Projects 1931 Olds 5W Coupe Build

Thanks, I wasn't even aware I had one until after I brought it into my garage!

 

Not true, they are very close but the body molding on the sides and around windows are different between my Pontiacs compared to Chevrolets/Oldsmobiles. I can't say for sure if the Chevies and Olds are same or different from each other but Pontiac bodies are definitely different.

 

Well I started back on the ol project. It's amazing how easily you can get pulled from things like this. Also finding more funds to press on is good as well. Been some advancements here and there but nothin noteworthy till I pulled the motor again and painted it up! Have me a chance to bolt on some of the chrome too.

 

So going thru the tedious process of taking it all apart and actually welding the frame, supports, brackets....whole lot of not exciting! 3-4 hrs a night welding and nothing looks different. Hope to be able to get it to a point where I can paint the frame later this spring!

Also cool fact, in my area you can license a vintage car with a vintage plate of the same year (new legislation in April) so my eBay purchase of a 1931 plate can be used not just for show but all the time!!

 

The engine looks great! I know what you mean about all the chassis work. Hard to see any progress but before you know it it'll be rolling. Keep at it!

 

So welding finished up...finally, and applied 1st coat of primer, well actually POR 15. More to come, should be all black shortly! Thanks, hope to get it back together soon.

 

As promised frame is painted and chassis is rolling.

 

Looks like quite some progress to me. Looking real good.

 

2 steps foreword 1 step back! Had a few little issues to work out this weekend. Seems the front hubs I bought had a couple of defects I never noticed that prevented the bearings from seating properly on the axle. Something to watch for next time I guess, problem was it thru out some of the geometry in the front end I had to correct. This was compounded by deciding to get new leafs built for the front which ended up being slightly different (longer) than the originals. Real important to make sure everything is exactly the way you want it in the mock up stage!! I'd post pics but after 10 hrs it looks exactly the same as it did before!!! frustrating!!

 

I'd be putting some crush tubes and a plate on the U bolts on the front axle. With the large bearing surface of the flange pad now not in direct contact with the leaves, under braking the axle will put ALL the load on the U bolts as it tries to rotate...... and you don't want that -no fun at all!!!

Having said that, its a great project!!

 

Nice...keep the updates coming.

 

There is a new plate at the base of the axle welded on to prevent the rotation, I had the same concern!

Another new little problem, that fancy finned aluminum oil filter cover shown above is about 1/2" away from the frame, so no issues with interference but it wont come off with the engine in place....so if I want to change the oil the motor has to come up about 3" to clear the frame....I was not impressed when I found that little jem out, some new modifications are likely required.

 

My suggestion on the filter cover problem would be to use a mini spin on filter instead and modify the alloy cover to be removable. Slice it in halves lengthwise and weld on a couple of tabs so it can be unbolted when needed.
Necessity is the mutha of invenshun!!!! ........

 

That is a real strong possibility, I had to modify it once just to get it on there so who knows!

 

Been a while since I updated an there has been some progress. Juice brakes!

 

Also got the rad back from the shop, relocated and offset the fill neck so it was functional and had it re-cored and upgraded to a 3 core, hope that will keep everything cool.

 

Rad is in again and plumbed in...mostly

 

Copper fuel lines bent, personally I like the contrast!!







Also got linkage for dual carbs connected.

 

I don't know if it's because you can see some light at the end of the tunnel now, but it's definitely easier to make time to work on the ol girl! Or excuses!!

 

Had an idea for cleaning up the plug wires.

 

Wow, the Olds is looking great! Excellent progress keep up the good work.

 

Been more like woodworking 101 recently.

View attachment 3262610

 

Also figured out where to put the e-brake too.

 

Another door pic

 

Keep going you will get there I did

 

Looked back and realized I rolled the ol' girl into my garage in the fall of 09! What have I been doing all this time!
....damn slacker!

 

How do you feel about your pedal situation? I'm torn on what to do with my 29' Chevy. When it was rodded in the 60's, they used swing pedals and a firewall mounted clutch/mc from a Chevy truck. I wanted to go under the floor as you have with a dual reservoir mc and hydraulic clutch but your pics are making me think twice. I'm running a 327 with a Saginaw 4spd. so there isn't much difference between our setups. Can you post up a few more close up pics? Also interested in seeing your steering box setup

 

I love the timber work,looks great ,there should be a great aroma inside,what timber is it ?

 

It's all Fir. Figured that would be close to original material.

I can get more pedal pics once it's together again they are in pieces all over the garage now but yes very close proximity.

 

its got nice grain,what was the original timber