BillMadden Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 In 1956 I purchased a 1953 Buick Super convertible. This car was Osage Cream with red leather interior, black top, and Selectronic radio with the foot switch on the floor. This was the car that brought me to the San Diego area in December of 1956.In May, 2006, while dreaming of a 1953 Skylark, and browsing eBay, I discovered a 1953 Buick Super convertible for sale. This was a one family owned car that had been driven by the father, passed down to his son, and ultimately kept in a car museum near Johnstown, PA. There was a major event that affected the condition of this car. Due to more than usual snowfall, the roof of the museum had collapsed onto about 60 cars including the Buick. The owner had become disenchanted with trying to get it restored and decided to sell it. Since the ad for the car featured only one picture of it before the accident, and they referred to it as a possible 'parts car', no one bid on it. After considerable investigation I decided to purchase it. When it arrived in Alpine I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be a very complete and restorable car.Although I had restored a couple vintage Corvettes, I really had no idea what I was getting in to. The car had never been fully restored. It had received new paint at one time but otherwise simply maintained. And with the snow having melted in and on the car from the cave in, there was considerable surface rust everywhere. "Surface rust but NO rust through".The project has sort of 'evolved'. As I disassembled and restored each part I began to envision a higher and higher quality of end result. And as more money is invested, more is demanded. Anyway, now I am in the reassembly phase and really having even more fun than I had during the early stages.Here are some pictures of my unfinished (2008) 1953 Buick Super 8, Osage Cream with red leather, convertible..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Bill, It's looking great!!! As I have told you before, I useed to see this car at the Clearfield, PA AACA Chapters car show each year, circa 1981 and up until it's sad demise. I loved this car. One year my 53 Super (not mine yet then) and it sat side by side at that show. I am so happy to see it being brought back to life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liliana Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 Hey Dad, the Buick is looking awesome. You rock! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 You are so lucky to have this convertible. It is really coming out beautiful. I loved the pictures without the rear fender though. How nice is that to be able to put it together like that.Good luck, and please update the pics as you go along. That is so much fun to watch.JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 53Nailhead Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Very, Very Nice, Bill. As always a pleasure talking with you. After seeing your work I'm thinking I'm going to have to start some serious work to get mine 'up to par'Les Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex ligotti Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 spectacular for me !!! the buick of this year is magic!!!53NAILHEAD DO YOU HAVE 53???BUICK??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted May 2, 2008 Author Share Posted May 2, 2008 Adding a photo of dash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted June 8, 2008 Author Share Posted June 8, 2008 A little more progress....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 I am always in awe of your progress and how neatly you do the work. Hope to see meet you and see the car in person someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted June 8, 2008 Author Share Posted June 8, 2008 Lamar, you sweet-talker you. You really know how to give a guy a boost. Thanks alot!Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serb Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 Bill,Everytime you post the pictures of your progress I want one just like it! Keep up the great work.Stevo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted June 22, 2008 Author Share Posted June 22, 2008 Dash back in car. Can hardly wait to hook up all those wires!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 After a summer of congestive heart failure I am just now getting back to the Buick!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 Whew! Hot hot hot!!! That is looking so good. And glad to hear you're feeling better too. Planning to take it to Colorado next summer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 Lovin that chromed out Nailhead. Glad to see you jumped back on with both feet it looks like. I knew you would. Keep up the good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 Bill,Great progress photos!! It makes people like me have a goal to work toward.Question: Where did you get the material/piece that attaches directly onto the interior side of the firewall? It's like a thick fabric type material...I have no idea what it is called, or where to find a new one. I need to get one for my 58. (eventually) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted October 21, 2008 Author Share Posted October 21, 2008 Adam,They are called 'firewall insulators'. I purchased mine at:http://www.quietride.com/firewalls.htmlYou can expect something over $200.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gomuncy Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Hello Bill, I am delighted to see your restoration of the 53 buick. My first car was a 53 Buick Super convertible, in 1959 I was 16 years old, and the Buick Super convertible was the color you are painting your Buick, Cream with Red leather seats.It brings back many memories.!Your quality of work is astounding, Please stay healthy and finish your beautyful car, Thanks for the memories.