Keeping it real!

[Guest Face]

I have a 1949 4DR Olds Sedan. Has all the original parts, and chrome. Original series 76 motor. I want to keep it all original but motor parts are hard to find. What do you think? Should I keep it real?

[poci1957]

Absolutely! If you are not able or willing to source the right parts you should get a car you are more comfortable dealing with and you will be happier. Engine parts may be hard to find LOCALLY but they are out there on line and mail order.

[Guest Face]

Thanks Poci. I want to keep it real and I am willing to look. I enjoy all the original parts and I would hate to tear another old classic apart since its all still there.

[Guest]

Thanks Poci. I want to keep it real and I am willing to look. I enjoy all the original parts and I would hate to tear another old classic apart since its all still there.

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Now that is a sensible approach that I wish more people would take!

Don

[poci1957]

Glad to hear it, that is the spirit!

I also answered your question on the transmission, your car has a Hydramatic, which was GMs first automatic. The lack of a "park" position seems odd to us today but is how they were into the mid 1950s. The guy with that site will have any parts you need but you will have to find someone local to do the work unless you are able yourself.

You should also immediately order a catalog at Oldsmobile|Cutlass|442|Hurst|Toronado|Parts -Fusick Automotive Products, Inc , a vintage Olds specialist. Lots of Olds guys here on the forum, so ask questions anytime. Someone else just got a 1951, you might enjoy reading their thread. Good luck, Todd C

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Face, excellent choice as others have already said on "keeping it real" You will find I bet, that the car is easier to repair, maintain and ultimately sell if you elect to do that, and you will get an appreciation for the car as it was designed to operate.

Good luck and become a forum regular!

[Guest Face]

Thanks to all you guys. This is awsome. Im new to all this Ive built bikes for many years. I appreciate all the help

[Rusty_OToole]

Motor parts are not hard to find. Most can be bought from your local parts stores. The rest are available from antique car specialists like Egge Machine.

If there is anything specific you need, ask on the Olds board.

Fixing the old motor would be way easier than installing a new one.

[Guest]

Face, here is something to inspire you!

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/3221835-576-0.jpg?rev=1

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/3221841-576-0.jpg?rev=1

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/3221840-576-0.jpg?rev=1

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/3221839-576-0.jpg?rev=1

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/3221837-576-0.jpg?rev=1

Don

Edited July 22, 2011 by helfen (see edit history)

[stock_steve]

"Keeping it real" is what the old car hobby is all about, in my opinion. Where else are you going to be able to get into a virtual time machine to take you back to the sights sounds, and smells (well, at least the sounds and smells) of 1949?

I have a comparatively modern 1950 Volkswagen in my garage, which is plenty worn & ratty, but it's a running, drivable, & essentially all-original car, and it's an unbelievable thrill each time I am able to fire it up and go for a little ride.

Steve Mack's brief mention of resale value is also worth amplifying a bit, as stock, unmodified cars seem to be generally more interesting to buyers than modified, "personalized" ones...

[poci1957]

Steve Mack's brief mention of resale value is also worth amplifying a bit, as stock, unmodified cars seem to be generally more interesting to buyers than modified, "personalized" ones...

Or at the very least a stock car reassures a buyer that he may not have to worry about the previous owner's...ahem..."creativity" causing him problems after purchase.