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Since getting the 98 out of storage in the spring of 2022:
We replaced the cracked exhaust manifolds using the reproduction 442 Dual Exhaust Manifolds (Fusick Automotive or Thornton) with fresh gaskets for the 455. The stock items were a weird contraption routing drivers side into the passenger manifold and then exhausting the whole thing into one 2 1/2" pipe with one giant muffler and resonator. The thing was like having a dinosaur breathing thru a straw. The fresh 2 1/2" pipes with a crossover pipe, flowmasters and no resonators woke up the engine, its very happy now and the bonus is noticeably better gas mileage while sounding better doing it, courtesy of the genius skill of Hot Rod Scott's in Toronto.
The next improvement was the HEI Pertronix FlameThrower distributor with fresh wires and spark plugs. Again smother running and more consistent power. All of it looks factory stock and discreet.
Next was the internally regulated alternator when the voltage regulator gave up. Casualty of that event was replacing the bulbs and headlights with LED's so I can see in the dark now. The regular T3's were so yellow I have no idea how anyone could see when they were new in the dark. Now they are bright like a UFO... there is light.
The gas tank was removed, cleaned sealed inside with a new sending unit from a large tank 72 impala. The 98 Tank sender unit is a one off strange contraption like a cylinder that seized and didn't work. The filter sock was disgusting. A replacement is non existent. There is a company that rebuilds them, ( will try that ) but the tank is unavailable new. The 73-76 tanks are available from Spectra but have the newer style sending unit hump the 71 and 72 dont have and therefore wont fit without modifying the trunk floor... not an option.
The engine compartment needs some cosmetic detailing now with fresh stickers and some touch up paint next spring.
The A/C was tested and holds pressure so it will be recharged with R12 in the spring. What a machine. All those relays and wires still work.
S&M had the seat upholstery for the front couch. Next year it will be redone. That leaves some paint correction and thats about it...
But as we all know a project is never really done is it.
Check out the pix...
BTW dryer sheets for the mice really do work keeping those buggers away. Engine Compartment Cleaner 442 Dual Exhaust Manifolds Tank Sending Unit Pertronix HEI Flamethrower Distributor
Eugene, it's good to hear that the W & Z manifolds with dual exhaust woke up your 98. I got a set of those manifolds from a member on our site and had them on my 71 98 for a time. I ended up installing headers. One of the MANY stupid things I've done to my Oldsmobile.
FWIW, keep a spare HEI module in your glove box in case the one in your distributor gives you a no HOT run condition. This has happened to me multiple times in my 71. The only way around it is to get a good quality AC Delco module.
Here's a good thread with additional links on replacing the fuel sending unit in your tank.
Thank you so much for that advice. I was told the same and yes we ordered a spare. The new distributor worked well in hot weather all summer with no issues including long trips.
I found a company that will completely repair the weird 71/72 tank sending unit.
Will post it when I find it in my links stash.
I would rather modify the new Spectra Tank than the trunk floor if it were me. But I guess it makes sense to mess with whichever is in the worse of shape, the floor or the tank.
You know the biggest challenge in anything to do with old cars is getting a spray can of paint across the border from the USA into Canada unless you drive it across yourself in the trunk of your car lol. Like stuff from Ames or Engine Paint etc..
Cheers
Eugene
It's good to hear someone else has a '72 Ninety Eight.
I have the original single exhaust and installed an HEI distributor. I had the original radiator cleaned and tested, flushed the cooling system and installed new hoses. My next project is pulling the fuel tank and replacing the sending unit so this is welcome info, thanks!
I stand corrected, I guess the only Oldsmobile color they have is Gold, which was used on small blocks. I painted my 455 the MOPAR Turquoise. It looks ok.
Very nice looking 98. I love the 2 doors they look even longer...!
I was surprised that even after sitting so long all the rad fluid in mine dried out almost completely.
After a good flush and cleaning the rad works with no leaks and no overheating. New hoses and clamps are a must. Mine got a new water pump at the time.
I see you have cruise control a neat option.
Fusick still has all the engine compartment stickers...!
Cruise, tilt/telescopic wheel AM/FM radio. It's a great cruiser.
I've always wanted the Custom Cruiser wagon but it'll never happen.
