RUNABOUTS to ROCKETS The Monthly Magazine Of The National Antique Club

October 2011

The Beartooth Challenge: Premiere NAOC National Tour Greg Childs’ 1950 Olds Futuramic “88” Deluxe Club Sedan Joyce Burke Photo Runabouts to Rockets Published Monthly by the National Antique Oldsmobile Club, Inc. 16318 Riggs Rd., Stilwell, KS 66085 www.antiqueolds.org [email protected] The National Antique Oldsmobile Club is a non-profit corporation founded in 1981. This Issue: Premiere NAOC It is devoted to encouraging the preservation, restoration and public display of the National Tour: The Beartooth products of the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, the Olds Motor Works, and the Oldsmobile Division of built from 1897 through 1977. The club provides historical, Challenge in Montana. technical and educational materials to its members and to the general public. Member- Greg and Debbie Childs hosted this ship is open to all those interested in vintage ; the ownership of such a is adventure and invited the Editor to not required. come along. It was touch and go there Runabouts to Rockets is published monthly. Stories and photos submitted by mem- for a while as to whether we would bers are welcome and encouraged. Deadline for material is the first of the month prior make it through, but we did! Read all to the issue month. For information on classified ads, see that section of the newsletter. Mailing is by third class and enters the Jefferson City, MO post office about the 12th of the about it starting on page 4. month. It is not unusual for third class mail to take three weeks and it is not forwarded. Look for more coverage of NAOC First class mail service is optional. Direct questions about membership paid status and Nationals in next issue. address changes to the Membership Manager. Officers and Staff President’s Message PRESIDENT Larry Reid Larry Reid 731 E. Inverness Ln., Spokane, WA 99223 I hope all of our members enjoyed the wonderful color photo spread of our 509-768-6624 or [email protected] 2011 NAOC National Meet in the September issue of Runabouts to Rockets maga- VICE PRESIDENT zine. There is more to come, too. It certainly brought back memories of a good time Jim Schultz and an excellent meet. At the same time, it was particularly tragic to read about the P.O. Box 1158 loss of Ron and Julie Siegrist’s 1970 “98” convertible in a house and garage fire not Chino Valley, AZ 86323 long after the conclusion of the meet. Luckily, there was no report of any injuries as 928-636-2405 or [email protected] a result of the fire. I’m sure that all members wish you well, Ron and Julie, and that SECRETARY you can find a way to replace your beautiful Oldsmobile. Greg Minges 11780 Edgewood Rd., Harrison, OH 45030 As mentioned in last month’s President’s Message and also in an article on the [email protected] back page of September’s issue, we can look forward to a new NAOC Directory that TREASURER —Continued on page 14 Richard Winn Directors 17313 County Road 2720, Slaton, TX 79364 Ron Ahlson Bud Guyer 254-947-8968 or [email protected] 34294 S. Chicago Rd. 5532 Huntley Ave. MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Wilmington, IL 60481 Garden Grove, CA 92845 Paul Hartlieb 815-476-9443 (2012) 714-372-3932, [email protected] (2013) 121 North Railroad St. [email protected] Max Hineman Myerstown, PA 17067 13020 Turner Rd. [email protected] Charles Brennan DeWitt, MI 48820 RUNABOUTS TO ROCKETS EDITOR 16139 N Day Mt Spokane Rd. 517-669-5387 (2013) Mead, WA 99021-9704 Wendy Crosby David Hall 16318 Riggs Rd., Stilwell, KS 66085 509-238-2767, [email protected] (2011) 8770 Donovan Rd. [email protected] Radnor, OH 43066 CHIEF JUDGE Mike Cibulas 740-595-3322, [email protected] (2012) Greg Minges 3560 Alpine St. NE Paul Mang 11780 Edgewood Rd., Harrison, OH 45030 North Canton, OH 44721 3562 S. US Hwy. 421 [email protected] 330-492-8154, [email protected] (2012) Greensburg, IN 47240 CLUB HISTORIAN Joanne Ehrsam 812-663-8557, [email protected] (2012) Bud Guyer 5142 Silica Drive Greg Minges 5532 Huntley Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845 Sylvania, OH 43560 419-882-4279, [email protected] (2013) 11780 Edgewood Rd 714-372-3932 or [email protected] Harrison, OH 45030 Phil Fischer 513-484-8148, [email protected] (2011) MEMBERSHIP DUES 605 W Mount Vernon St Membership dues in the USA are $38 a year, $74 for Metamora, IL 61548-9822 Clay Tober two years and $109 for three years. In Canada: USD 309-367-2831, [email protected] (2011) 819 E. Wallings Rd. $48 a year, $94 for two years and $139 for three years. Broadview Heights, OH 44147 In all other countries dues are USD $58 a year. First Franklin Graf 440-526-5159, [email protected] (2013) class mail is available to members in the USA for an 8788 Westfield Rd., Seville, OH 44273 additional $12 per year. Dual membership (two votes) 330-887-1089, [email protected] (2011) add $5 per year.

 Runabouts to Rockets

Hosting a Classic Car Tour By Greg Childs

Our Editor has requested I pen a short article on hosting a a list of all tourists, their and home and email addresses tour. I fully understand many of you are accomplished tourists along with cell phone numbers. If your daily destination has and have both better and additional thoughts on this subject. phone service, it is a good idea to list that phone number However, after many years of touring, these are some ideas in case a tourist gets lost. Locals are much better at giving that seem to work. directions than fellow tourists might be.

