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I am new to actively using the forum (any forum really) but I understand proper protocol is to post an introduction. I have been creeping on this site for a while since there’s sooooo much knowledge to be found. I am not new to the car world or turning wrenches but I started looking for a project car last summer and my wife found a 57 Oldsmobile 2 door 88 that we ended up buying. She’s a pure project (the car not my wife) with a lot of rust but we know that going into it. The goal is to eventually put a nice car on the road that’s close to original but I’m not considering this a true restoration. I plan to use the original 371 (if I can save it) and convert it into a sort of J2 looking mill but with modern upgrades like an electric fuel pump and electronic ignition. I also plan to upgrade with other parts/systems like an electric fan and modern disc brakes. I didn’t set out to find an Oldsmobile nor can I say I ever followed the make but I did drive a big old Oldsmobile from the early 80s in the late 90s that I loved. The 57 Oldsmobile is a beautiful car with great styling so I look forward to getting her back on the road. I also look forward to using the forum and will sincerely appreciate any information, advice, tips, suggestions, or encouragement I might find here. Thanks in advance!
Welcome to the forum! Sounds like an awesome project—love the vision for the '57 Oldsmobile. Best of luck with the build. Excited to see how it turns out!
It is not... If I understand correctly, these cars only came with one transmission and it is an automatic, I think called the "Jetaway". As far as I know, the car is all original and I hope to re-use the trans but we shall see. It seems like there are not a lot of options for upgrading when using the original engine.
Welcome to the forum! Sounds like an awesome project—love the vision for the '57 Oldsmobile. Best of luck with the build. Excited to see how it turns out!
Originally Posted by 67OAI
Welcome aboard! A great looking project car. Love them 57s!
Originally Posted by OLDSter Ralph
Welcome to ClassicOldsmobile.
Thank you! I appreciate the warm welcome... I have spent a fair amount of time on this site developing my plan for the car. I have come to believe the 57 Olds is a special car (every project car is special to the person it owns though lol) so I hope to do it justice
I am new to actively using the forum (any forum really) but I understand proper protocol is to post an introduction. I have been creeping on this site for a while since there’s sooooo much knowledge to be found. I am not new to the car world or turning wrenches but I started looking for a project car last summer and my wife found a 57 Oldsmobile 2 door 88 that we ended up buying. She’s a pure project (the car not my wife) with a lot of rust but we know that going into it. The goal is to eventually put a nice car on the road that’s close to original but I’m not considering this a true restoration. I plan to use the original 371 (if I can save it) and convert it into a sort of J2 looking mill but with modern upgrades like an electric fuel pump and electronic ignition. I also plan to upgrade with other parts/systems like an electric fan and modern disc brakes. I didn’t set out to find an Oldsmobile nor can I say I ever followed the make but I did drive a big old Oldsmobile from the early 80s in the late 90s that I loved. The 57 Oldsmobile is a beautiful car with great styling so I look forward to getting her back on the road. I also look forward to using the forum and will sincerely appreciate any information, advice, tips, suggestions, or encouragement I might find here. Thanks in advance!
Be careful with the use of the word "Upgrade". Changing things or adding things is just that. To improve performance is an upgrade.
I am wondering why you think an electronic ignition is an upgrade. You'll realize no increase horsepower by changing to an electronic ignition. Electric fuel pump, same story.
Electric fan is also curious. Did you know that these cars were run on a test track in Arizona before production to pinpoint any overheating conditions ? These cars were ordered and sold all over the country. You may also find that an electronic fan doesn't flow as much air as the stock cooling system.
Your first step should be to check that the engine block is nit cracked or broken or the heads are cracked.
The "J-2 setups" are still around and can be bought. Be aware there are many more J-2 intake manifolds than there are the smaller 2G and 2GC carbs.
I really like these cars. A few years ago at the OCA Nats I believe they were the featured car. After seeing all of them I started thinking about restoring one… someday.
Not sure I have the nerve just yet!
I’ll be following. Good luck!
Be careful with the use of the word "Upgrade". Changing things or adding things is just that. To improve performance is an upgrade.