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Bill, just lookin at that buickful engine again. Every once in awhile on eBay there will be aluminum thermostat covers. Though meant to be painted, they look pretty good when highly polished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted January 26, 2009 Author Share Posted January 26, 2009 Still feel poorly, but have made progress, with the help of my buddies Tim Brown and Dick Ponce. Hoping it won't be long before the 'new engine/tranny' are tested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 53Nailhead Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Bill, Thanks for the "53 Buick Fix". I've said it before, that's a Real Beauty! Makes me happy just looking at her!! Another 7" of the white stuff tomorrow in Ottawa, gonna be awhile before I get mine out of storage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted April 11, 2009 Author Share Posted April 11, 2009 Here is a later pix, still on lift and engine not fired up yet, but a little more progress..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Ohhhh yeaaaaaaa, been wonderin how that beauty is coming along. Look at them spokes!!!!!!!!!!!!Lookin good Bill!!! thanks for the update Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53buickconvert Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 I just got my 53 Buick Roadmaster Convertible home. It needs a complete restoration but its all there and has very little rust. It has 4 ports on the side rather than 3 like the pics above. I am new to the Buick line, have done Pontiac and old trucks in the past. Looking forward to this new project. Hope it turns out as well as the one above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serb Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Welcome to the forum, start posting pictures because we all like to drool a bit as cars take shape and end up looking better than when they were produced.Stevo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 (edited) This car is now very close to going to the Interior shop for installation of all soft parts. I have trouble believing it.... and its happening only with the help of my friends Dick Ponce and Tim Brown, neighbors and relatives. Edited July 27, 2009 by Madden Add later pix (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 That's a nice garage making it more enjoyable to go into for restoration work.I have never had the support of friends in my restoration work - nor have I had friends that needed my help in restoring their cars. It was always my hope in this hobby to get those "buds" so we could restore 2-3 cars and drink beers and spend time in the garage. I hope you can bring this car to Iowa next year for the Nationals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53BuickSuperConv Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 Bill, great talking to you tonight. Your car is looking spectacular!!! Can't wait to start on mine some day. I'll send you some pics of the other cars I told you about.Barry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53buickconvert Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 Your car looks great! I am just starting the restoration on mine. I have a question maybe you can answer. I am attempting to remove the rear fenders and cannot get access to some of the bolts on the top side. How did you get the ones on yours off?. Also, how did you restore the checkerboard like finish on the dash? Thanks, Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 Your car looks great! I am just starting the restoration on mine. I have a question maybe you can answer. I am attempting to remove the rear fenders and cannot get access to some of the bolts on the top side. How did you get the ones on yours off?. Also, how did you restore the checkerboard like finish on the dash? Thanks, TimIf you remember, I have a lift......, and long arms. And the covering for the dash is a vinyl sheeting called Dy-Nox, which can be purchased and applied. There is usally an ad in Hemmings for this material.Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53buickconvert Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Thanks for the info., at this point in the restoration I have alot of questions. Tim:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53buickconvert Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Thanks, once again I did not look deep enough before asking the question. I did get the fenders off.Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 (edited) Another milestone!! This is a running Buick again. Still awaiting new interior, but not obvious in these new pixs. Very few issues left other than interior.Bill Edited September 19, 2009 by Madden Add pixs (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53buickconvert Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Hey, that car is beautiful! Nice job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 53Nailhead Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 She's a real Beauty........remind me not to park beside ya! LOLLes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RAFA Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 CONGRATS BROTHER ON THE BUILD :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Riviera Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Hi Bill , Where is the picture of me working on your car ? LOL You should post a picture of your Corvetts as well - I am sure the guys/gals would like to see them .One of my ole partners in the patrol car was driving his Corvette at age 87 = Owning and driving one of those things just keeps you young at any age ! You have Two ! Keep up the good work my friend and dont hesitate to call if you need help with the car again ! I must say however that your ole story of " My wife is going to help me remove the transmission " to suck me in is getting old ! LOL Take care Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 53Nailhead Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Keep up the good work my friend and dont hesitate to call if you need help with the car again ! I must say however that your ole story of " My wife is going to help me remove the transmission " to suck me in is getting old ! LOL Take care:eek: WHAT???!!! Doesn't everybody's wives help pull transmissions? Sure they do!!! That's our story and we need to stick to it, OK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillMadden Posted January 21, 2010 Author Share Posted January 21, 2010 (edited) Finally back from upholstery. Please view the final product!! Don't have pix with top up yet.....Bill:) Edited January 21, 2010 by Madden Add pixs (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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