ADVERTISING AND REGISTRATION ACCOMODATIONS OFirst of all, to gain interest in a tour, it must be for more than Motels that offer parking in front of the rooms lend them- just a couple of days. Not many car tourists want to travel selves to socializing. Central entrance motels, especially those 500 or 1000 miles for a two day event. The tour can be either with key card entry are awkward and kind of uninviting after a “progressive” where accommodations change every night or day of travel. If your tour is “hub and spoke” the central en- “hub and spoke” wherein just one motel is used with daily trance motels are not quite as unwelcome. Whatever the case, drives. As far as advertising, the best media is your State or do not get involved with making motel reservations. Simply National Club Magazine. If the organization has chapters, coordinate with the motels and then publish the phone num- send each Chapter Editor a flyer. Websites are a possibility ber and perhaps a code word. Block out a number of rooms too. The magazines may be willing to print your registration and then have a cutoff date of a week or so prior to the event. form, otherwise, request that interested tourists contact you for a personal mailing. Use old registrations forms for ideas DAILY TOURS as to what you wish to include on your form. The tour may Where the tour goes or what the tourists do is not as have itemized costs for various meals and events or it may be important as you may think. Most old car people just want “all-inclusive” which is much easier as far as bookkeeping and to associate with others and enjoy the driving. If possible it is ticket taking is concerned. always enjoyable to have some public event or a driving goal as the premier event of your tour. Secondary roads are usually TOUR BOOK preferred, but not always necessary or accommodating. This can be nothing more than a few pages stapled together. It should contain a schedule of events with departure times. Include some general reminders and relevant instructions. Approximate daily mileages should be included along with —Continued on page 15 October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour  premiere naoc national tour

Debbie and Greg Childs made it look easy. When you think about the logistics of organizing, publicizing and Greg and Debbie Childs, tour hosts hosting a classic car tour, there really are all kinds of things to consider. Who’s coming? Are their cars reli- able? Will there be enough interest to even do it? What if somebody breaks down? Gets lost? What will we eat? They covered all the bases and pulled off a unique and thoroughly enjoyable week of touring in some of the most beautiful country imagin- able—the Beartooth Mountains of Montana. It all began on a Monday, June 6 to be exact. We gathered for a short Brother and sister act at Welcome Party drive to our catered Welcome Party, where we ate and drank and got to know the folks we would be touring with for the next week. There were Greg and Debbie, of course. Leo and Barbara drove in from Idaho in his 1950 Olds and Joyce and Ed brought their very nice 1958 con- vertible from California. They traveled with Richard and Sherry, whose Olds

—Continued on page 8

Ed and Joyce from California

Barbara, Leo, and Greg

The art of Oldsmobiles

Billings has lots of great neon Cynthia and Bob came down from Calgary  Runabouts to Rockets

The beartooth challenge

Everybody got good at lining up the Oldsmobiles

Lined up at the Yellowstone County Museum for Welcome Party

Yellowstone County Museum William Clark wrote on Pompey’s Pillar

Our first day’s outing to Pompeyi’s Pillar was a little wet but Oldsmobiles don’t melt

—More on page 8 October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour  NAOC MARKETPLACE

Mail classified ad copy to: Editor, Wendy Crosby, Runabouts to Rockets, 16318 Riggs Rd., Stilwell, KS 66085. Email ads are encouraged; if you have Internet access, the time saved is considerable. Email address: [email protected]. No phone calls or faxes will be accepted. NOTE: If you send your ad by snail mail but include an email address, the ad will run but the email address will not. Please email all copy and pho- tos. Send check separately. The advertising deadline is the first of the month prior to the issue month. Ads must arrive at the Stilwell, KS address of Runabouts to Rockets by that date. The mailing date is normally about the 12th of the month. Ads can be typed, printed from a computer word processor or handwritten. Legibility is appreciated. Please include your name, member number, address and phone number, and email address, if applicable in the ad copy. Multiple insertion requests cannot be honored. Ads received after the deadline will be run next month. Advertisements are accepted for 1976 and earlier Oldsmobile cars, parts and services related to the club’s restoration, preservation and educational purposes. NEW! You must include a price for your ad to run. Leads from members are welcomed. These are generally ads from a member who encounters a collectible car that is owned by someone else. Please include both the member name and address and the owner name and address. For NAOC members, the first 25 words of their first advertisement each month are free, with additional words charged at 10¢ each. Name, ad- dress, etc. are not included in the word count of the first ad. Additional ads in the same month are charged at the rate of 10¢ for all words, includ- ing name, address, etc. Please send your payment with the ad copy and include your NAOC membership number, which is on your mailing label. Non-member ads are 15¢ a word for all words including name and address. Send payment with copy. Photo ads are a great way to present your car in a For Sale ad. Photo ads cost an additional $10.00 per insertion. The photo should be of good quality. Standing ads are for commercial organizations and run for 12 issues without change. The cost is $35.00 per column inch or fraction thereof. A column inch is about five lines. Please include payment in advance for the year with your ad.

