is a Golden Rocket ? rare? desirable? maybe it should be saved! here are a few more pictures from the sale I bought the 51 Chevy tin woody and the trailer load of frt clips, the other cars were not so lucky they got the crush!

Dan Wirth · September 1st, 2009, 08:58 AM

I wouldn't call the car "rare" as it was a high production year for the car and there are still several in working condition. But I would refer to it as a true classic (even though there may be an argument from the Classic Car Club Of America in using this term). The word "Golden" Rocket 88 is used to celebrate Oldsmobile's 60th anniversary; no other year was given that term (please see my profile album for a 57 Olds restored. Also there are others in the master Album Directory of this forum).

Look at the engine and see if there are three 2-barl carbs or if there is one 4-barl. If it has three 2-barl carbs, you have the J2 induction option/version of the engine. This is sought after by most collectors and enthusiasts. The engine size for all options is 371 CID. With the J2 the HP is 300 (312 HP with racing option- very rare), from the standard 277 HP with the 4-barl carb.

I like that you have rescued this old beauty. It sure nice to see one out of the salvage yard and into someone's yard!

I've provided some reference history below that may also be of interest:

1957 Oldsmobile Super 88

Additional Specs
ENGINE: Rocket 88, 371.1 cu. in.
Tri-power (J2 Option)
300 Horse Power
In 1957 Olds offered the J-2 option, three 2 barrel carburetors and a low restriction air cleaner, for just $83 (in 1957). This boosted the hp from 277 to 300.
Zero to sixty miles per hour in under eight seconds!!!!
America's first Muscle Car.
Weight: 4,283 lbs
Original Sticker Price: $3,447 + $83 (J-2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 57 Olds Super 88 J2, has 3 two barrel carbs and intake manifold #571175.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
371

371s were produced from 1957 through 1963. Bore was now 4.0 in (101.6 mm) and stroke was increased to 3.6875 in (93.7 mm) for 371 cubic inches (6.1 L). 1959 and 1960 371s used green painted valve covers. 4-barrel models used 9.25:1 compression in 1957 and 10:1 in 1958 for 277 hp (206 kW) and 400 lb·ft (542 N·m) and 305 hp (227 kW) and 410 lb·ft (555 N·m) respectively. A 1958 2-barrel version was still impressive at 265 hp (197 kW) and 390 lb·ft (528 N·m), but had problems with early camshaft failures due to the high preload valve spring forces. Then, power nosed downward for the 1959 and 1960 88 model: 270 hp (201 kW) and 390 lb·ft (528 N·m) for 1959 and 240 hp (178 kW) and 375 lb·ft (508 N·m) for 1960.
The 371 was also used in GMC trucks.
Applications:

1957-1960 Oldsmobile 88
1957-1958 Oldsmobile Super 88
1957-1958 Oldsmobile 98

J-2 Golden Rocket

The 1957 and 1958 J-2 Golden Rocket had three two-barrel carburetors with a vacuum-operated progressive linkage. Only the center carburetor was mechanically connected to the throttle pedal, and it was the only one equipped with a choke. When the center carburetor was opened to 60° or more engine vacuum drawn from the windshield wiper pump would simultaneously open the front and rear carburetors. These carburetors did not open progressively; they were either open or closed. The J-2 engine also had a slightly thinner head gasket, raising compression to 10.0:1. It was advertised with gross power and torque ratings of 312 hp (232 kW) @ 4600 rpm and 415 lb·ft (562 N·m) @ 2800 rpm. Oldsmobile charged $83 for the J-2 option.
In practice, owners who did not regularly drive hard enough to engage the front and rear carburetors experienced problems with the linkage and carburetor throats becoming clogged, and some J-2-equipped cars had the front and rear carburetors removed and blocked off. The package was expensive to produce, and Oldsmobile discontinued it after 1958.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oldsmobiles were given a new body for 1957 that further displayed the rocket theme with rockets above the headlights and jet engine taillights. Under the hood, the hot J-2 engine option offered plenty of 'rocket' power. This 312 horsepower V8 was immediately successful in the stock cars of Lee and Richard Petty. The engine was soon banned from NASCAR causing Oldsmobile to end its stock car racing[IMG]file:///C:/Users/DANIEL%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/IMG] team.
Oldsmobile celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1957. To mark the occasion, the base series was re-named the 'Golden Rocket 88' and the engine color on all models was changed to gold.

