1976 Hurst Olds Proposal

[76HOProposal]

Two cars were constructed as proposals and submitted to Oldsmobile for a possible limited production car run.

1)White and gold car, 350cid/350turbo, Hurst Hatches, and a Dual Gate. (accounted for)
2)Black and gold car, 455cid/400turbo, Hurst Hatches, Panoramic rear window, Autostick III. (accounted for)

[sledhead2]

Are you a former employee of Oldsmobile or Hurst? I love good storys. The way you talk is that your were their and had a hand in building said cars?
I am not trying to bust your chops, It is just that a few members of this board will be wanting to talk to you. One is Ragz442 if you look up his cardomine site you will see he has a 76 car that looks very much like the first car you describe. It has writing on it saying hurst under the vinyle top. He is planing on making it a tribute car.

Another person will most likly be Brad Bishop he is editior of Journy with Olds, and is always looking for great info.

I myself would love to hear the inside scoop from back in the day.

[ragz442]

Wow, I guess my tribute is going to be pretty accurate to the 1st car...........white/gold, 350/350, Hurst Hatches and dualgate :D .

[ragz442]

Your a pretty mysterious dude Mr. Proposal. The car looks awesome and it's the first I've ever seen or heard of it. Any more pics? I would have to say you have the rarest, most unique 76 I've ever seen.

p.s. what's an autostick III?

So there you have it. The next time you hear there was only one, you'll know better. Just because there are pictures of one car doesn't make it fact that there was ONLY one car built as a proposal.
I'll have to change my cardomain page to read "in the process of restoring to duplicate the one and only white/gold '76 Hurst Olds Prototype"

[76HOProposal]

I think I'm just your typical Oldsmobile owner. And like them I like my privacy. I'm not big on showing my cars for points. Like that was started by the Corvette crowd. I just enjoy my cars and have no interest in the latest car fads. I have only one person to impress. Myself.

Years ago I got tired of all the "experts" into Hurst Oldsmobiles telling me "I don't know" to questions. So I decided to get off my rear and get answers to my own questions from the people that put these cars together. Most of these people are now getting up there in age. And sadly won't be around to answer questions like they have done for me in the past. Search for your answers while you can. I could tell you, but most people today can't and don't want to be told anything. They only believe what they find out for themselves.

I'll see how this site goes week by week. Hey maybe I won't fit in and delist. We'll see.

[76HOProposal]

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[442MUCH]

What's your VIN? I was always courious about these cars. Saw a pace car in Lansing 10 years ago - no VIN. Apparently, still owned by Oldsmobile at that time. BTW, welcome to the sight. Would love to see some pictures of your car.:)

[sledhead2]

76HO it is hard to see in that little photo, but does that rear window look sortive like a 88 monte aero coupe.

How did and when did you find your car? and do you know what took it to calie. If you are willing to tell it at this time. I would love to see some photos of shifter and such.

Also have you ever talked to doctor shifter? He worked for hurst and went to all the tracks with hurst truck. His job was to repair any shift he could for racers. I am trying to think of his first name. Last I knew he went to Philly or something with mr gasket.

[ragz442]

I can appreciate you wanting to keep your privacy. I hope you can remain a member of this site, these guys are really trying and doing a great job IMO. I've owned 73-77's since 1979 and have always had a 76-77 in the driveway at one point or another. I really am sick of getting looked down upon by the Olds and muscle car community in general, I've been a die hard "forgotton year" fan from the start. Your car is really something special, and if all possible please post some more pics. Thanks and welcome to the site.

[PSU442]

i love the mystery that surrounds the 76/77 H/O... so now we know there's three? That's new news, right? Not owning an H/O myself, I tend to forget the details but I love reading about all this! Thanks for joining the site and posting!

[442MUCH]

Ken,

My car has an 8/14/75 build date out of Lansing. 3G37T6M106505. It was delivered to Hurst with 3000 miles on it. It was being used as a company car first. And from what I was told it was hard to get. (You wouldn't think so being such an early production car.)

The reason why Dale Smith removed the VINs out of some of the cars. Is because the engines were modified in some manner differently than what the production engines of the time were. Brakes and body modifications didn't really effect a need for removal. It was more of an exhaust emissions concern. That should tell you what nut busters the people at the EPA were to the manufacturers in 1975-7.

I'm glad the VIN tag on my car is intact....... So you now know nothing was done to it's motor at Hurst or at Oldsmobile.

