I just aquired a 53 Super 88 Holliday. Body is in good shape except the usual surface rust. It has no motor, tranny or interior and kids have broke all the glass. So I am trying to decide how to proceed with this project.

 

Welcome to CO. Do you have any pics? I would go with a newer engine , transmission and rear end since they are missing. I would probably find a 455 and a newer overdrive auto. Is all the glass gone? If you have enough left to make a pattern most auto glass places can cut new glass for a reasonable price.

 

It will be hard to find original stuff. Go to the Olds Club National meet in Sturbridge MA in July for your best chance: http://www.neolds.com/2010.html
Otherwise I agree that you could go for a more modern drivetrain (but I'd change out the differential too). The small block fits easier but both it and the big block can be used.

 

I have a newly overhauled 350 tranny for BOP so I was thinking of using it and a later model engine with PS and A/C. I have a '32 Roadster with out a top or finders so I want to build a closed car with some A/C. The rear end change is probably a good idea also. The glass is probably not good for a pattern. The worrisome part (cost) is the rear glass and windshield. I was wondering if any of the other GM cars had the same?
Don't have pictures yet.

 

Welcome to CO. The front and back glass might be difficult to find, the side glass maybe easier since it is flat could probably be cut. fusick and Kanter both have Oldsmobile stuff but not body panels. Good luck.

 

Biothree,
Glass should not be to to much of a problem, other than the
cost of it. Buick century should also fit or at least it will for a 1955. I have had to replace two front windshields in the last four years as my car turned into a rock magnet. Non installed price runs about $495.00 plus about $100.00 shipping to the west coast. Shop figured 5 hours labor an my guy said he used all of it and said he did not want to do any more 50 ish cars. I have no experance with rear glass as my car it a convert. I think I tried a google for somthing like classic glass or somthing close to that and found quite a few hits. Luck with your project . Lost in the fifties .....Tedd

 

A friend has a nice running 1980 Buick LaSabre that has an Olds 307. I'm thinking of just setting the 53 body onto the 1980 Buick frame thus using all the running gear of the 80 Buick. The 53 has a 120 inch wheelbase whereas the 80 Buick has 116 inch wheelbase. I may have to add 4 inches to the frame. What I do not know yet is the track width of both cars. Anyone attempted a similar exchange? If so, any tips?
This route sound easier than "clipping" the front end, adding a 12 bolt rear end and a 4 speed tranny.