1940 Oldsmobile Barn-Find Restoration by Erndog

4 minute(s) of a 39 minute read

Well, we are woefully behind on keeping this thread up. I will try to do some recapping.

Removed crossbars under hood, fan, and radiator. Removed hood latch assembly. Wired wheeled and painted crossbars and fan. Tested radiator and found no obvious leaks, but will probably have it looked at. Reassembled painted crossbars. Put second coat of paint on fan. 

We got keys made for the trunk and glove compartment. Unfortunately, after we got them home we noticed that the two new keys were different from each other. one does nothing. The other will work for the glove compartment and the trunk. However, when you open the trunk the key won't come out. And when you close it, you have to lock it to get the key to come out. Is that the way it is supposed to operate?? 

• Removed left front fender. Required removal of left kickpanel to access three of the bolts. One problem bolt at very front of running board. It had a special thin flat head that came off. Needs replacing.
• Removed all brakes and slave cylinders. Started honing and rebuilding same with nice kits from Fusick. They were rocked up pretty hard. We'll see if they are leak-tight after they get back together.
• Removed left engine compartment sidewall. Started cleaning and painting same.
• Removed LF shock and wheel assembly.
• Took brake shoes and original set of linings to Automotive Manufacturers in Richmond, VA to get them put on. Fantastic job! All four wheels for $50. That included drilling holes in the linings for the rivets.
• Investigated the LF shock. Bone dry. Cleaned it as best I could. Verified the valves work.
• Completely tore down the LF suspension, cleaned and painted same. Reinstalled.
• Removed front bumper, RF fender (found a 1909 penny, 1951-D penny, and a beautiful 1937 Buffalo Nickel under the floor covering), grill, and hood.
• Took 1930 Buick out of garage and rolled the Olds in.
• Pulled out the engine and transmission. No problems.
• Set engine on engine stand. Powerwashed the engine so we could see what we are working with.
• Removed head, carburetor, manifolds, water pump, valve covers, and oil pan.

Glad we decided to tear the engine down. It is pretty well gooked up.

Left fender removed.

Brakes as found.

Slave cylinder originally.

Slave cylinder rebuilt.

Time to go, old engine buddy!

I'm pulled at last, I'm pulled at last.

Jonathan gets down and dirty.