1969 Olds 98, 455 Rocket, Coldwater MI, $250ish

My father in law has a 1969 Oldsmobile 98 two door with the 455 Rocket and whatever auto they put behind it. He bought it 8-10 years ago thinking he would fix it. He put in a fuel pump and wires and little things and would start it every couple months until maybe two years ago when it stopped starting. He's decided it's not going to get done and wants it gone. It spent at least a couple of winters driving around southern Michigan, so it has more than surface rust. He said $250, my mother in law said $0. The reality is that they'd love someone to come get it and use it for something​ other than just scrap. Parts car, engine doner, anything.
Located in Allen Michigan.

Any chance you could send a couple pix to show the condition? I might be heading up to Sault Ste Marie for the 4th, and I could make a little side trip on the way.

cj6cj8 AT gmail d0t c0m, of you are able. I love big boats, and I cannot lie...

Cooter got a big ol' boat (Oh yeah!)

Would they be interested in having someone get it running for them at a reasonable price? I mean, it's got points and a carb, it should take about 30 minutes and a fresh battery to figure it out, and another 3-4 hours to resolve. I love working on old E36 M3, especially when it's coming out of someone else's pocket. They're about 110 miles from me.

And I would also like to see pix of said big ol' boat

Pictures will have to wait until they get home, they're visiting us in the U.P. for the next week. He's really ready to be done with it. It needs all new brakes (probably including lines) and every time he's tried starting work he gets thwarted by fasteners and drums rusted solid in place. Add to that a lack of parts (plenty for a Cutlass, almost none for a 98) and it's more than he wants to deal with. If was just about getting it started I'd do that for him, but he just doesn't want it anymore.

Those 455s are absolute torque monsters. Sounds like an ideal swap for a G-body.

NOT the car being discussed, just a reference photo for those of that don't know what one of these looks like off the top of our heads...

My dad had a '68 "98" 2 door, 455, 4 Barrel. Solid steel. 10mpg premium fuel. This car was why my first car was a Datsun.

Bought new in 1968 and drove it to 1984. Many memories in this car. Four unbelted kids in back and three unbelted people up front.

I might be interested.

Those fender skirts were cool. My dads rusted out but the concept was really cool.

I always loved fender skirts. One of the neatest things with the first gen Insight. Inlaws are excited that anyone might be interested and are going to get me pictures as soon as they get home. It is rusty.

In reply to mazdeuce:

I'm out. I hate rust.

That would be a TH400 trans, 1969 would be a pre smog high compression engine, this sounds like a good deal for a drivetrain donor.

I'm actually only like half an hour away from Allen at the moment, I have no use for such a vehicle but I might be convinced to go look at it if somebody wants.

These are awesome. I hope someone here saves it!

In reply to mazdeuce:

If no one here grabs it you may want to contact this person.

Does the engine still turn freely?

This seems like as good a place as any for this (Just because I like the song):

Kathy Matea "455 Rocket"

Quite a trick, playing drums in the back seat! lol!

The 455 Rocket didn't exist until 1968, so that video has certainly taken some liberties, but I still like the song.

7.5L of muscle car fury- What's not to like??

I'd buy that thing in a heartbeat as a motor donor, but don't feel like dragging a car back from Michigan (again).

Good luck!

In reply to TIGMOTORSPORTS:

Yes. It will turn over with a full battery but for unknown reasons starting hasn't happened in a while. It's been in a shed since he got it, so protected from direct elements though mice may or may not be an issue.

I am still in, so let me know whenever you get photos.

I should be able to get pictures by the end of next weekend. Sorry for the delay, I should have waited until my in-laws were home before posting this. I just got all excited because I think it's a cool car even if I don't have a use for it myself.

I'm sure if you put it up on the facebook page for the Detroit Gambler 500 someone would snatch it up.

mazdeuce wrote: My father in law has a 1969 Oldsmobile 98 two door with the 455 Rocket and whatever auto they put behind it. He bought it 8-10 years ago thinking he would fix it. He put in a fuel pump and wires and little things and would start it every couple months until maybe two years ago when it stopped starting. He's decided it's not going to get done and wants it gone. It spent at least a couple of winters driving around southern Michigan, so it has more than surface rust. He said $250, my mother in law said $0. The reality is that they'd love someone to come get it and use it for something​ other than just scrap. Parts car, engine doner, anything.

Thank God you're half a continent away. I spent most of yesterday and this morning debugging a '67 442 so I have a kind of Oldsmobile-centric Stockholm Syndrome happening right now.

Located in Allen Michigan.

Dammit.

I've had two 69 88's. I currently have a 69 98 and I could take yours off your hands!!!! I just sent you a PM. I am worthy, I am worthy!

y do u hate me?