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Hey guys just thought I would start a thread about my Oldsmobile. I've owned the car about 8 years and enjoyed many miles in it. I bought the car with the paint scheme, hood scoop and wing already done. It was made from a cameo white 442 with a white top. It has a 05B build date and black bucket interior. The car is a 4 speed with the original 400 in it. I've added most of the Hurst Olds specific items to the car including wheels, mirrors, OAI, and front disc brakes/master cylinder. The car is definitely driver quality with marginal paint and body work including plenty of filler.
This winter I am in the process of disassembling the car to have the body work done right and new paint (both out-sourced). I have been putting together a 455 with original D heads and a replica 405233 intake. I also plan to replace the 4 speed with a TH400 trans and an original '69 H/O dual gate.
Last edited by timholliday; January 22nd, 2015 at 05:28 PM.
Well tim that is the plan for my cutlass as well, I will be following along, mightbeaskingyou a tonof questions too. Mine is also a factory 4 speed, I upgraded to 4 wheel disc, and have just putthe body back on the frame and am in the process of doing the body, replaced the quarters so far.. anyway looking forward to your build
Last edited by Eddie Hansen; January 21st, 2015 at 05:59 PM.
Hey Timholliday, I like your car! I guess that's why I'm in the middle of building a frame off 1969 hurst convertible tribute myself. Although I'm adding a twist and going restomods on my build. Hey if I can't afford the real thing I'll build one.
Tim that is so cool, I have to ask, asyour cris a reall 442 4 speed convertble, why not just restore it as a 442? I would think it would be worth more than as a ho clone? Dont get me wrong it is a beautiful car and I guess a much better " tribute" or a clone because as the original it is made from a 442 , regardless I love the look, and I am looking forward to your build .
Tim that is so cool, I have to ask, asyour cris a reall 442 4 speed convertble, why not just restore it as a 442? I would think it would be worth more than as a ho clone? Dont get me wrong it is a beautiful car and I guess a much better " tribute" or a clone because as the original it is made from a 442 , regardless I love the look, and I am looking forward to your build .
I've got to admit that my heart belongs to the '69 H/O convertible. Since the originals are pretty much unobtainable, my plan is to be as true to the original as possible. As a side note, the car was not originally a 4 speed. There is no hump on the tunnel and the z bar bracket is welded on to the frame.
Sorry for the long delay since my last post...life got in the way. I delivered the car to the restoration shop this week to have the body redone. Unfortunately, the floors were worse than I thought so it looks like new pans are in order. The interior is out and the motor removed.
After a long delay I am happy to report the project is back on track. It has been a flurry of activity with metal work, blasting, accumulating parts, power coating, and a small amount of assembly. The engine is buttoned up and repainted.
The body was removed from the frame and the frame was media blasted. Then to powder coat and finally reassembly. The wheels in the photo are not the ones that will be on the car. My H/O wheels are stowed away.
Body work is in progress. Tub was blasted and floor has been replaced. Also some repair has been done to the trunk edge and tail light area. Rear quarters and dash/cowl top still need attention.
Did some work on the engine and transmission today. Installed the power steering pump as well as the alternator brackets. Tried to fit a MM belt but for some reason it seemed way to small. Couldn't even get it over the pulleys. The alternator belt looks like it should work fine. I also cleaned and painted the transmission. I plan on replacing the chrome pan with a stock steel pan.
Got a little bit more done on the engine yesterday and today. Re-did the Alternator to get rid of the black fan and pulley. Installed the clutch fan, flex plate, and battery cable tube. I will be running the positive battery cable along the valve cover. Purchased the tube from TPP but needed to rebuild it to match the assembly manual. Got the motor installed on the frame tonight. Would have been done earlier but had the wrong motor mounts...
Worked on the engine and driveline today. Installed the manifolds, heat riser shield, transmission, and driveshaft. Had to unbolt one of the motor mounts and lift the motor to install the shield. Also got the belts installed. The power steering belt was a bear. Took 2 people to get it on. Hopefully it stretches a bit. Body wise one of the rear quarter patches is in and the top cowl/dash is close to done.
Mocked up the air cleaner/breather to make sure everything fit. Installed the power steering lines and fuel lines. Put on the carb to fuel pump line, needed a little persuasion to fit properly. Installed the exhaust pipe back to the muffler. Had a little trouble bolting up the driver side to the manifold but finally got it.
Added 4 quarts of fluid to the trans to check the pan seal. Also added oil and break in fluid to the engine. Removed the distributor and ran the oil pump with a drill. My valve covers leaked so I removed them, cleaned them up, and reinstalled using right stuff. Let's hope that works.
Tonight I blasted the rear bumper brackets and etch primed them. They are pretty pitted so I may need to do some filler to smooth them out.
Next up is to rebuilt my hinges so we can hang the doors.
January 21st, 2015, 04:37 PM
