I have made a chart of cowl tag info that I have collected for Jetfires. I do have all the production data for 62’s but not 63’s. Interesting to see the start of production and number of cars produced per week or time period. Appears like they didn’t start making “cars for sale” until about the first of April, 1962. Announced the new model on…[Read more]

Thanks Don!
Yes, this is the page and links that I lost some time ago! Great to see it again.This has cleared up two cowl tag issues for me; first, the BODY code of plant and running make number from that plant only. Second, the IBM codes that may have been used for the ACC. codes. From this quick review, I stand corrected on Eric’s parts car, it…[Read more]

Just a quick response to your cowl tag Eric. I have a hard time to believe that your parts car, made in the second week of April, 1962 (04B), would have been the 98th 1962 Jetfire produced. They were at 100’s of dealer showrooms around the country shortly after April 19, 1962 introduction. I have worked on turbocharged induction systems that date…[Read more]

Hi Eric,
I do not know how to tell if the A/C is listed as an ACC. code on the cowl tag or not? Don’s car has M2 and is an A/C car but I don’t know that M2 means A/C for sure? The only code in the production and accessory list is N for 1962 A/C but I do not know if that is the code that was used on the cowl tag? I hope to hear from several others…[Read more]

Here is a picture of the only one that I ever saw. It is different and maybe the floor pan is different too? The 3-speed floor pan is certainly different than the 4-speed. The front compartment is an ash tray with a cover.

Boy, is that ever a good news/bad news story! Really sorry to hear about your friend/body man’s horrific loss, while it is good to hear that your car wasn’t included in the loss/fire!.

Hi Eric,
Not sure that all know that the show is in Lansing, MI each year, usually in mid June. That would sure be great if there would be a dozen or more Jetfire owners who would participate! I could/would bring one or two, if I can find another driver for one of my cars, if there is interest. Should maybe include all the 61 to 63 F-85’s too!…[Read more]

Yes, I mean door cards or inside panels. They had the exact replacement material for the silver insert that I call silver shark skin. The heat seal lines are perfect. They do need your panels to reuse the stainless steel trim. A couple of pics…..

Hi Eric,
I have not found an acceptable replacement for the trunk liner. There were three different shades to the liners installed by Oldsmobile. According to Harry Samuel, there were several suppliers to Oldsmobile and they all had different shades, gray, beige and red tones. I don’t know if Oldsmobile tried to match up the trunk liner to the…[Read more]

There were several good sources for 1962 seat upholstery some years ago. Harry Samuel was the best! He sold out to Original Auto Fabrics and now they have sold out to SMS and they are about the only game in town! I have bought materials from SMS and had them make up new door cards for my Jetfires. They have not been the fastest but the end result…[Read more]

You need to buy a 1963 Oldsmobile Service Manual! It will show you how all the trim is attached, even works for most of a 1962 car. Your next problem will be the outside door “arm rest” trim. Without the manual you will be fighting this stuff for a long time! They are available on eBay for about $50. Well worth the investment.

An outside, factory original, passenger side rear view mirror was not ever offered for the 1961-62 F-85’s, only the driver side. The bottom base edge of the mirror is beveled to fit the contour of the driver’s door. To install the same design, original mirror, on the passenger side, one must grind/sand the base of a driver side mirror to the…[Read more]

I did the same thing Bruce did. Bought new lower channels from Steele, swapped the brackets, chrome plated the new channels and they work great. A lot of stuff to do and some expense, but it was the best choice for the long run.

Looks great Eric! Have fun!

Great innovation Eric!! They picture the dealership tool in the 1963 Service Manual in section 12-102 but where would a person ever find one? Looks like yours worked great.
Jim

Thanks for the update Joe. Until you mentioned the “V” shaped base I had forgotten that. But now that you have explained the difference, I do recall it now. Too bad, thought Layne might have a great find!

Hi Chris,
Yes, this Jetfire is quite unusual! Sheffield Mist & black vinyl top. Automatic trans, A/C, power brakes, steering and windows. Has a remote mirror (not available until ’63) a clock and radio.13″ wheels, WSW tires, and full hub caps. All the big options for 1962 on one car! I first saw pics of this car in 2011 but didn’t know about all…[Read more]

My parts book and experience does not substantiate that Jetfire block/engines used different connecting rods or head bolts. One Jetfire head bolt was/is different and has a screw hole on the top to accommodate the bracket to hold the oil dipstick tube to the block. It would be interesting if someone can show data to be otherwise?