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Been a while, but both cars are now on eBay, and not sure what I will replace them with. Hope to find a good truck – any year, but must have air conditioning and automatic transmission. Getting soft in my old age.
My 1926 Fleet
I now have both the 1926 Oldsmobile and the 1926 Ford Coupe running, and able to drive around town. There is some interior work and the final top material to be installed on the Ford, but getting the coupe close to complete.
Information on early Oldsmobile sales in Australia.
I recently was emailing a fellow 1926 Oldsmobile owner from Australia, when it occurred to me that I have seen a number of early Oldsmobile sites, cars, and parts from down-under. There is even a company that is making reproduction parts for early Oldsmobiles in Australia – vintageandclassicreproductions.com I have purchased a few things from them, and they are the only “new” parts on my 1926 Oldsmobile, other than spark plugs, points and condenser.
While restoring my 1926 Ford, I have been ordering a number of new parts from 3 or 4 different Model T supply companies.
When I was looking at images of 1926 Oldsmobiles on Google, I stumbled on this site:
http://www.lemaymuseum.org/vehicles.php?vid=689
This information was copied off their site.
In December 1923 an agreement was made between the General Motors Corp and Adelaide’s Holden Motor Body Builders for the manufacture of bodies for fully imported pre-assembled chassis’ for GM vehicles. This partnership allowed GM to avoid significant import duties. As a result, Oldsmobiles could sell in Australia at a relatively low cost. The Oldsmobile 30 series built between 1923 & 1927 proved to be very popular in Australia.
Holden built the vast majority of the bodies for Olds in the 20’s, but the low volume models such as roadsters & some sedans were still imported up to the end of 1929. With Australia feeling the depression as harshly as the rest of the world, GM ceased exports of Oldsmobiles to Australia at the end of 1929, and did not resume until 1934.
Now it makes a little sense.
ps If you are restoring a ’20s Olds – make sure to find a friend in Australia –
How I want to paint my ’26 Olds –
A little progress on the Model T
I have not made as much progress as I wanted to by now, but I have completed the interior woodwork. I have installed the headliner, using white canvas – might paint a picture on it later :<). The motor is ready to run, just want to get all of the front fenders and radiator parts installed before I start it back up. The front fenders will need some body work as one has a crack and deep dent that will not be easy to repair. Both front fenders may also need media blasting, as they are rusted and paint is chipped, along with some old bondo work. I did put the doors back on, and will be working on the door handles this week (still waiting for drivers side latch from Lang’s Model T parts.
Update on 1926 Model T progress
My last post only had a picture of the Model T as is was when I brought it home. I have made a little progress, and today took a few pictures. The engine is about complete with new valves and valve springs. Pistons were good, new rings. Painting the engine a green color that is close to original Ford engine color. Frame is primed, and some of the front end is now painted black. No work on the body or body parts, most are still in the barn loft just waiting.
My other 1926 Car
I am now restoring a 1926 Ford Model T Coupe. The car will need more parts than the Oldsmobile did, but the Ford parts are much easier to find. I have had the Ford about a year, and now have it in pieces in a backyard barn. I’ll try and add a picture or two, but it has been some time since I have posted anything to my blog. Looks much better inside barn with doors closed. Hope to post update soon. 
Update – June, 2011
I was able to complete the interior, and now only working on a few oil/water leaks. For the most part it is now a daily driver, just wish it was not so hot. Come fall I am sure we will take it out for a few longer drives. 
While on vacation in Ruidoso, NM, came across an unusual truck – A 1928 White Dump Truck. I did not talk with the owner, but do still have the phone number that was on the for sale sign. The truck appeared to be a driver, with everything in place. It did need a little attention to the brakes and possibly a tire or two, but engine looked good. I could see a gasoline line leak, but that should be an easy fix. Would be an easy, and fun restoration, just wish it was a little closer to home. 
Still not done
Right now the old ’26 Olds has been waiting for me to complete the interior. Started the upholstery work about three months ago, but have only finished about 2
The front bucket seats are finished, and those really do look good, even if I say so myself. I have the rear seat in my shop, and my only excuse is time. It should be easy as both parts are wood frames, and the material is just stretched over the padding, and tacked, no sewing needed.
I did buy new carpet, and was able to make a pattern to use to cut it out. I am now carrying the cut out rug with me, hoping to get an upholstery guy to sew the edge bindings on next week.
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