ME & MY === 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick and……..

[JohnD1956]

2 hours ago, dei said:

"Hey, I might have had the Special before I met you but clearly by posting your retirement, you are every bit as important as the car". 

 

Wow!  That's a brave statement!   

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

2 hours ago, JohnD1956 said:

 

Wow!  That's a brave statement!   

 

 Or foolhardy! 

 

  Ben

[dei]

I guess it could be interpreted a bit as a brave statement looking back but... we have it under control and all good after 38 years of marriage! ?

 

Spent the day on the Special getting ready to put the gas tank back on.

Set her up to wire wheel the trunk floor before painting it with POR15.

 

 

 

Not bad for 60 years use and periodic storage.

 

While putting on the first coat of paint don't I hear thunder off in the distance...

 

Got out from under the car and moved her inside just in time!

 

After Sundays coffee will be touching up the missed spots and putting things back together.

[dei]

Delayed this morning due to rain till about 10:30 but after a third coffee headed over to continue the tank install.

First order of business was to wire wheel the bolts holding the float in the tank. Not a big job but wanted to clear coat them afterwards to reduce any rust issues in the future.

Then... looking at the mounting figured the gasket holes were equally spaced but no, had to flip it and rotate it till things lined up without bulging the gasket while tightening.

 

Decided it was time for lunch and sat in the truck with the air going after grabbing some soup and a sandwich. Then the fun began.

Thought I could handle the install myself as my son was busy doing rear brakes at home for his girlfriend on her Infinity. That job for him was another story...

Had lots of cardboard on the ground to slide around on and not scratch up the tank but...

The "J" bolts he ordered for me were barely long enough to allow the straps to get on and start the nuts.

With the aide of a floor jack, some wood and a small bottle jack FINALLY got the nuts to start but checking the metal fill spout, it was off centre and low. 

Naturally backing off one of the nuts to readjust the tank doesn't it come off so here I go again!

That was a fun moment!!

I heard kids voices out in the pool next door so had to restrain myself!?

 

By now the heat has risen and the humidity is up but Finally got it all together.

 

 

Looking at for the clips where the rubber fuel goes, it wasn't clear to me so topped up the temporary cans, cleaned up the tools and cardboard and headed home after putting the top down to find my boy was just finishing his brake job. Told me to go inside and cool off a bit as he was going to deliver her car and get a ride back, then he would help get the fuel line on.

 

To be continued...

Edited September 2, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

So it is just about 11 pm and wow, what a long day...

 

As promised my son came back after delivering his girlfriends car and after jacking the Special up on one side crawled under to feed the fuel line through the body brackets and attach it in the frame clips before connecting the gas tank and the fuel pump. 

 

 

There was one clip the I had to rob from the Limited as it had rusted enough that it would not hold on the frame. 

Finally tightened things up and put about 5 gallons in the tank and fired her up! Didn't find any leaks but noticed the fuel gauge wasn't reading at all.

Went for a ride to the gas station and filled up but ran back home to investigate.

 

Mark finally decided to cut the wire going to the float and run a temporary wire to see is it was the original wire causing the problem. Sure enough, now the gauge worked reading full.

With that we taped off the cut wire and cleaned up for supper leaving the job for tomorrow.

 

After dinner decided to take a run with a full tank of gas now and stopped at my sisters. They have not seen the car up close and with the top down other than in pictures so asked if they wanted a ride? She said thanks but not this time but my brother-in-law jumped in right away. Being a retired GM Engineer and having the latest new GM vehicles all his career was struck by his fascination the car was so smooth and handled well.

Said Good Night after the drive in his area and hit the expressway to put her inside for the night.

 

No more temporary gas cans for me now!

 

I do have another mission on Monday. (s/b Tuesday)

While climbing out from under earlier, don't I crab the side of the rear quarter and the short chrome trim piece comes off!!

 

I takes three clips to hold it in place and the thin wires were rusty brittle so will be stopping in to the local body supply.

Edited September 3, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[Beemon]

Doug, I bought all my clips from NAPA for relatively decent price. I'm sure the body shop has them, but it's a potential alley to explore. 

 

Congrats on the tank install! 

[dei]

Thanks Ben!

Will check them out but being the holiday today, will have to wait for now. 

Clips are the one thing I don't have extras. I checked the Limited parts car and they are different sized and design for her mouldings with regard to that Special quarter trim.

 

Meantime, once we get that new wire on, I will take a brush and some of that red paint I have and touch up the side of that panel so it is not quite so obvious the trim is missing.

If you notice the paint, it is what the original colour of the car was. PINK! (or Buick's Coral Reef?)

Can you imagine the whole car that colour?!

Not something I would entertain if I do a restoration of her!

 

Off to get some proper sized connectors for the float connection and some heat shrink then off to what else, a local car show!

 

Edited September 3, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

While my son was under the car running the new wire over the tank and connecting things up I sanded the area where the quarter moulding goes.

 

With going to the car show didn't want that eyesore to show so grabbed a small wide brush and applied red paint from my small can.

