Newsletter of the Northern California ChapterOldsmobile Club of America

Inside This Issue;l Engles Holiday Done “My Way”l 2017 Events Schedule and More

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* Car Show Chair Available Could be You!

Club Historian BobGriffith(209) 329-1506 Lodi, CA 1955oldsmo@gmail.com

President andNewsletter Editor Larry EwingTechnical Librarian 3330 Henriette Ct(408) 528-9770 San Jose, CA 95135Rkt88LL@earthlink.net

Vice-President Denise La Centra(510) 299-1403 144 Virginia St.dancinde@comcast.net Hayward, CA 94544

Treasurer/Membership Dan Haggerty(408) 268-7904 6208 Balderstone Drdnehaggerty4957@ San Jose, CA 95120comcast.net

Secretary and Health & Welfare Linda Sutherland

(209) 833-3413 1460 Velasquez Lanemlkprod@mac.com Tracy, CA 95377

Pacific S.W. Zone Directors Dan Haggerty 6208 Balderstone Dr San Jose, CA 95120 (408) 268-7904 dnehaggerty4957@comcast.netJon Manji, 2257 Moorbrook Way Sacramento, CA 95826916-386-1642j.y.m@sbcglobal.net

(209) 833-3413mlkprod@mac.com1460 Velasquez LaneTracy, CA 95377

Nor Cal Olds Club Website: www.norcalolds.com

DonSutherlandNor Cal Olds Webmaster

Officers and Representatives 2017

* Note: Our longtime Car Show Chair Jon Manji has resigned this post. He has offered to help with the transition to a new person offering to still do paperwork details such as obtaining insur-ance, etc. Please contact Pres Larry or Jon to find out if this job is for you.

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Hi Oldsmobile Club members:

We have our 2017 year pretty well planned out thanks to the board and members that turned out for the planning meeting Jan 7. See page 6. A thank you to Denise La Centra for acting President in my absence. Unfortunately our February wine event in this Oldsletter will not be in time to RSVP Denise before the 11th. Therefore an email went out to 88 members that have an elec-tronic address and the remaining were sent letters a week prior to the 11th.

On page 10 there is a flyer for the All Oldsmobile show in Scottsdale AZ March 25th. Myself and some of our members have attended this show and all enjoyed. This year again, on the fol-lowing day, at the same location there is a BOP show equally as good. It’s a long way but worth it. If interested go the AZ Olds Club website. www.azoldsclub.com So Cal members attend too.

On April 1st we plan to go to Pack Rat Flats in Auburn at the home of Gary and Jo Ann Cope. Please RSVP me soon as a limited amount of parking is available. See page 4.

The end of April, the 30th, there is an event in Elk Grove and Beau Brown will be point of contact.

May 5-7 is the BOP+ Cadillac and GMC show in Clovis. This show is half way between San Francisco and LA. I would recommend it for a zone show location. Last year 4 Nor Cal and 5 So Cal members were in attendance. I’m going again this year and I hope you will join. As on Feb 6 the Hampton is sold out but the Homewood still has rooms. See pg 11-12.

Speaking of zone show, we will not have one this year because the OCA Nationals are in Al-buquerque, NM and our clubs wanted to focus on the latter. We will resume our zone show in 2018 and the location is to be determined. Any suggestions please contact me and I’ll relay your thoughts to the So Cal Club.

The OCA Nationals are being held in Albuquerque, NM July 18-23. For those going Jon Manji has given guidelines to judging in his Ask Your Zone Director on page 8.If you are planning to drive I’m leaving Sunday 7-16 for Barstow. For those driving #40 from Barstow through Needles to Kingman it is very hot in July. Recommend not to be on that road in the afternoon. Can be 100 to 120 degrees. Best to drive pre-sunrise and morning crossing.

Last issue I had a story of Charles Kettering and touched on his work on the Rocket Engine introduced in 1949 model year. This issue we have a story from a GM engineer that was there at the time of development and sheds an interesting light on this legendary power plant. See pg 13.

As seen on the cover of this issue we have a newly finished car in our club owned by Dick and Patti Engles. He had a ‘50 88 in his youth and now ~50 years later he built his ‘50 88 with perfection, his way. What you see is a fraction of the build photos he and Patti took over a 4 year period. As impressive as our article may show the car, you must really see this machine to fully appreciate all the work and detail that went into the build. See page 16.

The mailed version of this issue will have our 2017 Membership Roster printed in the back. The online version on our website www.norcalolds.com will not have this private info available.

Blue CA plates now legal again! See page 9.