CARS FOR SALE 1964 Dynamic 88 hardtop, recent paint. and the body is amazing, the other one has 1966 Oldsmobile “98” convertible. Only Trade for Chevy truck, 518-788-5204. NY. much rust on the underside, and damage 100 miles driven with this recent frame Lead from Hank Pinckney (#001). on hood from a tree falling on it. One is a restoration. Needs nothing. Drive anywhere. 4 barrel, the other is a 2 barrel carburetor. A reasonable $15,500. Contact John W. Both are automatics, and shift well. One two Erkkila at 978-546-9309. MA. door hard top, very rusty, many good parts. 215 V8 aluminum block 4 bbl, automatic. Glass good, bucket seats. I also have a 1964 F85 Cutlass convertible with a bad frame, 1964 Ninety Eight four door in very restorable condition, 1964 Eighty Eight four

door that has a brand new transmission in it, 1962 convertible. Restored several years but has a bad frame. Galen, 651-269-5688. ago by my father, but never finished. Runs MN. Lead from Doug Blake #4962. good, no rust. It does have a few bumps and bruises due to sitting around our shop, 1961 S-88 convertible White/White top/ but it’s in great shape. Rebuilt engine, and 1964 Jetstar four door, 330, two speed Red interior; extensively reconditioned, front end, new upholstery, no rips or tears. automatic transmission. Very nice condition mechanically very sound, cosmetically very $7,500. Mike, 507-867-3410. MN. Lead for its age. Has some rust spots. runs and good. $29,000. Vincent Basile, 540-982-1115 from Doug Blake #4962. drives great. $1,750. 605-553-6521. SD. Lead or [email protected] for details. VA. from Doug Blake #4962. 1957 Super 88 Holiday Sedan, PB, PS, PW. 1964 Dynamic 88 convertible, white, red Factory A/C, New Paint in factory colors, interior, original condition. Runs and drives $7000 OBO. 1957 Super 88 four door Sedan, great. $7,500. 507-498-3675. MN. Lead from $7500 OBO. 1960 GMC Tow Truck, $2000 Doug Blake #4962. OBO. Contact Juanita Kuhn for information, 520-887-7712. AZ. Lead from Jim Schultz. 1964 Dynamic 88 wagon, 65,000 miles. Good shape. 267-755-8559. PA. Lead from 1955 Olds Super “88” convertible. Enough

Hank Pinckney (#001). parts to complete restoration. Licensed and Six 1962 Cutlass F85s, $2500. Three titled. 1955 Olds “88” two door hardtop convertibles, no engines, only one extra auto 1964 Dynamic “88” four door Hardtop, parts car. Has all chrome, radio, motor transmission. Many usable parts, too rusty power windows. Brown. Will need work to transmission. Body is rough. 1955 Olds to restore without building a tube frame, get back on the road. Everything is original Arizona clip convertible body. Very decent but bodies on two of them are quite nice on the car. $2,500. 65-380-8156. MN. Lead shape. Many, many extra parts. Complete for street rods. Have clear title for one of from Doug Blake #4962. $25,000 OBO. Bob Brown, 515-832-4530 or these. Two four doors. Both run and drive 515-835-1513. IA. nice, both have clear titles, both are around 65,000 original miles. 215 Olds aluminum block V8. One was originally from Arizona  Runabouts to Rockets

1955 Oldsmobile S-88 Holiday Coupe. 48,000 miles. Beautiful original. No rust or damage. Extra literature and Parts. $23,500. Don Taylor, 850-215-9424 or louisat@ knology.net FL

1954 “88” two door sedan. All interior and chrome intact. No motor or transmission. 1941 Oldsmobile convertible. All steel $1,750. 320-393-7153. MN. Lead from Doug body, with 350 Engine and Blake #4962. 1949 Olds club coupe with 1950 fender transmission. Just about power everything. Ground up four year restoration, 2000 miles 1953 “98” four door, 303 rocket v-8 trim. Frame-up restoration, gorgeous black since finished. Drive home. Asking $32,500. backdraft carb, rusted thru floors and paint, excellent chrome and S S, rebuilt Will consider trade of unrestored pre-1960 fenders but complete $700. 218-391-5435. transmission, 303 Cu. in., mag wheels, historic car. Call or email for lots more info. MN. Lead from Doug Blake #4962. velour interior. $34,000. Jerry Lavoie, 413- 467-7755 or 413-537-7345. MA. [email protected] or 417-861- 8256. John Ames, Rogersville, MO. 1949 Olds “76” Town Sedan (4dr fastback). Big Six with Hydramatic. Not running. Was a California car. Solid. The only outer body rust is in the doglegs but needs floors and total restoration. Comes with fender skirts, new coil springs and new exhaust. $1950 obo. Selling for restoration only. Also selling 1964 Dynamic 88 4 door sedan. Complete. Runs well, but right side frame rail rusted. $650 obo. John Gillis (#4867), 252 County 1951 Olds 88A two door. Owned by me Farm Rd, Cambridge, VT 05444. 802-644- L-37 Olds Hearse. Henney body front clip for the past 18 years and professionally 5788, [email protected]. very good with S-M’s. Runs, NE title. $7500. restored to original from a 26,000 mile car. Lyle Schleusener, 402-893-3472. NE. 2010 OCA First Place Award at Nationals. 1948 Oldsmobile two door. Sitting since January 2011 Runabouts to Rockets cover 1958. Not complete, but close. The engine car. See that issue for photos and details. (a straight 8) and most of the chrome pieces New $5000 SMS interior. Show chrome and are there along with the seats, the cloth is refinished in the original black. $20,000. pretty much gone. The body parts are mostly Keith Carson, 860-539-4686. CT. solid with rust on some of them, the floor is rusted. $1295 OBO. John, 612-751-9574. MN. Lead from Doug Blake #4962.

1950 Oldsmobile Model 88 convertible very rare, ZZ4 350 V8 Crate engine, 400R

Automatic transmission, Power steering, Tilt 1941 Oldsmobile 66 Special four door steering wheel, Air Conditioning, Leather Touring Sedan. $2,500. John, 763-241-0869. interior, Bench seat, Red exterior paint, MN. Lead from Doug Blake #4962. Dual exhaust system, New wide white wall Health Forces Sale. 1931 Oldsmobile tires, Leather finish in trunk, Fender skirts, Patrician. Engine and chassis restored and This was a complete frame off restoration running. Many new parts; some nickel with only 989 miles since competition. and chrome completed. Body needs some Asking $85,000. Frank Upton, 316 371-3000 wood repair in the windshield area. Body needs or [email protected]. assembly. $7,000. Mel Dones, 541-974-3488. OR.