I am wondering why you think an electronic ignition is an upgrade. You'll realize no increase horsepower by changing to an electronic ignition. Electric fuel pump, same story.
Electric fan is also curious. Did you know that these cars were run on a test track in Arizona before production to pinpoint any overheating conditions ? These cars were ordered and sold all over the country. You may also find that an electronic fan doesn't flow as much air as the stock cooling system.
Your first step should be to check that the engine block is nit cracked or broken or the heads are cracked.
The "J-2 setups" are still around and can be bought. Be aware there are many more J-2 intake manifolds than there are the smaller 2G and 2GC carbs.
Pistons, cams and lifters are available.
I'll admit my first instinct was point out that any suggested consideration of "upgrade" vs "changing things" is merely semantics; however, I often make the argument that words have meaning and should be examined whenever possible. So, to that end, I did give it some thought. I suppose I was considering some of these changes to be obvious upgrades when in reality they may not actually improve performance.
After doing a bit more reading on mech fuel pumps vs electric, it seems that there is power to be gained, as I theorized, but theory is different than real life. It turns out that the HP increase might range from a mere fraction of a HP to maybe 3 HP. That coupled with the fact that mechanical fuel pumps really don't drop off in efficiency until very high RPM makes me think that sticking with the mechanical pump might be fine, especially given the cost of converting to an electric fuel pump system. So thank you for that question!
For the electric fan and electronic ignition, I was similarly thinking that small HP gains could be realized. My thought process was that I could combine numerous HP gains into noticeable performance. I also looked into the power gains from each of these two items and realized any power gains are debatable at best. One upside for the electric fan not related to power would be more consistent flow at low engine RPMs & low vehicle speeds. For the electronic ignition vs points consideration, I think that electronic ignition requires less maintenance but I should also probably admit that I do not really know much about points so that probably plays a factor in my thinking, even if it is subconsciously.
In the end, almost nothing specific is written in stone for my plan on this car. Generally speaking, I have a few guiding principles in this rebuild. I want to keep this car close to original but this is not going to a pure restoration. I want to keep an Oldsmobile engine, if not the original 371. My first priority with this project is stopping the rust from eating her away. Right now, I am working on putting new floors in but the next step indeed be the engine, as you suggested. I did confirm it will not turn over by hand but I have not put any effort into investigating that any further. Once the car is securely sitting in place on the frame and the floors/trunk rust is patched, the engine will come out and I will determine it the engine can be saved by checking the block/heads, etc. If the engine can be saved, then I will pursue some of the aforementioned topics. I do appreciate your conversation. If that is your 57 in the picture, I like it
Welcome! Please post more pics when you get a chance.
Will do! Being a newbie to this forum (or any forum of this type) I was curious how other people share on here. Right now all of my current pictures are of the rusty floor pans I am replacing lol
Welcome to the group... Good luck with your new project...
Originally Posted by Tj Pal
Welcome! Get it running, make it safe and enjoy it for a while. That might help you decide how far you want to take your project.
Originally Posted by Rallye469
I really like these cars. A few years ago at the OCA Nats I believe they were the featured car. After seeing all of them I started thinking about restoring one… someday.
Not sure I have the nerve just yet!
I’ll be following. Good luck!
I'll admit my first instinct was point out that any suggested consideration of "upgrade" vs "changing things" is merely semantics; however, I often make the argument that words have meaning and should be examined whenever possible. So, to that end, I did give it some thought. I suppose I was considering some of these changes to be obvious upgrades when in reality they may not actually improve performance.
After doing a bit more reading on mech fuel pumps vs electric, it seems that there is power to be gained, as I theorized, but theory is different than real life. It turns out that the HP increase might range from a mere fraction of a HP to maybe 3 HP. That coupled with the fact that mechanical fuel pumps really don't drop off in efficiency until very high RPM makes me think that sticking with the mechanical pump might be fine, especially given the cost of converting to an electric fuel pump system. So thank you for that question!