President, Larry Ewing

PS: Hemmings Muscle Machine, March-2017 features a ‘73 442 Colonnade, one owner car

President’s Message

Cover: Dick Engles ‘50 Olds 88 Holiday with custom made steering wheel. Photos by Engles mod by Ewing

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Our club bank account is solvent.Nor Cal Olds Club Treasurer, Dan Haggerty

Treasurer Report

Membership Report

Membership as of February 1, 2017 is 103 members with 41 associate members, three new mem-bers; Mark Davis, Scott Bura, Jim Hickey; two past members, Bill Vasconselles, and Ed Bennett.NCOC 2018 membership dues are due by January 1, 2018; $25 for member only or $25 + $5 for member and spouse; send to Dan Haggerty membership chairman.Applications for NCOC and OCA are on our club website at ( www.norcalolds.com ).Membership Chairman, Dan Haggerty

Meet at noon April 1, 2017 at Carl’s Jr at Atwood Rd on Highway #49, right side of road going toward Grass Valley.This is the Bel Air Village shopping center in Auburn, CA which also has a Subway and KFC fast food.The plan is to meet at noon, buy our lunch of choice (or bring from home) then pro-ceed West on Atwood Rd 6 minutes (3.4 miles) to Pack Rat Flats at 4050 Meyer Ln.Auburn, CA 95064. Please bring your own portable chairs.We will eat our lunch at Pack Rat Flats then begin our walking tour hosted by Gary and Jo Ann Cope.We did this tour in 2007, ten years ago, but many new features have been added so bring you cameras and be ready to be entertained by Copes eclectic collection of trea-sures.From Carl’s Jr to Copes:Go west on Atwood 1.5 miles to Mt Vernon Rd. Take right and stay right on Mt Vernon until you see Meyer Lane ahead to right (Approx 2 miles from Atwood)

Note: Please RSVP Larry Ewing at 408-896-1950 soon as parking space is limited

Auburn, CA

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Other Events

Official Olds Club Events 2017February 25: Castello di Amorosa Winery, in Calistoga. RSVP Denise LaCentra by February 11, 2017.Mar 12: 30th Annual All Oldsmobile Show, Arizona Club, Scottsdale, AZ, see page 10.April 1: Pack Rat Flats outing, Auburn CA. Point of contact Larry Ewing, see page 4. April 30: Elk Grove Western Festival Car Show, Elk Grove Regional Park, point of contact Beau Brown. 916-689-7088 beaunjody@frontiernet.netMay 6: Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac Car show, Bicentennial Park, Clovis, CA point of contact Larry Ewing. See page 11-12.May 7: Picnic in the Park hosted by Tracy Clutch Burners, Dr. Powers Park, point of contact Linda Sutherland. 209-833-3413 mlkprod@mac.comMay 14: Pete Paulson’s Wings, Wheels and Warriors Car Show, Stockton Metropolitan Airport. Point of contact Steve Spatola. 209-462-1916 colsteve@sbcglobal.netJune 18: Father’s Day Car Show, Black Hawk Auto Museum, Danville, CA, point of contact, Denise LaCentra.July 18-23: OCA Nationals, Albuquerque, New Mexico. See JWO for details.September 8-10: Roamin’ Angels Car Show, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA, point of contact, Dan Haggerty.October 8: Micke Grove Car Show, Bear Creek Picnic area, Lodi, CA. POC, Larry Ewing.November: Club meeting, date and time to be announced.December 3: Christmas Party, Cattlemen’s, Livermore, CA.

Feb 17-19 Autorama, Cal Expo Fairgrounds 1600 Exposition Boulevard Sacramento, CA,Mar 25-26 Pleasanton - 35th Goodguys All American Get-Together.Mar 13 Buick-Olds-Pontiac, same location as All Oldsmobile Show above, Scottsdale, AZ.April 30 Dream Machines, Half Moon Bay.May 20 Maxwell Classic Car Show and Parade. Free to all cars and trucks, Early bird parking 8:30 to 9:30. parade at 9:30 event over at 3:00 pm. contact vicki-wilson@hotmail.comJune 3-4 Pleasanton - Goodguys 23nd Summer Get-Together.August 26: Wheels and Windmills Car Show, Solvang, CA Bob (805)688-6112 or www.wheelsnwindmills.com Sign up early, this fills up fast!

http://www.calautomuseum.org/Events:-Zero to 60s: A Mad Men Office Party February 24 @ 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm $45-$75 -Brewery Bus Tour with Staff. February 26 $75- $85 -Third Thursday: Collector Car Tune-Up Series, see website for dates and timesAdmission$10 Adults, $9 Vintage (65+), $9 Military & Students (with ID), $5 Youth (5-17) Kids 4 and under FREE Members are always free! Hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; last admission at 4:00 pmClosed on Tuesdays. Every Third Thursday is open until 9:00 pm; last admission at 8:00pmWe are CLOSED on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day.We close early at 3pm on the 4th of July, Christmas Eve (December 24th), and New Year’s Eve (Dec.31st).