The 1957 Oldsmobile was an all-new car from chassis to roof. Super 88 was the performance series, marrying the lightweight 88 body with uplevel appointments rivaling the top-of-the-line Ninety-Eight.

The J-2 included triple two-barrel carburetors, which bumped horsepower of the 377 cubic-inch Olds V8 from 277 to an even 300. Of the approximately 385,000 Oldsmobiles built for 1957, just 7,128 were Super 88 Convertibles.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Oldsmobiles weren't raced much by 1957 and didn't need to be, having become consistently good-selling medium-priced cars known for innovation, as with the 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88. Even so, one Lee Petty and his son Richard drove Olds convertibles on the sands of Daytona and hardtops at other stock-car venues. And if a little heavy in street form, a '57 Olds could still be quite rapid with a new performance option called J-2.

auto doug · September 2nd, 2009, 07:49 AM

Dan
Thanks for the overload of info. WOW ! you are the man ! my car just has a single 4 bbl but it still looks to be in good condition
Thanks agian for your help and info. if you ever need a rotisseie for your next project, check out my new rotisseries at www.rollerhoop.com I'm more of a sheetmetal repair kinda guy.
Auto Doug

Dan Wirth · September 2nd, 2009, 08:38 AM

Your rotisserie is the perfect frame-off restore tool. Great for body shops and folks that do them. (I wish I had the space to do that). Looks like your 57 Olds might be a good candidate!

Dan

auto doug · September 2nd, 2009, 08:34 PM

Dan your right !
After spending thirty some plus years doing restoration work on classic cars body this is the only way I'll do them any more, here is a picture of a 63 Galaxie simaler in size.
Hopefully I can get caught up this winter and tear the 57 Olds down and mount the body up in the Roller Hoop. I'll post it here first. theres a picture of my 48 Olds 98 fastback kinda rare I guess ?

Dan Wirth · September 3rd, 2009, 12:01 AM

I don't think you'll be disapointed restoring your Olds, it's unique in every way. And I used to like the 57 Chev best...not anymore!

By the way, can you expand the loops on the rotisserie to accommodate larger cars or do you simple use larger loops?

Dan

auto doug · September 3rd, 2009, 08:02 PM

Dan the standard Hoops will acomedate most body shells, but an custom 7' 9" Hoop should handel the largest of body shells. here are some pictures of a 69 Super Bee in the standard Hoops (7' 3" ) penty of room to operate and to work

Dan Wirth · September 3rd, 2009, 10:48 PM

Thanks for sharing this info. I think you have a fine operation there.

Dan

Dan Wirth · September 4th, 2009, 12:19 AM

autodoug - there is one item in the reference material I sent you above that needs some clarification and that is about the J2 Option for the 57 Olds. There were two J2 Options. One for racing, which was rare, and one that was common to the marketplace. Please see a forum response below (not neccesarily from this forum):

The J2 Option: 300 HP Vs. 312HP

What is the difference (if any) between the 300hp and 312hp versions of the 371 with J-2 option? How can I tell by looking at the engine? Thanks!

Re: J-2 Option
The 312 hp version has/had a solid lifter cam with adjustable rockers. the rocker covers are dimpled to allow for the extra height needed for those rocker arms. Outside of that I'm not sure of any other difference. you will have a very difficult time seeing one as few were produced and were used in racing, nascar I'm told. Folks that have been around longer than I have said they've seen none or maybe one. I've heard of 2. Authentic?? The Feb 57 Hot rod has one on the front cover in color. 300 hp is what you see in cars for sale, intakes-carbs on ebay. I have a 300hp/smooth rocker covers J2 in a 57 2dr 88 coupe. Have 2-3 extra intakes I've accumulated.

