Hello,
I just joined the site today. I picked up my first Oldsmobile, a 1961 Dynamic 88 Holiday Coupe, a few weeks ago from my neighbor who had it parked under a car cover for the last 25 years.
It's all original, has 52,200 original miles and is in pretty good shape. So far, all I've done is replace the spark plugs and put some oil down the plug holes and turned it over by hand. I intend on changing out some of the hoses and gas before trying to start it, but any tips on resurrecting this old girl would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew
Santa Cruz, CA.

 

Welcome.

Post some pictures of it!

 

Hopefully there was little to no gas in the tank. Remove the gas cap and smell what is in there. If it doesnt smell like gas you will need to replace the tank or have it cleaned out as it may have gone bad or varnished.

 

X2 on the old gas suggestion, also check/replace the rubber hoses for cracks or degradation. By the way we do like pictures of peoples cars.

 

Welcome to the site, I love stories like this...there was a 49 Plymouth sitting across the street from me while I was growing up, always wanted to get a hold of it and get it back on the road!

I replaced all the rubber bits on my 72 since it sat for a while but didn't think about the radiator cap, the rubber was brittle enough on it that it lost seal and boiled over one time...so you might check that too

Tim

 

Andrew, welcome,aboard! Sounds like a nice car. In addition to the gas tank, blow out the lines too. After 25 years of sitting I'd also want to check out the braking, lighting, exhaust, suspension etc as they can easily deteriorate in such a long time. Also, you don't actually know when these parts were last serviced or replaced on a 53 yr old car. Oh! Just about forgot. The tires will not be safe after so long in storage, even if the might look fine.

Looking forward to seeing pics of the car and how the project progresses.

 

Thanks for the nice welcome folks and the tips for getting her running again. Here are some pics after we dragged her to my place and I took some of the dirt off. I fell in love with the bubbletop and the color.

 

Wow, that looks superb for having been sitting for 25 years, car cover or not. Was it parked outdoors or indoors during that time? I have to believe indoors.

 

Very nice and welcome from the Sacramento area.

Bill

 

Beautiful car. Love that color. Dont see those. Prime the engine before you try turning it over. Hook up an oil gauge while you prime it to see the oil psi.

 

Wow, you California guys sure have it made. Very nice car. Although I am into Cutlasses etc., the 61s have got to be one of my favorite Oldses of all time. Keep us posted on your progress and lots of pictures. Gotta love those 61 steering wheels, rocket quarter panels and the bubble top. I understand the transmissions are the weak point, so hopefully it won't give you trouble. New fluid will be a must once you look after other more pressing issues.

 

Andrew, welcome to the forum. What a great find and a beautiful big Olds. All good advice above, take it slow in the reawakening process to not damage anything and make it safe before you drive it. Good luck!

 

Based on those pics, that's the understatement of the year. Really nice find, and won't take a ton of work to put back into safe driving condition. Love the color BTW.

 

Georgeous!

 

Sweet, Gotta love those bubble tops

 

Welcome Andrew, looking forward to seeing you at some of the local shows/get togethers.