Aviator

Hello All,

I just bought my first Olds. A '57 Super 88 Sedan. I'm in Germany where most parts for this car are not readily available. I'd like to keep a small stock of parts which are likely to need replacing at some point. I don't want to be "grounded" for some silly belt or a set of points while I wait for parts to be shipped from the States.

What do you all recommend I should order for that purpose? I am thinking two sets of tune up parts (filters, spark plugs, points, ignition rotor and cap etc, belts etc). Do you guys recommend an electronic ignition conversion?

What other items are likely to fail on this vehicle? Water pump? Thermostat?

I already noticed play in the steering idler arm. I also noticed some darker (wet?) area on the undercoating on the tank but no visible leaks nor fuel smell. So maybe I need a new tank but maybe not. On first quick inspection It looked to me like the front suspension ball joints have no rubber boots. I guess that is not how it's supposed to be...? I see that USA parts supply have complete rebuild kits for the front suspension and steering. Are those good?

I have read that the 371 is known for flat camshafts but judging by the punch this engine has I don't think I have that problem. Also the jetaway tranny seems to work beautifully. I understand that model transmission has not always been trouble free. Any specific parts I should have in stock for it?

Anything else I should be aware of and keep an eye on?

I look forward to hearing from many of you.

Greetings from Germany

Stefan

classicmuscle442

Typical tune up parts, good blue streak points or convert to petronix, radiator hoses, water pump, belts and carb kit. Something that gets overlooked are the battery cables, they can corrode from inside and look fine outside, maybe a starter too. Welcome to classic olds.

oldcutlass

As these are hobby cars and not basic transportation, I would not worry about keeping a fully stocked auto parts warehouse at home. Most parts can be had pretty quick even by mail. Replace what is necessary when needed. I always keep the old tune up parts that are replaced as spares for an emergency. Same with belts and hoses.

ignachuck

Shop Manual, Chassis and Body Parts Books for reference numbers. Paperbacks, not CD's

redoldsman

I think part of it depends on what you are going to do with your car. If you plan on taking some road trips then you may want to carry a few more parts like fuel pump and points and condenser. Eric has a good idea in saving your old points, belts and hoses which will get you home in an emergency. If your car is running good and the transmission is working good I would just take care of them and enjoy the car. Be sure and use a motor oil that has zinc in it or add ZDDP to your oil when you change it, Valvoline Racing Oil is one that has zink in it. As Frank mentioned, get a factory shop manual. You want one of the originals with a few greasy thump prints on it. They are usually on ebay. Check the prices before you buy one. It seems they are usually $35-$40 but sometimes you can find a bargain. I had one for my 54 but bought and extra not long ago for $10 because it was a bargain. Good luck and enjoy your car.

Tedd Thompson

I agree with most of the above. I generally keep a fuel pump, starter and generator on the shelf also a extra oil filter and a points set. It's probably somewhat different for you as shipping time would be much longer but most of consumables are still around if you know where to look. It's knowing where to look that is the trick.... Tedd

Aviator

Al lot of great input thanks. I would not have thought of the battery wires. Fuel pump is a good one, too. Yeah, shipping to Germany takes a bit longer and it involves customs and import taxes. I'm in the States twice a year so will be bringing back some smaller items each time I go. Will probably go electronic on the ignition. Have had good luck with Pertronix on my 1969 VW Bay Window Camper.

Will carry a few of the suggested parts in the trunk and keep a few more at home but of course one never knows what breaks next and I have now intention of creating a fully stocked warehouse. Having said that, I think I might just buy some items now because I don't know if everything that is available today will still be available a few years down the road.

Thanks for the tip regarding the oil.

I already have a copy of the shop manual. Will try to find a parts catalogue, too.

Any recommendations on parts sources apart from USA Parts Supply, RockAuto an Fusick?

Do the front suspension ball joints normally have rubber boots on them? Mine don't seem to but they are full of grease.

Stefan

Tedd Thompson

I use a couple of Napa stores that are in my area for convenience and to get quick pick up items, other wise It is Ebay for carburetor parts and oddball stuff and the places you mentioned above.

No boots on my front end ether.... Tedd

Aviator

Thank you Tedd. Very useful info regarding the ball joints. Stefan

The_German

Stefan,
I am German too, I am buying the oils of Rektol.

https://www.rektol-klassik.de/

On top I put Mathy additives in.

Engine runs very well. As mentioned here, if you do not want to do a trip around Europe, you can keep the normal ignition.

USA cars of that time are good quality in the technics, they last forever..

Aviator

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

Dr. Oldmobile

Stefan get a porcelain ballast resistor, a point file and a feeler gauge and keep them in your glove box. In the old days a match book cover could be used to set the points close enough to get home after you filed the points contact surface. These items saved me a towing bill.

mpolds

If you are in the United States twice a year (I imagine Spring Carlisle &
Fall Carlisle / Hershey ) if it is car related......
rock auto is all the chineseum world of what is made presently -- they do
not and can not be linked in with your wheel cylinders, for example....
Fusick is basically now reproduction items, which is better than nothing, but not much better.......
USA parts supply is the HIGHEST PRICED outlet in the universe --- and you had better make sure you get the parts you ordered, because their track record is SUSPECT.......


You've seen me mentioned all over this website -- I have all N.O.S. U.S.A. parts, and as reasonably priced as can be -- and your best way to get them is on your trips to America; just pick them up at the shows; or meet me here in the United States (I am from Long Island, New York -- 5 / 5 1/2 hours away from Hershey / Carlisle --- but I WILL be there those weeks, OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!).....
Yours, Craig

ignachuck

Damn. My adblocker just stopped working.

Aviator

Hey Craig, thanks for letting me know. I'm in Columbus, OH twice a year for flight simulator training. Will be in touch if there is anything I need from you.

Sfefan