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

Interesting "barn find" -- 1939 Olds

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Old July 16th, 2013, 08:18 AM
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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.
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Old July 16th, 2013, 09:22 AM
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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.
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Old July 16th, 2013, 09:40 AM
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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
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Old July 16th, 2013, 11:49 AM
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That is a cool car. It is excellent that the university hopes to restore it.
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Old July 16th, 2013, 05:28 PM
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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!
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Old July 16th, 2013, 06:34 PM
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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
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Old July 16th, 2013, 08:16 PM
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Looks like the university just got a new parade vehicle!
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Old July 16th, 2013, 08:59 PM
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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.
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Old July 16th, 2013, 11:40 PM
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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.
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Old July 17th, 2013, 12:59 PM
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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.
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