—Continued on page 10 October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour  —Continued from page 4 premiere naoc national tour was a very red Corvette. NAOC founder Charlie Degges drove his 1938 from Virginia to participate in the tour with Mocha. Mark and Janet brought their 1922 Touring car and Mark was determined to complete the Beartooth Challenge in it. Brothers Paul and John joined us in Paul’s 1956 Olds; they drove from northern Cali- fornia, visiting Yellowstone Park and other attractions along the way. Brian and Joyce brought his 1960 Olds from Illinois and The Bighorn County Bob and Cynthia came from Calgary in Historical Museum their 1950 Olds. Sonny and Carol had the showed all aspects of newest Olds, a 1970 Ralley they brought the area’s past. Many from Minnesota. donated buildings and With Greg’s generous invitation, but a fleet of vehicles keep no Olds, the NAOC Editor was pleased to volunteers busy. They be included. I love Montana and I love have lots of very cool classic cars—simple! By the end of the wood stoves too. evening the sky looked threatening, but we were full and happy and ready to head out to the Little Bighorn Battlefield in the morning. The morning dawned wet and a bit on the chilly side but everybody was in high spirits and ready to roll. We headed first to Pompey’s Pillar, where there exists the only physical evidence of Lewis and Clark’s journey through the west. Clark in- scribed his name and the date on the side of the pillar and we all walked up in the rain to look at it. After a photo op for the Oldsmobiles, we continued on to Hardin where we toured the museum and got a taste of life in the old west. Then we headed to Bob Bob and Glennine served us hot lunch and Glennine’s for a private car/ and warm hospitality. shop tour and lunch. First we wandered around his shop and very interesting car collection. Then we had the perfect lunch, a warm and filling soup with rolls, coffee and tea. We were all hungry and we had plenty to eat. The lunch really took the chill out of the day as we headed down the road to the Little Bighorn Battlefield. The rain still hadn’t let up much. By the time we got to the battlefield parking lot, the Oldsmobiles backed into a lineup even though no photo was planned. We were getting good at this! The stormy weather seemed appropriate for the site, a sobering, deadly scene. As if on cue, the rain turned into sleet and the wind was Gassing up for the Challenge Everybody loves Roundup  Runabouts to Rockets

The beartooth challenge

Little Bighorn Battlefield and National Cemetery. The stormy conditions were appropriate for the setting. Original location of General Custer’s grave above right, in black.

blowing sideways. At least it wasn’t snow- ing. Yet… One of the many very nice things about the Tour was the evening Social Hour. Debbie and Greg provided beer, wine and snacks each evening and we got to relax and recap the day’s experience, make dinner plans and look forward to our next outing. Japanese tourists photographing the Olds line-up on the way to Beartooth Pass. We’re really starting After a day off in town, we gathered to climb—we thought! for an early departure on Thursday. Today was Challenge Day! The Tour Book that Greg and Debbie put together was a very valuable tool. A combination of directions, distances and traffic warnings, local history, lunch information and descriptions of historic events that took place along our route, it became the “go to” guide for the week. An- other good idea, each day’s activities were printed on a different color paper, making it easy to refer to and find your place. The sky cleared a little for us and we met up with Mark and Jan who had trailered the ‘22 ahead to meet up for the Challenge. Our lunch stop was right be- side the Yellowstone River and the record winter snowfall made the river run high

