Allan R

Ah, so I will find that big hole in mine too when I take off the blower box to restore it and the rope caulking. How was the heater core? Are you replacing it or does it test ok for pressure/flow?

benji94

I replaced the heater core a few years ago so its fine this go around.

benji94

I see my last update was Sept. 2012 when I put the body back on the frame. How time flies.

Its hard to believe its been almost three years since then but finally...F-I-N-A-L-L-Y...the car is officially done. Finished installing the interior last Friday, gave it a quick wash and wax and as luck would have it there was a local car show on Sunday. About 150 cars there and ended up winning one of the eight awards the first time out!

I've created an album at my info page and uploaded some photos for those interested.

It was a long project of about 7 years. Though I didn't work on it full time and none at all during winter months. It sat quite a while just with the body back on the frame while I had the engine rebuilt in 2013, interior acquired from Legendary and seats redone in 2014, plus all of the other too numerous to count side restore jobs (radio, starter, alternator, tranny, differential, heater box, radiator, wheels, bumpers, exhaust, etc. etc. and etc.), plus acquiring all the parts and pieces I felt needed replacing. I wanted everything all done and ready to be reinstalled once it got painted.

The original plan was to get it painted last summer but my body/paint guy got tied up on a 65 gto and I had to wait. It wasn't a problem since I had more than enough to do with on the side jobs. Finally, this past winter he got it in painted it and then dropped the motor in while I was in Florida. I got home April 15th and he and I thrashed on it nearly every day for 8-10 hours a day to put it all back together including a complete rewiring.

Cranked it up for the first time on April 28th! Had to resolve an issue with the carb while we continued work on the interior and then drove it home on May 19th. I installed the headliner and finally the seats and door panels finishing at 10 pm Friday May 30th.

It sure feels good to be driving it again!

Here are the car's "stats":

VIN: 3G87X2M144099

• 3 = Oldsmobile Division
• G = Cutlass
• 87 = Coupe 2 dr. hardtop
• X = 455 ci; 300 hp; 4 barrel carb; dual exhaust; 442 option; (W-30)
• 2 = Model Year 1972
• M = Lansing Michigan plant
• 144099 = Production Serial Number

Body Trim Tag:

• ST72 = Model year
• 3 = GM Oldsmobile Division
• 3687 = Cutlass S hardtop coupe
• LAN299397 = Lansing Assembly plant and body number
• TR947 = White interior trim
• A51 = Strato bucket seats
• 26 26 = Paint code: Viking Blue
• 11C = Build date: November 1971, 3rd week (Broadcast card date: 11/16/1971)

Frame: VIN # 2M144099

Engine and Drivetrain:

• Block VIN # 2M144099
• Block Cast # 396021F
• Head Cast # 409100
• Head letter code – Ga (2.072 intake/1.625 exhaust)
• Intake Manifold Cast # 407570
• Exhaust Manifold Cast # Left 402295 "W" / Right 402294 "Z"
• Distributor # 1112033 (Pertronix electronics mod)
• Rochester Quadrajet # 7042953 Date Code = 0352 (February 4, 1972)
• Rear: Gear code: TM = 3.42 (Posi) Date Code = 0321 (November 17, 1971)
• Transmission: VIN # 2M144099 Date Code = P2S09A (November 9, 1971) (A = M20)

Additional options on the car as documented in the original ‘broadcast card’ are: A51 – strato bucket seats; A31 – power windows; C49 – rear window defogger; U58 – am/fm stereo radio; and W29 – 442 appearance and handling package.

Though I have been remiss in detailing my progress here (principally because it was so slow and methodical that for a long time it didn't seem like progress at all!), this list has been a tremendous resource. I have searched it for information literally hundreds of times during this project. I rarely had to post a question because I found that nearly every issue I came up with had been asked and answered, usually multiple times! It shows the commitment and expertise of the members and especially those who administratively keep it going. A BIG thanks!!!

I'm now looking forward to getting to an Oldsmobile show at some point. I'm considering taking it GM Carlisle on the 28th of this month since I see there is going to be an Olds gathering there.

Carshinebob

Congrats, well played, good work. It's always good to hear of someone getting to the point of driving all that hard work. enjoy and drive as much as possible. ~BOB

oldsmobiledave

We need pictures or it never happened.

benji94

'


"I've created an album at my info page and uploaded some photos for those interested."

RetroRanger

looks great.



there is an all olds judged show in lancaster mass this weekend... just saying

benji94

Thanks Bob...I have a new found appreciation for those like you who do these restorations for a living. The attention to detail and the amount of time that's required to do it right is incredible. Just keeping track of all the nuts, bolts, screws and parts big and small is a full time job. If I ever did another (very unlikely) I would invest in some type of inventory control system. I had boxes and boxes filled with baggies of parts and fasteners. Its amazing how many different types of fasteners are on just one car. Add to that all the new parts and fasteners and it becomes mind boggling.

My project went on for so long that more than a few times I found that I had re-purchased parts that I forgot I had purchased for the restoration years ago. That's pretty bad!!! Then when putting it back together the act of repeatedly going through the boxes and baggies to find the correct nut, bolt or screw became maddening. But I was determined to get it right. Somehow, finally, it all came together!

Again, hat's off to those who do this professionally and create beautifully correct restorations.

benji94

I certainly appreciate the info but can't make it this weekend.

briane

Are you going to bring it to the Syracuse Nationals in July?

benji94

Yes I'm planning on it.

allyolds68

I'll look for you, I'll probably take a run through early Saturday morning. I doubt I'll bring my car. I usually only stay 3 or 4 hours

allyolds68

I don't remember if I ever replied to this but you're better off where you had yours done. I wasn't very satisfied with the job the "small shop way back in the woods" did.

benji94

Ok great. Not sure of exact plans yet but should definitely be there (someplace) on Sat. all day or most of it.

benji94

Yeah. They didn't strike me as all that professional.

briane

I plan to attend the Syracuse Nationals Friday and probably Saturday. If anyone is in a reasonable travel distance, you may want to consider attending. Last year there were over 7,000 cars.

jensenracing77

A little off subject but just noticed you are from Binghamton. Your local Honda dealer was a big sponsor for TPC trikes when I was racing for them.