 

It's not a permanent fix but doesn't show quite as bad for now.

 

Then off to the show I went.

Found a good spot next to Tony's car but due to the size of the show and all the activities going on we didn't see each other.

 

Once again this show was called sooner than usual due to bad looking skies off to our west which is where most of our weather comes from.

The Special started right up (after I had cleaned the battery cables and my disconnect switch) and headed back to her garage taking the Expressway. 

Managed to park inside and do a fast check of things before the thunder and rain started.

I then pulled out a chair and sat behind her as the lightning was bad and with 20 mature trees on my property felt waiting was the best choice. 

 

So this is one Labour Day Weekend I wont forget but happy with the effort and ending.

[dei]

Took the time this morning to use the Special while searching out a few spots for moulding clips.

Wasn't too successful with that so went over to Mom's to check in on her.

 

Since it was 92 degrees by noon, took her back to the garage and headed home to work around my property.

Later in the afternoon had a call from one of my car buddies wondering if I was going to the Wednesday night Cruise-in? Asked the wife if interested in going and for supper to which she said sure!

First week of Retirement and hmmm... sign of things to come?

 

Once that hot sun went down the evening was comfortable and we stayed until we were the last two left. 

Time to head home as there were flashes of lightning off in the distance. 

It was perfect top down weather / temperatures.

 

I know it isn't a Buick but I really love that boat too!

Edited September 6, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[EmTee]

On 9/5/2018 at 9:56 PM, dei said:

First week of Retirement and hmmm... sign of things to come?

 

As they say, "happy wife, happy life!" 

[dei]

2 hours ago, EmTee said:

 

As they say, "happy wife, happy life!" 

 

Yup! Have been reminded of that a few times but totally agree and will be working on it!

[dei]

Got the Special early this morning to drive back home and get the wife as we're going with friends to an all day Car Show in the City.

 

The sun started coming up as I pulled in the driveway beside my Cougar to load up chairs, snacks and a cooler. I picked it up yesterday as the work on it was finally completed. Realised it is the first time these two have been beside each other.

 

Stopped by one of my friends to meet everyone and to roll into the show together. It was only 62 degrees out and windy so jackets and windows up with the heater on were the order of the day...

 

Picked what turned out to be a fine spot so set up chairs in front of the pizza place which had windows that opened up totally across the front which when opened we felt the heat from the pizza oven. The girls were happy therefore so were the guys.

 

This is usually a busy east west four lane road but today they had about 12 blocks closed off for the areas BIA.  Since I was # 10 on the registration list we were able to watch the cars coming in behind us from this view.

 

Lot's to see and this mocked up Desoto Paddy Wagon with period correct drive train was fun for the kids (of all ages). The owner was letting the kids sit in the drivers seat which was nice but if it were me, I would have disconnected the battery as they were turning switches and knobs and such...

 

Still, it was an interesting display.

 

Here are a few other cars:

 

This is a Canadian built Pontiac, Model: Parisienne

 

Another Canadian built Ford, Frontenac

 

Another Pontiac decked out as a Police Car.

 

And yet another Chevy Police Car.

 

All too soon it was the end of the show and while only warming up to 68, that wind kept coming in from the northwest so headed home to unload the chairs and stuff in the trunk then head her back to the garage for the night. Tomorrow will be another car outing but this time in the Cougar.

 

 

Edited September 9, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

BRRRR! 

Only 56 degrees at 7 am so had a hot breakfast, bundled up and went out to do some lawns before heading over to 1957buickJim's in the afternoon.

This was my chance to drive the Cougar as it would mean putting her on I-75 and stretch her legs a bit.

Jim had offered some clips I need for my lower rear quarter moulding that came off as I was having a difficult time locating some around home.

Wish my wife liked this car as it was great to scoot along with traffic in the fast lane!

With having the digital dash I was able to switch it over to miles per hr and it now reads 45,478 miles on the odometer. It had 41,893 miles on it when I got it back in 2007.

 

Spent some time with Jim looking over his wagon in progress and then 95Cardinal drove up.

Chatted more about the Jim's wagon further and then Joe asked if I had time to go over and see his Caballero? Yes Sir! So all three of us went. 

 

If you recall I did the same trip to Joe's from Jim's with the Special in the Spring and that time she stalled on the way from a plugged fuel filter but after a boost from Joe's truck, made it there and eventually home.

THIS TIME no stopping with the Cougar! 

 

Joe's Caballero is coming along and even at this point looks SPECTACULAR! 

The effort and quality of work has me in awe and getting a real understanding what I'd be facing if and when I ever went for a complete restoration...

 

The clips Jim gave me were perfect for my moulding and can't say Thank You enough JIM!

 

 

You be sure and call me when you need a hand with your wagon OK!

[dei]

With the effects of the current Hurricane making things drizzle and light rain outside work was on hold headed over to the Special to attach the rear quarter moulding thanks to obtaining the correct trim clips from Jim.  

After backing the car around to have access in my tight parking space, I had to remove what was left of the existing clips.

