Just scored a 1950 98 Futurmatic
#41
You might rethink the accumulators unless you like replacing seals a lot. The stress of of no springs will really kill the seals. Another consideration is dialing in the accumulators on a heavy vehicle, i have heard from a very good source that it can be a pain to get a good ride, even with adjusting the pressure.
I am going to go with hydraulics on my 66 starfire, but am going to run a coil under set-up all the way around with shocks. Only going with 2 switches to raise and lower. Either way, good luck to both of you and the Olds is kicking some serious ****.
I am going to go with hydraulics on my 66 starfire, but am going to run a coil under set-up all the way around with shocks. Only going with 2 switches to raise and lower. Either way, good luck to both of you and the Olds is kicking some serious ****.
Like I said, I had the set up on that Caddy f/ just over 2 years and had no problem w/ the accumulators what-so-ever. It rode great and didn't have to change the original pressure on the accumulators. I mounted the accumulators under the hood, on brackets, and installed shut-offs on each to regulate/adjust the flow. My understanding from the beginning was that they should be mounted close as possible to the cylinder and I never had a bit of trouble. Alot of guys mount them in the trunk and haven't had any problems either. I just went w/ the old basic hydraulic system theory in the use of accumulators, prior to street systems. I think alot of guys don't understand hydraulics overall, the basic concept, and try things that aren't orthodox, ending in problems that they blame components f/ when it's really their improper engineering of the components. I could never own and use hydraulics unless the system had accumulators. It's just too rough of a ride f/ me.
#42
Even with the cold and snowy weather I managed to get some work done on the Olds.
I removed the seats (to the upholstery shop) and rubber floor mat. Even though the car had no rust on the outside, 30+ years of sitting under a tree with rubber floor mats did a number on the floor.
I had an old hood for metal, just made new floor pans. Since I used flat metal I had to weld some 1"x1/8" supports.
It was supposed to be in the shop getting painted over the weekend. Always a delay or two. Today after work I will paint the entire floor with Eastwood rust stabilizer, while the car is getting its final blocking.
I removed the seats (to the upholstery shop) and rubber floor mat. Even though the car had no rust on the outside, 30+ years of sitting under a tree with rubber floor mats did a number on the floor.
I had an old hood for metal, just made new floor pans. Since I used flat metal I had to weld some 1"x1/8" supports.
It was supposed to be in the shop getting painted over the weekend. Always a delay or two. Today after work I will paint the entire floor with Eastwood rust stabilizer, while the car is getting its final blocking.
#44
Some motivation now that all the snowstorms have passed (until Wednesday). I took the seats to the upholstery shop, and got the bottom half of the car painted. Here are a couple of pics (excuse the pics it's still in the paint booth).
The top will be painted tomorrow afternoon. Jade green with a heavy green flake.
The top will be painted tomorrow afternoon. Jade green with a heavy green flake.
#46
Yea the visor is dissassembed for painting. The framework is painted satin black to add a little contrast. Igot a blowout on one of the tires pulling out of the garage. The tires looked to be in really good shape but were badly dryrotted (huge cracks). I ordered a new set of coker's.
Last edited by frmula505; February 4th, 2010 at 08:24 AM.
#54
Great color, and you're moving along quickly on the work. I'd love to have that kind of time. really, post some pics so we can see the whole car-like citcapp said. I'll pray f/ warmer weather f/ you. Even here in Texas has been cooler than normal. So much f/ global warming...what a lie.
#55
Well today is fairly nice (my Friday). The next few days look warm and clear. I'll put the last of the parts back on (front bumper/grill, visor, door latches). I also have an old school set of Appletons sitting around the shop somewhere, still debating on those. Have to take the door panels to the upholstery shop (they already have the seats). And I really don't have a lot of time. This car was really cherry to start with. I just sort of live in my garages. Will post better pics this weekend.
#61
Really looks great! Let's hear it for the guys/gals running Smithy's!!! Back in the 50's I had a friend who had one just like yours (actually his parents car); he put straight/cut outs in front of the mufflers. You could hear him coming down the road a mile away, usually with the locals chasing him!!! LOL!
#62
The car looks great! You wasted no time on this one, like I said. You should feel really lucky to have the time and money to "go to town" w/ the restore. My hat's off to you f/ the nice paint. You could lower it and have the start (would only need head and tail light work) of a 50s custom. So many ways to go w/ that car. Too cool. Like I said before, I love that engine and those valve covers. I've always liked the engines just after the flat head and just before the OHV system was really refined, alot of things in that era of engine were different. Actually, it wasn't too long ago that all occured, how time flies when the years start to accumulate. LOL.
