From my intro threads: I am based in the UK and recently imported a 1970 Olds Ninety Eight Convertible. Absolutely love the car and its in great condition for the year. Now on UK plates/road legal here and just thinking ahead so......where is the best place(s) in the US to source parts for this motor for shipping to the UK? Already I'm thinking I will need a new spare tire and on the dash a new fuel gauge and clock. I really want to try and keep this motor as original as possible so any help/pointers greatly appreciated! Cheers. Chris

 

455 parts in the US are fairly easy to get. Why do you think you need a new fuel gauge? If it's not working properly, I'd check the electrical connections/grounds and fuel sending unit first.

Dash clocks were notoriously unreliable then so having it run or not is not a big deal. You likely could take it out and clean it yourself. Most likely the clock mechanism is gelled from moving with all the old oil/grease. If not, there are rebuilders in the US for this type of part. One that comes to mind is Bob's speedometer. here's their info

 

I'll add to what Allan said by noting that there are a lot of vendors who replace the unreliable factory clock mechanism with a new quartz unit. That's your best bet.

You won't find any "new" dash parts for this car, only good used (unless you get incredibly lucky and find someone with an N.O.S. part sitting on a shelf).

 

Thanks Guys - I guess what I was really after was (& whatever the part) - who (in the US) would be the best first port of call for good original used parts for a 1970 Olds? Perhaps such a company doesn't exist? I know there is always good old Ebay but......is it really just a question of using more modern replacement parts or more about just getting lucky (Ebay etc) with finding originals?

I'm new to this so just checking out the available options.....I would really like the car to remain as original as possible.

 

Good original used parts? For B Body cars they are relatively not that sought after. But you can try some of the guys here on CO.
Jensenracing77, oldspackrat, 2blu442 pop into mind.

The other source you can always go to is eBay, or doing a web search for the part you're looking for. Be prepared for staggering shipping costs though.

 

Unfortunately, the full size cars aren't that popular and as a result, repro parts are few and far between. About the best source of those will be Fusick, who has a catalog dedicated to the full size Olds cars. Weatherstripping is available from Steele Rubber. Suspension and steering parts from Kanter. As noted, engine and drivetrain parts are pretty easy to get. Unfortunately, sheet metal and interior parts will be limited to good used and frankly, your best bet is a parts wanted ad here or in JWO (Journey With Olds is the monthly magazine of the Olds Club of America). Good luck.

 

To add another voice, for overseas folks, RockAuto is probably best for mechanical parts, as they have good prices and ship overseas without a problem.

As Joe said, your best bet for body parts would be guys on this list - you'd be surprised what some guys have rotting out in back of the barn.

Welcome to ClassicOlds.

- Eric