Trying to lump this into one post to avoid having to post in 10 different areas!

I've got a 1963 Olds 98 (394/Slim Jim) No A/C (factory).

First question:
How do I set the timing? I've got a timing light, I just need to know do I set it at IDLE (600rpms?), or do I need to get an adjustable light and check it in full advance? If so, what am I looking for?

From what I've read: Set at idle (600rpms) with advance capped off. Set to 5 degrees, (mine seems happiest at about 8) and full advance should show between 40-50.

Second question:
I have an edelbrock performer carb. Any tricks to setting this? I turned the two screws in till it stumbled then backed off 1 turn (roughly) until it got it's highest idle, the backed them off a hair to get it just under highest idle.

My high-idle is sticking, I have to jab the throttle to get it to kick down and idle at 600 (cold or hot, doesn't matter). Easy fix?

Also, my electric choke just needs a ground and a switched 12v source, correct?

Third question:
Does anyone make (or will any other model fit) an aluminum radiator, or a stock material radiator. If I can't get original material, I'd rather go all aluminum than plastic tanks. Probably won't find one for an Olds 98, but thought maybe another model would be a fit.

Fourth question:
On top of the heater core housing, there is a vacuum actuator with a coil on it and a switch with seems to switch power from the blower motor speed switch over to the blower motor. Any idea what it's called?

Fifth question:
How do I remove the top pad of the dash? I removed all the screws under it, (and the antenna switch housing and courtesy light housing) but it would budge, missing anything?

Sixth question:
I noticed on my valve cover breather (PCV valve) there is a check valve, is this factory, or added in later? Any idea which side should be facing the carb vs the breather? Mine is white and black. I'm assuming it's vacuum and not pressure activated, as I tried blowing through it to see which way it opened, got nothing except being out of breath. Then I remembered it's T'd into a VACUUM source. haha

Seventh question
I noticed a pink, green, and orange wires running across the firewall and across the passenger side of the engine. None are hooked up. Factory stuff, or owner added? RAN all the way to the front, like maybe they had an electric temp sensor in it at one time, but replaced with mechanical later and just left the wires.

Final question:
Does anyone have a pdf or something of the factory vacuum lines and wiring schematic? It'd help out a lot. I want to get her running as close to perfect as possible for her age, ASAP!

Thanks for all the help in advance, sorry it's so long winded!

Dallas

 

Well, for starters, pay the money and buy a factory Chassis Service Manual for your car. Nearly all your questions will be answered there (except for those about the non-stock carb). There are currently nine on ebay, with starting prices from $20. Get an original, not a reprint or CD. As for the electric choke, read this thread.

 

What Joe said X2. Regarding the radiator I bought a stock type replacement from U.S. Radiator with an upgraded core, see my thread at:


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...rogress-3.html