September 1st, 2009, 12:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dan Wirth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Southwest Posts: 378	Wow...man, it makes my heart sad to see this once beauty that way...this old girl has certainly had her day in the sun, quite literally. I went to a salvage yard a few weeks back and saw a few 57 Olds and was depressed for the rest of the day. Yours reminds me of that experience...but at least you have a some plan for it, instead of letting it sit and rust further away. I think of the 57 Olds as a genuine piece of auto art, as well as history. It was one heck of a year for Olds. Their 60th anniversary year, What you have is a Golden Rocket 88. Too bad it is not deemed worthy of a restoral. Good luck with it. Dan Last edited by Dan Wirth; September 5th, 2009 at 05:33 PM.. Reason: revised anniversary year: from 50th to 60th

September 1st, 2009, 08:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
Dan Wirth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Southwest Posts: 378	I wouldn't call the car "rare" as it was a high production year for the car and there are still several in working condition. But I would refer to it as a true classic (even though there may be an argument from the Classic Car Club Of America in using this term). The word "Golden" Rocket 88 is used to celebrate Oldsmobile's 60th anniversary; no other year was given that term (please see my profile album for a 57 Olds restored. Also there are others in the master Album Directory of this forum). Look at the engine and see if there are three 2-barl carbs or if there is one 4-barl. If it has three 2-barl carbs, you have the J2 induction option/version of the engine. This is sought after by most collectors and enthusiasts. The engine size for all options is 371 CID. With the J2 the HP is 300 (312 HP with racing option- very rare), from the standard 277 HP with the 4-barl carb. I like that you have rescued this old beauty. It sure nice to see one out of the salvage yard and into someone's yard! I've provided some reference history below that may also be of interest: 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Additional Specs ENGINE: Rocket 88, 371.1 cu. in. Tri-power (J2 Option) 300 Horse Power In 1957 Olds offered the J-2 option, three 2 barrel carburetors and a low restriction air cleaner, for just $83 (in 1957). This boosted the hp from 277 to 300. Zero to sixty miles per hour in under eight seconds!!!! America's first Muscle Car. Weight: 4,283 lbs Original Sticker Price: $3,447 + $83 (J-2) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 57 Olds Super 88 J2, has 3 two barrel carbs and intake manifold #571175. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 371 371s were produced from 1957 through 1963. Bore was now 4.0 in (101.6 mm) and stroke was increased to 3.6875 in (93.7 mm) for 371 cubic inches (6.1 L). 1959 and 1960 371s used green painted valve covers. 4-barrel models used 9.25:1 compression in 1957 and 10:1 in 1958 for 277 hp (206 kW) and 400 lb·ft (542 N·m) and 305 hp (227 kW) and 410 lb·ft (555 N·m) respectively. A 1958 2-barrel version was still impressive at 265 hp (197 kW) and 390 lb·ft (528 N·m), but had problems with early camshaft failures due to the high preload valve spring forces. Then, power nosed downward for the 1959 and 1960 88 model: 270 hp (201 kW) and 390 lb·ft (528 N·m) for 1959 and 240 hp (178 kW) and 375 lb·ft (508 N·m) for 1960. The 371 was also used in GMC trucks. Applications: 1957-1960 Oldsmobile 88 1957-1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 1957-1958 Oldsmobile 98 J-2 Golden Rocket The 1957 and 1958 J-2 Golden Rocket had three two-barrel carburetors with a vacuum-operated progressive linkage. Only the center carburetor was mechanically connected to the throttle pedal, and it was the only one equipped with a choke. When the center carburetor was opened to 60° or more engine vacuum drawn from the windshield wiper pump would simultaneously open the front and rear carburetors. These carburetors did not open progressively; they were either open or closed. The J-2 engine also had a slightly thinner head gasket, raising compression to 10.0:1. It was advertised with gross power and torque ratings of 312 hp (232 kW) @ 4600 rpm and 415 lb·ft (562 N·m) @ 2800 rpm. Oldsmobile charged $83 for the J-2 option. In practice, owners who did not regularly drive hard enough to engage the front and rear carburetors experienced problems with the linkage and carburetor throats becoming clogged, and some J-2-equipped cars had the front and rear carburetors removed and blocked off. The package was expensive to produce, and Oldsmobile discontinued it after 1958. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oldsmobiles were given a new body for 1957 that further displayed the rocket theme with rockets above the headlights and jet engine taillights. Under the hood, the hot J-2 engine option offered plenty of 'rocket' power. This 312 horsepower V8 was immediately successful in the stock cars of Lee and Richard Petty. The engine was soon banned from NASCAR causing Oldsmobile to end its stock car racing[IMG]file:///C:/Users/DANIEL%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/IMG] team. Oldsmobile celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1957. To mark the occasion, the base series was re-named the 'Golden Rocket 88' and the engine color on all models was changed to gold. The 1957 Oldsmobile was an all-new car from chassis to roof. Super 88 was the performance series, marrying the lightweight 88 body with uplevel appointments rivaling the top-of-the-line Ninety-Eight. The J-2 included triple two-barrel carburetors, which bumped horsepower of the 377 cubic-inch Olds V8 from 277 to an even 300. Of the approximately 385,000 Oldsmobiles built for 1957, just 7,128 were Super 88 Convertibles. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Oldsmobiles weren't raced much by 1957 and didn't need to be, having become consistently good-selling medium-priced cars known for innovation, as with the 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88. Even so, one Lee Petty and his son Richard drove Olds convertibles on the sands of Daytona and hardtops at other stock-car venues. And if a little heavy in street form, a '57 Olds could still be quite rapid with a new performance option called J-2. Last edited by Dan Wirth; October 12th, 2009 at 08:58 PM.. Reason: to provide additional info/correction 50 year anniversary to 60.

