Advice for a new guy - Page 2

1937hd45 · November 4th, 2009

Welcome to the AACA Forum John! That 1940 Buick looks like a good first PreWar car, but take the time to buy the car that looks best to you. You'll have it for a while so make sure you like looking at it, that is my number one rule, price is the next. You DO NOT have to have a SHOW CAR to have fun in AACA, so don't let anyone nit pick your future car. Most parts are out there, and with the internet finding them is a lot easier than 10-15 years ago. Post some photos and keep us updated on the search.

Dandy Dave · November 5th, 2009

Welcome Aboard Matey.

As the others have said, buy what you like. Got Questions Ask away. Lots of knowledge here.

Just be forwarned that some of us on here are not wrapped too tight.

.....

Oh no, here comes the guys with the white coats again.

Gotta go.

Dandy Dave!

Split Guy · November 5th, 2009

Thanks again for all the responses!

I called the guy with the Buick this morning, and it sounds like a good car. He says the only rust is around the windshield and that it runs good/has new brakes. He said the photos are recent but that the camera date was not set, which is somewhat believable I guess. Needs a headliner/seat recovering. He says he has a complete set of replacement guages out of a 40' Buick for it. I'm going to look at it next wednesday. Will take some pics and let you know what I see. Seems like a much better deal than the nash. It will really depend on how bad the rot around the windshield is. I am going to bring some magnets/ramps with me to give the car a real good look over.

Anything else I should look out for on that particular car?

adam_knox · November 5th, 2009

Good luck on the hunt for the car! There's a lot of cool cars from that era. If budget is a concern, the trend usually seems that Mopars (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Desoto) usually go for a bit less than Chevy, Fords, and Buicks. The Nash vehicles I love as well and I think if you keep your eyes peeled you may come across some pretty complete vehicles from the early 40's for a good deal. Have you done a search on craigslist in your region by searching just by the year? Sometimes some good rides will show up. Whatever you end up getting let us know, and welcome to the forum!

Mark Huston · November 5th, 2009

Like others having previously mentioned – only buy what you like – or – gets you excited! If you want to lose interest in a car fast buy a car that does not excite you from the moment you first see it.

Before you go to check out the ’40 Buick, do you homework. Find out everything you can about a ’40 Buick, if you are not already familiar with that year and model. I have been exclusively a 29 Studebaker guy for 34 years. Once I drove 700 miles to check out a 29 Studebaker for sale in another state. I had a roll of cash in my pocket and the car trailer connected to my truck when I arrived to check out the Studebaker that was for sale. I asked all the right questions on the phone in advance and requested pictures before I committed to the 1,400 mile round trip drive to get the car. When I arrived I found a car that was misrepresented, had many incorrect and non original parts, and had previously been in an accident because the frame was bent. The seller had owned the car for over 50 years! He was the one who previously wrecked the car and fixed it up with incorrect parts (including Ford headlights and taillights). My point is this; because I was intimately familiar with 29 Studebakers I knew what was correct and incorrect. I walked away from buying that car and made a point to tell the seller to not misrepresent the car to the next buyer because he might get physical with him. Bottom line; do your homework, be prepared to check out the care thoroughly, if necessary go check out a correctly restored, or original, ’40 Buick that is just like the one you are looking at buying. Better yet, take someone with you who is knowledgeable in ’40 Buicks.

poci1957 · November 5th, 2009

Note on the interior, Hampton Coach seems to shows an interior kit for most 1940 Buicks, so the headliner and seats should be easy to replace. Hampton Coach - Antique Auto Restoration- Chevy 1916-1954, Buick 1927-1955

Split Guy · November 6th, 2009

As I look more at cars of this era and what they are going for in my area, its looking like this Buick is a good deal if it is legit.

When I bought my VW, I brought it home on one of those UHaul car trailers. I'm thinking this car on one of those will be a bit much for my GMC Canyon pickup, which has a capacity of 5000lbs towing, so a dolly is a better option. I'v read its no good to tow dolly a rwd car, but that seems to be only if its an auto. I know I dont want to dolly the car with the back wheels on the dolly. Any input on that?

First Born · November 6th, 2009

HI, Split Guy,
Since I am a Buick man, I am glad to see you leaning toward the Buick. My first Buick was a 1940 in 1953. I would not be afraid to use a tow dolly in this situation. And you are right about towing a RWD automatic, but should be no problem with a standard. I believe I would make sure the diff and tranny have proper lube level and you should be ok. Good luck and keep us informed.

Ben

windjamer · November 6th, 2009

John as outhers have said BUY WHAT YOU LIKE. My step son has bought and sold over twenty five cars in the past five or six years. All of them turn key show ready. If I had the money he has spent on sales tax and license fees I could buy anouther car and pay the tax. At first look they are exactly what he wants. In a week or two well maby. Next I see them on e-bay useualy at a loss. I told his wife to take the check book away. Better yet register it in my name. I promiss he wont sell it.

Good luck and let us know what you get.
BTW, that Buick could make me drool, BUT BUY what YOU like.