So I Found a '41 Olds Rotting in a Field

"ptak appreciates old racecars" (racecarptak)
03/17/2014 at 19:21 • Filed to: '41 olds

Pics ganked from Google Street View.

I'm sixteen, my elders are split into two camps: the car-hating and the car-tolerating, I have a measly $300-400 to my name and if that's enough to buy it it's not enough to get it in running condition. It's more suited to be a donor than a restoration project. Registration, insurance, maintenance. The number of hoops I'd have to jump through is countless and I won't bore you with them. It's clear even to my clouded adolescent mind that this is nothing more but a two-day crush on a car I randomly passed in a field stemming from the fact that I like old film noir movies and that the '41 Olds is one of my favorites from my favorite era.

I should buy it.

I'm only half-serious, but Oppo, it's up to you to convince me not to do this.

DISCUSSION (16)

Ramblin Rover - The Vivisector of Solihull > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 19:31

Convince you not to? Not happening. There's an early 50s Olds I've passed in SC by the road probably a hundred times and it still hurts to see. Every time. It doesn't matter in what way, get it on the road. Save the Olds Hulks.

NinetyQ > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 19:32

You won't hear me doing that convincing. But to buy it means taking on a project, whether this one is salvageable or if you're using it as a parts car.

Bandit > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 20:04

All you could really do with that money is buy the car, maybe throw in a smog era SBC (if you can fabricate and find a deal), rip open the floor and install a th350 trans, throw in some sort of rear end, Wire it up to the most basic of electrical systems (starter, keyless push button ignition), you would have to pray the steering stuff is okay, and as far as interior goes you wouldn't have one.

You would probably have to buy the car for $200 (scrap value) and I know you can't buy a whole lot with the remaining $300. Get a job and start saving, car's are a money pit. I bought my T/A two years ago when I was 15 for $2500, money I had been saving since I was 4. Take that as you will. I found a '41 Pontiac in a field not far from me, I really want it.

shop-teacher > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 22:26

I'm all for a kid taking on a project, but you have to be reasonable. This is more of a car shaped sculpture than it is a car.

Here's your plan of attack.
1. Save up some more money.
2. Buy something that's at least all there.
2a. Bring a friend who thinks whatever you're buying is a dumb idea. You don't necessarily have to listen to them, but if you're not sure about what you're doing, it can keep you from buying something tremedendously stupid (I had some close calls myself back in the day)
3. Learn from the mistakes that you will inevitably make
4. Save up some more money to pay for said mistake
4a. Beg for help from someone who is willing to teach you how to fix said mistake
5. Enjoy hoonage and pride

shop-teacher > shop-teacher
03/17/2014 at 22:36

One more thing. With your parental situation, whatever you buy had damn well better move under its own power.

ptak appreciates old racecars > Bandit
03/17/2014 at 22:42

Thanks a lot for the advice, it's given me something to think about.

Bandit > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 23:04

I hope my comment didn't sound too debt downer... But I just turned 18 and have been restoring a car for the last couple years and I just wanted to let you know stuff is expensive. Here's my tip: go buy (or have your parents but) a cheap POS to drive while you restore that '41. My parents bought a base model 2000 Chevy blazer off CL for me to use as a winter beater and so they could haul stuff. As much as I hate that truck, it is nifty and has saved my TA from a winter.

ptak appreciates old racecars > shop-teacher
03/17/2014 at 23:04

Thanks a lot for your advice, I appreciate it. I'm quite aware I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'd like a serious project.

desertdog5051 > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 23:12

They are not rare. If you are looking to sell parts and it is in good condition, maybe. If you are looking to restore to a driver, naw.

ptak appreciates old racecars > desertdog5051
03/17/2014 at 23:17

I'm probably not alone in this, but I really hate seeing any car not be transformed into a driver. This particular one just tugged at my heartstrings.

ptak appreciates old racecars > Bandit
03/17/2014 at 23:19

No, it's perfect in fact, I don't have much experience in spending and doubtless need to learn what it really means.

But who wants a cheap POS as a first car? ;)

desertdog5051 > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/17/2014 at 23:28

Totally understand that. Logic and experience, in my old age, tells me I can't save the world. But that is what the youth are for. They believe in it and they do it, as I once did. Good luck to you, my Oppo friend.

ptak appreciates old racecars > desertdog5051
03/17/2014 at 23:44

I'll remember you said that.

Bandit > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/18/2014 at 06:48

Nobody! That's why I got my project car first and DD'd it for over a year. Good luck!

shop-teacher > ptak appreciates old racecars
03/18/2014 at 07:26

A car that runs and drives can still need A LOOOOOT of work. I wasn't trying to discourage you from a project, I am a shop teacher after all, but you'll have a lot more fun if you build your skills up on something that you can drive. Not to mention a driving car can take you to the job that you will need to feed the beast.

That Olds is years of hard work, and thousands of dollars away from being roadworthy. Keep a project like that as a goal to work towards. You've got to build your skills up incrementally.

Whatever you do, you're going to need to save up more money. With what you've got now, if someone gave you a running driving car, you don't have enough to register and insure it. Again, I'm not trying to discourage you. Take it as a challenge and get working. Its a tremendous point of pride to buy your own first car. Its not easy, but you sound like your willing to work for what you want.

Good luck!

ptak appreciates old racecars > shop-teacher
03/18/2014 at 15:34

I do like a challenge. Thanks!

Me and a relative are working on an International K-series from the same year as this Olds, I think I should try to get some first-hand experience on that and then think about a hunk o' junk of my own.