My project is a '62 Super 88 Holiday Coupe I inherited from my father in-law. The engine is in decent shape (could use some sandblasting and painting). It was rebuilt around 8k miles ago, and I've since rebuilt the carb. The interior is in great shape.

Canadian winters have not been kind to her. The frame has seen better days, lots of rust in the usual places, floors are a little 'soft', etc. So, this spring I bought a parts car from the high desert and had it shipped up here ($$$). It's got a few minor rot spots, lots of surface rust, but nothing a patch panel or two can't fix. Problem is, it's the sheet metal shell from a Starfire, minus most of the Starfire trim and the interior is gutted.

Originally, my plan was to 'save' the 88 - weld in new floors, trunk pan, quarters and put it on top of the Starfire's chassis. Now I'm re-thinking this approach since it sounds overly complicated.

Now I think I should just build a Super 88 on the Starfire's shell.

This is my first restoration, and I'm not too concerned about it being 'numbers matching', and I'm not looking at this as an investment, more of a learning experience. However, I do want to keep it as period correct as possible. The one thing that bothers me about doing this is the tail lights being different.

Anyway, just looking for some general advice if anyone has any to share. Photos of both the 88 and Starfire can be found below.

-Justin

http://picasaweb.google.ca/justin.ja...r88AndStarfire

 

It appears you plan to be removing a body from a frame either way correct? So why not go with the best of both? Gearheads78 could help you out, he is not quite done with his 442 and has done all this most recently, he may have some time and effort saving steps and tips for you. Since you aren't worried about numbers matching and you want to preserve a period correct look that is mostly superficial it shouldn't be too hard. What I mean is, body treatment, paint, wheels, etc. and all that can be achieved with whichever body you end up using. Am I making any sense???

 

Originally the plan was to take the floor pans, chassis, fenders etc. and put them on the Canadian Super 88. This would involve a frame off for sure.

Now I'm thinking to use the 'California' Starfire - leave the Starfire on its frame, and then bolt on the interior, engine & tranny, wheels, and other goodies from the Super 88.

So I'd end up with a Starfire frame, chassis, and body, with Super 88 engine, trim and interior. It would have 4 tail lights instead of two, though - which might be strange.

Anyway - I've been thinking about this for quite some time and it's been difficult to come to a decision.

thanks

Justin

 

Sounds like a fun mod. Several people would ask if the taillights are a factory option

 

OH, ok that makes sense then. I should have looked more closely at ALL the pictures in the album. I think that would be a good plan, and like justin said, it would keep people guessing.

 

Sounds like you have a good plan. I hope its on the road next spring.

 

I see nothing wrong with combining the best of the two vehicles. It will be a pretty car , however you wind up building it. The red interior in the 88 looks nice, and I would find a way to keep the four tail lights from the Starfire. Get some Starfire spinner hubcaps too ! They look sharp.

 

Sounds like a great project either way, starfire of course has nicer trim on the sides and if you ever decide to redo the interior that 2 tone leather on the 62 IMHO is one of the nicest olds ever made. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Please take note this posting is over Two years old....

 

gtdrvr has a 62 Starfire. I imagine he searches for threads relating to them and this came up. Besides, bringing it back TTT might get justinj to tell us how things turned out. He used to be on here a lot.

Big deal the extra taillights. Used to see it on big Chevys and Mustangs all the time. IMHO it makes a 1962 tail end look more balanced. I always thought the 1962 single taillights looked kinda cheap.

I'd be more concerned about having to fill all those Starfire trim holes.

 

I dig the dash on the 88. I have always liked the deep steering wheels on the full size older Oldsmobiles.

 

Yeah, I guess I should have posted an update earlier!

Progress has been slow, I've been busy with the usual work stuff and putting in a new kitchen.

In the fall I finally pulled the engine from the 88 and dropped it in the SF. I swear, every single bolt was seized! It took a really long time.

In hindsight, I should have probably bought something a little more complete, and I'd be enjoying it already! Plus I definitely underestimated the amount of space I needed. Going to have to start getting rid of some parts finally, it's really made a mess of my garage.

Yes, those trim holes are going to be really fun! Actually considering using the slightly rusty doors from the 88 to avoid some of that work...

Been spending more time in the garage lately since the weather's getting better, hopefully I'll get this car rolling soon!

See attached a few pics:

- Starfire empty engine bay
- Me finally getting the engine out of the 88
- Starfire w/ engine!

-Justin

 

Still sounds like a nice project Space and time are usually underestimated as I found myself. Keep us posted!

 

Getting new tires installed tomorrow. They're ww radials, too bad Bias Plys are so expensive, I love the look of them.

Maybe if a mod here could move this thread to the Builds & Projects area, I'll keep updating, otherwise I guess I could start a new thread. I feel like lots of things are going to get done on this car this spring!

 

Hi Justinj the tires you are going with, are you staying with the 14 inch or updating to a 15 inch wheel?
I'm thinking of replacing the tires on my convertable.
Thanks Steve

 

I'm sticking with 14" for now. If I move to front discs at some point, I'll upgrade to 15".

 

hows about some pics to show progress, wwradials are the way to go.