65Jayone

Bill, that is awful, AWFUL news, and I amd very sorry to hear. I hope you get it fixed RIGHT, and that you are given enough money from the ins. co. for that to happen. I can offer little advice here...my only similar experience is when a thoughless driver cut me off (turned left in front of me at a light) while I was riding my 1947 Indian about 8 years ago. I hit his car, rolled over his trunk lid, and was amazingly unhurt for the most part (physically, that is...emotionally I was crushed). Anyway, I had lots of pics of my various bruises and minor cuts, and I let the guy's insurance company know in no uncertain terms that my neck and any number of other body parts were bothering me, but that I would be willing to live with my pain as long as they fixed my bike. They paid for the repairs no questions asked, though I did have to sign a statement to the effect that I would not sue for any further property damages or for personal injury. Your situation sounds like its a little different, and I'm sorry if I can't offer any relevant advice. I can say that having gone through such a loss, I have trouble enjoying my 442 because every day I take it out I worry that its gonna be the last. In fact, just recently I was rear-ended in my 1990 Olds 88 Royale coupe, which is my daily driver...the damages are on the order of $1000 and I have yet to hear if I will be fully re-imbursed (it being an "old" car and "worth" very little).

Randall, terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Glad no one was hurt...physically. I recently suffered my own loss at the hands of a fool who rear-ended my 1990 Olds 88 Royale coupe (see attached pic above). I am still waiting to see if the insurance company decides to tell me the car is totalled...I hope not, as the car is a wonderful daily driver and worth far more to me than what the blue book says. I'm not even sure I could find another like it.

Tools? Heck, give me a sawzall, 2 screwdrivers (phillips and flat head) and a pair of vise grips and there's nothing I can't build or fix. Said vice grips and sawzall will also double as a hammer when needed. Yes, I am a hack.

Some idiot with more money than sense (driving a BMW 7 series) rear ended me this morning. I'm asking about the metal bumper itself, not the plastic cover (facsia, whatever). I know that in 86-89, the backup lights were located within the bumper...starting in 1990, red reflectors are in the location previously used for the reverse lights. Seems to me they would be the same...but I'd like verification, as I know where to get an inexpensive new bumper said to be for 86-89. Oh, ans I am assuming that coupes (mine is a coupe) are the same as 4-doors? Thanks for any help! --Scott

Here is one thought...check Ebay for NOS tires. An buddy of mine with a "jacked up" 65 442 owned since new had worn and cracked J78x14s on the front of his car (and wide 15 inch Mickey Thompsons on the rear), and lamented that he could not find anything that "filled the front wheel wells nicely". I ended up finding a pair of J78s for him recently on EBay for $100. They were still wrapped in plastic, and looked and felt new. They had to be pretty old, and if anyone thinks that they represent a saftey hazard, all I can say is they are surely better than what this guy was riding on before (maybe now he'll drive his car more than twice a year). I'd be curious though, to hear what people thought about NOS tires that have been laying around for the last 20-30 years.

I have some unusual Olds literature and promotional "stuff" for sale that I will likely be auctioning off soon, no pics scanned as of yet, but thought I would list here first to see if there was any interest: 1. 1965 Oldsmobile police brochure - 8 pages (foldout) part color (green being predominant), cover depicts 2 rather "stern" looking police officers, with the caption "In Case of Emergency, Dial Olds 1965". Very interesting and obscure piece, included lots of info on the F85 and fullsize cars equipped for police duty, with powertrain and other features and options listed. $50. 2. 1966 Police 1 page color handout...depics 1966 Dynamic 88 Apprehender with caption "Olds Apprehender is Being Proved Throughout the Land"..back provided techinical specs and ifo. $15. 3. 1965 Starfire Dealer Transparency..large (17 inches by 21 inches)...very nice shape, though has one small approx. 1/2" crease in center. $40. 4. 1965 Olds Fleet Brochure - 38 pages (I think!). $25. 5. 1965 Olds Accessories Brochure (large) - 43 pages (I think!). $25 Also have some other pieces, including 1965 and 1966 trailer towing facts brochures, Rocket Circle Magazine issue depicting the full-line 65 models, 65 power-teams brochure, make offer if interested in any, some, or all. Prices do not including shipping. All pieces are in very nice shape. Thanks, Scott (scottfettner@hotmail.com)

I took 5 seconds to run an Internet search...area code 207 is in Maine. Sounds like a cool car!