For the electric fan and electronic ignition, I was similarly thinking that small HP gains could be realized. My thought process was that I could combine numerous HP gains into noticeable performance. I also looked into the power gains from each of these two items and realized any power gains are debatable at best. One upside for the electric fan not related to power would be more consistent flow at low engine RPMs & low vehicle speeds. For the electronic ignition vs points consideration, I think that electronic ignition requires less maintenance but I should also probably admit that I do not really know much about points so that probably plays a factor in my thinking, even if it is subconsciously.
In the end, almost nothing specific is written in stone for my plan on this car. Generally speaking, I have a few guiding principles in this rebuild. I want to keep this car close to original but this is not going to a pure restoration. I want to keep an Oldsmobile engine, if not the original 371. My first priority with this project is stopping the rust from eating her away. Right now, I am working on putting new floors in but the next step indeed be the engine, as you suggested. I did confirm it will not turn over by hand but I have not put any effort into investigating that any further. Once the car is securely sitting in place on the frame and the floors/trunk rust is patched, the engine will come out and I will determine it the engine can be saved by checking the block/heads, etc. If the engine can be saved, then I will pursue some of the aforementioned topics. I do appreciate your conversation. If that is your 57 in the picture, I like it
I wouldn't add or change things unless there are benefits. If a part is only good for bragging or how much it cost, you don't need it.
Your fuel pump supplies vacuum for the windshield wipers also. Now, here is where I would suggest making a change by installing electric wipers. The "old timers" can chime in where they got theirs. As far as the mechanical fuel pump, make sure YOURS is rebuilt. If you do feel you have fuel starvation, get a small "supplemental" electric fuel pump that is mounted outside the fuel tank.
At this point I should mention you need to leak test the fuel lines and check the fuel tank for leaks.
The electric fan will kick on and off, based on coolant temperature NOT flow.
Electronic ignition works or it doesn't. Its that simple. As far as less maintenance, that depends on if you call replacing modules and stuff as maintenance when they fail and the car doesn't start. I don't think anyone makes an electronic distributor for 1957-58 Olds engines. Pertronix conversion has been used by the "old timers" and most don't have kind words.
Concerning the points system, it is quite reliable up to about 7,000 RPM's. You won't be spinning your engine much over 5,000 RPM's. Once the timing and dwell is set, there is nothing to do for a couple years. Points are very reliable and might need Crocus cloth dragged between the points in the spring when the car is started, or it may not.
The engine and transmission need your attention. You can play with body work while you are getting things done with the engine and transmission. The engine really needs to be free and not seized to remove the transmission. You will also need machine work and parts you'll have to wait for. If you need an engine, it will take time to find a good one.
My suggestion would be to start a spreadsheet that can be printed out and kept on clipboard.
Yes, thats my 57 Olds. I am accumulating parts while I work on another car. I want it as close to original but not "Con Cours correct". It will have a warmed over J-2.
Have you checked the condition of the floor pans and trunk pan ? How is the fabric on the seats ?
I wouldn't add or change things unless there are benefits. If a part is only good for bragging or how much it cost, you don't need it.
Your fuel pump supplies vacuum for the windshield wipers also. Now, here is where I would suggest making a change by installing electric wipers. The "old timers" can chime in where they got theirs. As far as the mechanical fuel pump, make sure YOURS is rebuilt. If you do feel you have fuel starvation, get a small "supplemental" electric fuel pump that is mounted outside the fuel tank.
At this point I should mention you need to leak test the fuel lines and check the fuel tank for leaks.
The electric fan will kick on and off, based on coolant temperature NOT flow.
Electronic ignition works or it doesn't. Its that simple. As far as less maintenance, that depends on if you call replacing modules and stuff as maintenance when they fail and the car doesn't start. I don't think anyone makes an electronic distributor for 1957-58 Olds engines. Pertronix conversion has been used by the "old timers" and most don't have kind words.
Concerning the points system, it is quite reliable up to about 7,000 RPM's. You won't be spinning your engine much over 5,000 RPM's. Once the timing and dwell is set, there is nothing to do for a couple years. Points are very reliable and might need Crocus cloth dragged between the points in the spring when the car is started, or it may not.