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January 7, 2017 Nor Cal Meeting MinutesVice-President Denise LaCentra called the meeting to order at 10:22 am at California Auto Museum in Sacramento with 13 members, which included guests Bill and Dottie Vasconselles, in attendance. Denise welcomed everyone and said Larry Ewing was absent because of illness. Denise asked Linda Sutherland to read the September 28, 2016 minutes. Dominic Spinetta made a motion for minutes to be accepted as read, Denise LaCentra seconded the motion, ayes all around.

Officer Reports:Treasury and Membership: Dan Haggerty stated that membership renewals are at 70% of last year’s members. He expects more throughout January. Our treasury is solvent.

Health and Wellness: Linda Sutherland stated she had nothing to report.

Webmaster: Don Sutherland reported that our website has had an up-tick of visits the last three months of 2016. He’s not sure why there was a sudden increase and will monitor to see what the first months of this year brings.

Vice-President: Denise LaCentra stated she didn’t have anything new.

Car Show Chair: John reported a recap of the 2016 shows. 1. Zone Show: Attendance up from 2015 (27 to 29 cars); continues slight upward trend seen from 2014 to 2015. Both clubs saw a profit of $270 in 2016 compared to a 2015 loss of $100 per club. Profit attributed to better estimation of food and award purchases.

2. Micke Grove: Strong attendance trend continued from last year. The “Theme” for each show seems to be well received. Recommendation is to continue. Number of cars at show remained constant at 25; seven were same day registrants. The 2016 show had a profit of $10 versus a loss of $260 in 2015.

3. Future Shows/Events: The OCA banners are on the way to Larry Ewing, as well as JWO give away copies, for the Turlock Swap Meet. The swap space fee reimbursement will be applied for from OCA Road Show. NorCal and SoCal clubs decided to not have a Zone Show in 2017 since Nationals will be in Albuquerque. Jon reminded us that a site selection needs to be made for the Micke Grove Show. After discussions between Bear Creek and Calaveras sites, Dan Haggerty made a motion that we keep this year at Bear Creek, same location as last year and Denise LaCentra seconded, ayes all around.

Jon also reminded everyone that he is no longer our Car Show Chair and we need to recruit someone so planning for this year’s events can be put into motion. Don Sutherland said that there is notification on our website for this vacancy.

Old Business: Shannon Olson is looking for first responders to feature in the JWO. If you or any other members are first responders need to submit your articles to Larry Ewing by March 27, 2017.

New Business: Planning of 2017 events. After much discussion about many various event ideas it was concluded that we should plan our events around established car shows and events and there should be a point of contact for those events. These events are now listed on page 5.Motion made to adjourn by Elaine Haggerty, seconded by Dan Haggerty. Meeting adjourned at 10:55 am.

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Turlock Swap Meet January 28-29, 2017 Larry EwingMy friend Danny and I set up Friday afternoon then spent the night in Merced to return at 6:30 am to begin accepting guests/shoppers.Don and Linda Sutherland came for a few hours in mid morning Saturday and I was able to leave the booth and scout around. The day was great, no rain or wind and not very cold. Sun-day was ever better weather. We did add 2 more members to our club and many took copies of JWO and our Oldsletter. I met a buyer from Sweden, Dearborn, MI and who knows where many visitors may have been from. This is a great swap and I hope more members can come out next year and enjoy.

ActivitiesHello Everyone, Happy New Year! Hope everything is off to a good start for everyone!

I’m looking forward to spending time with some, hopefully many, of you fellow club members on the activities we have planned for the year.

The first one we have is very soon, Feb 25th to the Castillo di Amarosa, the castle winery in Calistoga. You should have received an email with all the info.

The next one is on April 1st at Pack Rat Flats, this is a collection of many different treasures collected by Gary Copes.

Most of the other events are car shows some of the other club members have attended/enjoyed in past years. These are fun to attend and a great way to get out and drive your Olds.

Check the event schedule to find something you might enjoy and to spend time with other club members!Hope to see you soon! Denise La Centra, Vice President/Activities

Don and Linda Sutherland manning booth

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Ask Your Zone Director By Jon Manji

There’s been interest in prepping our Oldsmobiles to show at this year’s National Meet, so that’s our topic this time. A lot of this discussion applies to all shows, so even if you’re not planning on showing at the Nationals, it’ll still be helpful for local shows. Also, note that you can display your Oldsmobile at this year’s Meet as a non-judged entry (show only).

- As soon as you think you might be attending a show, find out the details. Up-to-date info on entry deadlines, judging rules, and others requirements are good to know before the show and will help avoid unpleasant surprises later. For our 2017 National Meet, there is a list of contact people on page 7 of the January issue of Journey With Olds.

- Make sure your Olds is entered in the correct category. The OCA website has the judging rules and car judging sheets at: https://www.oldsmobileclub.org/national-meet-judging/. Check the rules first to determine which judging class your Olds should be placed in. If you have any questions or doubts, please e-mail or call the contact people listed. Also, when describing your Olds, be honest and complete with your description. That Tunnel Ram or Chopped Top that you forget to mention may require a change in class at the show. Some shows do not permit class changes at the show, so all the more reason to get it right in advance.

