1949 Buick Super 4dr restoration project

[49_buick_super]

There she goes. Being towed off to the shop for the major phases of the restoration that will take until February or March next year to complete.


I've been working on this project since October 2006. My plan has always been to do as much of the disassembly as I could with my limited facilities at home while pressing forward with restoration of component parts. Much is finished but much is left to go and most of that is now in much more capable hands than mine.


What I thought I would do here is share some of my photos from the work of the past six years while at the same time, posting updates with photos as the work progresses at the shop.


The car is a 1949 Super 4dr. Allendale Green. I first saw it sitting for sale at a car repair shop located along my route to work. I drove by it for one whole month and finally the urge was not resistible any longer. I stopped once, twice and brought money on the third visit. Thinking back, I can't believe I waited so long to pull the trigger.


The car is a complete, original survivor with factory original paint. The original upholstery was covered with seat covers that bore 1954 manufacturing tags when we got around to the disassembly at the upholstery phase. We drove the car locally and enjoyed it for four years before the restoration was started.


I'm retiring exactly one year from today - August 2, 2013. My bride will precede me in retirement by two months. When we get there, this Buick is headed for Chicago and coming back west on a long, slow trip down Route 66. I traveled the route as a kid with my folks from Illinois to Los Angeles via Phoenix in 1964 and it is going to be a trip down memory lane.


I have hundreds of photos and videos taken during the disassembly of this vehicle. Some I will share here to compare the original with the restored. If anyone out there is working on a similar car and you need any reference photos, let me know.


Dan

[49_buick_super]

Here's a few photos taken before the start. The paint is what you would expect for a car of its age. I don't know the history of the car but I suspect it was garaged for a good portion of its life. The engine appears to be a late-series 248 c.i. A few dents on the rear. Those on the bumper were probably inflicted by an old-style clamp-on bumper trailer hitch.

All of the big chrome pieces have been re-plated and are in storage waiting to be installed on the car after body work and paint. I have a few small pieces left that I'll have re-plated while the shop work is being completed.

[shadetree77]

Nice Car! Looks like she was in great, original condition. Good start for a rebuild. I love the 49's. Thanks for taking the time to share and keep us updated on the rebuild!

[49_buick_super]

Thanks, Robert.

Here's a couple of pictures of my Chief Assistant and Tool Minder - Barkley - on the job.

[retirednow]

Nice car-nice cat! Had an identical DSH for 11 yrs. Right down to the white spot on the chest! Man I miss that little guy!-Dave BCA#46470 1952 56C

[Rob McDonald]

I've sung it before and I'll sing it again - I need a Buick fine from '49.

[shadetree77]

Dan, here's a picture of my Chief Assistant on the job.

[buick5563]

We should start a new thread in General on shop assistants.

[49_buick_super]

Rob, I love this car. There is just something about that big, toothy grin. I remember it from my very young childhood as "the car that smiles."

I've sung it before and I'll sing it again - I need a Buick fine from '49.

[49_buick_super]

Some of the restoration work that has been going. These are before and after photos of the generator. Excellent quality rebuild by Glenn Cheaney at Ace Wichita Alternator and Starter.

Dan

[49_buick_super]

Before and after photos of the carburetor. Carter 663S. Work was done by Hal Houghton at Classic Preservation.

Dan

[Smartin]

Very nice pieces...thanks for posting!

I don't ever recall seeing a generator with that stainless band around the back portion of it...is that normal for this vintage of generator?

[49_buick_super]

That band covers the access area for the brushes, and yes, surprisingly under all that grime, the band is stainless. This generator is OEM for this vehicle.

Cheers,
Dan

Very nice pieces...thanks for posting!

I don't ever recall seeing a generator with that stainless band around the back portion of it...is that normal for this vintage of generator?

[49_buick_super]

New springs for the 49 Super arrived today. I ordered from Kanter. Shoddy finish, but ok, whatever, I can fix that. I was interested in the box because of some other posts I've read about Kanter Springs. These are shipped from Easton Detroit Spring and are labeled as "Made in U.S.A." Looked at their web site and they claim to have been in business since 1937. It took about two weeks for the springs to get here. A Kanter sales rep called me after I ordered to tell me they ordered them from the factory on customer orders. Free shipping.

http://www.eatonsprings.com

Dan

[chevy_dude97]

I love the car, totally jealous of the chrome !