—Continued on page 12 October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour  NAOC MARKETPLACE —Continued from page 7 INFORMATION WANTED $14. postpaid.. Also available SETTING Contact me if you want skins for 1931 wire THE PACE- Numbered and author signed, CAR COLLECTIONS wheel hubcaps. Trying to have manufactured $40.00 postpaid and OLDSMOBILE- A For a recently deceased Oldsmobile if enough interest. John Scuderi, volvo1968@ WAR YEARS PICTORIAL $29.00 postpaid. collector, I present the following list of New aol.com. 516-826-4853. NY. Bill Sandy (#2) 2403 County Route 1, Mexico Toronados, and can answer some Westtown, NY 10998. Phone (845) 726- questions, but serious inquiries will be I found an “Olds automatic car-watch” in 0956, VISA/MC. e-mail billsandy1936@ forwarded. Collection includes: one 1967 my dad’s possessions recently, which appears hotmail.com. and three 1970’ for $500 each, one 1972, to be a dash-mounted “self-winding” clock. one 1973, two 1974s, one 1976 and one 1978 It is marked “Maar Patent” and “made in LITERATURE WANTED Switzerland.” I believe my dad’s Olds phase for $300 each. There is also a 1965 Delta Wanted: Shop manuals and/or owners was from 1945 to 1955. I recall we had 88 for $500. Bob Brown, 575-758-5120 or manual for 1921 Oldsmobile 43AT. a 1952 Olds rocket 88 w/ a Hydra-matic [email protected]. NM. Need manuals for engine and car. transmission, which he sold when we moved Recommendations for a new top would w/ the USAF to Morroco in 1954, so it might CARS WANTED be helpful. John, 516-650-1006 or be from then. I am looking to identify it and Nice 1949 or 1950 Club Sedan two door [email protected]. NY. then probably offer it for sale on eBay where fastback. “76” or “88.” Prefer stick, stock or a collector who needs it can buy it. Can you mild custom, others considered. Andy Roll, help? Pictures available. The clock doesn’t MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 215-551-8518. PA. seem to work, I’ve shaken it a bit to wind it Item for 1957 Olds Enthusiasts (Collectors and it doesn’t start keeping time. Contact Item) Set Of 6 Dies based on 1957 Olds, Wanted: 1950 club coupe, or 1951 or 1952 Bob at [email protected]. one of rocket, one of Olds service sign, 88 two door. Vincent Lorelli, 718-698-1439 remaining four of a 1957 “88” Olds. $55 ppd or [email protected]. Staten Island, NY. LITERATURE FOR SALE original from Olds dealer in 1960’s. Hank, 802-365-5059. VT. 1957–1960, “98” Convertibles and 1961 1936 Oldsmobile shop manual, 1938 Olds shop manual and 1948 Olds chassis parts Starfire Convertibles any condition but “Oldsmobilia” - Olds signs, books, clothing, book. All in fair to good condition with should be mostly complete. Would also glassware, stationary, books, drawings illustrations. $25 each or make offer. Keith consider highly optioned parts cars. Paying and jewelry. Call or e-mail for a list. Also Carson, 860-539-4686 or kcarson88@aol. Cash. Frank Karabetsos (#5718), 630-330- Postcard and Toy/Promo lists. 1935 posters; com. CT. 8522. 1936 body parts; 1946 Magazine and Newspaper Advertising album $850; 1957 The Story of the Ryan-Bohn Foundry WANTED: 1959 “98” four door hardtop, flat dash clock $100; 1958 Trans-Portable Radio and Oldsmobile’s Plant 2 by James R. top. Turnkey, solid and rustfree in overall $200; 1962 F-85 Coupe Promo $70; 1963 Walkinshaw. It made Olds engine parts from very good condition. Email Lars Olsson at Starfire Convertible Promo $155; 1963 1946 to 1965, and rear axles from 1965 to [email protected] or send mail Starfire Hardtop Promo $125; 1973 Cutlass 1985. From 1986 to 2006, it built the to Lars Olsson, PL 1178 Nordanha, 84080 Promo $75; More Promos; 1972 Showroom Reatta, the electric EV1, and other great Lillhardal, Sweden or Vintyergatan 2d, Signs; Service Guild manuals. Bill Sandy GM cars. 58 pages, lots of photographs, 89136 Ornskoldsnk, Sweden. (#2) 2403 County Route 1, Westtown, diagrams and production figures. New.$25. NY 10998. Phone (845) 726-0956, e-mail postpaid. Bill Sandy (#2) 2403 County Route WANTED: 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 [email protected]. two door Bubbletop. Prefer running and 1, Westtown, NY 10998. Phone (845) 726- 0956, VISA/MC. e-mail billsandy1936@ pretty good condition. Black w/grey interior PARTS FOR SALE a plus!! [email protected]. hotmail.com. Brake shoes $45, exchange shocks $35, 1938 -up tie rod ends $25. E-brake cables $25, RIDE WANTED 1923–64 Service Manuals by Oldsmobile, $20–$65. 1928–57 Parts Manuals by engine bearings, piston rings $35. Ignition 88 yr old looking for Olds “88” to rent for a Oldsmobile, $25–$50. Alex Voss, 4850 37th headlight switches. Call Don Nowak, 716- day or to ride in located in Hartford County, Ave. So., Seattle, WA 98118. 206-721-3077. 824-2292 or [email protected]. NY. CT. My 88 year old father, who has macular Fax: 206-721-3055. www.books4cars.com. degeneration and is legally blind, just turned (10/11) 1936 F36 Touring Sedan left rear fender 88. He has spoken to me about getting a ride $125. 952-470-2292. MN. Lead from Doug in an Olds “88.” Is there anyone out there “OLDSMOBILE, THE LAST CHAPTER” Blake #4962. with an original or restored “88” that could by the late First Lady of Oldsmobile Helen give him a ride? I will pay for it. Please call Earley and historian James Walkinshaw 1951 set of 4 15” Hubcaps $30. Numerous Paul 860-983-4444. covers the final years of Olds, 1996 to 2004. dings from being put on and off. 612-716- Ed. Note: If a kind NAOC member answers It is full of color photos and production 7333. MN. this gentleman’s ad, would you please take figures of the final years of America’s greatest some photos for a small feature in RTR? marque. Oldsmobile-The Last Chapter is Thanks. 10 Runabouts to Rockets