I had another '72 Ninety Eight coupe years ago, gold with a black top and interior, it was a great car to take the family cruising, the kids loved it!
Tony, Tilt telescoping wheel is an amazing option, along with cruise...! You are lucky. Mine only has tilt and we share the same interior colours...
Jesse yours seems to be a dry tan or is it just the sun?
I see we ALL have the same problem with steering wheel covers because that laminated wood insert dries out and falls off looking terrible.
Im trying to locate someone to fix the steering wheel for that and the backside has cracks in the plastic...
I even thought of putting on the 442 Black Sport rubber wheel with the brushed stainless ribs similar to the Grand Am wheel but IMHO it does not really suit the car.
I found a guy to restore the original AM FM Stereo with bluetooth and all that good stuff... so I can put the original one it back in.
My other complaint is the driver's seat upholstery is worn out and splitting looking a bit ratty.
Found the exact replacement upholstery at SMS got 3 yards of each cloth to reupholster the couch.
In this household its only us older things and I don't allow food coffee or eating inside anymore lol... or they get a full out dressing down.
E Dealer Brochure showing the upholstery on my car as well the 442 sport steering wheel My front couch Dash & Steering Wheel
My 71 had cloth interior when I bought it. The driver's seat was damaged so I had it recovered in 2 tone brown/tan. My 71 has been in a garage pretty much every day for the past 8 years since I had the interior redone and the cloth is already starting to fade. The pic is about 5 years ago.
IMHO, all the cloth materials give out in time and use...
I think the best ones are the velour types on the Regency loose cushion appearance seats for wear.
I had an 86 Regency and the beige banana boat beige was the most durable stuff I ever came across next to leather or vinyl...
But I want to keep mine stock as possible.
If $$$ was no object I would switch to the Regency type seats they look way better too...!
E
I agree. The Regency seats are awesome. My father; Oldsguy, owned a 76 98 Regency coupe many years ago. I've mentioned it before and I'll stand by it, that was the BEST car I've ever driven. Probably because I was young and invincible then. 😆 If only I could transplant my spare 455 and a TH425 into my 96 98.🤔
FWIW, I think the Regency interior wasn't available until 73.
The Regency Package was available in 1972 as the Y79 Order Code about $372 on page 10 of the January 1972 Specifications Book given to dealers see attached pdf if it works...
the list of options in the day was unbelievable compared to today...!
72 Regency Brochure
Stuffing the big engines into newer cars can be a fun project indeed!
E
Oh my gosh... Jesse, I clicked on your youtube channel and now I remember having watched your videos working on your car...!
This was before joining this forum in the last few days... lol.
What a small world... things are more interconnected than we realize...!
Cheers
E
Thanks for watching Eugene. Now that you've seen my jalopy, you know I have plenty of material for future videos. Here's a link to a thread on my YouTube channel.
Thank you so much Jesse. You have dug deep into working on your 98. I enjoy watching work done on these cars and look forward to more...! Keep them coming.
Eugene
Post pix...!
Always interesting to see the 98's getting work done.
Having Paint corrections starting on my 72 and minor rust fixed so we can be ready for the summer cruise and shows.
Not entirely thrilled with the colour match and the paint fix, but the scars and dents are repaired and sheetmetal fixed at both corners of the rear window saving the vynil roof... rust is gone and trunk is water tight... new roof rail and trunk lip rubber seals are next to install...
Both corners next to the window trim molding had rot, the vynil was peeled back the holes cleaned, cut out fresh metal welded primed painted and roof glued back and trim reassembled, a bit tattered but can be cleaned up and saved... these angles show the colour mismatch... I guess after 53 years the nutmeg colour has faded and the shop couldn't 100% adjust the colour because of the metallic flake...
There was rust in the same place on my 71 98 and it didn't even have a vinyl top. Years ago I bought trim to install a vinyl top but I've never taken the plunge.
I certainly would have preferred no vinyl top but the car came with it and it looks good with it, the muck I cleaned out in 1978 to plug those holes was unbelievable for a car that spent all the first 6 winters in Florida.
I realized the gutter or channel below the rear window has to be maintained and cleaned regularly of dirt and leaf blower dried.
Now the paranoia over that, not so much as the car doesn't see regular duty only dry weather and car shows... some camping etc...
