I'm sure this will turn in to a major rebuild that will take years to finish. Engine runs if you pour gas down the 2 barrel carb, so new fuel pump is on order. Both upper and lower rad hoses are just done, will also replace heater core hoses and probably the heater core when we open the dash up. Windshield need replacing but all the other glass is good. Needs new felt for the windows and new weather strips to seal the windows at the tops. Going to find better tires (these ones are done) and rims. Possibly sell the back rims. Back dash is made of plywood and is in really bad shape (not sure where to get this). Also don't know for sure what the floor pan is like but we'll find out when we take the seats and carpet out. All the seats need redoing and new foam. Transmission slips so I'm sure it will need a rebuild. Not to mention a new paint job.




So first things first. Get the engine running. Once that's done we'll fix the brakes (none of them work). Then the transmission. After that we'll start the body work and interior. I suspect it will take about 6 months to get it so it's safe to drive. Kinda depends on finances a bit.

 

Take your time and enjoy the process, ive had my car morethan a decade and im still knocking out projects. The rear deck is a cardboard like piece w thin insulation on it. Ive found many parts you can fabricate yourself and in many cases theyre better than the original. Some members have fabricated their own door panels, headliners rear decks etc w very good results.

in many cases original Good condition used GM parts are nicer and fit better than repops

ebay
tamraz
fusicks
the parts place
opgi

are all olds parts suppliers many have the same parts at varying prices.

In case your interested the 72s had 3 styles of grills availible, the supreme/HO which are on your car now, the S style that are horizontal bars and the 442 style that are different than the previous two.

 

Thanks. I'm hoping that over the winter if its not to cold here (Central Alberta Canada) that we can get most of the engine and break work done. I just want to know that I can make it move and stop it before I dive in to much else. I know it's possible but the cost of all that will determine our next steps and when. That and I want to take it to the first local car show next spring. We would be the only ones with an Olds there.

 

It looks like you have a good starting point and should be fun and very rewarding. My 69 fuel pump had just 2 connections, some have 3 depending on the year. The PO had the 3 connection one on it and I replaced it due to the fact that it looked sloppy with a 3" piece of hose plugged. Take a good look they are both available at Rock Auto. The local parts places only had the 3 line pump.
Steve

 

Ours had the 2 port fuel pump also. We found one locally but if you look at my post in the engine forum you'll see that the input port is blocked by the alternator bracket. Ended up ordering one from RockAuto and it should be here Monday. In the mean time I'm adding parts to my wish lists on a bunch of different sites. That and posting on here

 

No need to pull the dash for the heater core - the HVAC box drops out from below the dash. I’ve done a half dozen heater core replacements and have yet to remove the dash.

 

That's good to know. I've only ever done one. It was on a 1992 Chevy Lumina Van (APV) and while I didn't have to remove the dash. I had to undo the bottom bolts from the center and passenger side so I could bend it out of the way. Why I said we would do it when we remove the dash is we are sort of planning on removing it. There are ducts that have fallen off and there are wires just dangling so no sure where they go or what they do. On top of that the dash isn't in great shape so it may need some restoration also.

 

There's an Olds group based in Sherwood Park/Edmonton area. www.oldsclub.ca

Everyone I've ever met from Northern Lights group has been great. They might be able to help you with parts and advice. They also put on an Oldsmobile show in- where else?- OLDS!

 

Like rocketraider mentioned, there are some active Olds groups in Alberta...hopefully relatively close to you. You should find some good sources for original parts therein!

I don't think the correct grills are reproduced so you should keep your eyes open for a good used pair if that's part of your plan. You'll want to make sure the mounting tabs are intact and chrome surround in good condition.

I used my old warped parcel shelf as a template, cut a replacement out of 1/8" pressboard and got a short pile black automotive type carpet to cover it with. It looks good although obviously not stock but I'm fine with that.

Good luck with your project...it looks like a great foundation and you'll enjoy showing it off in the spring!