Ken,

I’d be interested in learning more about this rivet tool.

It amazes me how much of the weatherstrip for these cars is available from Steele. I was able to get just about every single rubber part for my 62 wagon from them – including the tailgate weatherstrip – and there must be all of three people in the world looking for this stuff for a…[Read more]

Eric,

The post cars will definitely be different. Skylarks were true hardtops. Get those if you can’t find a Jetfire-specific listing.

Keep in mind that the NHRA numbers are the minimum blueprint spec, not the as-cast numbers. I’m not sure about the 215 heads, but later iron Olds V8 heads tend to run 2-4 cc larger chambers than the NHRA blueprint numbers in the as-cast state. Obviously this also depends on how much the head has been surfaced, how much the valves have been cut, etc.

Trico also sells the rubber refills with the stainless insert. In my case I needed the whole blade since the car had newer style blades when I got it. Be aware that there are different widths of the stainless insert, so measure yours before selecting replacements.

http://www.tricoproducts.com/Drivers/WiperProducts/MoreProducts/Classic

The spark plugs neither know nor care if the spark is triggered by a mechanical switch (points) or an electronic one. You’ll feel no difference between properly maintained points and electronic. The reason why people claim that the electronic “runs better” is because usually they are replacing a worn original distributor with old, pitted points…[Read more]

Eric,

I’ve had 205/70-14s on the back of my wagon for eight years now, using 14×6 aluminum wheels with a slight negative offset (they are biased towards the outside). Obviously that tire is about an inch smaller in diameter than yours, but it’s the same section width. Scott Phillips has 215/60-15s on the stock 15″ wheels on his convertible…[Read more]

You do realize that if you replace the turbo motor, it is no longer a Jetfire, right?

3FM320825 is the VIN derivative.

3 = Oldsmobile Division
F = model year 1985
NOTE: the other tag indicates a 1984 model year. Are you sure this is an “F” and not an “E”? E would be correct for 1984.
M = Lansing assembly plant
320825 = last six digits from the VIN of the car it came from.

The stock tire size on 62 Jetfires and convertibles was 7.00 x 13, which was 25.8″ diameter. The fact that some vendor (who is not Oldsmobile) claims that 180/85-13 is the replacement tire doesn’t mean that it’s correct or even the same size as original.

205/55-16s are a Honda-sized 24.8″ in diameter.

I can tell you from first-hand information that 205/70-14 on 6″ wheels fit. I can also tell you first-hand that 215/60-15s on stock 15″ wheels fit. Both of those combos are about 25.25″ in diameter. Your 205/75-15s are about 27.1″ in diameter. Those would be a good choice for a 1968-72 Cutlass, but are waaaay too tall for the 61-63 cars.

TH200 is a lot smaller than the 700R4.

Kanter also sells new (Chinesium) wheel cylinders for $44 each or $146/set of four.

Oh, well, if it’s on the internet, then….

Look, I understand that tire section width will vary with wheel width for a given tire, but common sense should tell you that the exact amount of change will depend on the height of the sidewall and on the difference between the section width and the rim width. This can’t be a single number for ALL…[Read more]

Actually, I’m not sure where you got this 2/10″ per half inch of width formula. That will actually vary based on sidewall height.

Correct, and an extra 0.2″ of section width means all of 1/10″ wider on each side. I have waaaay more than 1/10″ of clearance to my fender lips.

What difference does that make? A 205 tire is still 205 MM wide (OK, give or take a little due to the rim width). My 205/70-14s are 25.3″ diameter and 8″ section width. 205/60-16s are 25.7″ in diameter and 8″ section width. My friend’s 215/60-15s are 25.2″ in diameter and just about 8.5″ wide, and they also fit fine.

Meaning what?