1947 56C Project "Can't finish unless you start"

[MNRoadMaster]

I agree on putting the engine in First. Be Careful lining up engine and tranny. I had a disaster when the oil slinger came loose amd got caught in between the engine and tranny - do not pass go do not collect and it cost me a tranny too. On the next round I replaced both together just to be positive. Change the shaft seal! If you do the tranny replace the front and if possible rear bearings I'm told they are available at bearing places. Take lots of pics and label Everything. Keep organized! I found that MAP gas and [ower blaster works good with tightening by jarring first.
Any news on ways to brace the back wheel wells? It's true they are not real strong and I have not figured out how to do it.
Is there a picture of the whole car?
Midwest Fabrics has the cardboard material for the panels. I made my own and used older Ford fasteners to affix them to the door. It worked great.
Don

[jackofalltrades70]

I agree on putting the engine in First. Be Careful lining up engine and tranny. I had a disaster when the oil slinger came loose amd got caught in between the engine and tranny - do not pass go do not collect and it cost me a tranny too. On the next round I replaced both together just to be positive. Change the shaft seal! If you do the tranny replace the front and if possible rear bearings I'm told they are available at bearing places. Take lots of pics and label Everything. Keep organized! I found that MAP gas and [ower blaster works good with tightening by jarring first.
Any news on ways to brace the back wheel wells? It's true they are not real strong and I have not figured out how to do it.
Is there a picture of the whole car?
Midwest Fabrics has the cardboard material for the panels. I made my own and used older Ford fasteners to affix them to the door. It worked great.
Don

Don,
I have already rebuilt the motor and tranny and they are waiting for the frame and body so I can install them. I have learned to label and keep track of fasteners since I was young. I have a very large box with ziploc baggies to the brim. My digital camera warms up every day to take pictures before removing things.

Thanks for the tip on the panel material. I'll have more pictures later. I need to get the body off the frame so I can clean up the frame and paint.

Matt

[MNRoadMaster]

Hi Matt,
This is great news and I hope that others that are going to do a project like this find this thread and take note of labeling and photographing as it is crucial. I've heard and seen some real horror stories in this regard! It's something I've been teaching the kids here about as well. I was lucky in that the frame and front end on my car were good (About all that was) I did not take fenders and such off as it was too badly rusted to practically do so. I did not have the option of non rusty parts and it seems that the RoadMasters are a bit more rare than the Supers and Specials (Rag tops not included). I'm probably going to sound sacreligious to some but I used sheet metal repairs and fiberglass and such. I did this car on the super cheap as even at that rate I had a Very tough time pulling it off. I had to be quite creative and resourceful to make up for lack of proper funding. Part of this was that I wanted to avoid the "It took 10 years (or more) to restore it" situation. My car was on the road in a matter of a few months as a rolling project. I think it helped me keep motivated on it. Did you rebuild the motor and tranny yourself Matt? You are going to have a busy summer aren't you!
Congrats on the good progress Matt!
Don

[buick5563]

I'm not sure about an engine hoist, although I have heard it is possible. The tubing was welded at the inner kick panel area and at the convertible hinge location. The guy who welded it also welded a crossbrace between the two braces in back for lateral stability. I think Bhigdog made a recommendation to weld a little higher, but my body didn't buckle or twist. I may be able to take a close up pic in the next few days of exactly how they did it. They also sell adjustable door braces that bolt to the hinge and strikeplate locations, but you would still want to weld something between the rear quarters.
The other option for the body lift would be to follow Adam's technique and buy beer for a bunch of friends. Dole it out AFTER the body is back on!

[jackofalltrades70]

Well, we had a beautiful afternoon here today! No rain and I was in "Buick" mode this afternoon. I still have the "accordian" ready to come off the frame, but I worked on getting a lot of the "I'm gonna need you later" pieces off and labeled in baggies. Does anyone know how hard it might be to change out the upper cowl and windshield area of a convertible? Just when you think you have everything off the car you could possibly use or need or could sell, you find something else under what you just took off! Having lots of fun though!

[MNRoadMaster]

I feel I have to pass this along to make sure that the screen in the head's oil intake is taken out. This piece of info cost me quite a bit! I'm glad to hear you are making progress Matt. I can see where bracing would help for the back wheel wells - I'm not sure how to go about it though...

[jackofalltrades70]

What a weekend!!!!!.....The transport company was supposed to pick up the "donor car" Friday @ 1. They got behind with a prior pickup and then traffic. Long story short, car was finally loaded late this afternoon. I'll have it Monday night or Tuesday. Then the real work begins.

[jackofalltrades70]

O.K. Newer car body is here and unloaded. Have yet to take off the front end as it's from a 76C. I have noticed on my '47 56C that under the rear wheel wells are also this "mud red" color. It is only painted this color under the bolt on fenders. Is this normal? I want to make sure that when I get to that point putting my car back on and together that I do this correctly.

