Vintage Oldsmobiles Curved Dash, Limited Touring, Models 40, 53, 66; Series 60, 70, 90

Interesting "barn find" -- 1939 Olds

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old July 16th, 2013 | 08:18 AM
  #1  
jaunty75's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 14,498
From: southeastern Michigan
Interesting "barn find" -- 1939 Olds

In my wonderful retirement, I work part-time at a nearby university, and today I discovered this parked behind the building I work in. I believe it is a 1939 Series 60 F-39 or Series 70 G-39 four-door sedan. It has a 6-cylinder engine, so that rules out a Series 80. Anyone know how to tell the difference between a 60 and a 70?

Anyway, the story, at least partly, is that some property owned by the estate of the guy for whom the building I work in is named was willed to the university, and this car was found in a garage or barn or something on the property. The university agreed to take it and restore it. I don't know who is going to do it, but it's parked behind the building that houses several engineering departments. Obviously someone has taken the time to put it on a trailer and get it here. It's certainly rough but not at all beyond hope. I noticed the cylinder head sitting on the back seat. I'm glad to see it being saved.






















Note the cylinder head on the seat.







Last edited by jaunty75; July 16th, 2013 at 08:21 AM.
Old July 16th, 2013 | 09:22 AM
  #2  
oldcutlass's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 41,171
From: Poteau, Ok
I'm getting ready to start on a Packard 1701A in similar disarray as soon as the body goes on the Vette.

Last edited by oldcutlass; July 16th, 2013 at 09:31 AM.
Old July 16th, 2013 | 09:40 AM
  #3  
Tedd Thompson's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,743
From: Forest Ranch Ca.
I've seen worse brought back from the dead and it looks to be mostly all there but it would scare me off from trying to restore it. Just everything would need to be done. You would have way more in it than what it would ever get out of it( we all do that though) unless you just like the challenge....Tedd
Old July 16th, 2013 | 11:49 AM
  #4  
Olds64's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 16,574
From: Edmond, OK
That is a cool car. It is excellent that the university hopes to restore it.
Old July 16th, 2013 | 05:28 PM
  #5  
Sampson's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,603
From: Fuquay Varina NC
Originally Posted by oldcutlass
I'm getting ready to start on a Packard 1701A in similar disarray as soon as the body goes on the Vette.
Would love to see some pics of the Packard Eric! They are special!
Old July 16th, 2013 | 06:34 PM
  #6  
MDchanic's Avatar
Connoisseur d'Junque
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 21,183
From: The Hudson Valley
Looks like someone took it to a demolition derby before driving it into the barn and feeding it to the raccoons.

The University could do a nice job on it if they are determined, though.

- Eric
Old July 16th, 2013 | 08:16 PM
  #7  
Grandpa's_Olds's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 25
Looks like the university just got a new parade vehicle!
Old July 16th, 2013 | 08:59 PM
  #8  
oldcutlass's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 41,171
From: Poteau, Ok
Originally Posted by Sampson
Would love to see some pics of the Packard Eric! They are special!
I'll post some up Sunday.

I like the old cars and it's great when a chance comes up to restore one. My buddy also has I believe a 29 Buick chassis with powertrain, running gear and wood spoke wheels that we are trying to find a body for. It's huge.

Hey Jaunty, perhaps they might let you help if you desire.
Old July 16th, 2013 | 11:40 PM
  #9  
lil_no's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 109
From: Des Moines, WA
I bet it will be really cool when its restored. I remember when my dad brought home his 38 Buick Special, it was in a lot worst condition than this olds.
Old July 17th, 2013 | 12:59 PM
  #10  
47 Convertible's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,009
From: Woodland WA
Boy does that bring back memories. My first car at age 15 was a 39 Olds 2dr. sedan with the 6 cyl. engine. Bought for $35 from my pal Tommy Thompson in Boise, ID in 1956. I drove it for about 18 months but when a tie rod end separated, at a thankfully low 10-15 mph, that was a wake-up call. I replaced both tie rod ends and then sold the car and moved on to a 1951 Ford which lasted until I went in the Army.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
L77F85
General Discussion
22
November 25th, 2018 03:40 AM
jaunty75
Ninety-Eight
4
May 1st, 2011 10:42 AM
bugnbox
The Newbie Forum
53
April 3rd, 2011 06:34 PM
Bunser
General Discussion
15
March 27th, 2010 10:29 AM
Mr. King
Cutlass
12
February 12th, 2007 08:51 AM



Quick Reply: Interesting "barn find" -- 1939 Olds



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:25 AM.