1968 has been my favorite body style of the Oldsmobile for a while. I've had a 70 SX, 68 Cutlass S convertible, and 72 Cutlass Supreme. I found a deal semi-locally that was 1) a 1968, 2) a 442, 3) a convertible. I got very excited. It was a project. The car needs just about a little bit (or a lot) of everything but it ran, had the original motor, and was what I thought was a good enough price for its condition to check it out.

I bought it. The owner was actually going to be in town and offered to trailer it the 3 hour drive for free so I couldn't pass that up. Let me tell you, my wife was very thrilled to see it up come with 2 flat tires and then have difficulty to stay running . Seemed to die out fairly often when you weren't giving it gas.

However, got the tires filled up with air (the tires themselves are new and it just seems to be the seal) and its now in my garage. The 1972 has to go since I'm under a "1 classic car at a time" rule. I'm hoping this is going to be a fun journey for me, my two boys, and of course my wife.

I'll be sure to get a restoration thread up and rolling. Although there may not be that frequent of updates because this is going to be a long process, I'll be sure to try to document everything as best as possible.

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Congrats! Sounds like a fun project. I'll be watching for your build thread.


John

 

There is nothing better than finding your dream car....big congrats

It looked like your 72 sold on ebay.. Did it go smoothly?

 

My favorite too! Looks like a good start! Good luck!

Craig

 

Very cool looking project! I don't recognize the color though. What are the plans for that (when it gets to that stage)?

Time for another round of pics!! Ya know the drill for us pic hounds? Inside, under, engine?? PPPPLLLEASE???

 

Looks like a fun one! That looks like a faded version of the Gold Jade Metallic color, or whatever the heck they called it. My first '68 CS was Jade and faded, but not that bad. It also had a white painted top. I wish I had pics of that ride before I painted it black.

Have fun!

 

Mine was "Jade Gold" too, previous owner painted it Re-sale red! (I guess it worked!)

 

Yup, just waiting for payment to completely clear. The seller has been a pleasure to deal with and I know they will be happy with the car. Already having a little sellers remorse.

The color was a repaint, but the original color was the saffron yellow. I love the jade gold and nocturne blue so when I get to that stage, that is probably what I'll take it at.


Unfortunately, I already reach my first "surprise". When I first inspected it I found a little rust on the frame in the front that was repairable. Today after have a little more time in my garage I found a good size chunk of rust on the frame under the drive side seat. Might be repairable, consulting a restoration shop for their opinion. I'll try get picture posted hear in another thread. I'd love to get you guy's opinion if I should start looking for a donor frame.

 

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4325500918.html

Here's one ready to go in your own backyard. Surely he'll negotiate on price.

 

Yea, thats way more then I paid for my car! Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the convertible frames different from the standard cultasses? That one wouldn't work anyway.

 

Joffroi,
I wouldn't pretend to know if the frames are the same. I have no idea, but it does sound like you bought the convertible car right. I'd guess he's asking 10k for the whole basket of goods he described in the listing. I don't know. Someone here will chime in on what the differences are, I'd just noticed the listing for the frame finished with what appears to be much of the best stuff. - Steven

 

Congrats !

The wheels are old school killer. Not my style for that car but awesome in the rear of a gasser.

 

I thought you had your car sold?

 

Yes in the 68 convertible frame is unique

 

Congratulations! I know you had been looking for one. Glad you finally got it.

 

Convertible used boxed frames. If the box sections are good on your frame you can cut them off and weld them onto a hardtop frame.

 

I'd be lying if I wasn't a little sick to my stomach yesterday after finding more frame rust, but after hopping in the topless 442 this morning and actually realizing I have on in my garage (regardless the condition) I feel this is going to be a fun journey. In an effort to keep things organized, I'll get my various problems posted in the appropriate sections on these boards. I want to thank all of you in advance for answering the many questions I'm sure I'll have.