Hello to all on here, I just wanted to post up some pics of my newly acquired '68 Delmont 88 Convertible. This was an Arizona car originally, so the rust is at a good minimum on it. The car has a 455 2bbl, TH400, a/c, ps, pwr brakes, pwr top, pwr windows, pwr antenna, pwr bench seat, rear seat speaker grille, and the interior courtesy lamp package. It was originally a gold/green color with gold interior, and it has 116k on it. Now, here's my project.
Ever since the early 80's, my brother and I have been into the 68 Olds B-bodies, and we both had them in high school. We always wanted to build a car that Oldsmobile never made that year, a Delta Custom convertible. I recently acquired his old 2-door Delta Custom for a parts car, so I have the trim and other parts for the changeover. Basically at this point, the door and rear panels are gonna be the hard part to obtain. This car, if I do it like planned, will be a black on black, strato-bucket(correct B-body) equipped 1968 Delta Custom convertible, a one off so to speak. Now, here's my delimma.
I know this car restored back to an original Delmont is not worth a mint, but would converting it to a Delta Custom kill it's value? I plan on doing it as a keeper, so I guess that really doesn't matter either way. But, would the Olds community in general scoff at a project like this? I realize that it's you're car, do what you want with it, but people's opinions do matter to a certain degree when you embark on a build. Help me out and tell me what you think! Thanks, Philip

 

It is your car

Every one has is one thought about this.

My opinion is, If i can put it back to original point of state i'm happy.
Did it with my 88 the same.

 

D Appeldorn, I agree with you.The only problem I would have is that I am going to have to drill holes for the trim, thus making it non reversable unless I welded the holes back up. It is almost the equivalent of a base Cutlass to a 442 clone, you just don't return it back for obvious reasons. I will just have to make my descision and live with it if I do it. If I could notch the rear bumper and put trumpets on the exhaust I would love to also. Hmmmmmm, the list of stuff to do may be getting longer! lol

 

Philip, I think that is a *great* idea! A "one of none" that the "factory should have" makes for an interesting car and a great conversation piece. Its not a clone and could never be used in a fraudulent manner.
Value hurt? I don't thing in this case. Not at all. Ma be worth bit more, because it is an upgrade.

 

Thanks for the input, wmachine! I am really convinced the trim upgrade will really change the personality of the car for the good. A dark color, such as black or dark blue, would really make the chrome stand out. This is gonna be a fun car for sure!

 

That is what i ment with change it posibly back.
welding etc is for most of us not a problem.

But there are some, like seen on tv that flexing whole parts out bondoing and widening the body etc.
I think this is a pitty to a car to do.

But if it needs a minor welding or so, it is restoreble.

And further i agree with Wmachine.

 

Ok, here's the car I am using for a parts car. The old pic of it was back in 1981-82, when it was a super clean driver, my brother David's car. Three owners later, it came back to the family in a wasted state of disrepair. It is sad, but it is going to live on partly with the convertible. You can tell in the pics how much different the trim levels are, and I just love the Delta Custom trim.

 

Should look good.. Keep us posted.. and most important.. PICTURES of the process.

 

*wipes the drool from his chin*

All of those body panels and those bumpers in such beautiful condition.

*drools some more*

That body on that Delmont is just...

...wow.

Nice score there Philip, best of luck to you.

 

Thanks guys, I am really excited to have an Olds again and be part of an Olds community! It is a lot more fun when you can come to a site like this and chew the fat with everyone. Bluehaze43, looks like a sweet car you've got there as well! If you need any kind of parts let me know, if I have it I will be happy to help out!

 

man u people get me mad j/k but ive got a clean 67 delta holiday coupe that gota sell do to rent owed but would love to finish im a olds lover also.....

 

Sounds like a cool project. Good luck to ya.

 

Thanks FATRATTMATT, my car is actually a convertible version of you're car as far as the color. When it was painted years ago they just taped over the trim, the factory paint is like new underneath! You're car is a sweet ride, hopefully mine will be that clean eventually.

