Blackout

Tried that. I haven't had a chance to go back out to the car, maybe it just needs more time to soak.

Hi Keith: Yeah, I found the clips and removed them but the shaft splines are frozen inside the handle. Not sure how to unfreeze them without damaging the shafts but will purchase new window/door mechanisms if I need to.

I decided to move on to the interior--a dreaded task! I thought I "vacuumed" pretty thoroughly until I took out the seats and found 5lbs of shredded newspaper and other rat debris! Despite some significant challenges working around frozen door/window handles, I was carefully able to remove most interior items without much fuss other than the constant plume of disintegrating fabric, rust and dust. I tried my best to salvage the patterns and oiled up the metal trim elements that are faux wood-grained. Now I can truly assess the degree of sheet metal work on the floors and other structural elements . Anyone have any tips for removing the door/window handles? I'm pretty sure the plastic covered handles were unique to 1942 but all of them are quite degraded. Some cool discoveries, such as the 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny in the ashtray, the "Body by Fisher" stamp, and an interesting wood window guide thingy. Forgot this car came with a heater under the passenger seat.

Yep, wiring and sheet metal are on my short list; brakes are ok for now. Just needed a simple, immediate-result project! I like the sedanettes from 42-50 and 49 is a particular favorite. Interesting note, I just learned that 1942 was really the first year where most of the design elements were modeled from the Buick Y-job, the first "concept" car. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Y-Job

Yes, that it has--possibly a metaphor for my own. Thanks, I forgot about Bob's!

Over the past couple weekends I decided to experiment with some oven cleaner and wax. Now, I know the reaction most people probably have, but I've already committed to taking down to bare metal once I have the available funds; I just wanted to see what was under the horrendous layer of goopy primer covering the entire car and to see if there was any hope in bringing out some sort of patina prior to full tear down. I found at least 6 different colors on the car (original brown base and metallic maroon; some salmon color, red and blueish grey paint, and a nasty top layer of brown primer covering just about every exposed surface including rusted panels. Also, I found beauty rings and the 42's center caps. Any idea where I can find correct center cap clips?

I'm looking for a good metal guy, could you provide contact info?

First time she's moved under her own power since ~1994 (and the first time I've ever driven her). Proud moment! buick moving.mp4

Got her back together and purring again. To think the refurbished intake/exhaust manifold and rebuilt carb are probably worth more than the entire car. Labor of love!

Ok, so I have the new center section, now how do I couple it all together?! The new piece is quite a bit beefier than the stock piece but everything seems to line up ok. The female ends are slightly smaller than the male ends on the other two manifolds.

Another update... The radiator is rebuilt with new hoses and thermostat. I fixed the fuel delivery issue by rebuilding the carb and fixing my own mistake of failing to reattach the fuel pump diaphragm plunger upon inspection. The following video shows the new carb in place with fuel delivery for the first time since the 1990s. The choke heat thermostat tube is broken and I'm sure I need to dial in the timing, but I have her down to an ok idle for now. That is until the exhaust manifold broke... Does anyone know where I can find a replacement center section/collector piece for a 1942 Buick 320 with a single carb? The other side of the collector is also broken and held together with a hose clamp--is the part weldable/salvageable? buick new carb start.mp4

How about an update? I finally took the car to a local shop that diagnosed some poor timing and other electrical-related issues (sitting for how long? 20+). A little squirt of fuel and she fired right up! Good compression and oil pressure. Hope to get the fuel system, electrical, and cooling addressed by winter. 1942_Buick_Start_160909.mp4

Ok, so I have an update...granted it's been almost a year since my last. Upon doing ample research on the ownership history of the car, I have yet to figure out exactly if/how it ended up as an "officer's" vehicle at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In addition, despite being the only known 76S blackout car known to still exist, I realize the car will never really be worth anything beside a unique symbol of American history. As such, I'm struggling with a variety of issues: 1. I have zero time to develop and improve the skills necessary to restore this car to its former glory. 2. The money I have saved and/or have access to will by no means fund an adequate restoration. 3. I could afford a hack job, at best, but do not want to compromise the integrity of the car should it be restored at a later date. 4. Maybe there's someone out there who would continue what I started with a love for this vehicle like I have. 5. I just want to drive it! Alas, it saddens me to even consider getting rid of Alice, but she just sits in my garage and by the time I can do anything with it, those who can appreciate the vehicle and its symbolism may not even be around anymore. This is a tough realization that has plagued me since buying the car and while my intentions have been appropriate, after 3+ years reality it's finally sinking in. The last thing I want is to see this car leave the country, let alone California or even a 100 mile radius of Mare Island. The unconfirmed history of this car is like none I've ever known and it should probably be in a museum. Anyway, that is my rant for now. I would love some encouragement, a reality check, or any other feedback from the community.

My hope is to find a donor car; '42, '46 - '48 all work I think. I think there may be some interchangeability with other GM cars, too. I've seen floor panels on Ebay from time to time. Good luck!

HA! It's not...she's still sitting in my garage while I save money. Nice avatar, by the way...Curtiss P-40's are my favorite!