Saturday-Garage day!

Hopefully all works out for Saturday Garage funtime.  Funtime should include setting the timing, which will hopefully get rid of the fun but not good backfiring issues; figuring what should be on the throttle linkage (I know it isn't the random screw that is hanging on for life); and fluids 101...we know I have issues in that department.

If I make progress, I will share it!  So happy to be back on the road with my lady!

Good news

Leaks are gone!  I can pick her up tomorrow.  Yay! Not the front pump after all, just the side pan.  They ordered all new seals and did the whole thing.  Hopefully, this will keep us on the road for a bit.  Soon enough I will be learning to set the timing and getting some pretty tires.  It is funny how attached one can get to a car!

On another note, the stats option for blogger is interesting.  You can see who visits your blog and where they are located.  That's a hint.  I am amazed at the number of hits I am getting.  Technology, love it and hate it.

Quit yer leakin

I decided to send Jezebel off to the transmission shop.  I was a little frightened by this situation:

After deciding that I shouldn't drive for fear of more pouring out, even if I filled it up, I called the tow truck.  I had the exciting pleasure of driving it up the ramp.

She is awaiting service tomorrow.  I hope these guys can fix her.  They had a 54 Olds in last week, so hopefully this will be no problem!  After drowning in a sea of hot rods this weekend, I can't wait to have her back.

PerTronix and why I need moral support

Got the electronic ignition done.  It said it would take "20 minutes to install".  Ha!  Two and a half hours later....... My poor father. I had to keep sending pictures and asking really stupid questions.  I wish he were closer.  The worst part of the job (and the most time consuming) is figuring out which tool to use to take whatever it is off or put it back on.  Plus it was dark and windy and cold.  I couldn't figure out where the two wires should come out of the distributor.  I couldn't figure that out because I forgot to remove the wire that was already there.  After that issue, I changed the coil, thought I was good to go.  The wire wouldn't fit on the coil.  I later find out, my mistake-again.  I just need to slide the little boot back so it could push into the end of the coil.  THIS is why I need moral support and supervision. ;)  I must have spent at least 45 minutes trying to figure out my really stupid issues.  Live and learn.  Now I don't know how to adjust the timing and it is running rough and acts as if it may die now and then.  I am going to have to call for back up!

Not the choke silly

So, after all of the anguish and being pissed off at Jezebel, it was just the points.  tee hee.  Something so simple and cheap ruining my fun. And who knew Auto Zone of all places would have them. I did learn a lot AND changed the points all by myself!  I do have to credit my dad's ability to instruct over the phone.  Thanks dad!  Oh, and I didn't have them quite right the first try, which stranded me for a few on the causeway.  The joys of redoing the points at night with the wind blowing off the bay alone and on the side of the road....I can't describe it.  A video would be highly entertaining I am sure.  Success was mine in the end! I did order the PerTronix kit to switch to electronic ignition--to some friends' disappointment.  I can always change it back if I wanna!  Next on my agenda, throwing that in when it arrives this week, then, transmission gasket--finally! 

Updates

On the road again!  However, have a morning starting issue.  Had to be rescued by a friend twice (thanks friend):

Now, I have figured out how to rescue myself, but would like to just fix the issue.
Choke is sticking maybe???

Also, seems the transmission fluid leak has gotten worse.  I had to put 3 quarts in at one point. Not good.  Searching for someone that can work on the hydramatic.  I am trying to decide whether to attempt to replace gaskets and other replaceable "stuff" to see if that helps.

Replaced the crazy piston shifter knob that fell off and bruised my ankle, plus got a turn signal one too!

Waiting sucks.

So, still waiting on the sending unit.  I just needed to state my impatience.  Once we finish that, on to why the EEF I have transmission fluid everywhere.  Which leads to next lesson: Gasket inspection.  Woooo!

Dropping a tank....and gasoline fun times....

