1957 Buick Station Wagon

[Long Roof]

Good to see another wagon will be back on the road. Enjoy the journey.

[NickySixx]

Thanks! Anyone have an ID chart for the body plate codes. Kinda curious to see what I have! Either that or I'll have to wait till work tomorrow. So impatient and excited

[1957buickjim]

Sure do. Let me know what your plate says and I can help decode it. Just by seeing the pictures, Your car is a 1957 Buick Model 49, Estate Wagon. Body is a 4481 and that should be on the cowl plate. The Paint code, if the car is original (and it looks like it) should be CM (Dover White over Seminole Red ); your trim code (interior) is most likely one of these:405 (Red and Ivory Cordaveen); 435 (Black and Ivory Cordaveen); 465 (Tan and Beige Cordaveen) or 475 (Grey Cloth and Ivory Cordaveen).

[NickySixx]

Hit the nail on the head. It's a model 49, paint code cm (white and red) and trim code is 405. Any suggestions on replacement interior?

[1957buickjim]

My suggestions would be to try either Largest Selection of Cloth, Vinyl & Leather Automobile Upholstery - SMS Auto Fabrics or Original Auto Interiors Inc.|Leading supplier for N.O.S. factory original seat upholstery, cloth and vinyl yardage, headliners and vinyl top yardage.. Both places should have the material needed to redo your interior. Unfortunately, there are no kits available, so you will have to have an automotive interior shop sew it for you. My best luck has been with Original Auto Interiors. They are local to me, and closer to you. There service is pretty quick, especially with samples, and materials. They should have what you need, including the headliner material. Also, you may want to check out a thread that I have started in this forum, How to do a frame on restoration?. Might give you some help in what you are about to tackle. Good luck and nice ride!!

[NickySixx]

New picture's!!! It's finally home!! Thanks to a buddy taking me with his trailer and winch!

[Rob McDonald]

What a great old car! Even with half of its paint weathered away, this Buick boasts what made American cars the top of the heap after WWII. Have a great time fixing 'er up, you two.

That's a beautiful shop in the woods, by the way, with house attached.

[Killerbunny]

Interesting project man..Looking forward too see pic. of you progress...

[jackofalltrades70]

Nick,
Having it home is your first challenge! And look, you've already whipped it! Now, onward and forward. Looks great! Say hi to your father from us! Can't wait to meet. Matt

[NickySixx]

Thanks Matt! And everyone else too! I appreciate the support! Is there Any way to tell what production # the car was? I found out it was manufactured in Kansas city.

[avgwarhawk]

Great project! Looking forward to triumphs and hurdles on the old girls restoration.

[NickySixx]

Spoke to my dad today he already started tearing into it! (I'm not even there lol!) he started PB blasting all the hinges getting them loose for me. Here's some more pictures

[NickySixx]

Cars actual mileage 52000! Picked up some mystery oil time to start breaking stuff loose.

[1957buickjim]

Nicky..the production number of your car is 16922. Got that from your VIN plate on the door. Looking good. PM me if you are looking for some parts. I have some. Thanks.

[NickySixx]

Thanks Jim, But how do I tell what number it is out of the station wagons that where made? Just wondering out of curiousity. Also I did PM you about the parts!

Nick

[NickySixx]

The buick front end coming off! Car looks like its about to take off!

[jackofalltrades70]

Looking good Nick. Thanks for the help also. Matt

[old-tank]

The buick front end coming off! Car looks like its about to take off!

Neat car and a very neat and artistic shot with the rays and rainbow effect!

[NickySixx]

Finally!!! Put some work into it! Spent the full day with my dad brother and even the girlfriend came out! Interior is out! Motors coming apart. We all kinda did our own thing all day. More soon!

[Rob McDonald]

Great to see some action there! The floor looks pretty typical - lots of cutting and patching ahead of you. Let's hope the rot doesn't extend up the door posts. Looks like the engine was always closed up, so you shouldn't have much trouble pulling that apart.

The interior seems to be complete. Although everything inside will need replacing, you've got good patterns to work with. Here are samples of the original materials, if you plan to go that route. Your car appears to have that bone white and odd orangey-pink upholstery, a colour that was quite common in '57 Buicks. I've never seen it in any other car, though.

Does the passenger side front seat trim on your car have a badge from Ionia Manufacturing? They built Buick and Oldsmobile station wagon bodies for many years, from the 1930s up until about 1964. That makes these wagons pretty unique, I think - last of the "coachbuilt" cars!

[NickySixx]

It does say Ionia Body on the front passanger side of the seat. The interior is still okay enough to use as samples to have them remade which is what im doing, I'm salvaging all the interior as much as possible I also have perfect samples from the headliner.. all in contact.

[Topper1961]

Hi Nick!
Great story and a nice purchase, but first of all I hope your dad will recover and that this restoration will be a great adventures for all of you. The 57 Buick owners and the overall members at AACA forum is realy great. I have had so much help and joy (and still has) being an AACA member that you would not belive it.
I will follow your project with great interest and support. I can already see that you are supported by the right guys.

It is also a huge step forward to have someone from KANTER in the group, be prepare to help us out................

Welcome to the exclusive ownership of a 57 Buick!

When better cars are built, Buick will build theme!

Joern

1957 Buick Century Model 63 & 66R

[NickySixx]

Hi Guys,

Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I haven't done much work but I will be going to work on the Buick this weekend. I'll be in touch and hopefully it's warm enough to get something done. I'm going to start disassembling everything soon and getting everything packed up for winter. It's getting cold and getting cold fast!

Thanks
Nick

[jackofalltrades70]

Nick,
Are you going to make it to Hershey? If so, maybe we'll see each other. Matt

[NickySixx]

I believe me and my dad are trying to go to Hershey, what dates are you going? I may only go for the day.