Wiring harness (EZ wire) still in the box, $375; New aqua carpet in box, $125; New absorbers, specify; $200 pair. 1936 shop never used, for a 1955 Oldsmobile. It cost aqua headliner for 4 dr sedan, in box, $125. manual, engineering features, books, good $202., selling for $165. plus shipping. George Also have new ‘49 Olds restoration parts. used. Specify. $40. 1937 hubcaps, set of 4 Zeiler, 412-221-1827, 412-953-1517 (cell) or Open to offers. John Gillis (#4867), 252 good used; 60. 1937 L-8 owner’s manual. [email protected]. PA. County Farm Rd, Cambridge, VT 05444, Nice, used. $35. 1937-53 upper, lower front 802-644-5788, [email protected] motor mounts, NORS; $35. pair. 1939-48 all, except 48 “98” rear motor mounts, specify 1949-58 Rubber VC Gaskets and other engine and transmission, $60. pair. 1939- restoration parts. 1949-58 303,324,371 Reus- Three sets 1956 Olds stock cover wheels, 49 all, 1950 “76” standard transmission able ribbed rubber VC gaskets, $18. 1949-50 one set 1956 Olds flippers, two sets 1955 throwout bearing, $25. 1941 96-98 right Vinyl gauge face kit, $20. Speedo and Odom- Olds stock wheel covers, two sets 1955 Olds rear fender, $150. 1946-48 all, except 1948 eter replacement lens kit, $25. Exact Replica flippers, one 1955 Olds radio. Many body 98, right front parking lamp assembly, $35. 1949 (silver) and 1950 (gold) wire covers mouldings, ornaments. Blue seat material 1948 “98” 1949-50 “76” water pumps, rebuilt silk screened OLDSMOBILE ROCKET, $35. for 1955 Olds standard. Bill Mercer, 806- less backing plate, specify, $75. 1949-50 “76” Free shipping on all. See at www.retrorodz. 236-2656. TX. “88” , 1951 88A rear fender skirts, good com. Bill Goodnight, 208-890-5921. 1014 E. used, $100 pair. 1951 88 and 98, 1952-53 Franklin St., Boise, Idaho 83712 or retro- I just received a stock of 1931 Olds parts: deluxe “88”, carter carburetor, rebuilt, $85. [email protected]. (10/12) fenders, front suspension, brake parts, 1953 w/ AC, water pump rebuilt, $80. Send SASE with year, model for list. Bob Graves engine parts/gaskets, interior parts, hub (#2225), 21 Perry Rd., Salisbury, MA 01952. 1956-NOS Starter Solenoid, $75; Carb caps/skins, tail lights etc. Email your needs. 978-463-0715 evenings. Throttle Return, $50; Trico Blades, $45 ea; John, [email protected] or call me at 516- B/U Light Side Moldings, $50 ea; Balister 826-4853. NY. For sale 1931 Oldsmobile parts: 40 yr. Resister (Delco), $40. More. Carl Cvitkovich, Collection. Pair of front fenders, one 859-873-6945 or [email protected]. KY. 1950 Olds “88” Hood, good condition transmission, three complete steering $150, 1950 Olds owners manual $35, 1950 columns, front and rear springs, drive Olds Hat new $15, 1950 Olds side draft air shaft, two dashboards with lots of gauges, cleaner $25, 1937 Olds Deluxe Radio $100, rear trunk, very nice, front axel with hubs, 1937 Olds 6 Cyl air cleaner EC $20, 1962 two starters, bell housing, fender braces, Olds chrome script N.O.S. “OLDSMOBILE” cylinder head, head light irons between Group 12.116 part #381240 $25, Jim Beam fenders, splash pans right & left, complete Curved Dash Olds decanter $40. Bob Bader, hood, 1 set rebuilt shocks, door & window regulators, new throw out bearings, wheel [email protected]. MO 63055. bearings, king pin set new, tail & back up lens, steering wheels, horn, 8-10 wire wheel FUSICK AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS has caps some new skins, new fiber universal, been supplying Oldsmobile enthusiasts with new rebuilt water pumps, fuel pump, new quality restoration parts for over 30 years. oil filters, carburetor and parts, water jacket 1933 engine - complete six cylinder, with We carry a large selection of parts for 1935- cover Oldsmobile. Lots of literature: owner clutch assembly. Radiator needs repairs. 1977 Oldsmobiles. Our inventory includes manual and lots of other literature, new Selling without generator and starter. $400. weather stripping, cosmetic rubber parts, horn buttons. Lots of other parts. $1400. Al Morrone, 401-862-0329.SOLD! Other pictures decals, lenses, emblems, mechanical parts, takes all. Pick up. Richard Sterner (#158), available. RI. rebuilding services for fuel pumps, wiper 717-261-6064. PA. motors, carburetors and harmonic balancers. HYDRAMATIC REBUILDING KITS, We also have a limited supply of NOS PARTS WANTED with gaskets, seals, clutches frictions, steels, parts. We offer three different and distinct All for a 1953 88 used or N.O.S. main sealing rings, 1946-60, $360.; 1961-64 Roto catalogs. Catalog #530 covers 1935-60, crank pulley with 2 belt grooves for power Catalog # 44C covers 1961-77 Cutlass/442, Hydramatic, $375. postpaid. Specify year/ steering, Temperature gauge, and original and catalog # 21 BC covers 1961-75 ‘88’, ‘98’, type. Bands, bushings, parts available. David Starfires and Toronado. Please state year and factory fender skirts good condition. Rich Edwards (#1306) 56 Dale St., Needham model of the Oldsmobile you own when Jackson, 215-639-0678 or Classiccarrich@ Heights, MA 02494-1218. 781-449-2065 ordering a catalog. We offer the first catalog aol.com. PA. anytime., www.autotran.us. (12/11) free with a valid NAOC membership #, and as always they are free with an order. You 1951-52 S88 rear gravel shield NOS or NOS rocker panels for ‘63/’64 Olds “88” 2dr can visit our website at www.fusick.com to good used. Part #560065. Only need center Holiday hardtop, might also fit convertible, order online and download the latest issue section but I’ll take whatever! Bob Bader, $150 pr; New outer rocker panels for ‘63/’64 of our catalog. Fusick Automotive Products 636-390-8598 or [email protected]. MO. “88” 4dr, $75; used right rear quarter panel Inc., 22 Thompson Road, P.O. Box 655, East for ‘64 “88” 4 dr hardtop, $175; exhaust Windsor, CT 06088. 860-623-1589, Fax Crankshaft Damper (Harmonic Balancer) 860-623-3118, email [email protected]. resonator, $35; new rear shocks, $40 pr; for 1937 8 ( Eight ) cylinder engine. Also 21 (12/11). used rear bumper, $125; NOS correct seat tooth speedometer cable drive gear for L-37 upholstery yardage for ‘64 “88”. Vinyl and 1935-36 F-6 water pump, rebuilt, less cloth, aqua. Enough for front and rear seats, back plate; $60. 1936, 37-38 Front shock —Continued on page 14 October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour 11 premiere naoc national tour —Continued from page 9

