Information Please:

[m_kent]

Hi this is my first post. My name is Mike Kent in Reserve, NM. The first part of November I bought two 1939 Model 46 cars and an engine with transmition. These are the cars that was on ebay. The #1 car has no doors, fenders, trunk lid or hood. The only number is on the frame 13519379. The second car is almost complete, some small parts missing, by floor is rusted through in places. It has all the numbers.
Style No. 39-4427B
Body No. 394B
Trim No. 701
Paint No. 530
Engine No 4367956
Frame No. 13471739 (short frame no modifications)

The third engine number is 43841602.

The frame in the #1 car is a long frame, but it does not have lever arm shocks, but tube shocks mounted behind the springs.

I plan on restoring the #1 car.

Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks.

[danhar1960]

Welcome to the wonderful world of '39s.
There is plenty of experience here you can draw upon.
You might try searching "39 Buick" as there is a bit of info here already.
The rear shocks aren't correct but that problem shouldn't be too hard to fix.
How about a few pics

Danny

[Grant Magrath]

Yes pictures!
38's had the tube style shocks and a long frame. Uh oh! Any help you need is only a post away.
Cheers
Grant

[1939_buick]

As Danny said
Welcome to the wonderful world of '39s.
They have many unique parts ( and problems )

[m_kent]

I will upload pic when I get it figured out.
I have only found three unique things so far carter start switch, electric fuel pump and the norol option.
Has anyone delt with the norol?

Mike

[1939_buick]

I will upload pic when I get it figured out.

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[1939_buick]

I have only found three unique things so far carter start switch, electric fuel pump and the norol option.
Has anyone delt with the norol?

Mike

Carter start switch from the accelerator is common to many Buick's Not sure when they started & stopped that feature
Your car should have a vaccum fuel pump. If is electric someone has added
Was norol an option in 1939 ?

When you try to find parts, that is when you find out about the 1939 year only parts.

[danhar1960]

I think the "unique" reference by Al was to things like the infamous short chassis, two piece torque tube, A-frame bushings are rubber, gear selection by cable not rod, problematic grills...etc. Things that only '39s have.
The Carter start switch was standard on all models for quite a few years. (those with Carter carbs of coarse, Stromberg had a similar thing)
The electric fuel pumps are not standard and are a recent addition to deal with vapour lock problems that come with using modern day fuels. Also handy for priming the fuel system to save a lot of unnecessary cranking.
NoRol was an option not only on Buick but a few other models as well. I have never seen or used one so I can't comment other than to say it seems like a good idea for someone that has a problem dealing with hill starts.
Danny

[1939_buick]

Things that only '39s have (especially series 40 & 60).
Ttransmission that has many 1939 year only parts, 1939 year only diff, small & large wiper transmissions, 1939 S40 year only intake manifold (no stud at no 8) and the list goes on !

In addition Buick made made changes in production: grilles, wipers, size of some rods on transmission (but still with that streching cable)

[DaveCorbin]

Dear Mike:
Here's some specific info:
1) 1 3,519,379 is a car built at Flint in early March of 1939. The 1 is the plant code for Flint and the balance is the actual number.
2) The second car is 1 3,471,739. It's an early Jan. 1939 car, also at Flint. The engine number is 4 (Engine for a Special) 3,679,56X (You have a digit missing) and would also be from Jan. 1939 and should be the original engine to this car. Trim code 701 is Taupe Mohair and Paint code 530 is Carlsbad Black.
3) Engine 4 (Special) 3,841,602 is a 1940 engine for a Special and was built in Oct.1939.
I hope this helps. Let me add a welcome to the wonderful (and sometimes strange) world of Buick.
Regards, Dave Corbin

[Grant Magrath]

That Norol thing was an option on 39 Chevies, so it makes sense that Buick would have had them. Is there a catalogue of Buick options for that year? I've seen virtually all of the Chev stuff. Hmmmm.
Cheers
Grant

[danhar1960]

I've read through the Buick Magazines for '39 and they list the usual suspects... Radio, Heater, Fog lights, Clocks, Seat covers, Exhaust pipe ends, Grill bug screens. The distinction between "option" and "accessory" is a bit vague. I think the spoked steering wheel was an option on some Specials but those and clocks where Std on Holden bodied Buicks. It was also Std here in Aus to have the shocks from the 8/90s on the rear of the Specials and Centurys.
Danny

[m_kent]

I'll see if I got this right.