[jackofalltrades70]

Well, I officially am back to work on the project. Here's some pictures of the frame. The engine, tranny, rear, brakes, lines, etc. are all complete and rebuilt. Taking it to put the 76C body on tomorrow! I officially have two convertible projects!! The 56C will wait out the winter under cover outside! I have found a new cowl section for it with the window frames. I also have a set of floors for the 56C. The 76C is my project for the winter. I'll be ordering the wiring harness shortly. Any "preferred" vendor for the harness that anyone can recommend?

[JohnD1956]

So you're rebuilding both convertibles? When you're done you'll never want to leave the Garage!

[buick5563]

So you're rebuilding both convertibles? When you're done you'll never want to leave the Garage!

No.
When he's done, he'll never want to RETURN to the garage.

[Caribou]

This makes me feel better about the work ahead in my project.

[jackofalltrades70]

Got the body on the frame today. No pictures yet as I didn't take the camera with me. Went on with the help of my brother and a forklift at work. I somehow mis-counted and didn't have enough body mount rubbers, so I selectively placed them. First time that this body has been on a frame in 50+ years. Amazing! Now I have to get the other buick outta the garage and get this one in. Lot's of body panel beating and a little welding, but we're working with a essentially good, solid body this time. I dunno about you guys, but I'm excited for winter!! Work time on the Buick. Bonding time!

[jackofalltrades70]

No.
When he's done, he'll never want to RETURN to the garage.

Aw, come on Mike. I got bit by a Buick and can't get it outta my blood!

[jackofalltrades70]

Update,
I have a upper cowl section, which includes the window frames for the 76C ready in the back of my truck now! I wonder how hard this is gonna be to change out? Anyone have any experience in this? Matt

[jackofalltrades70]

Car is at home, safe in the garage! Still no pictures Wife made me come in after I got the car home and in place. Said I spent too much time out there today. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. I gotta get the dash out of the car, and cut the top windshield frames out and prepare for mounting the replacement. I'll post pictures when I get everything cleaned up.

[Willys77]

Drill out all the spot welds after sanding down the painted areas to find them. Then you can put it back together like the factory did it!

[jackofalltrades70]

Tomorrow, I finish drilling out the spot welds with my cutter. Then I'll finish getting the cowl off. I'll get pictures then. Then again, after I set the other cowl section on.

[jackofalltrades70]

Tonight, upper cowl section and winshield section off the car! Tomorrow I dress up the other cowl section and start fitting and welding. I have to take out the rest of the things off the firewall. Will also coat the areas that I won't be able to reach after having it back in place. Put up a few pictures of my "garage art"! It's nice to find Vintage Automotive stuff with your own last name!

[jackofalltrades70]

Still have some more fitting to do so the cowl sets back where it is supposed to. I'm quite suprised with my progress! I want to take my time and assure myself that the windshield is "square" with the doors, so still have to put the passenger side vent window frame on and make a few more small adjustments so it sits back on the lower section correctly. Ordered new body mounts and shims from BOB's yesterday, so it will be Thurs. or Friday before I can really move too far forward again. But, I assure you that I'll find something to do on it until that time.

[jackofalltrades70]

Had some more time on Sunday and Monday to do more on the buick. Things are moving little by little. I'll let some pictures tell the story. Any ideas on removing bullet holes? Some are blind and can't get to the back side.

[jackofalltrades70]

Back in the garage tonight! Worked on the drivers floor pan. I have 4 spots with little pin holes. Luckily I have the body from a 2 door sedan to cut the patch panels from. I have sinus headache and man I feel like crap! Got my "miracle paint" from Hirsch today and cannot wait to get the floors finished up so I can get it all coated. Ran out of wire for the welder. So off to the gettin' store tomorrow for more.

[jackofalltrades70]

Was able to get out in the garage again this afternoon for about 3 hours. Cut out a floorboard section behind the front seat on the passenger side. Cut the floor panel out of the 76S parts car, cut to size and started welding in. Still have more to go, but getting there. Happy with the progress. Have a great weekend guys!

[jackofalltrades70]

Haven't posted four awhile, because haven't had much time to do much to the Buick. Made some progress with the floors and am almost ready to seal and coat. Have all of the hydraulic lines out and need to buy new line and start bending. I have realized that before I can go too much further, gonna have to buy the wiring harness. A lot runs behind the firewall insulation for the power windows, seats, etc. Gonna have to buy it sooner or later anyways. I managed to find rear ashtrays for the car and now have a spare set. Little by little, finding everything I need.

[JohnD1956]

Looking good Matt. This is really quite the project, and you're making it look simple.