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I recently was gifted this car by my 97 year old grandmother. It belonged to my pap who bought it in 1973 or so. It last ran when I was kid in the 90s and has been parked since. I’m not mechanically inclined but want to learn on this car and get it running, driving and reliable. I bought the shop manual and currently reading it. The car is in St. Louis and needs shipped to me in WV.
Any tips on how to learn and work on this guy? More pics in the link. Thanks to all!
There is a sub-forum called Vintage Oldsmobiles and a Darksiders group you should evaluate. Lots of good members who can share their knowledge with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Very helpful members.
Consider joining AACA www.aaca.org . There are six AACA groups in West Virginia, and, depending where you are in the state, also groups in PA, OH, KY and VA. These folks will know who can properly service your Catfish Oldsmobile and are usually very helpful themselves.
Charlie Jones and redoldsman on here have experience and excellent knowledge on mid-50s Oldsmobiles.
Consider joining AACA www.aaca.org . There are six AACA groups in West Virginia, and, depending where you are in the state, also groups in PA, OH, KY and VA. These folks will know who can properly service your Catfish Oldsmobile and are usually very helpful themselves.
Charlie Jones and redoldsman on here have experience and excellent knowledge on mid-50s Oldsmobiles.
Ask ANY questions here on this forum, it will be tough to find a more knowledgable group. Since this car has sat for so long it is important how you "wake it up", don't stick a battery in it, some gas and try to start it, a lot of unnecessary damage that was preventable can be done that way.
Photo the process, that is a beautiful barn find with family history...a treasure.
One of the first things you need to do is see if the engine is frozen. If so, pull the plugs and scope the cylinders. If it will turn over, pull the plugs and squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil is each of the cylinders. If the engine does not turn over, I would shoot a combination of 50% ATF (automatic transmission fluid. and acetone in each of the cylinders. It is going to be due and oil change as loing as it has been setting. It will also need a filter change and that is pretty much a royal PIA. It is a cartridge filter on the lower right and side of the engine. You will need a fresh battery. When you get ready to crank it, run a hose from the carb to a gas can because I can guarantee the gas tank is full of sludge. This is a lot to accomplish for a newby. We all started somewhere and many of our cases it was a very long time ago. We all still learn new stuff occasionally. What you really need is a mentor to help you with this car. You can learn all this stuff but you won't get it all from reading books although that is recommended. I just looked at the photos and this is an outstanding car. Great colors, a 2-door hardtop Super 88 with just about all the options. As mentioned, try and find a local chapter of OCA (Olds Club of America) or NAOC (National Antique Olds Club) or a chapter of AACA. Most members will be glad to help and encourage a young person to become involved in the hobby.
The more I look at the picture that car looks like a top-shelf survivor, a candidate for extreme detailing without repainting etc. Hopefully it will run without major work. To the OP, if you wish post where you are located in WV, an experienced member may be willing to help with the mechanical wake up.
Another point I thought about and is very important is the ignition. This car has points and a condenser. Fortunately, the 56 was the first year of the distributor with external adjustment points. After all these years, the points may be stuck but will certainly need cleaning. You take some fine sandpaper and run through the points several times. The points should be gapped on 16 thousandths of an inch or better yet 30°. You would need a dwell meter to set the dwell. Just try cleaning them first. Then with the cap off, you should be able to see them open and close. I am sure by now, you head is spinning. If you were close to Dallas, I would come over and help you with it.
Congrats on the car, you're already on your way by being wise enough to obtain a shop manual and read it. Once you get the car home find a local car club or cruise nights to meet and network with other vintage car owners. Join the OCA and there is also a Facebook site for 54-55-56 Oldsmobiles. Lastly joining this forum was a good decision. Good luck with the car !
I had to "wake up" my '56 after 20 years of hibernation. Obviously, getting it running is the priority, but after that, take notes on all the electrical things that don't work and work on them one at a time. You'll be cleaning a lot of bullet connectors. And you'll be taking two steps forward and one step back a lot. Taking notes is important. I saved the factory A/C for last.
One important reminder I just thought of. Reprint manuals sometimes are not in color. Make sure you get an electrical schematic IN COLOR, so you can trace with wires by color. Somewhere on eBay I found a laminated blow up schematic for my '56, and that was very helpful.
As mentioned above, we're here to help- we're all in this together.
