38 Olds restoration - Page 3

keiser31 · September 9th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayhonkmon

I have never removed a car body from a frame; where do you start?? How do you figure out
where the bolts are and what to take loose. Do you need a special hoist or what do you reccommend? My email address is clem754@verizon.net. Thanks. I have a 36 Dodge panel truck that was flooded in hurricane Ivan and I'd like to salvage it if I can.

First thing you need to get is a shop manual for your particular truck. It should tell all about all of the procedures. Try various online booksellers such as Irv Bishko. There are also guys on the Dodge Truck forum who can guide you.

Larry J · September 9th, 2009

Sayhonkman - I found a reproduction body manual online and just started removing the bolts that I could. I took a lot of digital pics along the way and grouped small pieces/nuts and bolts in baggies with labels as to what they were. Many bolts/nuts were rusted to the point where they were not removable without damaging them. Some I cleaned up with the wire wheel and others have to be replaced (more replaced than not). Once I got the body loose from the frame I used a home made A-frame (made out of recycled oilfield pipe) and a chain hoist to lift the body off the frame. Then I just rolled the chassis out from under it and lowered the body onto a set of wheel dollies so I could move it around. Hope this helps - just take lots of pics buecasue if you are like me - months later you will be scratching your head saying where did this come from or where does that go. Good luck

West Peterson · September 10th, 2009

Larry
I'm not too familiar with Oldsmobiles, but those sidemounts look like they may be aftermarket. I would research that before spending too much time and money trying to make them fit properly.
Great project. I look forward to seeing more of your posts.

Larry J · September 10th, 2009

West - the side mount you see in the pic is damaged and is going to take some body work to be "right." If I can dig the other side out of the garage this weekend I will post a pic of it and see what comments I get. My wife's uncle bought the car in 1942 in Oklahoma from an Osage indian who supposedly bought it new. It has really been an experience so far. My goal was to take it to the Olds homecoming in Lansing in 5 years - 3 years left - I might make it. Thanks for the comment.

Larry J · September 12th, 2009

Saw post by ply33 re electrolysis rust removal in the Technical forum so I thought I would try it. Made a tank yesterday and soaked the two piece drive shaft. Worked pretty well - still have some clean up to do and paint but the heavy rust is gone. Pretty easy but man that water gets nasty. Here are couple of pics - one showing the drive shaft pre-soak and then after.

sayhonkmon · September 12th, 2009

This site is great; I didn't realize the information that you guys put out to help one another. Thanks Larry.. I live in Florida and we have loads of rust problems--this will help..

drdon · September 14th, 2009

Larry,
Good friend in High School had one. We loaded 18 people in and on it from downtown back to the school. (3 blocks). Don't know how he could see where he was going. I am restoring a 37 Studebaker Coupe Express that was in similar condition. The 3 years is probably realistic for most of us. Could you post more about the rust electrolysis method that you used. I have some larger parts I would like to try it on. Best, Don

Larry J · September 14th, 2009

Don - Check out the Technical forum under "Source for Phosphoric Acid (Rust Removal) and look for ply33's post. He has a link to electrolysis rust removal on a trailer frame. Pretty interesting. I found an article titled "Electrolytic Rust Removal" by Ted Kinsey under the Tech Tips at stovebolt.com that was very helpful.

I used a plastic tub as shown in the picture and cut at 48" piece of black pipe in half to use as an electrode. I cut 2 pieces of 2x4 12 inches long with two notches in one long side to use as a cradle for the pieces of pipe. So in the bottom of the plastic tub I had the 2x4s with the pipe laid in the notches and ran a wire between them. I then ran a wire from the pipe out over the edge of the tub to connect the positive cable from my battery charger. I then filled the tub with 20 gallons of water and added a tablespoon of soda ash per gallon ( I used soda ash from a swimming pool supply house but I think you could probably use baking soda if push comes to shove). Then I suspended the rusty piece over the pipe electrodes (not touching) and attached a wire to it to run over the edge of the tub to be connected to the negative cable on my battery charger. Put the charger on low and let it sit. "Cleaning time for moderately rusted objects is a few hours. Heavily rusted objects can be left overnight." (from Tech Tip article).

I'm sure that some of the other guys here have had experience with the process and could offer some tips but my first try worked pretty well. Good luck.

Larry J · September 16th, 2009

Need new seals for the 3 spd transmission - I asked for help with a source on the Olds technical forum but thought I would include a plea for same here. As always any pointers in the right direction is appreciated.

Thanks - Larry Jones

Larry J · September 19th, 2009

Learned something new today - too late as ususal - The propeller shaft has an arrow on it that needs to be lined up with a corresponding mark on the slip joint spline as the units are balanced at the factory for optimum performance. OK - now I need to take it apart and reinstall it - Not the first time I have done something twice. Think I will head over to the AACA Grand Nationals in Topeka tomorrow - ought to be fun and I'm sure there will be lots of neat old cars.