[49_buick_super]

I love the car, totally jealous of the chrome !

Wait until you see it put back together again. All that chrome as been replated and it looks fantastic. In these post-war years, the copper plating process was often skipped on factory parts - just nickel and chrome. That was the case on all the chrome on this car. These replated parts have been done right and the finish looks deep.

Dan

[chevy_dude97]

Wait until you see it put back together again. All that chrome as been replated and it looks fantastic. In these post-war years, the copper plating process was often skipped on factory parts - just nickel and chrome. That was the case on all the chrome on this car. These replated parts have been done right and the finish looks deep.

Dan

Who did you send your chome to? There is no one on the Island that does chome here any more.

[49_buick_super]

Who did you send your chome to? There is no one on the Island that does chome here any more.

Royal Plating in Tucson.

[Amanda p]

Just starting restoration of 1949 4dr Buick (think its a super), will know for sure later today when its delivered. Was interested in your offer of pictures of restoration project so I would know what is to come. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Amanda

[49_buick_super]

I have accumulated photos and videos of all aspects of the disassembly of my 49. If you can take it apart, I probably have photos and/or a video that documents how I did it or fumbled through it. Certainly way too many to post here but if you will send me your email address in a PM, we can correspond when you need something.

Just picked up my air cleaner from the powder coater and it sure looks nice. I'll post a few pictures later tonight.

I also just replaced my exhaust manifold with a reproduction that I received yesterday. I must say that I am very impressed with the quality of this new batch of repros from Bob's that are made in the US. I'm also going to post some photos and comments about this with some comparative photos of the OEM exhaust manifold along side the modern reproduction.

You are about to start on a fascinating and fun project. I've been working on mine for several years now and things are starting to come together. I think the only advice I would offer is this: If you get frustrated with something that isn't working out, then just put it down and walk away. Come back later with a fresh look and refreshed attitude. Don't force anything. Penetrating oil, patience and heat are your best tools on rusty fasteners - especially on the stainless trim.

Dan

Just starting restoration of 1949 4dr Buick (think its a super), will know for sure later today when its delivered. Was interested in your offer of pictures of restoration project so I would know what is to come. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Amanda

[49_buick_super]

Got my air cleaner back from the powder coater today and it looks very good. I'm very satisfied with the results. The original OEM paint was affected by fluids over the years and was badly blemished when I first got the car. This finish should be durable.



Dan

[jackofalltrades70]

Dan,
Very nice. I can always appreciate someone restoring a 47,48,49 Buick. I fell in love with them and love their buickful smile! Matt

[49_buick_super]

Matt, The '49 Buick-ful "smile" was one of my first childhood memories of cars of the day!

Dan

[49_buick_super]

REPRODUCTION EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST VALVE BODY

I decided to go with a reproduction exhaust manifold and valve body from Bob's due to a small crack in the original exhaust manifold and valve body. I received it yesterday and I am impressed. I've attached a few photos to compare the OEM with reproduction.

The images mostly speak for themselves. Look at the machined surfaces that accept the plate retainers on the studs. The reproduction manifold has a cleaner and more distinct surface area. The exhaust valve body is correct in all respects except that it is missing the valve plate. Bob's reports it has been omitted as a performance hinderance and something that was notorious for sticking closed and causing issues. (I'm not well enough informed to have an opinion at this point.) The casting seams have all been dressed by a grinder on the reproduction manifold but are present in all their ugly glory on the OEM manifold.

The small discolorations you see on the OEM manifold are rust blushes. I had them blasted but did not paint them when I realized I was going to buy the reproduction parts.

I've looked the reproduction pieces over very carefully and unless there is something that I cannot detect at the metallurgy level, I can't see why these will not work as well or better than OEM. Bob's reports this new production run are manufactured here in the US now and are not Taiwanese knockoffs.

Weights

OEM manifold - 14 lbs 8 ozs
Reproduction manifold - 16 lbs 6.5 ozs

OEM exhaust valve body - 4 lbs 4.5 ozs
Reproduction exhaust valve body - 4 lbs 15 ozs




Dan

[49_buick_super]

STARTER

Pictures of the starter- beautiful rebuild and restoration by Glen Cheaney.



Dan