The weather here in Central Texas hasn't been very warm this winter. We've gotten front after front and the temps have been way below average. The usual wrench turning w/ the doors open just hasn't been happening. I should probably keep my mouth shut, as the summer and 100 plus temps will be here before I know it.
So what's next on the car? Are you done f/ now or are you moving on to more areas? Best of luck.
The weather here in Central Texas hasn't been very warm this winter. We've gotten front after front and the temps have been way below average. The usual wrench turning w/ the doors open just hasn't been happening. I should probably keep my mouth shut, as the summer and 100 plus temps will be here before I know it.
So what's next on the car? Are you done f/ now or are you moving on to more areas? Best of luck.
#64
IMO, w/ the original hub caps or funky wheels, that car sitting on the ground will look fantastic. I know the guys who like the originals don't like the idea of modifying that original being, but the oldies dropped are extra cool to me. Keep us posted. So far Soooo cool!!!
#65
Thought I had pulled a bad F*** UP. As I was installing the tail lights. I dropped one of the back up lenses (They're glas). I ckecked on e-bay found a complete back up light assembly for $60 NOS.
It came with the lenses, bezels, switch, and wiring. My wiring was bare in a lot of places. Ireplaced everything, plus rewired my starter and brake switch.
Before,
After
Another setback. I got the call that my seats and door panels were done. I laid out the carpet I had ordered. It's to small (must be for an 88 instead of a 98)
Have to see if they make it good for me
It came with the lenses, bezels, switch, and wiring. My wiring was bare in a lot of places. Ireplaced everything, plus rewired my starter and brake switch.
Before,
After
Another setback. I got the call that my seats and door panels were done. I laid out the carpet I had ordered. It's to small (must be for an 88 instead of a 98)
Have to see if they make it good for me
Last edited by frmula505; February 28th, 2010 at 02:33 PM.
#67
Thanks guys, Its coming along. Looky what the UPS guy dropped off today.
Now all I need is the tank,switches, and compressor. This kit only ran me $399. Ihas all the brackets lines, and air valves (like on a tire). Manual operation for now. Any one have the parts I need?
Now all I need is the tank,switches, and compressor. This kit only ran me $399. Ihas all the brackets lines, and air valves (like on a tire). Manual operation for now. Any one have the parts I need?
#68
This pic is killin' !!! Glass lenses, WOW! Lucky find. The car is really looking great. I didn't know that you wee going in that direction originally. That's the way I would have gone. Just a great looking car. One of the best looking cars I've seen in awhile. I think that Citcapp's oldie will be another great looking car. Way to go!!!
#69
#72
Excuse the dirty tires, we have had horrid weather this winter. This was before the pinstiping. There is a lot if snow on the ground right now, so no current picture available.
#74
Back when one make, or model, of car actually looked different than the other. As I look down the line in a parking lot at times, I see a bunch of like rides w/ different brand markings on them and all look plastic and shitty w/ no character, and look very much the same as one another. A head light or tail light may have a different shape, but that's it. This last sentence about the head/tail light... was actually pointed out by my 11 year old daughter. She and I are not only father and daughter, but great friends, and although she's not into cars like I am, she is aware of things "about" cars of yesterday and today, and tomorrow.
My father was a Caddy man, he'd be '98 now if he was alive. He bought a new '53 Caddy, one of afew new ones he bought in his life time, and I remember him saying, that was the best Caddy he ever owned. Something about that particular year. Even though he owned afew new Caddys in the '50s, that was the one he liked, and ofcourse, like I'm saying, there were very distinctive differences in the different shapes/options over that ten year period ('50s), not to mention the Caddys being NOT an "off the line" car.
I like those days more, even though I only caught the end of that era as a kid.
#75
I know I was corrected around the third post. I had the car only a few days when I started this thread. Thanks for the info though.
Also my car is finally getting the upholstery finished. Should be done by the end of the week. The seats and door panels were already done. Will post pics when I get it back.
Also my car is finally getting the upholstery finished. Should be done by the end of the week. The seats and door panels were already done. Will post pics when I get it back.
Last edited by frmula505; March 21st, 2010 at 06:17 PM.
#76
Went by the upholstery shop to check on my car. It should be ready by Friday. Here are a couple of teaser pics.
Will post pictures when I pick it up
Will post pictures when I pick it up
Last edited by frmula505; March 24th, 2010 at 07:38 PM.
#78
Got it back from the shop, here's a couple of pictures.
first the headliner.
Here is a shot of the split back seat.
Front area. You can see I painted the top half of the dash the same color as the roof, and the bottom half silver w/silver flake. The dash wraps around onto the front door panel a bit.
first the headliner.
Here is a shot of the split back seat.
Front area. You can see I painted the top half of the dash the same color as the roof, and the bottom half silver w/silver flake. The dash wraps around onto the front door panel a bit.