Hello everyone I'm new to this site, and this is my first Oldsmobile project. I am a novice when it comes to restoring car but its some thing I've wanted to do for long time. So hear I go, I have a 1956 88 olds (base model) and I can't find parts for it, things like molding, fuel tank, steering wheel, and air cleaner. I have been looking for about two week now, its starting to give me headaches.
This year make and model seems to be a rare one. Also I would like to know what size motor I have? I do know it's a V8 and believe its a 324 rocket.

If any one can help me with these few questions it would be awesome.

thanks
Tony

 

Welcome to the site Tony. So many of these old girls got crushed years ago that parts are a little hard to find. I know there's at least a few members here with 1956's. I would encourage you to create a parts wanted thread listing what you need. Then to help identify the engine post pictures if you can, or look for casting numbers/letters on the engine. If you post those I think there's a good chance someone will recognize the engine.

If you have room at your place for a parts car you might start scouring Craigslist to see what you can find. If your car is pretty complete buying a parts car may seem a little much, but sometimes you can pull the parts you need then sell the rest of the parts to others in the same boat as you. They're getting harder to find, but in the last couple years I've seen several mid-1950's Oldsmobile project/parts cars for sale in my part of the country.

You can also watch ebay, but that's hit or miss. Also some parts there are priced as if they're made of gold. So don't go into shock if you see something priced at 10 times what you think it's worth. Some vendors are counting on a buyer not wanting to wait for one at a better price.

Welcome and I hope you have fun with your project car

John

 

Welcome! Just about anything over 20 years old can be tricky to find parts for, but they're around. Nobody said it'll be easy to find them, but you're on the right track posting here. Lots of folks will throw in their 2 cents.

What are you going for on the car? Do you want to stay original or as close as you can? Or, are you willing to go with a few modifications? All of it is helpful to know to be able to provide the best advice and sources.

If the car has the original engine, it should be a 324 cubic inch. You said it's a base model, so it most likely has a 2-barrell carburetor. I'm assuming it's a Hydramatic? Is it a 4-dr, 2-dr, sedan or hardtop? It makes a difference where mouldings and trim parts are concerned.

Where are you located? There may be guys from here in your backyard!

Good luck.

 

I'll add this, too! A lot of things interchange between 1954-1956, so take a peek at this thread, too. You might want to get to know some of these guys in particular!

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ers-unite.html

 

Well we (my sons and I) will be customizing the car but would like to keep some things original, like the outside chrome moldings and or trim. The car is a 2-door post and it does have a 2-barrell carburetor.

I pulled the gas tank and radiator and had them both repaired. The gas tank had holes on top, and the v-cell radiator was no good. I paid $800.00 for both of them, it felt a bit pricey but i had no choice.

One other thing the transmission has no park symbol. Is that true for this year car?

I live in Vacaville CA.

 

Also the molding I'm looking for is the on the driver side front fender in the middle.

 

here is a pic of our car.1956 olds.jpg

 

I've got a 1955 4 door parts car up in Medford. I doubt the stainless fender trim is the same, but it may share some of the mechanical parts if your needing any of that. Do you ever get up this way?

John

 

yes I do we have friends up there. how much you asking?

 

[QUOTE=Dyllans 56 olds;534324]One other thing the transmission has no park symbol. Is that true for this year car?
QUOTE]

Yes, that is correct. Place the shifter to Neutral, shut off the engine, then drop the shifter all the way down to Reverse. That's your Park position. Remember to put it back into Neutral before starting. And use your parking brake.

I'll keep an eye peeled for parts.

 

Tony
Here's the thread when I got the car. Does the fender trim look the same to you? I haven't done much to it since I got the car. It's still stored at a friends shop. If you come up this way for a visit we could crawl over the car and you could pull the items you need. Special discount rate if your the one fussing with the rusted bolts


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...88-4-door.html


Let me know what you think.


John