Anderson Pearson, My 1941-76C Buick Roadmaster

[41Roadmaster]

The engine block has been cleaned and painted (wow, what a bunch of gunk inside!) and reinstalled on new mounts. The head is off and in the process of being checked and cleaned.

[41Roadmaster]

Here is the restored gas tank after flushing/sealing, sanding, priming and painting. New straps and a new sending unit too.
I considered just buying a new tank (a clean start, you know?), but all the ones I found have a rubber neck between the filler and the tank. I didn't like that so I decided to put the effort into restoring my original...I hope I made the right choice.

[jackofalltrades70]

Of course you made the right choice......by the way, thanks. Did you ever find a rim or rims for your car? I'm still on the lookout. Matt

[41Roadmaster]

Thanks Matt. No, I'm still looking for at least one 15"X5" rim. I have four, but they are in need of some TLC, so I was really hoping to find better ones. I've had some guys with 15" rims contact me, but I need the 3-clip type to stay authentic. I may have to compromise if it doesn't materialize soon.

[buick41]

Hi Anderson,

See you are making progres on the Buick..... did you do a total overhaul on the engine ?? or just a cleanup and "headrenovation ".. It looks very good!
can you imaging .. i am just busy every evening with grinding al the "zamac chrome" part . man o man what a pitting into the metal ..... But the results are very satisfying..

will post some pics next week ...

have a nice weekend!

Paul

[41Roadmaster]

Hi Anderson,

See you are making progres on the Buick..... did you do a total overhaul on the engine ?? or just a cleanup and "headrenovation ".. It looks very good!
can you imaging .. i am just busy every evening with grinding al the "zamac chrome" part . man o man what a pitting into the metal ..... But the results are very satisfying..

will post some pics next week ...

have a nice weekend!

Paul

Hi Paul, glad to see you survived Paris Disney! Hope you and the family had fun.

To answer your question, the engine was removed and steam cleaned. Then the freeze plugs were removed to clean out the core. The head was removed and the valves were checked and cleaned. The timing chain was pretty worn and loose, so that will be something else to replace (the list keeps growing!) Also, unfortunately, both of the exhaust manifolds were cracked. So those will need to be sent off for repair. But the good news is that progress is being made

I hope to have more photos soon. Looking forward to seeing your progress!
Anderson

[Buicknutty]

The tank looks great! I restored mine too, and so far, no issues with the liner that was put in. The tank was more like a sive than an actually tank, so it took a lot of work to fix.
The engine is looking really nice too! Also, in my engine, there was more crud and deposit in the water jackets than I ever imagined.
Keith

[41Roadmaster]

Just made my reservations for the meet next year (now to warm my wife to the idea...hee-hee!)

[buick41]

Hi Anderson

yesterday i pulled out the "dashboard" out of my buick ( the gauge part) original there was original a sort of polished plate used over the steel dash. Mine was damaged and paint over . Do you know if these plates are for sale? .. also took the mile gauge out of it . and ofcourse al the numbers felt from the counter weels . I have an 47 mile gauge also and the mechanic inside is nearly similar than the 41models . So i am doing some interchanging . But i have to get some new numbers for it ...
And does someone has a picture (or an exploded view ) from the vacuum wiper built in . Mine is missing and i want to check some wipers overhere if they might fit..
happy sunday!

paul

[41Roadmaster]

Good morning Paul,

If I understand correctly, I've heard the stainless piece over the steering column called the "saddle" or "collar" (not sure if it has a formal name.) They are available on eBay often. Regarding the odometer wheels (numbers), I had to find an odometer with better numbers and switch them out. I outlined that process in an earlier post on this thread (it wasn't too hard...just took a steady hand and a quiet room...haa!) I don't have access to my car right now to take a photo of the wiper motor (located under the cowl) or the wiper transmissions (chrome towers above the cowl.) Next time I have a chance I'll try to send something to you.

I'd recommend starting a thread for you and your car in "Me and My Buick". I think you will get a broader response, and I think the other members would LOVE to see what you've done with your '40 Plymouth and '44 Dodge (guys- he's redone these cars as WWII army vehicles, very cool.) Judging by those cars, I'm sure your '41 Buick will be a beauty too You may also want to start a thread in the "Buy/Sell" section for the parts you are looking for.

Take care, I hope that helps, and LET"S SEE SOME PICTURES

Hi Anderson

yesterday i pulled out the "dashboard" out of my buick ( the gauge part) original there was original a sort of polished plate used over the steel dash. Mine was damaged and paint over . Do you know if these plates are for sale? .. also took the mile gauge out of it . and ofcourse al the numbers felt from the counter weels . I have an 47 mile gauge also and the mechanic inside is nearly similar than the 41models . So i am doing some interchanging . But i have to get some new numbers for it ...
And does someone has a picture (or an exploded view ) from the vacuum wiper built in . Mine is missing and i want to check some wipers overhere if they might fit..
happy sunday!

paul

[41Roadmaster]

Here are some shots from a few weeks ago when my inlaws came for a visit. Lewis Jenkins was kind enough to give us a tour around the showroom and garages. I think my mother-in-law was really getting into it!