Nobody minded the occasional stops for water for the ‘22; lots of good photo opportunities

and fast. After lunch, things started to get more interesting. As we gained altitude, the light rain turned to snow. We knew the pass was not officially open that day, but the following day was the 75th anniversary of the Beartooth Highway and Greg knew they would be working hard to clear the snow. He was focused on completing the Challenge. Finally, Mark couldn’t see with the snow falling hard, covering the windshield of the ‘22, so he pulled over. The rest were only able to go a little further before we had to turn back. We gave it our best shot. Naturally, on the way back down, the weather started to clear and we proceeded without incident. Debbie was pulling the “trouble We knew the pass wasn’t open the day we were scheduled, but we wanted to go as far as we could. First rain, then snow… 12 Runabouts to Rockets

The beartooth challenge

trailer” in case anybody had car problems and Leo and Greg kept in contact by CB radio when we got separated. When we got back to the trailer rendezvous spot, Greg and Debbie took off to get every- thing ready for the Social Hour. The rest of us had our directions and had been this way before, so we headed back. Not five minutes later, Bob and Cynthia pulled over onto the shoulder. When asked, Bob said, “I think I just blew my transmission!” The trailer was intercepted and even though we got back a little late, we still had our Social Hour before dinner. Every- body slept well that night. The next day began with a tour of our hosts’ Wrench Ranch, then the plan was a country drive to the town of Red Lodge for shopping and lunch. Red Lodge is the These guys are troopers…

gateway to the Beartooth Pass. That day Joyce Burke happened to be the 75th anniversary of the highway and—the pass was open! We met and caravaned to Wrench Ranch, where we drank coffee and ate muffins while touring Greg’s impeccable collection of classic cars. And not just Oldsmobiles. There was a 1934 Hudson Hornet, a 1957 Royal, a Imperial, Ford Fairlane, Studebaker; and more, all in pristine condition. Plus a bunch of Cushman scooters too. In a garage that is cleaner than most peoples’ houses… We met the horses and the kitty and, after some discussion, the group decided to give the Challenge another shot—that was what we came for, after all. The 1922 —Continued on page 16 October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour 13 NAOC MARKETPLACE Join the NAOC —Continued from page 11 Oldsmobile. Andy Pope. 13 Aitken Ave. Donald. Victoria. 3480. Today! Australia. [email protected]. 1951-53 Spark plug wire bracket attaches to bat-wing air cleaner Part #5605461953-55. Head lamp, 12 V Metal Reflector Part Please fill in this Information: #454642. Chuck Larson, 269-641-5778 or chuckandrexford@ comcast.net. MI. Name ______SERVICES Address ______CARBURETOR REBUILDING: I’ll rebuild your 1952-65 Olds 4-bbl. 4GC Rochester for a member special price of $225, i ncludes ______rebuilding and run testing. I also have years 1952 through 1965 City State/Prov. Zip/Postal Code Country done and on the shelf, ready to go for $275. Also have 1955-56 2- bbl. rebuilt at $150. I cure starting problems, stalling, flat spots and Phone ______flooding. All prices plus $25 shipping. Your Rochester specialist, 100 Rochesters in my inventory. Don Monroe (#2610) 8904 65th Cell # ______St. West, Tacoma, WA. 98467-1608. 253-566-8488 eves. (12/11) E-mail ______CARS SOLD UPDATE: I sold the 1951 Oldssmobile “88-A” that I had for sale in the Dec. Tell us about your car(s): issue to Frank Borman, the former astronaut and commander of ______Apollo 8 in 1970, who went on to become the President of Eastern Year Model Body Style Style No. Airlines, among other great milestones in his career, He now resides in Bighorn Montana. He is 83 years young and now has his ______own personal “ROCKET.” Year Model Body Style Style No. —Tom Holt (#3083) Ocoee, Florida. ______Year Model Body Style Style No.

______President’s Message: Larry Reid —Continued from page 2 Year Model Body Style Style No. will be in place of the December issue of Runabouts to Rock- Style number is on the cowl plate for years after 1933, ets. If there are changes of any kind, (i.e. addresses, new or example: 493507 is a 1949 “88” club sedan. Car ownership is deleted Oldsmobiles, etc.), they need to be sent in to Member- not required to join the club. ship Chairman, Paul Hartlieb ASAP. This information is critical to the accuracy of the publication. His address is: membership. Membership in the USA: [email protected]. - One year third class mail $38.00 You should also remember to study the candidates pro files for board positions and then cast your vote by December Two years third class mail $74.00 31, 2011. We have always been very fortunate to have had Three years third class mail $109.00 dedicated board members serving our membership. As old Add $12.00 per year for U. S. first class mail. members go off the board, after completing their terms of Add $5.00 per year for dual membership (two votes). office, it is important that we replace them with new people Membership in Canada and Mexico: who will continue this dedicated service. One year air mail USD $48.00 It’s also time to begin your thinking and planning about Two years air mail USD $94.00 attending any of our Gathering Points. Check in the upcom- Three years air mail USD $139.00 ing issues of Runabouts to Rockets for announcements. And, also plan to attend next year’s national meet in Columbus, IN. Membership in all other countries: Paul and Sharon Mang will be our meet hosts and they have One year air mail USD $58.00 planned, what sounds like, an exciting meet. All payments must be in U. S. funds. New members to NAOC are always appreciated and Please allow time for processing your application. valued. The application form is always available in Runabouts to Rockets issues and also on the NAOC website. These, of Mail with check or money order to: course, can be printed off and distributed to potential new National Antique Oldsmobile Club members. 121 N. Railroad St. Have a great fall season and Happy Oldsmobiling, Myerstown, PA 17067 Larry (#5069) 14 Runabouts to Rockets