September 2nd, 2009, 07:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
auto doug Doug - Roller Hoop dude Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 11	Dan Thanks for the overload of info. WOW ! you are the man ! my car just has a single 4 bbl but it still looks to be in good condition Thanks agian for your help and info. if you ever need a rotisseie for your next project, check out my new rotisseries at www.rollerhoop.com I'm more of a sheetmetal repair kinda guy. Auto Doug __________________ auto doug

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September 2nd, 2009, 08:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
Dan Wirth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Southwest Posts: 378	Your rotisserie is the perfect frame-off restore tool. Great for body shops and folks that do them. (I wish I had the space to do that). Looks like your 57 Olds might be a good candidate! Dan

September 3rd, 2009, 12:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
Dan Wirth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Southwest Posts: 378	I don't think you'll be disapointed restoring your Olds, it's unique in every way. And I used to like the 57 Chev best...not anymore! By the way, can you expand the loops on the rotisserie to accommodate larger cars or do you simple use larger loops? Dan

September 3rd, 2009, 10:48 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dan Wirth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Southwest Posts: 378	Thanks for sharing this info. I think you have a fine operation there. Dan

September 4th, 2009, 12:19 AM	#11 (permalink)
Dan Wirth Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Southwest Posts: 378	autodoug - there is one item in the reference material I sent you above that needs some clarification and that is about the J2 Option for the 57 Olds. There were two J2 Options. One for racing, which was rare, and one that was common to the marketplace. Please see a forum response below (not neccesarily from this forum): The J2 Option: 300 HP Vs. 312HP What is the difference (if any) between the 300hp and 312hp versions of the 371 with J-2 option? How can I tell by looking at the engine? Thanks! Re: J-2 Option The 312 hp version has/had a solid lifter cam with adjustable rockers. the rocker covers are dimpled to allow for the extra height needed for those rocker arms. Outside of that I'm not sure of any other difference. you will have a very difficult time seeing one as few were produced and were used in racing, nascar I'm told. Folks that have been around longer than I have said they've seen none or maybe one. I've heard of 2. Authentic?? The Feb 57 Hot rod has one on the front cover in color. 300 hp is what you see in cars for sale, intakes-carbs on ebay. I have a 300hp/smooth rocker covers J2 in a 57 2dr 88 coupe. Have 2-3 extra intakes I've accumulated.