The black 77 proposal got it's tag removed because it got one of 3 or 4 special built 403cid. engines. Dale told me those engines were an attempt to have a replacement for the 455cid. W-30 motors. Now that their largest motors were 403s. Another 403 motor ended up in the 77 Delta 88 Pace Car (1 of 2). And another 403 went in one of the 78 Hurst Olds Proposals.

I've posted another rear window photo of my car in the members section of this site, if you haven't noticed...... It has almost all the options you could order on a Cutlass for it's year. The way most company cars were optioned and ordered.

I'm in the process of restoring my 76 for the 2008 HOCA Nationals in AZ. If I make it great, if not great. I'm just trying to do it once and right. It will get done and you'll get tired of seeing it I'm sure.

I don't think that this group of guys will ever get tired of seeing other 73-77 Cutlasses - I know I won't. I am tired of seeing the 68-72 car's. Not because they are not nice cars, they are. But if you open a magazine with an Olds in it, chances are it's one of these. At a car show a few years back, they put me beside a 70 442 W30. It was beautiful. I went to grab a hot dog and when I got back to my car there were 5-6 people really checking my car out. They were taking pictures from all angles etc.

I started speaking to one fellow and he asked me question after question. His young son pointed to the 70 442 and said "Look dad, another one". He glance over and said "You see those everywhere, just open up a magazine." and kept talking to me. "You never see cars like yours".

I drove my car to Lansing for the 100th Anniversary in a caravan of cars. When we hit the toll booths in Illinois we were 165 cars strong (Olds paid our tolls BTW), not one car like mine. In Lansing out of the 2200 Oldsmobiles, there was one other 1976 442 - a 350 car, Red with the white stripe. That's it.

My 442 was optioned out as well. It came with virtually every factory option except Air, vinyl roof and twilight sentinal. It was factory ordered in February 1976, assembled on March 1 and delivered to the dealer (small town in the Canadian Rockies) on March 26th 1976. There were a few dealer installations added because the factory refused to do it (long story...I mean, longer than this one). The dealer did the changes to make the sale.

The guy who owned the dealership and sold the car (he was also a salesman) remembered the car when I last spoke to him in 1988. He said that he remembered the car because it was the only 442 they sold that year with a 455 and because of the options that had to be ordered and be installed. I had asked if he had any documentation to show for this. He said the dealer ship was sold 1n 1980 after his wife took sick, and he had just sold the building and most documents that they stored were destroyed that year I was so close.:mad: Unfortunately he died last year:(

You can check out my car profile in the registry. It would be nice to see your car registered there too so we could all check out your details. Hopefully we can get Jeffery to add his 77 H/O prototype to the registry too.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/vttedrm/cheers2.gif

[brad442]

Recently I just removed myself from the Yahoo 73-77 Cutlass site. Just read some of the entries and you can see why. Very little on Oldsmobile Cutlasses.

I'll see how this site goes week by week. Hey maybe I won't fit in and delist. We'll see.

After a couple of months being a member of this site, I am really glad to see we have all focused on our cars. No arguing, no bashing, just good old fashion questions, answers and tips. Not to mention it is really cool seeing all of the other cars. I think I check the VbGarage daily to see if anyone has posted any new pics. I myself quit going to the Yahoo 73-77 Group as I too felt there was way too much stuff other than Oldsmobiles and Cutlasses. I don't really bother with ROP much anymore for the same reason. I enjoy talking and reading about our cars. I hope for the sake of this site we all stick too it. I must say, I can't wait for Detroit next year, I hope alot of us can attend, it will make for a great statement for our years of cars... Especially to anyone that ever told me I was waisting my time with this year of Oldsmobile, as it would never be worth anything...

[76HOProposal]

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[ragz442]

I for one, couldn't agree more with Chris, Ken or Brad. I'm actually excited about the news of this '76 H/O. Ken and Brads cars [along with the '77 H/O] have been the pinnacle of the 76-77's to this point.....IMO. For them to make the statements they have, say's alot about them, and our community as a whole. We welcome you, 76 HO Proposal, your car is special to us.

[sumrof75]

After a couple of months being a member of this site, I am really glad to see we have all focused on our cars. No arguing, no bashing, just good old fashion questions, answers and tips. Not to mention it is really cool seeing all of the other cars. I think I check the VbGarage daily to see if anyone has posted any new pics. I myself quit going to the Yahoo 73-77 Group as I too felt there was way too much stuff other than Oldsmobiles and Cutlasses. I don't really bother with ROP much anymore for the same reason. I enjoy talking and reading about our cars. I hope for the sake of this site we all stick too it. I must say, I can't wait for Detroit next year, I hope alot of us can attend, it will make for a great statement for our years of cars... Especially to anyone that ever told me I was waisting my time with this year of Oldsmobile, as it would never be worth anything...