Good luck...by the way, I had found a rear sway bar for my 65 Starfire from a guy in California parting an 1969 4 door Delta Custom alleged former cop car (I don't doubt it). That car was also equipped with disc brakes, and I could have bought the ENTIRE setup, spindles and all, for $250 SHIPPED...this was early this year. The brakes were said to be "recently done over", and ready to go. I snoozed, and when I asked the guy a little later about them, they were sold. Even though I have since sold the Starfire, I still find myself regretting not having bought that disc setup. That is part (and parcel) of being and Olds nut, I guess. I think that any big car (65-70) with front disc brakes and heavy duty front and rear suspension (ie, swaybars and HD shocks and springs all around) would be a PLEASURE to drive.

Randall, while I can't answer your Q, I can direct you to the following web page: http://www.kanter.com/drumroto.html#OLDS If you scroll down you will see that they carry rotors for 1967-70 disc brake quipped Oldsmobiles...the scary thing is that this particular item says "inquire" in the price field. Can't hurt to give them a call!

Randall, did you add (very) to the quote? Don't remember it being there before...anyway, I am sure that plenty of people still read the Good Doctor's works even over a decade after his passing. Of course, he published A LOT of non-fiction stuff in addition to his Robot, Foundation, Empire, (etc) series. Nice to meet you as well!

I wonder if they should rename this event the Camaro/Firebird Nationals. 1000 f-bodies and about a dozen Oldsmobiles! This was NOT a great show for Olds guys...I noted very few cars in the Olds owner's area, and only a few for sale in the corral on Saturday. And as for parts, I think I saw more Ford parts at this supposedly GM-only show than Oldsmobile parts! Sorry to gripe. Anyway, it was sorta sad. Since I'm in a cantankerous mood...if anyone saw that white 1966 442 convertible "L69" automatic trans car on EBay recently, it was there. Asking price was $29,900. The car was abominable in person, proving that pics do NOT tell the whole story.

Randall, I agree with your assessment of the car collecting "cul-cha". I might add that until very recently, I had two Oldsmobiles, a 1966 442 which is a pretty respectable car if not quite "show" quality, and a 1965 Starfire (recently sold) that was more of a "driver" quality car. I really disliked the fact that at Olds events, I was seemingly more "worthy" of people's attention when I drove the 442. Truth is, I had a much greater emotional investment in the Starfire, which was a personal project, one that I dreamed of for years (I converted the car to 4-spd in as "factory-appearing" a manner as possible), as opposed to the 442, which I essentially just wrote a check for. I might expect that people would be more attracted to a "shinier" car at a generic car show/cruise, but among Olds-lovers, I would have hoped that appreciation of the marque's more obscure creations would overcome demands for perfection. With some people, that WAS the case, but it was a very FEW people. Pretty discouraging, and when faced with the reality of having to sell one of the cars, well, I sold the clunkier one. Anyway, at the risk of sounding bitter, I will say that I dislike IMMENSELY the kind of people who withhold their consideration for those who have apparently "dropped a dime or two" on their cars. It is no different that any other form of snobbery. As for the current pricing of trim parts, I am SO glad that I am not in desperate need of anything...I am happy to say that I bought my car back when a mere mortal such as myself could afford it. By the way, its nice to see someone else who read "The Gods Themselves", one of Asimov's more obscure books to be sure...I'm a HUGE fan (though I'm trying to lose weight). Anyway, I believe that the quote that the book's title is based on was not Asimov's, originally.

If I may chime in here, I think its a great idea to add period-correct accessories and options to our cars, "factory" or otherwise. As for factory accessories, probably there is literature available that will tell you what options were offered for your car. If you want to add a factory AM/FM radio to your car for example, I think enjoyment of the car should take precedent over devotion to the way the car was ordered originally. Of course, there are differing opinions on this (as well as all car-collecting-related issues). My guess is that no "clipboard-wielder" will fault you for adding an accessory which was available for your car. Also, I think it can be a lot of fun to locate, acquire and install such accessories.

Three words I thought I would NEVER hear myself say...CAR IS SOLD! Had to throw in the swaybar to sweeten the deal, but I am happy with what I got for it. Of course, I'm not quite so happy that I spell out that number in this forum!

Parm, I'm pretty sure there are no problems with my E-mail addys. Also I sent you an E-mail from my hotmail account (which appears numerous times in this thread) in response to your request above for more information (about 3 weeks back). The sport wheels on my car are pretty nice, not perfect, but nice. I will not separate them from the car.