 

 

I had brush painted over them to hide the obvious pink original factory colour of the car wanting to attend last weekends car show but they had to go before re attaching the new clips.

Surprisingly trying to unscrew then, once the flat metal broke off the centre bolt, the hole in the metal panel is bigger than the head of the bolt and they all just pushed through.

 

Before removing them I decided to clear coat the clips to reduce any future rusting of them.

 

Clear coat dries rather quickly so after spraying both side made a template and marked where the clips would sit in the trim piece and then set them in place.

 

Put the moulding in place and attached the speed nuts lightly to align the moulding.

 

Took this picture of the inside of the panel showing the original factory rust coating against the new trim clips.

 

With a bit of adjustment and happy with the look tightened the speed nuts and believe I'm ready to roll.

 

THANKS again Jim! 

[1957buickjim]

My pleasure Doug! Glad I could help get your baby looking good again! ?

[dei]

Made a road trip today in the Cougar after a fuel up of high test. Managed a round trip of 225 miles and her computer said I averaged 25.2 miles per gallon driving an average 68 miles per hour. Didn't use a lick of oil and missed a serious transport crash taking another parallel route on the way home. 

 

I wasn't in this mess at all "fortunately", just capture it from the news postings.

Three transport trucks were involved near or at a construction zone and no one was killed but two were injured.

Posted speed is 60 mph which is reduced through construction zones but the lead truck was stopped or near stopped according to the news report and a chain reaction ensued...

 

I hate to say driving the speed limit creates traffic problems (too slow for most) so one tries to keep to with the flow of traffic but... the higher speeds are bad when coming upon stopped or reduced speed traffic too! 

Must be getting old when looking for back roads to drive instead of at this crazy pace... 

 

[dei]

Took a short trip with the Special to a transmission shop this morning.

This shop did the transmission on Tony's Special as the torque ball seal was leaking and his parking paul (sp?) was not engaging. I figured Gil was familiar with the process of transmission removal so asked if he would be willing to swap mine out for the rebuilt one I have.

No problem was his reply and to let him know when i'd like it done. Said it would take two days to swap and ensure it was working properly.

Of course it's always about money but I just don't have the space and tools so biting the bullet and going to set it up after October. 

Since my parking paul hasn't worked for years and now she is slipping in D till the trany warms up, now is the time to get things fixed up... 

[dei]

Received a text just before supper from a customer advising I had left a piece of equipment at her house Thursday. Since it was not anything big decided to grab the Special and go for a ride with my wife to retrieve it.  

 

Stopped to top up the tank and found the gas gauge was only reading between 3/4 and full for some reason...

It was a nice night here (compared to the east coast ...) and since it was a ways out continued along the Detroit River back to Downtown Windsor.

 

Boy have things changed. Friday nights at 9 pm are DEAD compared to my days with the Special. 

It was the thing to do on Friday evenings after school to cruise downtown (just to be seen I guess) and catch up at various parking lots to shoot the breeze and such... 

Some nights there was the usual guys bragging about what their latest upgrades to their cars were and a challenge for pink slips sometimes ensued whereupon anyone in the know would head out to the highway to witness the challenge, cheering on their favourite car (or in the case of the girls, their favourite guy... never was one of those with my dynaflow on either issue - sigh).

Witnessed two of those challenges at the spot known as 3B which had two overpasses which were exactly 1/4 mile apart.

A designated person would go to the one crossing over the highway coming into the city checking for traffic and police while the cars set up at the other one. Once the designated person flashed his lights the starter would flag the start of the race.

Yes this did happen and not just in the movies. Fortunately no one flipped a car or personally got hurt but heard various stories about engines and drive trains that broke down requiring a tow on a rope back to the shop. 

Guess at my age now the weekly night cruise-ins are the remembrance of those days... 

 

The things that go through my mind while behind the wheel of my old car...

 

So headed home to drop off my wife before heading back to the garage.

 

 

Have to check the mileage for this trip down memory lane.

[dei]

Went to the Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show Sunday.

Since the Buick isn't an orphan car (just yet) left her parked and we went in one of my friends two Monarchs.

 

The white one was his fathers that was purchased new.

Love his garage! There are 6 more cars behind these two!!

He invited another friend and wife to drive the other car and they brought two of their grandkids so man was there a lot to pack up. Thank heavens for those big trunks!

 

 

Crossing the Border is always fun in an old car. Most times the Agent is more interested in the car and what it is than checking for anything else. This time was no different and we proceeded with no issues. 

 

The Park where the show is held has plenty of room and this time we had a perfect assigned spot as they do a pass and review and had to go by us on the way back to their assigned spots.

 

Joe received an award this time at his turn going through the pass and review which obviously pleased him to no ends.

 

The weather was hot in the sun but with our tent and shade from that tree relief was close at hand.

All too soon the show came to an end and we headed home but hung around to avoid the rush.

 

There is nothing quite like cruising in the back seat of these boats at 65 miles per hour and returning the many thumbs up!

Yes that's my wife in the front seat. