RED ROCKET: A Cool and Reliable '61 Olds Custom
By Scott Parkhurst
Photos By Matt Sprouse and Scott Parkhurst
Many owners of custom cars claim their rides are true "reachers" capable of traveling long distances reliably. While the definitions are as varied as the cars being described, some cars have proven themselves beyond any question.
NSMC Members Jerry and Doris Johnson's '61 Olds is just such a car. This cool custom has been seen coast to coast, and almost everywhere in between.
One would think putting so many miles under what many would consider a fairly wild custom. The appearance, stance, and multiple carburetion tucked underhood would give many the impression this car doesn't see much road time. Such a statement couldn't be further from the truth.
While the car has earned its share of minor chips, the overall condition is as stunning as the design. Jerry was inspired to build the car in 1990 after seeing a well-built '61 Chevy "bubbletop" custom. He was so taken with the design, the need for something similar took over. Being an Olds guy (with a slick '54 Olds custom already in the garage), there was little question what make his dream '61 would be. The need for the car to be smooth, low, and cool was all that was left to be accomplished, once a suitable car had been acquired.
Working over his ample network of car connections, Jerry was soon able to locate a solid '61 Dynamic 88. The project began immediately, and with motivation drawn from fellow car guy Leon Valley and a steady supply of Old Milwaukee, the car began to take shape over the course of two Minnesota winters.
Working only at night and on weekends, the slow-but-steady pace allowed the hot rodders to plan the build and then build to the plan. Wanting a stylish source of reliable transportation, the Olds received a generous amount of mild custom mods and an ultra-durable drivetrain.
The list of modifications starts with a generous shaving of all unnecessary side trim, including door handles and lock cylinders. The doors are now operated by electric solenoids. All the factory scripts were also removed, and the "Oldsmobile" letters in the grille were rearranged to spell out "Some Doll." The smoothed-and-straightened body was covered in House of Kolor Blood Red, also by Leon Valley.
The wild bumper designs are all factory, and the body of the car remains as Olds intended back in '61. These cars simply don't need too much help to look cool. The headlights and taillights were altered (Lucas units now fill the front sockets, while blue dots have been added to the rear lenses), but otherwise the car is painfully close to stock.
The chassis is also similar to the way it shipped when new, with the obvious addition of a complete 4-corner air bag suspension system. Suspension details are completed with a set of American Racing Torq-Thrust II wheels shod with Firestone "721" whitewall tires measuring 205/78-15 in front and 215/78-15 in the rear.
The powerplant was upgraded from the original "Kettering" V-8 to a '78-era Olds 455. The big-inch V-8 was rebuilt to near stock specifications before being topped with a cool factory Olds Tri-Power setup from a '66 442. The fat block was backed by a GM 200-4R overdrive transmission to make the long freeway miles easy. Once in O/D, the fat torque curve of the 455 eases the '61 down the road without fanfare.
The factory 3.28:1-geared rear axle delivers good mileage for a big car with a big engine, and this combo is a great example of what we're preaching.
The interior is a well-crafted mix of factory '61 Olds goodies (dash, gauges, rear seat, steering wheel), pirated goodies from other cars (Honda 6-way power front seats, modified later GM tilt steering column), and custom-made one-off parts (like the console). A Kenwood stereo system and factory A/C ensure the long rides will be comfy, and the white vinyl upholstery (by Ace Upholstery of Annandale, MN) ensures this fact.
The style, color, and stance of this car make it hard to miss. Its record of reliability on the roads of America over the last 15 years proves without question it was built as well underneath as on top. Jerry and Doris credit the car with helping them make good friends all over this great land, and giving them the ability to visit again and again.
Don't be surprised to see this car in your local area, no matter where that may be. The Red Rocket is undoubtedly a reacher, and be sure to congratulate its owners should you spot it. They help put the "National" in the NSMC!
Note: SuperMotors has a business affiliation with Street Thunder Magazine, which provides street rod and automotive content to SuperMotors.
Back to the article index.