- Once you’ve determined which class your Olds should be in, print off a copy of the appro-priate judging sheet from the OCA website. This is the sheet that the judges will use to note points deductions and comments about your Olds. Take some time to look at your Olds and the sheet for any areas/items that need improvement. If you’re not able to get to everything before the show, you can prioritize those improvement areas/items that should be worked on first to fit your available time and budget.

- The judging process starts with each Olds given 1,000 points, and points are deducted from there. An item that can’t be seen can’t be judged. Missing or hidden items (a locked trunk, for example) receive the maximum deduction for that category. For the Stock Classes, lesser deductions are taken for incorrect parts, so be sure your Olds isn’t missing parts. And if you possibly can, use the correct Oldsmobile/GM replacement parts.

- Cleanliness Counts! For all classes except the Race Class, this can be a make-or-break area. Race Class is an exception, since this class is for active race cars. Allowances are made for small amounts of travel dust, etc., but caked-on grease and grime, etc., will receive a deduction.

- For the Stock Classes, if available, have documentation on hand for any special items on your Olds. These items include dealer-installed accessories or rare or obscure factory options. Having the documentation available for the judges to review will speed the judging process and ensure that a deduction is not made for an incorrect item.

- Be present when your Olds is being judged. While this is not true for all shows, it is strongly preferred at our National Meets and is in your best interest. The judges are instructed to ask the car’s owner for permission to open doors, etc., for visual access to the car. If you’ve left your Olds locked up tight, areas not viewable by the judges receive the maximum points deduction for those areas, and your Olds will not receive all of the points it should. You also want to be present to answer any questions that the judging team may have. Owners that are judges are given a form that states that they are judging and these forms are usually left on the car with the judging sheet. Usually a cell phone number is listed on the form so that the owner may be noti-fied when the judging team is ready to judge the car. (continued)

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- Ask for a copy of your judging sheet. These are distributed after the Meet, but only upon request by the car’s owner. Ask at the Registration Table for the judging sheet request process for the Meet. The judging sheet will help you identify those areas that need improvement for the next show.

- Consider volunteering to be a judge. There’s no better way to learn the judging process. I started judging before I started showing my cars, to be better prepared to show my cars. It really helped me to get started with my show activities. You not only learn more about the cars, but also meet a lot of great people. It’s also a great way to start building a network of contacts that can help you with questions about your Olds.

Next issue, we’ll review in general how the judging process works at a National Meet.

New Blue Plate Law, A Note from The ACCC, SENATOR JIM NIELSEN FOURTH SENATE DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, December 30, 2016 Vintage Blue & Gold License Plates of 1970’s Legal Again! Car enthusiasts of the 1970’s have one additional reason to cheer for the New Year. Effective January 1, owners of cars from the 1970’s will be able to use their California blue and gold vintage license plates on era-appropriate vehicles. “We Americans take great pride in our cars,” said Senator Jim Nielsen, who pushed for the passage of the law. “We associate fond memories of our families and our younger years with our cars. This law will hopefully add a bit of happiness to those who own and treasure cars from the 70’s.” Specifically, this bill allows vehicle owners to dust off existing vintage plates in their garages (or be gifted plates from family or friends, or buy one from an estate sale), and register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV will not be required to produce blue and gold license plates. The license plate must be legible and serviceable as determined by DMV. It also must be on a vehicle of the coinciding era. The bill was supported by the Association of California Car Clubs, Capital City Cruisers Car Club, El Dorado Early Ford V8 Car Club, and Specialty Equipment Market As-sociation, voluntary participation in this program requires a $45 application fee and an additional $10 fee for annual renewals.# # # Senator Jim Nielsen represents the Fourth Senate District, which includes the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba. To contact Senator Nielsen, please call him at 916.651.4004, or via email at senator.nielsen@senate.ca.gov. Rex Roden Past President-ACCC acccpres@gmail.com The ACCC…Representing the Car Hobby Since 1972

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Note: The following day, Sun.13th is the 19th Annual BOP (Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac) & GMC Car Show at the same location, Scottsdale Pavilions, 9140 E. Indian Bend Rd

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Note: We have only shown 2 pages out of a 4 page registration document.It would be best to go to their website and download the proper form.http://www.pontiacsofcentralcalifornia.org/2017%20CVC/2017showflyer2.pdf

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The Rocket Engine Story by One Who Was There ~1940s by Gibson Butler

R. V. Hutchinson, who was an Oldsmobile engineer prior to transferring to Product Studies #5 when C. L. McCuen was appointed 1st Vice President in charge of engineering, designed and build a heavy in-line 6-cylinder (850 lbs.) spark ignition engine for high-compression studies. C. G. Kettering had requested this design and build for G. M. Research Fuels and Lubricants department high performance number fuel/high compression ratio studies. The overhead valve engine was designed to operate at compression ratios up to 12.5:1.