 

Did a few things to the car last weekend. First, 3 of the power windows didn't work, so I removed the regulators and motors. Upon opening up the first motor I was shocked, it was corroded and water logged on the inside. A trip out to my parts car yielded 3 very nice window motors, which I cleaned up and installed. The windows work like a champ now! I also began the fitting and installation of the Delta Custom Trim. You can see in the pics where I took the Delmont trim off, there are holes I will have to weld up. The factory also did not finish the quarter panel install at the rocker! I will post up more pics as I progress.

 

A few more pics with the trim going on. Does anyone have any idea what these numbers are for? I think my car did a tour of duty near or in Mexico, maybe they are govt fleet numbers?

 

If you're not keeping the Delmont trim pieces I'd be interested in buying them.
Looks great, btw.

 

I had a '68 88 Custom 4 Door daily driver years ago.

Bought it with low mileage, dealer maintained, and always garaged from a 95 year old guy.

I loved that that fantastic Custom trim, but EVERY piece was completely destroyed by the way he "kissed" the edges of the garage doors every time he went in or out - the sides looked like melted butter.

- Eric

 

hey my name is dave...I think what your your doing is just what Id do come on the best chrome olds ever put on a side of a car...two big tumbs up!!! somebody broke into mine,trying to steal the console and shifter.. smashing the console to pieces then they moved on to the glove box...cant begin to tell you how I feel about that! you wouldnt be parting anything like that? would you consider selling that back bumper on the delta? mines rusting though...console...my god I really dont think that I will ever find one! but please any parts or pieces you would like to sell (like that back bumper) and any help finding these very hard to find pieces...I would be so thankfull...thanks for your time sincerly dave.

 

copper128, I'd love to sell you the Delmont pieces, unfortunately most of them have damage of some sort.
banger dave, both bumpers on the Custom parts car are wasted, they can be punched through with a screwdriver in a lot of places. I am going to have to redo the side trim once I start redoing the car, some pits are on most of the pieces. The parts car is a prime example of how you absolutely, do not, let a vehicle sit out in the weather for years. It was super solid when we sold it in '86. The console you need is the same one in the Cutlasses, if I'm wrong someone please chime in!

 

Well, my trim installation has been put on hold. The car jumped timing while it was running in the driveway. Down 100psi on all cylinders, so I'll be working on getting it repaired the next few weeks. I'll add pics of this as I do the timing chain/oil pan removal.

 

Better than the time my high-compression '70 Cutlass 350 did that and bent numerous valves in a parking lot in college. Didn't have the tools, facilities, or money to fix it.

 

Since you want to do a black on black strato-bucket seat in the Custom, do you have any plans for the med gold power bench seat in the Delmont? That could be a cool upgrade for my Delmont. I took under dash courtesy lights out of a 98 and they hooked (power supply already in place) right up. I'd be willing to bet there's a power lead under my carpet for the bench. That would be another nice option.

From the looks of the kick panels in the Delmont they're a yellow gold color just like mine. I wondered why they wasn't the same as the door panels (med gold). My only guess was to better match the carpet.

My cigarette lighter quit working, (not the push in piece) do you have a working extra from one car or the other that you may want to get rid of? Or maybe an ignition switch cover?

 

dang! your delmont 88 has more options then my delta custom, im jealous.

 

FATRATTMATT, I am going to check on the parts for you. I know the ignition switch bezel was missing in the parts car. I am actually torn between the power bench seat and the buckets, the bench works well but needs recovering. If I decide to get rid of it I will definitely let you know.

young olds, I need a set of black door panels like in you're car in a bad way! You're car is coming around nicely from what I see. Did you see my parts car pics? Still makes me want to cry, we used to cruise that car everywhere in the early '80's. Seeing you're car is a nice reminder of that car, and you saved it in time!

 

Here are a few shots of the timing chain r&r. The harmonic balancer actually still had the factory cover on it, something you rarely see anymore. The paint was like new behind it. Wish the whole motor looked like that! lol Give me some time, it will! The timing chain is the original, the nylon coating came off of it and the slack is unreal! The timing marks are just slightly off!

 

does your parts car have dual exhaust? are you gonna use the trim from the parts car?

 

Me Too! My '67 Delta 88 Custom Holiday Coupe only came with power steering. That's it!