The engine and transmission need your attention. You can play with body work while you are getting things done with the engine and transmission. The engine really needs to be free and not seized to remove the transmission. You will also need machine work and parts you'll have to wait for. If you need an engine, it will take time to find a good one.
My suggestion would be to start a spreadsheet that can be printed out and kept on clipboard.
Yes, thats my 57 Olds. I am accumulating parts while I work on another car. I want it as close to original but not "Con Cours correct". It will have a warmed over J-2.
Have you checked the condition of the floor pans and trunk pan ? How is the fabric on the seats ?
I am certainly not looking to spend money unnecessarily nor do I care about bragging so I wholeheartedly agree that only making changes that will lend a benefit.
I had nooooo idea about the pump supplying vacuum to the windshield wipers! I would have figured it out but I do like your suggested change to electric wipers so thank you for that. I would consider this a change with benefits lol. I have been doing some reading about mech vs electric fuel pumps and it seems like there are indeed pros & cons for each but I am now leaning toward just sticking with the mechanical pump. I do see the upside for adding a supplemental electric pump but I am not sure it is a necessity. As far as the fuel lines and tank, they will all be replaced. I do not think the car has been on the road for over 50 years.
My floor pans are very bad. There were significant holes and about am in the process of cutting them out to be replaced. The cross members, inner rockers, mounting, & frame all look rusty but solid. The interior upholstery was completely destroyed when I got it so the seat fabric & carpet was almost completely gone or shredded. I have already pulled out and stripped the seats. I will be re-using the seat frames and they appear to be in decent shape but they will get new padding & fabric, of course the interior will be nearly last in the whole process. As I said before, once the floor has been made solid, I will be shifting over to getting the engine out of the car & collecting parts
I am certainly not looking to spend money unnecessarily nor do I care about bragging so I wholeheartedly agree that only making changes that will lend a benefit.
I had nooooo idea about the pump supplying vacuum to the windshield wipers! I would have figured it out but I do like your suggested change to electric wipers so thank you for that. I would consider this a change with benefits lol. I have been doing some reading about mech vs electric fuel pumps and it seems like there are indeed pros & cons for each but I am now leaning toward just sticking with the mechanical pump. I do see the upside for adding a supplemental electric pump but I am not sure it is a necessity. As far as the fuel lines and tank, they will all be replaced. I do not think the car has been on the road for over 50 years.
My floor pans are very bad. There were significant holes and about am in the process of cutting them out to be replaced. The cross members, inner rockers, mounting, & frame all look rusty but solid. The interior upholstery was completely destroyed when I got it so the seat fabric & carpet was almost completely gone or shredded. I have already pulled out and stripped the seats. I will be re-using the seat frames and they appear to be in decent shape but they will get new padding & fabric, of course the interior will be nearly last in the whole process. As I said before, once the floor has been made solid, I will be shifting over to getting the engine out of the car & collecting parts
Electric wipers take some "installation" but they work uniformly and not slow down when the engine is under a slight load. Its also a bit of safety improvement.
Fuel tanks were available for 1957 and 1958. But I don't recall if the filler neck was available, so save yours. Do you have to lift the body to replace fuel lines ?
1957 "88" front and rear floor pans were available, but NOT trunk pan. C2CFabrication.com (313) 534-AUTO
Interior upholstery: I hope you saved a piece of the seat upholstery to find a pattern match. I believe SMS is the only choice and can take a while to get it. Carpet is available through RockAuto.
Electric wipers take some "installation" but they work uniformly and not slow down when the engine is under a slight load. Its also a bit of safety improvement.
Fuel tanks were available for 1957 and 1958. But I don't recall if the filler neck was available, so save yours. Do you have to lift the body to replace fuel lines ?
1957 "88" front and rear floor pans were available, but NOT trunk pan. C2CFabrication.com (313) 534-AUTO
Interior upholstery: I hope you saved a piece of the seat upholstery to find a pattern match. I believe SMS is the only choice and can take a while to get it. Carpet is available through RockAuto.