[Barney Eaton]

Through the Buick Heritage Alliance, I was able to get a reprint (copy) of the 1939 Buick Accessories Facts Book.
It list the accessories, part numbers, and prices.
A radio (#989598) was $63. Folding rear center bumper guard was $2.95
Fog lamps were $10 (not installed)
No-Rol is listed as part no #980601 for 1939 40-60 models @ $8.00, #980602 for 80-90 models was $11.00

A second publication "1939 Buick Prices, Colors, Equipment, Accessories, Terms" list things like factory installed options, example, special paint $40.00 Sunshine turret top for Models 41, 48, and 61 was $37.50

I found it interesting that "Stream-Boards" for 40 and 60 series were available at no extra cost.

[Grant Magrath]

I've read through the Buick Magazines for '39 and they list the usual suspects... Radio, Heater, Fog lights, Clocks, Seat covers, Exhaust pipe ends, Grill bug screens. The distinction between "option" and "accessory" is a bit vague. I think the spoked steering wheel was an option on some Specials but those and clocks where Std on Holden bodied Buicks. It was also Std here in Aus to have the shocks from the 8/90s on the rear of the Specials and Centurys.
Danny

Funny you should say that. Seems to be quite common for GM to make changes to suit the local markets. In NZ, 39 Chevies had double acting rear shocks on all models, rather than single acting on the Master 85's. We had a percentage that had to be local content as well.
Cheers
Grant

[1939_buick]

It was also Std here in Aus to have the shocks from the 8/90s on the rear of the Specials and Centurys.
Danny

Same in NZ: the 80/90 shocks are fitted on series 40

[danhar1960]

It looks like you have a good start to a great beasty there Mike. I prefer the clean looks of the car with no sidemounts. Can't say I like them all that much on any model, least of all '39s.
If you have questions, just fire away. Good luck with it all.
We had a min content level too Grant. Mostly body and bumper stuff. I got sucked in a few years ago and found a brand new smick-mick lockable door handle (with keys) for my '38 only to find that Holden handles whilst looking the same are physically larger. (Yanks must have little hands )
Danny

[1939_buick]

web sites
PreWarBuick.com the largest vintage Buick gallery on the web
1939 Special Business Coupe [good images (not mine) Grant found this site]
http://www.bobsautomobilia.com/

Worth checking what dif ratio you have. Unbolt the cover and count teeth.
There is a high speed option: you may be lucky (99% of us are not !)

[trp3141592]

Hi,

I had a 50 Studebaker Champion that was fitted with what Studie called a "Hill-Holder." I assume it's the same as a "Norol" on your Buick.

It was useful, but I had to get used to an unexpected condition that when backing out of my driveway, slightly downhill, the brakes did not release when I let up on the brake pedal--they got released when I partially let up the clutch pedal. The effect was like I had hooked onto a drag sled or a sea anchor when I was backing out.

I got used to the device, but I decided it wasn't really that beneficial, so I took it off and put the parts in a jar somewhere. After all, you never know when you'll buy another 1950 Studie Champ...

Best wishes with your restoration!

--Tom

[m_kent]

Thanks for all the input, been busy tearing down the engine. Interesting, seven rods with inserts, one babbitted. All inserts and mains standard, No. 3 piston frozen. All pistons standard. Only engine paint is green (38).
Thanks again for info. Everyone have a Happy Holiday!
Mike

[Glassesguy]

Mike: I have Buick Service Bulletins from the late Forties when Buick introduced the insert rod bearings. Buick really emphasized how it was not necessary to replace all the rods in an engine with insert rods if only one babbited rod was bad. Buick encouraged the mechanic the just replace the one bad rod with a new insert rod and this should not affect the engine balance etc.; so your discovery in your engine should not be considered unusual. I suppose every mechanic had his own opinion on this; but I'm simply passing along what the manufacturer had to say.

[1939_buick]

Worth checking what dif ratio you have. Unbolt the cover and count teeth.
There is a high speed option: you may be lucky (99% of us are not !)

In a PM Mike told me he has one diff with 39 teeth
Hi speed ratio 39 & 10 teeth (3.90)
Std speed ratio 40 & 9 teeth (4.44)

3.9 ratio was standard on 1939 series 60 and optionial on 1939 series 40

[39BuickEight]

IS there any information on whether pinstriped wheels were indeed an option in 1939? Mine seems to have had them.

[m_kent]

IS there any information on whether pinstriped wheels were indeed an option in 1939? Mine seems to have had them.

Someone else will have to answer that, but all five on mine have pinstripes.

[1939_buick]

IS there any information on whether pinstriped wheels were indeed an option in 1939? Mine seems to have had them.

My understanding is pin stripes were standard. Look in the BCA judging manual. Think they have the colors listed