I added tinted glass, duel exhaust and I'm in the process of adding power to my drum brakes!

Good luck with your '68 Delta 88/Delmont 88 Custom Holiday Convertible project!
Also, I have a '67 Delta 88 Convertible parts car. Let me know if you need any parts. There are not many left on it.

Jaybird

 

young olds, the parts car has duals, I bought it as a roller with no motor/trans. Gonna use the exhaust hardware for mine, piping's not too bad either. You can get the driver's side dual exhaust manifold as a reproduction, I forgot who made it but look on this site and you'll find it.

Jaybird, I really like you're car! That is crazy to see a Custom with such few options. I think the 2 door hardtops have the best body lines of all, if I hadn't bought my car I would have one!

 

I agree. I love the line the rear window makes when down!

 

Man,your car looks sweet! Why would anyone want to put the original trim back on!? Years ago I had a Delta 88 Custom,the fastback like in the old picture.That car ran great,the faster you went,it seemed the car got lower! I had duals on it,and a Holley dualfeed.I was in a rush and didn't put on the tailpipes,just back to the mufflers.One day I was doing a real long burnout at a friends house,when I stopped and got out,the car was on fire under the rear.I was parked next to an aboveground gas tank and pump,I got back in and fired it up to move it quick.I got about 50 feet and it blew up! I rolled out and it kept going in drive across a hay field! What an end! I had all the hair that wasn't under my hat burned off,and some minor other burns.There is about 5 pounds of lead in the B pillars where the roof attaches,and it all melted down.The 455 went into 3 other cars,and is still going! All I have left is the 88 emblem,all blistered.Sorry for the long story,that car just got me going... ---bil

 

Now we are talkin! New timing chain installed, took off the oil pan to clean out good. I went ahead and ordered a new oil pump and pickup screen, should be in this week sometime. How do you like the last pic? The Delmont taillights and Olds script will be going bye bye soon. I am going to install the Oldsmobile bumper name bar and Delta Custom rear trim when I can locate some good ones. Anyone know of a 4-door Delta Custom parts car anywhere?

 

New gear and chain looks sweet. Are the tail light rings for sale? Mine look kinda shabby.

 

Yes sir they are for sale. As soon as I remove them from the car I will let you know, Matt. October is a busy month for me this year, so it will be around November before I tackle that.

 

No rush DeltaStew, just keep me in mind please.

 

Just wanted to show everyone how the car is coming along. The trim is 95% done, and I still have to install the emblems. I put the Delta rear bumper, door panels, and strato buckets on the car. Got some new whitewalls too. It's starting to take shape! Just imagine the car black or dark blue!

 

Looking good Delta Stew!!! Your hard work is paying off big time. That will be one fine *** ride when you get it completed.

 

Thanks FATRATMATT! It is a labor of love! lol If I could find a console shift and correct steering column I would be in complete heaven! I haven't forgot about the taillight buckets/bezels that you wanted. If I don't get to them next week it will be in early January for sure. If you need any trim pieces also let me know, I will see if what I have is good.Take care and have a wonderful Christmas/New Year! Philip

 

I agree 100%, a console shift would be the ticket. Thats the set up I've wanted for my Delmont from the start. The seats are hard to find so I bet the console and shifter would be even harder. I could make my own console out of wood and be happy with that. But that will have to wait.

Christmas wish list....working cigar lighter, rear veiw mirror (mine is ok but is showing it's age) working front and rear speaker, chrome tail light bezels (one good one would work) Mirror for the passenger visor. LOL!!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!

Keep up the good work! can't wait until it has new paint, It will be killer.

 

Ragtop Delmont is looking for a rear bumper for a 68.

 

Several years ago I dismantled a rusty 1968 Delta Custom. I believe the bucket seats were the same as used in the A-body with different adjusting rails. I believe the console and shifter are also the same but don't know if the shifter cable is the same length or not. I sold the adjusting rails and floorboard portions with the mounts, but I still have the seats, console and shifter. I plan to use them in a 1968 442 project car. I can check to see if my assumptions are correct, and if they are the same or not. John