1965 Olds F85 “Snowflake”

Here is my build replacing my Riviera. I can never sit with idle hands, so when this badass project fell into my lap, I couldn’t resist.

This car went 10s on motor and high 9s on nitrous in the late 90s/early 2000s, and my goal is to get it back to the strip to run 10s. For now though, it needs a lot of love. Here’s the progress in the first month of ownership though:

 

And here we are as of 12/16/2020:

 

Congrats on the new ride, John. Nifty Christmas present, it is.

 

Looks Good....

 

Cool!!! I love the body style of the `65 Olds Cutlass/F85/442.

 

Very cool. And a post car. Been dabbling in my 65 post for over 15 years.

 

Here’s the main list I forgot to post:

Want:

Turn signals

Weigh the car


TOTAL: $0


Need to do:

• ✅The entire front end: torque specs
• ✅Grease every grease fitting on the car
• ✅Swap rotors/lug studs (I think I have to)
• ✅Speed master Front brake kit

• ✅Increase rev limiter to 7k for nitrous
• ✅Screw in valve stems to all tires

• Weld door bar
• Weld exhaust
• Duplicate the keys
• ✅Rear brake hose install
• ✅Rear brake line install

• ✅Install nitrous plugs
• ✅Dynamat roof
• ✅Clean/rechrome mirror holder
• ✅Seat brackets - 2” forward/3” up

• ✅Check all engine related bolts
• ✅Pump up all tires

• ✅Reseal front tires and one rear

• Install exhaust AFR BUNG

• ✅Install gauge pod

• AFR gauge wiring

• ✅Order seat belts

• ✅Air lift kit for rear
• ✅Wheel stud kit

• ✅Carpet installation

• ✅Check all fluids

• ✅Tighten bolts on wheels

• ✅Torque all wheels

• ✅Install side mirror
• ✅Install inspection cover and torque
• ✅Mount fire extinguisher
• ✅New spark plug wires and zip ties

• ✅Make sure the brakes actually work
• Readjust the exhaust

• ✅Grade 8 bolts for seats
• ✅Wire and redo the neutral safety switch

• ✅POR the bottom of the trunk pan

• ✅Install the powerblast plate
• ✅Interior carpet sealer/adhesive
• ✅Install the wire loom protector
• ✅Wire loom protector in the trunk
• ✅Install harnesses
• ✅Install seats
• ✅Tighten seat bolts

Need for the street/strip:

• ✅Gauge pod holder - $7
• ✅Small air filter - $30

• Wiper rubbers -$15

• ✅Inspection cover bolts -$15
• ✅Fire extinguisher -$25
• ✅SFI seatbelts - $300

• Weld the door bar/exhaust leaks -$100

• ✅New brake pads/rotors? - $200

TOTAL: $480



Need for nitrous at the strip:

• ✅Plug wires -$50
• ✅Nitrous plugs -$20
• ✅Figure out what plugs I currently have

• SFI Suit -$150
• Nitrous refill -$50
• Retard timing on nitrous

• ✅Neutral safety switch
• ✅Nitrous pressure gauge

• Nitrous bottle heater $200

TOTAL: $270


Finishing List in order:


✅Get studs in

• ✅Mount spindles
• ✅Mount discs and pack wheel bearings
• ✅Calipers and hoses
• ✅Install pads
• ✅Check everything and lube everything
• ✅Install tires on rims
• ✅Install front tires
• ✅Put front on ground
• ✅Raise rear on frame
• ✅Slip out old lift bags
• ✅Install new lift bags
• ✅POR bottom of trunk pan
• ✅Install front to rear brake line
• ✅Install rear hose
• ✅Put car on axle
• ✅Bleed brakes
• ✅Fix literally everything else in preparation for first test drive
• ✅First test drive
• ✅Sh*t my pants
• ✅Evaluate

 

Nice project. The seats look comfy.

 

I'm adding you..

 

I remember that car from Lebanon valley, I always thought it had an Oldsmobile engine.

 

That's amazing, could you please tell us (me) more?

 

I don't have much, I just remember it when it was green, owner bracket raced it, I believe it ran low 11's. I like the fact that someone put the headlights back in.