Just acquired my 55 Olds 88 that I had been pursuing for the last 9 years. It had been stored in my neighbors garage for the last 20 years. Minor surface rust and the rear window had been removed in what was going to be a start of a restoration. No headliner or stainless bows (anyone got some spares laying around) and the interior and the car are bone stock, never been molested or modified. Got her running last night and ran for about an hour to get her loosened up and the lifters quieted down. No blue smoke and the transmission shifted well and went in both directions. NO BRAKES though, That's the next thing to solve and repair. Look forward to reading and contributing where I can.

 

Try to post pics again.

 

Welcome to the site and congrats on your new project. It looks very solid.

 

Sounds like a great car! Looking forward to seeing the pics when you can post them...I know, it's somewhat of a trick at first, getting those pics to post...I had the same problem...but it will happen sooner or later! Best of luck and have fun with your work on your "new" Olds!

Randy C.

 

Greetings fellow Northwesterner. See you on the road (maybe).

 

Welcome to the forum. Lots of Olds fans with plenty of helpful information here. If you're a Facebook user, search for Custom Classic 1954 1955 1956 Oldsmobile 88 98 Starfire Rat & Hot Rods. There is always room for another 55 owner in this group, too!

 

A hardy welcome from another north westerner and 55 owner. just curious what part of the north west do you hail from, I'am northern California guy my self.

Please give a hollar if you need help this site is the best for getting good information......Lost in the fifties.... Tedd

 

Thanks all. Additional pics (hopefully) Also location is Sequim across from Victoria Canada on the map.

 

Welcome. As you can already see, there are a good many of us on here with mid 50's Oldsmobiles. You car appears to be a regular 88 rather than a Super 88 but I notice it has power steering and brakes. I just had the treadlevac on my 54 rebuilt a few months ago by a company in California when you get ready. If you ever want them, I also have a nice pair of correct fender skirts for a 55. My first recommendation is to go probably to ebay and buy yourself a factory service manual. Get one of the originals and not one of those on CD. It will be priceless. There a lot of good folks on this site and if you put us all together, we can probably help in most situations.

 

Welcome aboard

 

redoldsman I believe its a Holiday (no post) even though I don't see any badging on the fender......Tedd

 

Tedd:

I think you are correct (nothing new). For some reason I have been under the erroneous impression that Holidays were 4 door hardtops which as we know were introduced in 1955. Of course in 54 there were no Holidays or 4 door hardtops. Thanks for keeping me straight.

 

Glad to have you with us. Nice find

 

Here is the tag from the door pillar. The PO says he believes it is a base model 88 with PS and PB ordered for it. No AC. Car was purchased in Chicago in 1955 and driven to Seattle where it lived its life until 1994. After that it was store in the Garage until now.

 

You are correct as it is a standard 88 but is still a Holiday cp. Hollidays were made in 88, supers 88 and 98 cp,. If it had a b pillar(post) it would be a 2 door sedan....Tedd

 

As part of your brake system repairs, plan on replacing the brake hoses. Those and tires share the top of a "must replace" rubber parts list.