RR, I saw those taillight housings the last time around (they've been relisted), and even considered buying them (don't use logic and ask why someone thinking of SELLING his car would continue to spend money on it). But the seller's definition of "mint" is different than my own. So's his definition of "realistic price". They are pretty nice, though, and would compliment my car. My car's exhaust tips are actually nice. RR, all practical concerns aside, I really think you should consider buying my car (or at least bidding on it, he he). Seriously though, being as I have been so forthcoming about the car's flaws, anyone who actually BOUGHT the thing would have to be pleasantly surprised by how nice it actually is. Shameless self-promotion, yes I know...

Pretty sure RR was talking about the 4 speed convertible Starfires...there are more coupes than that, and I have seen/know of about 5 1965 Starfires so equipped and 2 1966 versions...and two 4 speed 65 Jetstar Is. Throw in a 65 Delta, a 66 Delta, and a 66 Dynamic I know of, and the car you saw...and my guess is we double that number and there MAY be as many as two dozen of the 4-speed big Oldses extant. I'd say that was a conservative estimate. I pity that rarity does not translate into my being able to get anything for my car!

ttt

My neighbor gave me this thing a while back, and I promised him I would split whatever cash I got for it with him, Says it came off his long-gone 1969 GTO. It looks like ones I see on Ebay fairly regularely, onl the top cover (lid) is black and not chrome. VERY nice condition. $125 plus shipping From the same car, I have a black steering wheel, nice shape, nothing special, probably the base option wheel...$40 plus shipping. I even have some Pontiac 5 spoke rims supposedly from the same car, seems to use a narrow trim ring, and only 2 of those are present. Anyone know what they are for? They come with some "shot" tires. $100 for the set. Can you see a pattern here? This guy musta put a Grant steering wheel, Cragar SS' and a chrome universal air cleaner on his car, and kept the original parts when he sold the car...bet that's an unusual story! All parts located in NJ. No digital photos, but maybe yer local? If interested, E-mail scottfettner@hotmail.com (I'm actually an Olds guy, so might not get a chance to stop back here...thanks!)

Parm, sent you a message about the car...as for the seats, they are 2-way power only (front to back movement). Cool as buckets are, the bench/split-bench seat big cars are usually more comfortable in my opinion, because of the center arm rest (which provides some lateral support, at least on left turns (!), and also a place to rest your right arm). Hmmm...probably this is also true for the A-body cars. B-body nut, what sway bar? I didn't say anything about a sway bar. At least not in this thread...he he!

Thanks for the answers, guys...there goes my decklid lead! By the way, the interchange reminds of the same problem I had a little over a decade ago when trying to source a convertible trunklid for the 1970 Cutlass convertible I had at the time...back then I thought 75 dollars was an outrageous amount to pay when I finally got the lid from a 4 door.

Actually, it is very easy to put a 4 speed behind an automatic crank...there is a special pilot bushing adaptor that allows you to do it. You eihter need to cut about 3/8 off the pilot shaft or preferably, drill (ream) out the crank for clearance before installing the adaptor so the pilot shaft doesn't "bottom out" and hit the end of the crank. The drilling/reaming need not be a precision operation, as the adapter centers the pilot shaft.

Is the trunklid the same on both convertible and coupe versions of the 65 Stafire? Mine has some bondo on the underside (visible when the trunk lid is open) and I have a line on a rsut-free lid from a coupe. Wanted to know before I pick it up...in case I decide to "go further" with the car or as a selling point if I go that route instead. Thanks!

Well, here we are nearly a year later (counting from my original "for sale" post)...so does 7 grand still get you very much in 2003, RR? That is still what I want for my Starfire, which once again I am thinking of selling. Car made it to the Long Island Oldsmobile Club's Spring Dustoff last week, in case anyone reading this saw it there. Was a 140 mile round trip, on the return trip (back to Jersey) in bumper to bumper traffic for a solid hour approaching the Verrazano bridge. Point is, the car performed flawlessly. My left leg is another story...does anyone know what's its like to keep the clutch pedal depressed in one of these cars for the better part of an hour?! Since my original post, I've installed some very nice, unpitted headlight bezels for the car and even found a nice passenger side taillight bezel (no driver's side yet..if I ever find one I'll install both...these are the worst of the trim items on the car) Here's a link to some pics of the car: http://www.realoldspower.com/cgi-bin/cla...amp;amp;max=199 Please direct any questions to scottfettner@hotmail.com

Parm, hope you find the right car and the right wheels. RR, thanks for the welcome back...now as for wheelcovers there are a few others that I think were especially gaw-jus, namely 1. 1966 dogdishes 2. 1966 "turbines" 3. 1968 well, I dunno what to call em, besides rare are beautiful (check out these jobs that went for a SONG): http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2410047831