I dropped the gas tank Friday!  The picture is from my cell phone so it is blurry, but you can clearly see the hole (I have pictures from the camera but haven't uploaded them yet—will add later).  The tank is now being repaired and I will have it back tomorrow.  I ordered a new sending unit as mine was deteriorated and missing the float.  I should have it all back in within the next five-ish days, hopefully three.  It is hard to collaborate with my weird schedule.  This was such a great learning experience.  I was surprised at the crazy maneuvering needed to get this thing out from under the car once it was detached.  It was like a rubix cube...  My tank actually has a drain plug.  Good and bad thing.  I was told to drive as much gas out as possible of course.  I thought I did; without a fuel gauge I relied on hearing the sloshing from the tank.  What sounds like a single gallon could also be 15 gallons.  OOOOOps.  So, first minor failure on my part, really long time draining the 15 gallons through the drain plug.  Since we couldn’t take the plug all the way out or it would go everywhere,  a slow and steady stream had to do.  Until I got impatient and tried to unscrew the drain just a pinch more, all went well.  I thought a slight turn would allow a larger stream to flow; instead, I accidentally completely unscrewed it causing gas to come spewing out, which in turn made me drop the plug into the funnel that was going in the gas can.  My reaction???  Start screaming oh my gosh!!! reapeatedly while gas went everywhere….. not the best reaction.  After being yelled at to put my f***** finger in the hole (hehehehe) all was back under control.  Next lesson learned: wear your glasses when absorber is being put on the gas you just spilled especially when doing so in front of a giant fan.  Yup, in my eyes along with gas that I then rubbed in trying to get the absorber out.  Whew!  After I caused all that chaos, and managed not to get thrown out of the garage, everything went smoothly.  And now we wait to continue…..

Vacuum hoses (where does this stuff need to be attached?)

So many hoses and cables.  Luckily, a guy from the classic olds forum drew me a diagram....but I still need to figure a few things out.  Garage day tomorrow should help.

Christmas in September

Got some stuff today.  Trying to fix the fun, but unnecessary inadvertent honking.  I replaced the ring (in picture) but the middle ring of the steering wheel still feels funny and not tight enough.  Not sure what that is all about.  Hopefully can get a new old steering wheel at real Christmas.

Friday is gas tank day!!

Been reading the repair manual a lot! Full of helpful info, need more diagrams though. Friday is drop the tank day.  Can't wait!!  Wish me luck.

Yay! Support and sharing with some awesome ladies, the Gasoline Girls!

Moving right along in preparation to start on this car.  will do the gas leak checkout hopefully this coming week.  Right now, just reading as much as I can about doing this (librarians do that).  Also, joined up with the Gasoline Girls to get and offer support/advice/tips, ect from a far distance via the magical world of the internet!  If you haven't checked out their site, you should.  It is informative and entertaining!  Feeling pretty confident, but impatient and ready to DO SOMETHING.  I should have the repair manual in my mailbox within the next three days too.  That will help.  I love diagrams.
 While I am not the best writer, I will be keeping up with my progress here....maybe more image heavy than written word.....

Gas tanks, where are you?

Repair manual ordered.  So, apparently, gas tanks for 55 Oldsmobiles, hard to come by.  Hopefully it is only leaky hose action.  Just in case, I am on the hunt...would rather not have it repaired.  A 54 Buick tank fits, says guy on Olds forum.  Darn you leaky gas.

Gas leak not funtime.

Well, I was pretty sure I had a gas leak.  You kinda know when that is the case.  It is true...So, time to take off the tank!  Don't worry, I will not be attempting to repair that one.  On a good note, got rain X on the windows, did not fix wipers but cut my finger open, and replaced ugly rusty tailpipe.  I will order THE MANUAL tonight.  :)  Need diagrams and info for those vacuum wipers.  Got real dirty and felt productive even though I really wasn't.  Not bad.

Let's see what I can do....

Waiting on the 56 Chevy was too much....so I bought a 55 Olds to keep me busy!  She is road ready and I have been having a fabulous time driving her around town.  First project, make wipers work.  Day one at the DMV found me stranded already due to rain.  My goal is to learn and do as much as I can on my own, well, with the instruction of others.  An amazing group of gals, the Gasoline Girls, have been such an inspiration, I think I am up for the task. Wish me luck!  If you have any auto knowledge you wish to share, I am an excellent student!