Mike Ryan's 1933 Oldsmobile Restoration Project

October 2011 Update: We are wired and windowed

2011-10-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

This is the first time the car has had working headlights (and really any working electric parts) since I've owned it. It took a few days to get everything working right but we got it. If you note the reflection of the windshield, you'll notice that the windows are in too!

I got a new wiring harness. We wired the dash before installation.

Wiring turned out to be quite the project. Next time we wire a car, we'll make sure to run the wires before installing the stancions. Note the dim light in the picture below. The car was designed to have metal to metal grounding from the reflector, to the headlight housing, to the stancion, to the body, to the frame. In short: not ideal.

Solving the pesky grounding problem proved to be aggravating. We finally settled on running a separate ground from the headlight housing to the frame.

The only electric left to finish are the tail lights which will be a quick installation once we receive the rubber mounts. It won't be long until we get started on the interior. Stay tuned!

June 2011 Update - We Have Cleared the Tower...I Mean Driveway

2011-06-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

After a frustrating 45 year wait, the car now moves under its own power. With much excitement and anticipation, we drove it down the driveway and around the block and everything seems to be working okay. With minor adjustments, the car will run smoother and better. Now the focus will be on the interior to include the upholstery and electrical.

April 2011 Update - Front Fenders

2011-04-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Well, the engine is running but the radiator is out so I can't let you hear its beautiful "music." Stay tuned...

I have permenantly attached the front fenders and placed the grille on just to get that sneak preview!

Enjoy!

March 2011 Update: Engine in and progress stalled...

2011-03-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

We got the engine dropped in yesterday however, a faulty fuel pump has "stalled" our progress as you can see in the video.

July 2010 Update - White Walls

2010-11-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

June 2010 Update - The less-magnificent becomes a bit more

2010-06-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

The "shiny parts" are now starting to make their way on to the car!

"To chrome or not to chrome?" That was the question.

Due to the very high moisture content where I live, powder coating was the answer we went with.

Once again, thank you to my Norwegian friend, Tor, for the hinges and latches!!!!

This trunk has never worked since I've had the car until now!!

The grille came out pretty good too...

And so did the hood ornament!

In other news, the engine crank has just been reworked and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She might be coming back to life in the very near future so stay tuned!

April 2010 Update - Attached Fenders

2010-04-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

April 2010 Update - Finished Roof and Attached Trunk

2010-04-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

For the first time in 45 years, my car actually has an enclosed top! All work was done by the lovely and talented Sue Ryan of Ryan's Upholstery (www.ryansupholstery.com) who also has the fortune of being married to yours truly! You will also notice the fabric welt around the trunk edge that she did as well.

April 2010 Video plus pictures

2010-04-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here's what she looks like out in the sun, trees in the back, etc...

For the first time since I've owned her, she has a roof...or at least part of one.

The inside view

Some of the minor details are starting to get finished...

March 2010 Update: Body in paint!

2010-03-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's finally back! A 45 year wait for color is now over! Enjoy...

March 2010 Update - Sneak Preview and then some...

2010-03-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

We went to visit the car today to see how its coming along. As you can see, we getting near the finish. The entire body could be finished by the end of the month.

In other news, we have disassembled the engine in preparation for its rework and reinstallation.

We also got the rear fenders back this week. Keep checking back!

Thank you, Tor!

2010-02-26T22:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a big thank you to my fellow '33 Olds enthusiast from Norway. The hinges mark the end of a 45 year old quest and I could not be happier!!

February 2010 Update - Still waiting for the body but more progress otherwise

2010-02-21T23:15:00.000-08:00

We are still waiting on the main body but just got back the running boards and radiator shell. I'm also still working on the less magnificent. We will pick up the rear fenders this Monday (2/22).

Keep watching!

February 2010 Update - Where's the car?

2010-02-07T22:07:00.001-08:00

The car is gone! Where to, you ask? On Friday, Feb. 5, the car was towed away and will return in paint! After 45 years of rust and primer and dreaming, the car will return in living color. Check back real soon for the big unveiling! Meanwhile, I've been working the less magnificent by painting the little parts...

January 2010 Update

2010-01-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

It been really cold and wet here in Oregon so consequently, I'm not working on painting any of the larger parts - just the screws, nuts, washers, etc. I'm always looking for parts so if you have anything, don't be bashful! Click on CONTACT and shoot me an email!

December 2009 Update video

2009-12-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates but here are some pics!

2009-12-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

Just want to apologize for the lack of updates to the website. As you can see, there have been a few changes and not only just to the website! There has been major leaps forward in the reconstruction of my '33 Olds so keep checking in for the lastest pictures and video of my car! So without further ado, check out the progress...

The front hood

The Front Fenders

An artillery wheel (there are more in the background)

The artillery wheel in place on the right front fender

The trunk

Again, keep checking back! The rest of the body will be in paint soon!

New Blog

2009-12-07T02:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new 33olds.com blog! Hopefully, we will be able to keep you more up to date with the many new updates to the car!

December 2007 Update

2007-12-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

April 2007 Video

2007-04-01T19:19:00.000-07:00