I do now think I will end up converting the wipers to electric... It is a good point about them working uniformly.
I did see I can get the fuel tank but I have not seen any place to get the neck but I think mine is good. I guess we will see.
As far as the replacement floor panels and trunk panels, I intend to make my own. Thanks for the link but it appears I need more than the area they offer. I have not seen a complete floor for the 57 olds like you can get for a 57 chevy. I have spent the last 6 months collecting the appropriate metal shaping tools/equipment. I do not think the body needs to be lifted to replace the fuel lines but I am taking the complete floor out anyway so I will probably have access that might not be normally available.
I did keep a swatch of the old seat fabric but I am probably not going to try to match it. I plan to change the colors to match whatever color I end up choosing for the car.
Consider doing brake lines too with the floor cut open and converting to a dual reservoir master cylinder.
I checked the thread/post date this time.
I am definitely doing the brake lines. I would like to convert at least the front brakes so that probably involves a new master cylinder but I haven't really sorted that all out. It is future problem lol
I am going to replace or repair everything I can with the floor cut open since I don't have the ability to lift the body off the frame
Hello and Welcome aboard.
I also love the '57s - a timeless classic. Your car looks like a number of the members on this board, myself included - well aged and well-traveled with lots of signs of life experience! Good luck with your project.
You may consider looking into joining the Illinois Valley Olds Club (IVOC). They are a very active chapter with lots of cool people, cool cars, cool events and mountains of knowledge.
You also may consider starting a thread in one of the more specific forums on this board. This will surely bring more members into your conversation.
And we can prod you into posting more pictures!
Hello and Welcome aboard.
I also love the '57s - a timeless classic. Your car looks like a number of the members on this board, myself included - well aged and well-traveled with lots of signs of life experience! Good luck with your project.
You may consider looking into joining the Illinois Valley Olds Club (IVOC). They are a very active chapter with lots of cool people, cool cars, cool events and mountains of knowledge. You also may consider starting a thread in one of the more specific forums on this board. This will surely bring more members into your conversation.
And we can prod you into posting more pictures!
I will look into the IVOC! Thanks for the suggestion I have been planning to post in a more specific thread when I get some time to do so and I have something more than pictures of rust to share haha
Welcome welcome welcome to the house of knowledge.
Please do the minimum to keep the car always running else it may get you down in the dumps.
A cheap paint job and good upholstery will keep the wife on your side and trust me, she will NOT like being seen in anything that takes away from her beauty.
Lastly, search the archives here on each item you want to tackle before you tackle it. There is a wealth of information and great tips just waiting for you.
I do now think I will end up converting the wipers to electric... It is a good point about them working uniformly.
I did see I can get the fuel tank but I have not seen any place to get the neck but I think mine is good. I guess we will see.
As far as the replacement floor panels and trunk panels, I intend to make my own. Thanks for the link but it appears I need more than the area they offer. I have not seen a complete floor for the 57 olds like you can get for a 57 chevy. I have spent the last 6 months collecting the appropriate metal shaping tools/equipment. I do not think the body needs to be lifted to replace the fuel lines but I am taking the complete floor out anyway so I will probably have access that might not be normally available.
I did keep a swatch of the old seat fabric but I am probably not going to try to match it. I plan to change the colors to match whatever color I end up choosing for the car.
I think the swatch of material could be had in a few different colors. The interiors were color keyed to exterior colors back then. See what colors are available and it may help.
I think the swatch of material could be had in a few different colors. The interiors were color keyed to exterior colors back then. See what colors are available and it may help.
Congratulations! I too love the styling of the 57. The fact that your wife actually "found " the car for you puts you miles ahead already! Best Wishes and can't wait to see it as your moving through the stages of restoration. Best Wishes, Brad
Congratulations! I too love the styling of the 57. The fact that your wife actually "found " the car for you puts you miles ahead already! Best Wishes and can't wait to see it as your moving through the stages of restoration. Best Wishes, Brad
Good luck with your project.
