Hi guys,

We are newbies on the site.... love the forum, and loving Olds-kool cars.

Well, We are an Aussie guy (and Aussie gal) looking at buying our first classic Oldsmobile.

In Australia, these things aren't all that common, and we were looking to buy something a little different to whats running around here. Lots of Stangs, 55's-57 Chevs, Caddys etc.

Anyhow, we found this one, with a little bit of info, and the price kinda looks ok to us by the time we get it out here. Wondering, however, the guy who owns it, makes reference to it needing a new tranny, and if anyone can point me into the right direction of maybe what type I should source, and weather I am best off getting over in the states when we get the car, or sourcing something local?

Here's the link:

http://www.usatoaus.com/Information.aspx?id=53404&keyword=&description=fal se&minprice=&price=15000&cid=1&sidx=150&eidx=180

Any advice, guidance is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Bill and Emma

 

Bill, welcome to the site.

That car is definitely beautiful. If it needs transmission work be wary. If you don't mind turning a wrench and spending money it might not be a bad project though. The early GM automatics are hard to find parts for and are quite pricey to rebuild. If you need parts for it check out Fatsco transmissions or Kanter auto parts. They are both here in the States.

If you change to a new transmission you will have to get an adapter plate. One company that makes this adapter plate is Tansen. I know folks have done this before and posted on the site.

Please keep us posted, and welcome to the site.

 

Welcome,

I'm very partial to the '55s myself - I think that HOLIDAY is beautiful.

I noticed it needs brake work as well - as you probably know, you can get the brake parts from KAnter or Fusick as well.

I've had (and have) many of these cars - the transmissions in general are bullet proof, but are subject to some problems with wearing bands, hydraulic pressure probs, and governor issues - that being said, if you can find a good technician and a service manual, you should be able to get it straightened out. Personally, I would try to either fix, or replace yours in kind, and avoid the changeover to a 700R4, but that's me.

A good used can be had for a few hundred dollars - obviously, getting it to you is a different story.

I would go to www.jalopyjournal.com and do a thread search for "Olds Hydramatic" - there are a few guys on that site that are extremely knowledgeable and there's a ton of info on them....just don't ask questions on that site without introducing yourself first (ask me how I know) -

 

Thanks for the responces guys.

we will keep you posted on our progress, and if we end up getting that car (or another) will be sure to send thru some more pics of our beauty.

Cheers

Bill n Emma