When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello Gentlemen! Never owned an Olds in my life, however, do I have a story for you. My father Jack, (now deceased) got out of the Navy in 1955. He went thru Machinist Mate School while in the service and learned mechanical skills and basic welding. When he returned home he partnered with his brother, Larry, and they decided to build a hot rod. By the end of 1957 they built a 34 Chevy coupe that not only held its own against ANYTHING on the street but would eventually become the king of local drag strips. The car they built was powered by an Olds. It was a real hot rod because it had a 33 Chevy chassis, a 40 Ford front end, a 39 Ford tranny, and a 42 Ford rear end. A Chevy body, and an Olds engine with eventually 3 dueces. They had such fun with this car! Remember, it didn’t cruise the streets of Van Nuys California but rather the streets of Bourbon Indiana, population 1500. Life moves on, Dad got married in 1958, I was a honeymoon baby and born in 59’. Dad sold his half to uncle Larry who continued to win top eliminator and best appearing car week in and week out. In 62’ Larry gets married and eventually buys a 63 spilt window Vette. The coupe got sold multiple times and Larry kept track of it for awhile. Dad started his own Welding & Machine shop and Larry became a supervisor for a major Orthopedic Company. 40 years go by…….., it’s 2002. Larry owned multiple collector cars, a 41 ****** gasser, a vintage front engine dragster, a 40 Chevy coupe, among others and yes he still has the 63’ split window. But he wants more, he pours himself into finding the coupe, each time he gets a lead it ends in disappointment. He considers hiring a private investigator. Eventually Larry’s health deteriorates leading to other priorities. My Father passes away in 2008, Larry, a few years later. So here I am, in 2022, sitting at 63 years of age. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I grew up owning a variety of muscle and race cars thru the years. Then 2 weeks ago I’m scrolling thru our local Facebook Marketplace and what do I come across but the object that has led me to the Classic Oldsmobile Message Board…………..I found the 34 coupe for sale !!! 60 years after it left Bourbon I was able to buy it and bring it back, if only Jack & Larry were here to see it. I bought it as a roller, no engine or tranny. I will be seeking to identify the appropriate engine, bell housing, clutch, and adapter to a Ford manual transmission. I know this was a long introduction but I hope you enjoyed reading it and relish in my satisfaction. I’ll be popping up in other threads as I seek to understand more about the marvelous Olds power plant and 3 deuce setup. Starting Thanksgiving weekend I will be begin disassembly and by winters end hope to make significant progress. I have restored many cars thru the years but this one will be “Extra Special.” I hope that by the end of next summer it will be rumbling the streets of Bourbon! I will need help and advice along the way and I appreciate the knowledge and support I will get here. In the picture Larry sits in the drivers seat & Dad holds their first trophy’s.
Again, thank you Gentlemen.
. I will be seeking to identify the appropriate engine, bell housing, clutch, and adapter to a Ford manual transmission.
The engine appears to be either a 1949 or '50 303, judging by the valve covers.
Offenhauser still makes tri-carb intakes for early Olds engines. They are available through Exiter Auto Supply on special order. EAS - Offenhauser, Traditional Hot Rod and Automotive Parts (exeterautosupply.com)
The flywheel can come from any "50 thru '53 stick shift Olds. Stock ones in good condition are hard to find.
Speed Gems makes Olds stick shift flywheels for early Olds. Speed Gems - Transmission Adapters - Proudly Produced in the U.S.A.!
And adapters are still made through Wilcap. 303-EFM (wilcap.com)
The 11 inch clutch pressure plate is the same for a Ford truck and a pre '65 Olds. Bolts right up.
The Ford truck disc must be used.
The H.A.M.B. (hokey *** message board) is a great source of early hot rodding info as well as a great source of used hot rod parts, The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)
Last edited by Charlie Jones; Nov 7, 2022 at 09:06 PM.
Reason: Mistaken identity of engine.
Very cool story. I love stories like this. How about photos of what you are starting with now? Definitely keep us updated. Welcome to Classic Oldsmobile 👍
Yes, channeled a lot! I bought it off the widow of the last owner who owned it since 1989. Uncle Larry sold it in 1962 so still 27 years of un-known ownership. Previous owner who bought in 89 never touched the car in the 33 years he owned it. Obviously it s had some modifications along the way. Hood, grill shell, rear end treatment, but still, body and chassis are pretty nice all things considered! Front shot is 1958. Rear shot 2022. More pics. to come!
Yes, channeled a lot! I bought it off the widow of the last owner who owned it since 1989. Uncle Larry sold it in 1962 so still 27 years of un-known ownership. Previous owner who bought in 89 never touched the car in the 33 years he owned it. Obviously it s had some modifications along the way. Hood, grill shell, rear end treatment, but still, body and chassis are pretty nice all things considered! Front shot is 1958. Rear shot 2022. More pics. to come!
Fantastic story and welcome! I can count on one hand the number of people who were able to find and buy back a car from their past. Your dad and uncle sound like some cool cats for sure.
Progress on the 34 Coupe. Also acquired a 1955 Olds 324 mill.
Wow, that's a stick shift motor !
You won't have to go looking for a flywheel to mate it to a Ford trans.
The Ford truck 11 " clutch will bolt right up.
That stick shift bellhousing should bring a good price on E-Bay.
Thx for this info! I have a gentleman that wants to trade me the correct 1/2” adapter plate, an aluminum one, to go from the back of the engine to a 39 Ford Tranny. He wants to trade the adapter for the Olds bell, throw out bearing, clips, & fork. Is this a fair trade??? It looks like the adapters are about $200 but I don’t know what my stuff is worth. Any info is helpful!