The head is back on and a new timing chain installed. Also my rebuilt speedometer is back in and some of the exterior items are going back on. Is my bowtie straight? ; )

[jackofalltrades70]

Anderson,
Looking very nice! Glad you were able to make a family event out of going to the resto shop! Speedo looks great back in the dash next to the others! Matt

[buick41]

Anderson ,

It looks very very nice . Is it original to paint the dash into the same color as the body ? it looks good and i really love the color. It is great in combination with the chrome .
I have seen some pictures of a 41 coupe that was sprayed two-tone , dark grey on the "bottom" and silver grey on top .. super ....

Paul

[41Roadmaster]

Anderson ,

It looks very very nice . Is it original to paint the dash into the same color as the body ? it looks good and i really love the color. It is great in combination with the chrome .
I have seen some pictures of a 41 coupe that was sprayed two-tone , dark grey on the "bottom" and silver grey on top .. super ....

Paul

Hi Paul,

Thanks, the color is #565-Lancaster Gray Metallic. My research shows that the dashboard surrounding the two instrument panels matched the body color in convertibles, and closed cars recieived a painted woodgrain finish. The one exception seems to be the 90-L with was painted black.

My color charts show the combination you mentioned is: #572-Silver French Gray Metallic (upper) and Lancaster Gray Metallic (lower.) I've seen this combination in person and, your right, it is sharp.

[Glassesguy]

Anderson: You are correct on the instrument panel color and woodgrain finishes. 1940 was the last year open cars used woodgrain finishes on the instrument panel. I was educated on this years ago by "The Old Guy". Nice to see the progress on your car.

[41Roadmaster]

Anderson: You are correct on the instrument panel color and woodgrain finishes. 1940 was the last year open cars used woodgrain finishes on the instrument panel. I was educated on this years ago by "The Old Guy". Nice to see the progress on your car.

Hey thanks Dave. But which "Old Guy" are you talking about? (there are so many! )

[Glassesguy]

"The Old Guy" here on the Forum is Joe Taubitz of the Buicktown Chapter of the BCA. He is also a founding member of the Buick Driving Enthusiasts.

[41Roadmaster]

Both front and rear exhaust manifolds had hairline cracks so I had to send them out to be welded. They are back now and look great (and hopefully they will operate just as well...fingers crossed)

Since I've owned the car, the rear riser valve has always been stuck (in the open position I've discovered.)
So my question is:
1) do I tack the front riser valve open too, and be prepared for a little longer heat-up period (I'm in North Carolina, not extremely cold)
2) do I work the rear riser valve loose so it can operate as designed (for at least awhile hopefully, and if I don't break it, eeek) or
3) leave it the way it is (front operating, rear open)

I'm sure there are some that have been through this very same delimma. What's been the experiences? Thanks for any input!

[buick41]

Hi Anderson,

These manifolds looks familiair .. The ones i have has also cracks (small block ), I am oiling them daily to try to lose the heater riser valves. I am technical more familiar with the flathead six from Dodge but i know that a good working heatervalve saves you fuel , especially when you drive the car in cold periods. The fuel wil get better burned into the cilinders . Some say they let the valve positioned in the half open half middle postion. But you can feel the way your engine runs if the heater valve is correctly open.
But is it worth afterall to risk a damaged manifold when you try to lose the valves ........ (and you just had them welded ) I think not. You know what they cost.. (and its only one that is not functioning ).

So i would let it the way it is .
Have a happy Thanksgiving !
Paul

[First Born]

Anderson, if I understand correctly, only the front carb is working at idle and slower speeds. So if the front valve is working and the back is not, you should be ok.

Ben

[41Roadmaster]

Thanks Ben, yes the front is working, and the rear is stuck open. So I wonder why have a rear heat riser at all?
Just for warm-up prior to high gear speeds?

[Buicknutty]

The rear carb does contribute to the idle. A careful reading of the manual describes the operation. I found out the hard way, when I got my car on the road for the first time earlier this year, and I didn't have fuel flow to the rear carb and it wouldn't idle properly. A previous owner (perhaps back in WW II) had blocked off the rear carb, to save on gas, and I thought that I had it all cleared up the blockages (plus a pro rebuild on both carbs) but I later discovered a small screw jammed in the gas line that leads to the rear carb. It took awhile to figure this out though. Then low and behold, it idled nice!
Both of my heat riser valves are completely rusted solid. I spent a considerable amount of time trying everything I could solvents, heat, etc., to free them up, all to no avail, I am running them in the open position.
Though it gets very could here in Ontario, it is not ever going to be winter driven, and I didn't notice any drivability issues this fall. My babies are both away for the winter now!

[41Roadmaster]

The rear carb does contribute the idle. A careful reading of the manual describes the operation. I found out the hard way, when I got my car on the road for earlier this year, and I didn't have fuel flow to the rear carb and it wouldn't idle properly. A previous owner (perhaps back in WW II) had blocked off the rear carb, to save on gas, and I thought that I had it all cleared up (plus a pro rebuild on both carbs) but I later discovered a small screw jammed in the gas line that leads to the rear carb. It took awhile to figure this out though. Then low and behold, it idled nice!
Both of my heat riser valves are completely rusted solid. I spent a considerable amount of time trying everything I could solvents, heat, etc., to free them up, all to no avail, I am running them in the open position.
Though it gets very could here in Ontario, it is not ever going to be winter driven, and I didn't notice any drivability issues this fall. My babies are both away for the winter now!

Thanks Keith. Sounds like I need to dust off the manual!

[First Born]

I stand corrected.

Ben

[41Roadmaster]

I stand corrected.

Ben

Ben, that should be MY motto!
Is that you in the front seat,or the back seat? (or behind the camera???)