The high-compression ratio engine studies resulted from the availability of triptane gasoline, a high performance number reference. T. A. Boyd, head of Organic Chemistry (later called Fuels and Lubricants) was instrumental in developing the isomerization of normal heptane to create triptane. This took place in 1941-42 as part of the War effort. In fact, G. M. Research built a small refinery in Redford Township to make triptane. Tank cars (one at a time) would be furnished by the Army/Navy at a very nominal cost for their aircraft engine research and devel-opment. The G. M. Research high compression engine studies received considerable publicity from the news media.

In the immediate post war period, Oldsmobile worked diligently to return to automobile production with the in-line “L” head 6- and 8-cylinder engines as power plants. The 1945-46 strike by the U. A. W. against G. M. delayed new car introduction and future engine designs. In January 1946, we were permitted to return to work in the engineering building (a number of us had worked at the Proving Ground with temporary design facilities during the strike). Upon returning to our Engineering Department, Gilbert Burrell, Chief Draftsman of the Motor Group, began to make a number of 3/8th scale layouts of various engine/driveline/vehicle concepts. Gilbert always retained a drafting board in addition to a desk for his own use. Gilbert Burrell’s conceptual layouts considered swept-back bodies, square backs, two-doors, four-doors, etc. with in-line and V-8 engines. Always the 90-degree V-8 provided the best “packaging” as well as product potential. Gilbert was doing these layouts as a matter of personal interest rather than an assignment, his studies occurring while continuing to direct the efforts of the engine design men.

Burrell had been at his “private noodling” effort for five or six weeks without any interference when J. F. Wolfram, Oldsmobile Chief Engineer, stopped by to converse with him. Noting the drawings, Wolfram asked Burrell what he was doing. Together they went through the “stack.” Impressed by the work, Wolfram invited Sherrod E. Skinner, Oldsmobile General Manager, to review the effort. Within the next day to two, Skinner, Wolfram, and Burrell thoroughly went over the various conceptual designs and layouts. As a result, an advanced design group was set up with Burrell in charge. O. L. Anderson, George Jones, George Johnson, and Art Olmsted were among those assigned to this group. Their assignment was to design a new 90-degree V-8 spark ignition engine, a new chassis and vehicle concepts.

Anatole “Tony” Wouters, Carburetor Engineer, and I were requested to learn as much as pos-sible about the G. M. Research (Kettering) high-compression engine studies. We held conver-sations with Daryl Caris and T. A. Boyd of G. M. Research, and R. V. Hutchinson and John Dolza of Product Studies #5 and #4 respectively. One additional conversation was arranged with C. L. McCuen, Vice President in charge of Engineering. Burrell also attended this meeting. McCuen was Motor Engineer at Oldsmobile during the development of the in-line 6, 8, and Viking V-8 engines. In fact, he and Gordon Bygraves of Lansing Pattern “worked out” the first integrally cast V-8 engine cylinder block; all previous V-type engines which had been two-piece block castings bolted together.

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Under Gilbert’s leadership, design was initiated of a new 90-degree V-8 engine of 288 cu. in . displacement. This engine was called the SV-49. Immediately, Gilbert had John Coleman, Pete Mitchell, Marvin Katke, Frank Nethoway, and others of Production Engineering in consultation for the best possible product potential development.

In July 1946, Harold White, Motor Engineer, accepted a position with the Ford Motor Company engineering department. Gilbert Burrell was immediately appointed Motor Engineer. The Ad-vanced design group was disbanded with the various men going back to their original groups.

SV-49 engine design and development accelerated and it appeared the first experimental engine would be ready to run in the fall of 1946. I spent three weeks at Product Studies #4 in late September and early October attempting to absorb as much engine knowledge as possible from men who had worked at Allison, Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. The only major information I returned to Oldsmobile with was that Tony Wouters was leaving us on October 17 to go to Ford. The search was on for a replacement. A young man of about 30 years of age who had done some excellent work on the two-cycle Diesel at G. M. Research was recommended by Daryl Caris, Engine Research Head. He was interviewed and hired. His name - Elliot “Pete” Estes. Beginning his association with Oldsmobile Engineering in the latter part of November 1946, Pete immedi-ately had an impact on our Motor Group.

Just about the time of Pete’s arrival, the Motor Group gang gathered around the test stand in Elgin Neff’s engineering assembly department. The first SV-49 was on the stand - coolant hoses were connected, battery cables connected, exhaust pipe connected - anticipation! Gilbert Burrell turned the ignition switch, the engine cranked over, it started. “The damn thing runs!” What an elated noisy bunch, a grand event in our lives, the birth had been successful. Four Sv-49 engines were build for laboratory studies and vehicle installation. It appeared we were on our way to entering a new dynamic era in Oldsmobile’s automotive leadership.

