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OK here is the latest update. Just installed a posi rear new shocks and 1/2" lowering springs. The rear is from a 1961 Buick Special and there were a bunch of changes made the Job much harder than needed. A little farmer engineering and its in. Going to get the car to the Hershey AACA car show this Oct.
"My Cousin Vinny" comes to mind when you mentioned that Buick posi rear......
Nice car. But it doesn't have Michelin model XGV, size 75r14 "tahrs" on it.
Also great to read the unfolding story of this car's restoration, and its significance to you. A couple years ago, I found my late Father's old motorcycle after a 25 year lapse, so I can really appreciate it.
Thanks for the post! Making progress slow but sure. Got the boost up to 5 psi. Next for this winter is complete front end rebuild, new springs and shocks. Maybe 14" wheels and tires. Still more to do!
Be well!
Amazing car !!!! Please bring it to our Delaware Valley Oldsmobile Club show in Downingtown Pa on your way back from Hershey. Our show is Sunday October 8th. Were right off the PA turnpike.
Hershey update
Made the first Hershey with the Jetfire. It was a blast!! Had judges stopping all day thanking us for bringing the car. Few hundred people stopped also. Most had never seen one before. The car was a big hit! I will let you know how we made out with the judging. Takes a few weeks but the car is not done. Drove over 600 miles no problem! Had a few people stop that had been following the progress on the AACA website blog I have going.
Thanks to all
Ken
Eric
Thanks for the post! We had a great time! Been working on the car for 8 years and still more to do and $$$ to spend. Nice to drive it instead of looking at it.
Ken
Next step in the restoration of the Jetfire. Complete front suspension rebuild. Lots of cleaning and wire brushes. More work but will be worth it. kdnXKG4.jpg YfdXq0p.jpg HrJ45eh.jpg
The car is quick but not like a 442 with a 455. The engine is 215 cubes and only 350 pounds. It will squeeze you butt in the seat. You know you are on boost. It surprises you!
Remember its old school technology. The 215 is where Buick made the 3.8 GN motor. Just took 2 cylinders off. The front cover is almost the same. I think most people like the power of the GN motor. A lot of history.
Next update. Made the Oldsmobile National meet in Gettysburg, PA Drove the car 4 hours both ways. Came away with a first place award. Very happy!! Still more details to add car is coming together.Caught up with a lot of old Olds friends.
Location: Hamilton, Ontario Canada and Port Charlotte FloridaFlorida
Posts: 14
thanks for the link
Thanks for the link to your cars resto. Wow, a lot of years, time and patience. Thanks for sharing! My hubby & I are car nuts but he must not be as patient (nor am I). Most classics we get are done in 2 years and he is a perfectionist: however we tend to resto-mod and we have not restored a super rare like your car. My current Olds is a 61 Dyanamic 88 Fiesta Wagon, previous to that was a 57 Fiesta Super 88 hardtop wagon.
Sandy G
New update! Installed the correct 10" flywheel, clutch assy, and super T10. The stock t10 had a 2:56 first gear and was hard to get it moving with slipping the clutch. The new trans has a 3:42 first gear. That makes a big difference!! Next install the new replated rear bumper. Still more to do!!
It’s with a broken heart that I deliver this news to you.....
my father Ken Dennison Jr past away Friday after Thanksgiving in the morning.
For the last year and a half he has been battling stage 4 prostate cancer.
He loved Oldsmobile and past that love to me. It has been so much fun restoring cars with him, especially this Jetfire which he supported me on.
Thank you to everyone on here that helped us or left positive feedback! I will try and post my work on the car, as I have a lot to do.....
You and your family have been in my prayers. This very thread is what I found the night before we bought out first Jetfire. I found where he posted his number and I called him right away. I instantly become friends with Ken. He was a huge help to me starting out with these cars. He is a major reason why the Jetfire model lives as strong as it is today. He will be missed greatly.
Location: Hamilton, Ontario Canada and Port Charlotte FloridaFlorida
Posts: 14
Ken (Sr) was such a great help to me and I am sorry I never had a chance to meet him. I will be working diligently on getting my 63 Jetfire on the road and he will be on my mind the day I finally coax the nose of the car out on to the street for the first time. 'To Ken in Oldsmobile heaven': I hope you can watch over our progress meanwhile and celebrate with us when that 'first drive' finally happens. Your guidance and encouragement was much appreciated!
Very sorry to here. Your family is in my prayers. I meet your dad and enjoyed hanging out with him. Had to my house and went to his to see his cars. I will miss him.
Your dad was one of the first Olds guys I met when I began restoring my 67w30 tribute car. He sold me yhe Scots, ducts, and shroud for it. We first met face to face at Carlisle and then 7 springs. You made a point to stop by and show me the Jetfire at Gettysburg. I'm sure glad i got to see it - and him fir what turned out to be our last time chatting. RIP big Ken and i know K3 will continue his legacy! Ore condolences to your family
I'm sorry to hear of your loss! I never met your father, but he was very generous with his time. When I first determined that it was a '62 F-85 that I wanted, I had a lot of questions. Your dad reached out to me and offered to answer my questions. I spent over an hour on the phone with him back in May, soaking up knowledge like a sponge. He was so gracious and understanding. I could tell with just an hour on the phone that he was a cool guy and generous.
I always thought I'd be calling him again with more questions...
The Olds community has lost a great member and resource, but worse you have lost your father. My heart goes out to your family.
August 14th, 2017, 06:23 PM