Well said Brad, I was looking on the corvette forum while watching the "Tulsa rustbucket" and really wondered if I were on an automobile sight at all. Goofy Avitars and little talk about a vehicle, any vehicle, I guess their cars are all complete in their carpeted garages waiting for the next opportunity to be scored. I too hope this forum continues as is besides we can always talk about our rotted quarters, Vette club dont have that opportunity!:rolleyes:

[ragz442]

Sorry, I posted the same time you did 76H/O, are you bringing your car to Kentucky this year?
Thanks for the heads up on my car being the only one [that will be..........someday] trimmed like the original 76 H/O. I've never tried to misrepresent my car as an H/O proposal, but I do feel it is different.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/684771/3

[76HOProposal]

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[442MUCH]

Well said Brad, I was looking on the corvette forum while watching the "Tulsa rustbucket" and really wondered if I were on an automobile sight at all. Goofy Avitars and little talk about a vehicle, any vehicle, I guess their cars are all complete in their carpeted garages waiting for the next opportunity to be scored. I too hope this forum continues as is besides we can always talk about our rotted quarters, Vette club dont have that opportunity!:rolleyes:

I am a member of the Corvette Forum. I am usually on "Off Topic" unless I have a question and go to another thread. You have to have a thick skin on the Off Topic thread, especially if you're not American. I've dealt with posts about "Let's invade Canada" ""Canada Is Gay" A million dollar Canadian coin??? "Must be worth about $2.50 US" So you've got to be able to give as well as get. The only problem I have, is when a guy insults Canada as a joke, I can only call him out and make some remark about his questionable parentage as I have too many American friends to insult his country. Besides, I've been to the USA (36 states so far) and I find the people fantastic. Very friendly and warm people.

I find this forum open and friendly to everyone regardless of geography. We have something in common and that is our Oldsmobiles. It doesn''t matter if we are Cutlass S, 442 or Hurst/Olds owners. We are a brotherhood (and that would include females owners as well) and we enjoy helping each other.

Our cars bring us together, but it's the people that keep us here. 76HOProposal (got to get his name) has said that he'll see if he fits in with us. Then I read in a post he says So the member that is doing the replica car will have the only car in 1976 trim. Which I think is much more than a great idea. If he needs/wants more photos of the car in 1976 trim he should PM me with his address. I'll make him copies of my file for his reference when painting his car. Well, sounds to me like he fits in as easily as the rest of us that are on here constantly. That one statment makes him one of us, because if there is anything we can do to help him, anyone of us who can, will help him too.

At a job interview many years ago I was asked " Why should we hire you?" I said "Most company's hire people for the wrong reasons. They look for three things 1. Skill, 2. Experience and 3. Character. I think they have it backwards. Skill is something that can be taught, experience is only a matter of time, but character you are born with. You either have it, or you don't. I believe I have the character to do this job, now it's up to you." As I got up to leave (I didn't have the skill (sales) nor the experience) the fellow just said two words to me "You're hired".

For me I see the character of the posters on this forum, and that is why I'm here more than any place else. My licence plate frame says "Go Fast with Class". The Oldsmobile's on this sight are great cars, but it's the owners here that give them class.

[Doug Blake]

I agree with Ragz442! We welcome you, 76 HO Proposal, your car is special to us.

[sledhead2]

Correction 08 olds nats are in detroit

[gmkarguy]

Ken,

My car has an 8/14/75 build date out of Lansing. 3G37T6M106505. It was delivered to Hurst with 3000 miles on it. It was being used as a company car first. And from what I was told it was hard to get. (You wouldn't think so being such an early production car.)

The reason why Dale Smith removed the VINs out of some of the cars. Is because the engines were modified in some manner differently than what the production engines of the time were. Brakes and body modifications didn't really effect a need for removal. It was more of an exhaust emissions concern. That should tell you what nut busters the people at the EPA were to the manufacturers in 1975-7.

I'm glad the VIN tag on my car is intact....... So you now know nothing was done to it's motor at Hurst or at Oldsmobile.

The black 77 proposal got it's tag removed because it got one of 3 or 4 special built 403cid. engines. Dale told me those engines were an attempt to have a replacement for the 455cid. W-30 motors. Now that their largest motors were 403s. Another 403 motor ended up in the 77 Delta 88 Pace Car (1 of 2). And another 403 went in one of the 78 Hurst Olds Proposals.