Hosting a Classic Car Tour NAOC CLUB MERCHANDISE —Continued from page 3 DIRECTIONS Baseball type hats (one size fits all) Red, Blue, At a minimum, each car should have a state map with the route highlighted. Written directions can be helpful, but keep Gray: $12.00 them brief. If they are too detailed, the poor passenger doesn’t get to see anything because they’re reading the instructions. Umbrellas: $10.00 DEPARTURES Morning departures can be trying. There may be a few Beverage can holders: Red, Blue: $5.00 who are unconcerned with punctuality, and seem uncon- cerned they are inconveniencing those who are prepared to leave. In your Tour Book, make it clear that the tour will leave 1-Shirts: 4X large, 3X large, 2X large, X large, on time with full tanks and full tummies. Suggest they start Large, Medium: $15.O0 their cars before departure and allow for mechanical delays only. After the dawdlers get left behind on the first morning, Sweat Shirt,: 2X large, X large, Large, Med1um: they will be on time tomorrow. CB radios are really handy to $25.00 keep the tourists informed of last minute changes or an- nouncements. Ask that they keep their chatter brief especially when entering a town since you, as the leader, may have an- Golf shirts: X large, Large, Medium: $22.00 nouncements to make or someone may become lost.

Coffee Mug: $7.00 ON THE ROAD When on the road, ask the drivers to try to keep together but remind them to allow space for non-tourists to pass safely. Logo decals: 1 large, 1 small: $5.00 (no postage) As the tour leader remember the “whiplash effect.” If you pull away from a stop sign, even at normal speed, the tenth car behind you will have to drive 90 mph to catch up. Instead, pull Logo lapel pin: $3.00 out at a sedate 45 mph, then when all are on the same road, slowly accelerate. Logo tie tack: $4.00 MEAL TIMES Meal times can be difficult. I have tried to arrange group meals Set, lapel pin, tie tack, tie bar: $10.00 but many restaurants simply cannot handle large groups. Also some participants seem to have no qualms about failing to comply with their agreed upon reservations, or joining at Logo tie bar: $5.00 the last minute. If you elect to have group meals, charging for meals in the registration is a pretty good way to assure Logo clock with blue neon circle: $90.00 the participants attend. Lunches are best handled by simply stopping at locations with a variety of restaurants and setting NAOC Club Banner: $75.00 a time and location for departure. One and a half hours is about right for lunch, then tell them all to rejoin at some License Plate Topper: $15.00 easily found location. Dinners are just a little more difficult as everyone seems to want to be together. Point out two or three larger places and explain that all may not be able to sit at one Note: Please add $5.00 for the first item ordered table. and an additional $3.00 for each additional item MISCELLANEOUS ordered. Remember to ask if the tour cars will be trailered. If some are, arrange for trailer/truck parking. Anticipate that any recre- Contact Joanne Ehrsam at 419-882-4279 ational vehicles will not be accommodated at the motel. Have a commercial campground in mind. If the tour is going to be or [email protected], or out of cell phone service, it is a good idea to have a trouble- Sally Church at 248-673-0811 or trailer follow. The CB radios help here too. [email protected] to order your NAOC Club As a “finale” it is nice to have a dinner or picnic gathering. Hopefully these ideas may make your tour a little easier to Merchandise today. plan and execute. —Greg Childs (#5826), Laurel, Montana [email protected] October 2011: Premiere NAOC National Tour 15 premiere NAOC National tour: The beartooth challenge —Continued from page 13 was trailered to Red Lodge, and although Bob and Cynthia’s Olds had a blown tranny, they followed along in Greg’s pickup since their RV wouldn’t make the climb. To Mark’s consternation, the ‘22 would not start and they proceeded in their tow vehicle. We were off! We thought we had been climbing the day before! The record snowfall during the winter made for a spectacular sight. As we ascended, we were driving in snow tunnels with sides over 15 feet high. The sky was clear and beautiful with no rain in sight. We saw bicyclists, hikers, para-skiers and snow- mobilers all enjoying the view and making their way to the top. Unbelievable. When we reached the “Top of the World” we were actually on the way down. We had done it—four Oldsmobiles made it to the top! The return to the hotel was uneventful and we enjoyed our final Social Hour and Closing Pizza Party. What a week! We were all glad that Greg was persistent and we made it to the top—a lifetime memory! We had endured the weather, snow, sleet, rain and cold to ascend the pass in a historic year, when the Wrench Ranch included a tour of the restored snow was higher than anybody remem- cars, parts cars, horses, and dogs and was our bered on the pass—on June 10. It was even starting off point for attempt #2 of the Challenge more memorable since we had tried once already and that it was the first day the pass was open and the 75th anniversary of the highway. The Premiere Tour was a huge success. We met new friends, enjoyed the scenery, food and shopping and the fine hospitality of Greg and Debbie. If you missed it, keep your ears open and plan to attend or host another Tour in your part of the country. You’ll be glad you did. Just be sure and invite the Editor…

From the top beginning our descent to “Top of the World” 16 Runabouts to Rockets