Hello;
I have a couple of questions on my 57 98 Convertable and am looking for some help as to originality:
1/ What color is the bottom of the car's body and frame from the factory?
2/ Are the wheels painted body color or black?
3/ What is the ride height, and how is it measured?
I am new to the Olds world, but always liked these cars.
Thanks in advance for any and all help given.
Ken Joseph

 

I shall try and answer one of your questions, going strictly from memory back-in-the-day. The wheels are NOT painted body color. We had a gray '57 and the wheels were red, which also was the color of the stripe that ran along the side of the car from front-to-back.

Do not know that stripe color controlled, and am not saying that. Am saying the wheels were definitely not body color.

 

This should help you

 

 

Thanks for the insight. That answers the wheel color question.
Still need help on the others.
Thanks.
Ken

 

The undercarrage including floorpans are semigloss black actually almost a satin black. I can't find an actual color spec. As far as ride height I will ask my friend for that information. This will take a couple of days

 

Guys;
I have seen many other 57 GM brand cars painted that Red Oxide primer
under the body. Is it the consensus that the black paint is the Olds
underbody paint?
Anyone else see an original unrestored car to help answer the question?
Let me know
Thanks.
Ken

 

If you have a shop manual, there are some pictures on page 4-17 that show what the front and rear spring deflection measurements should be with a 5 passenger load. I believe the stock 9:00-14 tires were about 29 inches tall.

 

Guys;
Thanks for the help. I did find the ride height info. It was not giving any
instructions, nor was it in the index. It was very informative.
Ken Joseph

 

Guys;
Does a 1957 98 Convertable have a spacer between the rear spring and
the rear axle pad? This would lower the ride height.
Let me know, please.
Thanks.
Ken