Skinner and Wolfram requested approval and an appropriation from General Motors to produce our new baby. Disaster! Disappointment! Oldsmobile’s request was rejected! Cadillac, builder of a 90-degree V-8 “L” head engine and beginning design of an overhead valve V-8, objected to any other division of G. M. building a 90-degree V-8. The objection stuck, at least temporarily.

Interest in our SV-49 cooled. However, we could not be defeated. Pete Estes and I began to look at the dynamics of other V-8 configurations. We studied an 8-cylinder 70-degree bank angle and one of a 60-degree angle with even firing. Concentrating on the 60 degree bank angle with even firing, we determined that the primary rocking couple could only be partially balanced with crankshaft counterweights and that a contra-rotating shaft with a counterweight at each end and rotating at crankshaft speed would also be required.Together, Pete and I prepared a graph to show the imbalance and the counteracting requirements. Together we presented this to Wolfram who reacted emphatically against the need for an extra shaft with counterweights absorbing power and delivering no useful work of engine output.

Armed with this information, the next day Skinner and Wolfram made another trip to G. M. Central Office, this time to President C. E. Wilson. About midday, Burrell received a phone call from Wolfram, still in Wilson’s office. Stop everything we were doing and begin working on a 90-degree V-8 engine immediately! The objections had been overcome. This was now March 1947.

Using our SV-49 experience, we immediately began the design of a 288 cu. in. 90-degree V-8 spark ignition engine which was designated the 8-90 for engineering purposes. Production and processing engineers were called in immediately because machinery also had to be designed and

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built, plant layouts made to determine location and space requirements, sup-pliers were contracted - a hell of a lot to be accomplished in order to introduce the new “Kettering” engine in the 1949 model. But wait - “Who said you could name the engine Kettering? Don’t you guys at Oldsmobile know that General Motors has a rule prohibiting the naming of any product after a living person?” Kettering was still active at this time. But we could name the plant the Kettering engine plant.

About this time, thermodynamic analysis and our SV-49 studies indicated that the engine should be somewhat larger. The displacement was increased from 288 cu. ci. to 303 cu. ci.

In the post World War II period, there was tremendous interest in rockets. Werner con Braun, the brilliant scientist/engineer, was brought to America with many of his associates. They had successfully developed the German V-2, used against the British Isles during the waning months of the war in Europe. This interest coupled with Oldsmobile’s success in weaponry and shell manufacture inspired Skinner to name our new power plant the Rocket engine. We, in Engineering, thought the name stunk! How wrong we were! However, as everyone knows, the choice of name was excellent.

Engine development continued without letup. Hours and days became an amalgam without name. Coleman, Kolke, Mitchell, Estes, Burrell, Lunday, Anderson, Butler, etc. all huddled continuously, or so it seemed. Metzel, Kintigh, Wolfram all pressuring the experimental devel-opment. Meetings in the Dynamometer Lab office every morning. Finally we have an engine in a 78 model (the 88 designation came later). It’s hotter ‘n hell. Everyone is elated. We really got somethin’. Skinner was really happy! We will introduce it in the 1949 model. Skinner “leaked” the information about the hot new engine “those damn engineers have developed.”

Machinery was being received, the Kettering engine plant (the most automated modern engine facility in the world) was being readied. Pilot line production was scheduled for May 1948. We made it. The engine, no, the Rocket engine, became available with the 1949 model introduc-tion in December 1948. The first all-new post World War II engine. The pattern for those which followed. Oh yes, Cadillac introduced its new 90-degree V-8 in the 1949 model also. However, it was the Oldsmobile Rocket that had captured the motoring public’s imagination. Mr. Skinner, J. F. Wolfram, H. N. Metzel, L. A. Kintigh, Gilbert Burrell, Dave Ralston and other had outmaneuvered our sister division to the southeast. The American people were recep-tive, our Kettering engine plant was the talk of the industry, a new era had dawned that would enhance Oldsmobile’s image for many years to follow.

Let’s go Rocketing - Oldsmobile Rocketing that is!