I've posted another rear window photo of my car in the members section of this site, if you haven't noticed...... It has almost all the options you could order on a Cutlass for it's year. The way most company cars were optioned and ordered.

I'm in the process of restoring my 76 for the 2008 HOCA Nationals in AZ. If I make it great, if not great. I'm just trying to do it once and right. It will get done and you'll get tired of seeing it I'm sure.

All just WAY cool!:cool:

[brad442]

Jeff F. no longer owns the 1977 black proposal he sold it to Glen Katterson. I e-mailed him a few times and he seems nice enough, but I don't think Glen has the same passion we all have for cars of our years.

I know what you mean. I enjoyed talking to Jeff Fieldsend over the years when he had the '77. We always wanted to try to get our cars together for a photo op, but it never happened. He called me when he put the car up for sale. I went to Minnesota for the OCA Nationals thinking I would bring the car home. After looking at it very closely and seeing the work that the car still needed, and talking to Jeff about the asking price, I just couldn't afford the car. I have talked to Glenn as well hoping he will continue to bring the car out to some events. Maybe one day I could park the Black '77 in the garage next to mine if Glenn ever puts the car up for sale...

[76HOProposal]

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[brad442]

I'm in agreement on that point with any car. If I can't drive it. Why own it. That's what they were meant for. For me, I wouldn't tie up the space or the money. As soon as you restore a car it starts to deteriorate. Some parts will never hold up and will require but another restoration in a short time. It is the nature of the beast. A person should know it going in.



Hi Bob, I must say, I am kind of consfused by your statement. 1,000 point show cars can be driven and enjoyed too. I drive mine from time to time (when time allows) and I enjoy it. I felt due to the rarity of the black '77 H/O (only 1), it deserved a level of detail for showing. Jeff showed me many of the items that still needed to be addressed such as a couple of panels that needed to be repainted as the clear had been messed up and one of the stripes were really off. The car also needed a complete exhaust system, carpet and a good scrubbing underneath. Doing a body off resto on a really nice car to start with doesn't really make alot of sense money wise either.

My car was restored 15 years ago and I am just now going back and redoing a few items such as a good undercarraige cleaning. I detailed it years ago and still drove the car and enjoyed it. Many parts are still original and only required a good cleaning and painting. Deterioration really never sets in after the car is restored and maintained. It takes quite a bit of maintainance and discipline to keep a car looking good after it is redone. Yeah, engine paint will burn off and it will get a little dirty here and there, but once a car is restored (paint job, engine rebuild and a good cleaning) they can stay nice for a very long period of time. That is if you drive the car to shows, cruises, weekend fun etc. Just don't drive it in day to day traffic.

Restorations are all in the eye of the beholder. I personally feel that due to the lack of parts suppliers and the idiots on the streets in their Lexus' (hope no one here owns a Lexus!) talking on their blue tooth require me to drive my car minimally.

[psquare75]

As a co-founder of this place.. (And one of those with the goofy avatars) I want to say "WELCOME"

I too have become annoyed with the 73-77olds mailing list. The past few days have been utterly crazy, and I too might bow out.

Off topic posts are always welcome here however.. in the 'off topic' section :-). Maybe I'll start a invade Canada thread there, lol.

Welcome to 73-77olds, looking forward to new pics of this very rare car.. Enjoy your stay!

[442MUCH]

Deterioration really never sets in after the car is restored and maintained. It takes quite a bit of maintainance and discipline to keep a car looking good after it is redone.

I agree with Brad here. My car has never been restored (as in body off or replacement body panels) but it has been maintained. I don't drive my car more that 1000 miles a year because I won't take it out in rain, snow etc. Of course that won't stop me from driving it to an out of town car show and if it rains....oh well. Just have to clean it better next time.

Maybe I'll start a invade Canada thread there, lol.

As for Paul's statement, well, so much for keeping the car original. Time to cut out a sunroof and weld the machine gun on the roof
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/vttedrm/Canflag.gif

[sumrof75]

[QUOTE=psquare75;2048]As a co-founder of this place.. (And one of those with the goofy avatars) I want to say "WELCOME"
]
It does have attitude however, No offense on the avitar comment earlier just blowin steam. Thanks for helping bring this site to life. To 76hurstproposal hope you can feel at home here, personally it is great to have a spot to talk Olds with those who have a similar fondness for the 73-77's. A big welcome to ya!

[MY76442]

where are the good web sites for this resto. thanks

[76HOProposal]

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