I own two vintage Oldsmobiles. One is a '49 coupe 76, and the other a '49 Olds 98 convertible. The coupe needs some band adjustments and repair a leaking oil pan gasket.
The convertible is a different matter. A very rare classic but in a sad state of disrepair. A basket case. I couldn't even get it registered in my name because it needs to look like a complete car.
I am anxious to parade in this classic, but the research I've done on this car has been a very enlightening experience.
I'll begin by saying I will **** off a lot of fans of the classic Olds. I plan to drop a Chevy 5.3L engine and drive train, and a Ford 9 inch rear end. I could not decide on several Olds engines because I kept getting controversial feedback on the engines I was considering. I wanted to go with a carbureted engine, but the 5.3L is fuel injected and modified to about 380hp, with a 4L60 transmission.
As I said, I want to get this puppy on the road. The frame alignment and engine installation will take about two months. That leaves ten months to do the body restoration. When I'm done with it, I guess it will be considered a "restomod". But it will be a great looking and driving representative of one of the great classics of post war America...so if we disagree on how I should have restored my Olds, I plan to be very happy with my decision.
It would be great to hear from other early Olds owners that have gone this route and the results of their decision. I know they're out there because I've seen them.

 

As long as you are going with the Chevy engine, you should go ahead and clip the front end if you have not planned to do so. The 49 Olds really has an antiquated suspension. If you clip it you have disk brakes and power steering. The Olds suspension has king pins and bushings instead of balljoints. I would never do that to my 54 but it is not a basket case either. It is your car to do with what you like. I will not fault you. You will have a nice fuel efficient car that is fun to drive when you are done.

 

Thanks Red (your car is blue). The car's front has already been butchered with an unknown front clip that they used for mounting an Olds 403. The 403 is frozen. I don't know the condition of the t350 transmission. Does it have any value?
The wheel base is off by 1.25 inch. The clip is coming off and replaced with a new clip kit. The guy that will do the job said it had a "Nascar" type rear end. Didn't ask him what he meant. He liked what they did with the rear end, but he's recommending the Ford rear end.
The frame on the convertible is massive. I was tempted to replace with an Art Morrison frame, but it may not be as heavy duty as required by this convertible.

 

You might want to as these questions over on the vintage forum. There are a bunch of people who have done exactly what you are thinking of doing. Try the thread that starts with How many 46 -48 are out there. Or something like that, I'm sure they will have good advise also.... Tedd https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...hat-these.html

 

Thanks Tedd. Will give it a try.

 

I moved your thread to the Vintage Forum, as Tedd said they are a great bunch of guys.