I'm new to this forum, thought I would report directly to this section. as I'm working on a '47 model 76. I'm also involved with vintage travel trailers, so this old girl will be built to tow. I've kicked around several options for power (no chevys), and am leaning towards a 455 backed by a turbo 400. I plan to use the stock rear suspension with beefed-up springs/shocks. For the front I have been considering a "FatMan" frame stub as the basis for updated suspension, though I may choose a frame clip from a donor car if I find one that will work nicely. I'd be real interested in hearing from anyone that has made similar upgrades to a '46-48. Also looking for a few '47 parts.
Doug.

 

Hi Doug,

Great to see another fat fender owner on site. I have a 48 76 myself and Oldsguy has a 46. Dan has a 455 and turbo 400 already installed in his and I am in the procees of installing one in mine. I have a 9" ford rear and Mustang front with rack and pinion steering. Lots of guys are using plymouth volare front clips from what i hear lately. Lots of choices these days.

 

Hi citcapp,
Thanks for the welcome. I'd be anxious to hear of any helpfull tips, or pitfalls to avoid in these swaps. What did you do to your frame to mount the Mustang crossmember? The "Fatman" frame stub I refered to replaces the part of the frame where the existing spring towers are and it incorporates a Mustang based crossmember also. Kind of the easy way out I guess, it doesn't seem like I have the time lately to fab it from scratch.
Doug.

 

I'll take some pictures of the front end install this weekend and post them for discussion.

 

Oh just great, someone else in the neighborhood looking for 47 parts!
Just kidding. I have a 47 Convertible Model 66 with MII front end and 67 GTO rear end. I didn't do the work but bought it with that much and little else, done. Since I'm just a little north of Portland (Woodland WA) and you are in central Oregon, you would be welcome to drop by anytime and look at the setup I have. A professional rod builder did the suspension/rear end work and used a lot of the original rear suspension but used the GTO housing and rear end with coil springs. Might be similar to what you are proposing. When I was considering purchase of the car and asked about the rear suspension he said he thought the original rear suspension was pretty well designed and just needed the help of a stronger 3rd member and a heavier anti sway bar (Better shocks too I might add). The front suspension is a Ground Hawg crossmember kit ( out of Indiana I think) and has stock- appearing MII components including the lower arm which he never got around to putting a strut rod onto. Forgot to mention I too went with 455. A '68 that just came back from the rebuilders.
Keep in touch. Maybe we'll actually meet some day.
Jerry Brown

 

Hey Jerry,
I promise I won't buy any convertible parts It's great to see there's several guys here that are doing or have done similar mods to cars like mine. I don't want to build a copy of anyone else's car, but I don't want to "re-invent the wheel" either. I think I have a pretty good overall build plan for this car, but several areas- especially the front frame/suspension are not yet set in stone, and I'm anxious to see or hear what's worked for others.
Doug.

 

Ok guys
Here are the pictures. I'll take a wheel off this week end to get a better shot. Hard to see any thing. If you guys want me to measure anything let me know. I'll be taking the body off soon to prep and paint the frame it has flash rust on it so it doesn't look very good right now. But it is all new.

 

Thanks for the pics of front end modifications. Much appreciated. Hope I can do you a favor one of these days.
Jerry

 

Your welcome, always happy to help a fellow Olds Guy

 

My '46 has the stock third member but I have a 9" in the garage expecting it to fail. I was going to drive it until it croaked, don't think the old differential could hold up to the torque of the 455. It still has the stock front suspension and it rides like a lumber wagon and turns like an ocean liner but everything has to be tackled one item at a time when you are on a budget and who isn't these days.

 

I may have some parts for sale. When I purchased the 46 2-door torpedo back, I also picked up a 47 4-door torpedo back all there but the motor and tranny. What are you looking for? I'm in Salt Lake City ,Utah I don't know what year the v-8 that is in my 46 is ,but on the front of the motor on what appears to be the timing chain cover are the numbers "563251" Could anybody help me with these numbers on identifying the year of the motor ? The valve covers are green.

 

Pat, Doug and any others interested. Here is a link to my Picasa Album showing some detail on my 47 Convertible front suspension, steering and frame alterations. As you can see the suspension is MII. Motor mounts are for a now gone 350 SBC. Pretty similar setup to Pat's. http://picasaweb.google.com/jbinwa/4...ensionDetails# All suspension work was done by the previous owner who has a small rod building shop in S. Oregon called Highway Art. I think there is also one shot of the rear suspension which is a combination of original and later 60s 10 bolt which appears to be GTO ???
Jerry

 

Pat and Jerry,
Thanks for posting the photos, good detail shots.
bettylew,
Are you thinking of parting out your '47? What series is it?
Doug.

 

Bettylew,
re. engine identification: Is it an Olds engine? (the oil fill tube will be on the front and going right into the engine) or maybe a Chevy? A pic of the engine would be helpful.

re. parts: I need grille from 47 but it needs to be in good enough shape to chrome without too much prep work, i.e., not too many craters in the pot metal. if a 60 series I need a good front and rear bumper as well. Best shipping from SLC to Woodland WA would be to toss the items on a Greyhound Bus.
Jerry

 

The Olds engines with codes beginning with 5 with green covers would likely be 324 engines from mid 50s but their codes are 568922 and 568928 according to information I found. I went back through your other posts on this group and others smarter than I am have suggested the same thing, that you have a 324 Olds engine.

 

I also have 47 olds model 76 (and a 48 model 66) and would highly recommend a 1979-81 Olds cutlass / chevy malibu as a donor vehicle for your sub frame... it fits perfect, right height at the proper angles, cheap and easy to get / build / modify / maintain... and if spliced correctly, you cant tell that the front half was not stock in appearance. I have some photos of the process on mine, i'll have to dig it out for you. drop me an email at jjferrero3@yahoo.com. and i'll send them to you.

Best of luck,

~Joe Ferrero