[1oldolds]

I am new to this forum and based on the past couple hours of reading the postings, it looks like I found the help I need! I posted in a general area and then found OCA, my apologies for duplicate postings.

I puchased what I believe to be a 1940 Oldsmobile. The Model # in the engine compartment states Model 40. How do I determine which Series and confirm the year? Based in my limited research it seems that were three of them.

It is a 4 door (suicide) 6 cyl with all parts and reflects a few New England winters!

I am in the disassembly process and never thought I would use so many zip lock bags. Besides the amount of money this will probably cost, what factors should I consider for a frame off or frame up restoration?

I read that you should not remove the doors for an extended period of time. Is that true? I would like to remove them but they may not go back on for a very very long time!

Words of wisdom from anyone would be much appreciated, lord knows I need it. I hope to return the favor one day.

Thanks!

[rocketraider]

No problem with duplicate postings. Our knowledge of the 40s cars is a little weak down here (wish that would change), so cruising the AACA General and Tech forums may help you along. The BCA and Cadillac forums are another option since they do share some Fisher Body stuff with the Oldsmobile. So between OCA, AACA, BCA and Cad/LaSalle, you could easily spend a few hours with us!

I'd recommend joining the National Antique Olds Club too. They are probably the best source for pre-war Olds information. naoc@sbcglobal.net Please tell them you got the lead from the AACA/OCA online forum.

The Standard Catalog of Oldsmobile shows that 1940 cars can be identified by the body style number. Series 60 are 35, Series 70 are 36 and Series 90 are 39. Since it's a six-cylinder, it will be either a 60 or 70 series car.

[imported_Badger Guy]

Do all the sheet metal repair (floors, trunk floor, rocker panels, door frame, ect) you can before removing from the frame. This will help keep things in-line. Weld the new panels in the best you can while the tub is still on the frame. You can finish welding the spots you couldn't get at once the frame is off. As far as the doors, I would weld some temorary braces in the door jams before seperating the tub and frame.

I'm in the final stages of a 4 year frame off on my 67 f/85. It has been fustrating at times. I use to keep track of the cost of everything. But that scared the hell out of me so I threw the note book away. My 67 isn't a rare numbers matching car. So I know I will have more in this car than what I could sell it for. But, I'm enjoying myself.

I'm fortunate enough to have a shop to work on my car. I can just shut the lights off and go in the house. It can sit there for a week or so if I need to take a break from it. I'm also VERY fortunate to have a VERY understanding wife.

Anyway, I'm no expert. But if you need any help! Just ask. I might not be able to help, but I bet there is someone on here that can.

Tom

[1oldolds]

Glenn, Tom-

Thanks for responding and providing great feedback. I think I will be joining a couple clubs, it seems worth the investment.

I found out that I have a Series 70. I did take the fenders off, hood is next. Need more room to get to the engine and front end. The rest of the body will stay on for metal work, as advised. Finding the metal seems to be a challenge but I just started the search and need to keep looking. In the mean time, I need to learn how to weld (or save a little more and let a pro do it). But where is the fun in that????

Till the next post!

Thanks again.