F. Gibson Butler G.M. EngineeringNovember 15, 1977

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It’s 1960; I live in Nor Cal, I’m a 16 years old 10th grader at Oakland High School and the proud owner of a Black 1950 Olds 88 Convertible. How cool is that. A neighbor girl (who would later become my wife) loved my car and would occasionally go for a ride with me when I put the top down. That car would last until military service called in 1965. Like your first love, you never forget (car or girl), and for the next 50 years I never forgot. Fast forward many years and lots of cars later, I discovered a practically dissembled 1950 Olds 88 Holiday Hardtop that had been sitting neglected for the past 20 years. Wow, did I finally find that 50 Olds I’d been looking for? It wasn’t much of a stretch to picture this Holiday restored “my way”, modern handling and more power, yet original in appearance. Once a deal was struck and the car was in my shop, preparations were made for American Stripping in Sacramento to do a thorough me-dia blasting. With a clean car, rust repair and body work begin. Since I enjoy the challenge of rust repair, I handled all patch panel work. Body and paint on the other hand was a different matter. I know I would need the help of an expert hand. Here I was fortunate to find the assistance from Rick McLem-ore, a retired auto body man from the Auburn area who was willing to do all body work and paint prep in my home shop using his tools.By retaining the original 303 engine yet running a 700R4 transmission, air conditioning, power steering and power disc brakes I knew I would need a bump up in the power dept. I settled on a .030 over bore, RV cam, ported, polished and relieved’56 Olds heads, big Chevy valves, a 600cfm Edelbrock carb and electronic igni-tion. All rebuild parts were sourced from Ross Racing Engines in Ohio and Sum-mit Racing in Reno Nevada. Machine and assembly work were handled by Auburn Machine. To attach the 700R4 transmission to the 303 Olds block, a Bendtsen’s Trans-mission Adapter was used. Like body work

A 50 Year Memory BroughtBack to Reality by Dick Engles

Rebuilt Rocket Engine with upgrades

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and paint, choosing the correct updated front suspension and brake parts, then modifying the original frame and installing the new parts would take an expert hand. Here I was fortunate to secure the help from “Wild Bill” Bill Fitting, Drag Racer, car builder and driver as well as an excellent frame and suspension fabricator with over 30 years of experience. Knowing that Ford had spent millions of dollars in designing and engineering their Mustang II front suspension, I figured I couldn’t go wrong selecting a Heidts front suspension kit from Speedway

Motors. With front suspension and disc brakes installed and the drive train back in place, Rick returned and painted all the jambs, moving parts and firewall. The car was then taken to Craig Wallace, ace painter and Street Rod builder in the Grass Valley area. With Craig’s reputation, I knew all my work to date would turn out a sure winner. Most restoration projects of this magnitude have panel alignment and fitment problems. My car was no exception. The gap between hood and cowl at the windshield was too large. A ¼ inch increase in hood length solved this problem. With the car painted and back in my shop, final assembly work began. With the updated suspension, I felt that the need for the large stock steering wheel was no longer necessary. As much as I liked the original 19” Olds wheel, a smaller 15” wheel of similar design would better fit my design ideas. After doing some research, I discovered Con2R , an Oregon based company that advertised “They’ll make your wheel your way”. With an unlimited number of steering wheel designs and endless color combinations, that was perfect for me. Combining the Con2R horn button with a 1952-53 “Holiday” roof panel emblem and bezel pur-chased from Fusick Automotive, I feel I’ve designed the perfect replacement wheel for the original ‘50 Olds steering

Dick working on patch panels on front floorboard

New medal installed by owner on front floorboard

Above shows the procedure used to lengthen the hood ¼ inch to solve the problem of too wide of a gap at the cowl and door.

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Front suspension work by “Wild Bill” Bill Fitting, Engine ma-chining and assembly by Auburn Machine. To attach the 700R4 transmission to the 303 Olds block, a Bendtsen’s Transmission Adapter was used.

Rick McLemore, a retired expert auto body man from the Auburn area worked with Dick in his shop at home. Rick, on far left, painting the jambs, firewall and trunk inner and edges.

wheel of days gone by. Over the ensuing months I either did or had help with the installation of the wiring, air conditioning, glass, weather stripping, exhaust system, stainless, chrome and finally upholstery. I was now at the four year mark and ready for, I believe, the last important stage of the build, upholstery. In the Grass Valley area we have a Street Rod builder named Mike Miller who is known far and wide for his talents in all stages of car building, including the all important job of upholstery. I explained to Mike that I wanted to remain as traditional as possible while incorporating a more modernized look. The final outcome speaks for itself. Full grain BMW leather and heavy weave carpet throughout. I now had a 1950 Olds 88 Holiday Hardtop unlike any Olds I had ever seen, and it was done “my way”. To date I‘ve logged 250 miles, continuing to work out the little bugs and make minor modifica-tions and changes as I go. The car has a wonderful soft ride and goes down the road straight and true. I can’t wait to take the Holiday to my first Oldsmobile show.

This stage shows engine brackets to accommodate air conditioning, power steering and alternator units. This is all custom work on Dick’s behalf. There were no off the shelf pulleys and brackets spe-cifically for ‘50 Olds at the time of the build.

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Shown now back from ace paint-er and Street Rod builder Craig Wallace, from the Grass Valley area. With it’s base coat/clear-coat finish gleaming Dick is now ready to put it back together.

With the ornamentation and bumpers installed you start seeing this beautiful 88 taking shape.

