Vehicle Description
I am a 50 Olds lover. I love hotrods. I love to drive old cars that are well-prepared. This car fits the bill! It was manufactured in Wilmington, DE and spent its productive life in Pennsylvania. It was only driven about 50,000 miles before being stored. It had very little rust.
Many years later, it was converted to a hotrod. Most of the current configuration was done in the past half dozen years. At thus time, the mileage is at 64,000. Quite a bit of the chrome and stainless is original. As is the glass. This car was born black. I am certain it was repainted when it was nosed and decked. I believe the current paint is mostly lacquer, as it is cracked, checked and is showing wonderful patina.
The interior has been redone to what I would say is a late 60’s vibe. The Chevy Super Sport buckets were reupholstered with a heavy naugahyde. There are seatbelts. I love this color. The door panels are matching. The carpet looks like a reproduction of the original. The headliner is likely custom sewn. There are aftermarket gauges and switches to go along with the factory originals. All work. In fact, all feature work with exception of the radio. There was an aftermarket system installed beneath the dash at some time.
The electrical system has been rewired. It is now 12 volt with an alternator. All lights and signals work, even the reverse lamps! There is a jack and spare in the trunk. The trunk has been reupholstered over very solid metal. The doors and trunk lock via key. The powertrain has been changed. The rear end gearing is likely stock, as it is 3.42. The driveshaft was modified. The transmission is a rebuilt THM350 with Loker shifter.
The engine is the real jewel. The GMZZ4 350 crate engine has less than 5000 miles on it since installation. It is rated at 355HP. It will run on pump gas. The compression is 10:1. The Hooker ceramic coated headers lead to a nice dual exhaust system using Cherry Bomb mufflers. It raps great upon acceleration. The carburetor is a Holley 750 cfm with electric choke. The valve covers are nostalgic. The radiator was re-cored. This is a very well conceived and installed repower. The Fenton gyro aluminum slots are wrapped in like new radial tires. The brakes have been redone, but are still stock drums. They stop the car well. This car has been driven and enjoyed about 5000 miles since the power plant transplant!
It is well dialed in and ready to enjoy. The look is good. It will not win shows, but will certainly turn heads. At highway speed, it will get lots of thumbs up. I can’t wait for the chance to drive this great car. It really suits my taste. Perhaps you concur.
