Olds Scott

I retired last year and have one more car build left in me. I am looking for a 1955 Olds Super 88 4 door that is not too far gone and complete in the So Cal area. I just finished restoring my grandfathers 1940 Ford Deluxe Coup that he hot rodded in the early 50's. I want a classic 4 door car that is comfortable to drive and not impossible to find parts for and that has led me to an Oldsmobile. I am not a flake or a flipper and have done my homework and the 55 Olds is what I want. Since I am a newbie to Oldsmobiles this looks like the site to belong too. Any feedback would be appreciated.

oldcutlass

Welcome! Sounds like a worthy quest, keep us posted on status. Ebay, craigslist, and a slew of other sites may lead you to success.

Tedd Thompson

Welcome aboard.

Good choice of years, there are still a few good ones out there and I like that era because you can cruse at 70 and still look like an antique going down the road. Let us know if you need help there is a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum ...Lost in the fifties....Hope to see you there soon...Tedd

oldspackrat

Not exactly what you want, but I found a '55 98 4 door in a yard near me. Some of the interior is gone, but it seems like most of the body & trim is there. It says it runs & shifts also. They said they will sell it whole, but I didn't get a price.
Oh yeah, I'm also in Indianapolis.
Scott
http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/a...-30-55_466.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/a...-31-43_856.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/a...-30-16_768.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/a...-22-54_214.jpg

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/a...-22-14_156.jpg

jaunty75

Don't worry. We wouldn't care if you were! You can do whatever you want with your car, and there's nothing wrong with a buying an old car, fixing it up, and then selling it so you can buy another one and start the process over again. For many people, the most enjoyable part of the hobby is in the doing.


One bit of advice I have is to not limit your search to a particular area. Yes, it would be nice to find the car you want five miles from you, but you want a very specific car, a 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 four-door, and those don't grow on trees, even in the car-crazy Southern California area. You might have to travel a bit, but it will be worth it to get the exact car you want.

For example, here's a very nice one, but it's done as far as needing to be restored, and it's on the other side of the country in Buffalo, New York. But it's a hell of a nice looking car. Wouldn't it look nice in your driveway?



http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/3404503217.html



Here's another. It's still about 500 miles from you, but it's in the same state. The price is much better, too, as it still needs some work. Also, it's a hardtop rather than a sedan, and I always liked the hardtop look on a four-door. Fly on up and drive it home.



http://redding.craigslist.org/cto/3472094157.html



Good luck in your search.

Olds Scott

Thanks for getting back with pictures oldspackrat. This car is a little beyond my skill level for restoring. You guys (and gals) are certainly responsive for an Olds newbie. A 98 4 door would also work for me but I have been finding cars that are over restored with high price tags or cars with title problems and it is not easy to register a car in CA with a bill of sale (title searches after purchase make me nervous). Something closer to home would be better for me.

jaunty75

Well, the second car I mentioned above is already IN California, so that would presumably make the titling process easier.

Olds Scott

Thanks jaunty75. Both pictured cars are beautiful but the CA car is a little out of my price range and the NY car cost and shipping would be too much. I have found one car in my area that would fit the bill but there are title problems with it. Sorry to be so particular.

jaunty75

Don't be. We can certainly understand, and I'm guessing that, in time, you will find what you want.

47 Convertible

You are right to be fussy about having a clear title. I've been through that a couple of times when I was younger and won't buy again without clear title. People who sell without a title are either selling parts or trying to get you to buy their problem. My standard reply is "get the title and then we'll deal."

Olds Scott

Thanks 47 Convertible. That is exactly what I said so we will see what happens. So in the meantime I am still on the lookout.

2blu442

Welcome to the site! I'm up in Oregon, just over the border and I've got a 1954 2 door hardtop project car and a 1955 4 door post car. Being honest to myself I've got waaaaaay too many irons in the fire and would consider selling these together for $1750. Here's links to the threads when I purchased each of them. John


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...r-my-list.html


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...88-4-door.html

2blu442

Wow! I just looked at the one in Redding. If you could take out a loan and pull that one off you'd be significantly ahead vs. buying something that needs a lot of work. I've seen a couple on Craigslist up here, but they're more like $2500 and would still need a full restoration. You might try searchtempest.com to see what's on the various Craigslist in your part of the country.

http://www.searchtempest.com/results...min&maxAsk=max


John

Olds Scott

Thanks 2blu442 for the feedback and the pictures. The cars are desireable but a little rough for me. The guy in Redding has a nice car but would need more information from him with pictures, I have emailed him awaiting an answer.

Tedd Thompson

Olds Scott


I live about 80 miles from that car in Redding should that car look as though it might work out I would probably be available to either meet you in Redding and go over the car with you or I could check it out myself I go to Redding at least once a month, I'm pretty familiar with the good and bads of 55s....Tedd

Olds Scott

Thanks for the offer Ted. I have emailed the owner and tried to call him but to no avail. The car looks good but wanted more pictures. I have one down here that is a little rougher but has title problems. Don't want to put you out. Just fell in love with this year of Olds.

OLD SKL 69

Welcome to CO and good luck with your search. Reading the posts already on this thread, sounds like you have a few to choose from already.

Olds Scott

Sometimes the hunt is better than the aquisition.

Tedd Thompson

Cheaper too. Tedd

Olds Scott

The car I mentioned in an earlier post is going thru the Sacromento 30 day title search procedure as of yesterday. Hope it is blessed before that time. It is a 55 Super 88 4 door garage find that the heads are pulled on. Is complete an straight but is missing the radiator and needs to be gone thru. Has power steering, power brakes, electric windows, padded dash and rear speaker option. Wish me luck

Jamesbo

Welcome aboard

Kinda like women????

Olds Scott

Still waiting on the title search for the local car, should be up soon. If it does not work out than still looking. Determined to find this car.

Olds Scott

Been almost three years since this project was started. Not as well documented as I would like but here are a few pictures

oldcutlass

Glad you found something and are moving forward. Consider starting a build thread under Major Projects and Builds.

Tedd Thompson

Something I regret was not getting any pictures of my car as it was found berried in a tiny 100 year old model T garage. It never hurts to take a bunch of pictures Things that don't seem important now some how become precious later on as your story with your car develops. Take lots of pictures...Tedd

Olds Scott

Pictures of rebuilt engine and transmission along with power steering assembly and generator. Front frame repainted and installing rebuilt front suspension.

Olds Scott

Forgot to enter pictures