Many steps later you see the custom dash extension that Dick fabricated to accommodate the air conditioning vents and controls. Glass is now all in and upholstery done in all black leather.

This stage shows doors and front end installed for final fitment before the trip to the paint booth.

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Left is Dick stand-ing by his first Olds 88, a black convertible that he purchased in 1960.Below in memory of his 88 stands his 4 year build project, a stunning ‘50 88 Holiday like no other. Like he says, “I did it my way!”

From the editor:This car has so many additional trick features it would take another book to explain.You just have to see the car to learn more and appreciate. LEE

Here is the final product ready for the road. Careful attention to the tire and wheel package and the stance sets off this Holiday “like no other”!

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1973 442 Cutlass Supreme 350, AT One repaint $18K 650-387-0380

1966 98 Holiday sedan low mi. Full pwr Like new, $17.5, Dave 916 655-1588

1960 98 2 dr Holiday, new tires, brakes, rebuilt eng & trans 54Kmi, $22K 209-923-0460 or 209-470-9728

1959 Holiday sedan 98. 48k mi. Full pwr Like new, $22.5, Scott 408 225-4558

1955 Super 88 2 dr Holiday 75K miles, Survivor, orig interior, 1 respray 30 yrs ago & stored since then. No rust ever $18k 559-287-2010 Bob

1952 98 Holiday HT. I am getting too old to finish the car. It is 80% completed and is a frame off restoration. I will sell the car at a great loss to someone who will complete it. It comes with all the necessary parts. Call if interested, Ron Raff (650) 583-0103

1950 88 coupe. New 350/200r/Camero clp

Custom paint w/flames. $32.5K 408-592-1230 Leonard

1948 68 convertible, solid body with some rust in floors. No engine, trans, or upper back seat. Missing 2 top bows.every-thing else there ready for restoration. $9.5K 510-685-9078 Vincent

Cars For Sale

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1950 88 Club Sedan, 324/hydro, Paint &interior done, many new parts. Serious buyer only$18k obo 415-519-7125 Harry

Parts For Sale

1955 324 cu.in engine and transmission 4 bbl carb. runs good. $900, John Rowan, Minden, NV 775-267-5348

1968-69 “C” Heads Casting #394548 big valve, homan1954@att.net1964 394 Alum water pump/housing $125,

‘55 4bb carb #7005900, $50. 1950/’51A SS rocker moldings, 2 pair, $300 for the best pair, $200 other. Jim 916-801-0687

New Nor Cal white tee shirts with front and back full color Golden Gate logos. Will be for sale at our events. $10 for all sizes except XXL and up Denise La Centra 510-299-1403

Parts Wanted1978-80 Cutlass (A47)Notchbacdrivers side

rear wheel molding GM#963549 122mm Wide. NOS or excel used. Jeff Stanish 408-370-9142 /jeffandshrie1988@att.net

1966 Cutlass front bench seat, black pre-ferred. contact Bob Griffith 209-329-1506

1948,49,50 51 88a, Chrome door locks, left grille bar extension. Jim 916-801-0687

1950 88 Convertible. Custom body by Bill Hines $40k 1-805-937-4286 Sam

See Ramon’s Rocket sign above for specs

1949 98 Holiday HT. Body work and paint completed. Frame painted, undercoated etc. 350 Chevy, at, pb, ps, new radiator. $12,000 in the project but must sell. Lots of parts including glass, rubber, chrome, handles, stainless. Best reason-able offer 1-805-937-4286 Sam

1949 88 Fastback 425 eng, auto, ps, pb, air, Crower cam, power windows

$26k 1-805-937-4286 Sam

Cars For Sale

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The Oldsletter is published six times per year by the Northern California Chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America, and is provided as a benefit to members of the chapter. Its sole purpose is to inform and entertain members regarding all aspects of the Oldsmobile, including history, technical advice and restoration. The Oldsletter is a reflection of its readership and all are urged to submit any article, technical tip, personal history, comment, etc. that other Oldsmobile enthusiasts might enjoy. Just submit all material to the Newsletter Editor. Nor Cal Olds Club dues are $25.00 per year for member only and you can add a spouse for $5.00 per year.Nor Cal collects Northern California Chapter dues on an annual basis due January of each year. Send to the Membership Secretary listed on page 2. See our website www.norcalolds.com for NCOC & OCA membership applications.

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Oldsletter

Your Business Card Here (See left for information)

LYNN WELFRINGER

1103 Paso Robles St.Paso Robles, CA 93446www.mondellotwister.com

(805) 237-8808Fax: (805) 237-8814

(Home of Dr. Olds and His Engine Prescriptions)

Oldsmobiles in the published news:The March 2017 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machine has a 6 page spread on a one owner 1973 442 Colonnade 4 speed. (below)And as seen on right, on the cover the of HMN, is So-Cals Keith Bergs ‘50 88 with an article in March 2017 issue.

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