Hi: I'm new to this great forum and I'd like to tap into everyone's knowledge base for some suggestions: I recently took possession of a 1950 Olds 88 Club Coupe and I would like suggestions on where to buy a quality shop manual for the car, hopefully one that includes data plate decoder info, and where I should shop for parts, aftermarket and used. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Evans...

 

Data plate decoding is pretty routine anymore. Either post the info here, or do a google search for Data Plate Decode. You can try this link - http://v8cars.hu/oldsvin/decode.php

The actual service manual should be available for purchase in CD format. Hardcopy may be available. Check ebay for either. You can also get a 1950 Motors Manual or Chilton Repair Manual to cover your needs. In fact, I would want both the Olds factory service manual and a Motors Repair Manual.

 

Thank you Dave for those recommendations. I have been looking on eBay for a Shop Manual and I've found two manuals, both claiming to be the actual manuals written and published by GM. I have no way of knowing which is the "real deal" so I've tried to attach cover photos here of the manuals. If I succeeded, can you let me know the difference between the two and which one you would recommended I purchase? Thanks again, Ron

 

I have an origional 50-51 manual that I am not willing to part with yet. I am wintering in California, but I believe the cover has a picture of the engine and is sort of greyish. Not the same as your pictures, but I do see them show up on ebay quite often. Duane

 

I'd get them both. They both look official, and they look like two different things. One says "Maintenance Manual," and the other says "Shop Manual." To my mind, those are two different subjects. I think the shop manual is what most people are thinking of when they say a "factory service manual," so if you're going to get only one, I'd get that one. But I bet both would come in very handy as you restore the car.

 

They just keep on coming: now I've come across three 1950-1951 Oldsmobile "Manuals" on eBay, with no way of telling which is a quality reprint of the original GM manual, and which isn't. These manuals are not inexpensive and so I'm reluctant to roll the dice and end up with an inferior manual. Anyone know for sure which is the best shop manual? Thanks, Ron

 

Without reading the eBay ads, and after looking at the pics you attached, I would say #3, the one with GM logo on the bottom left is the factory service manual. It appears to be OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture). The first two may very well be copies of #3?

 

Dave--the one you mention says "Canadian Edition" on it. Not sure what the difference is, but I've sent the seller an email asking if it's the same as the U.S. edition. Haven't heard anything back yet, though. Ron

 

Ok, I have looked at the ebay listings for the manuals you provided. It seems one is 450 pgs. long, while the other 2 are 600 + pages. You want the one that is 600 + pages. That would be either #1 or #2, not #3.

Here is a link to another one -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oldsmobile-1...14322a&vxp=mtr

Here is a link to the 1951 edition of the Motor's Manual I mentioned earlier in this thread -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1951-MOTORS-...item53f2467dec

 

I do not think, at least in the 1950's, there was much, if any, difference between a Canadian and a U.S. Oldsmobile.

Also, the link I gave you for the reprint -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oldsmobile-1...14322a&vxp=mtr says nothing about it being a Canadian edition. I can clearly see the words Lansing, MI on the title page.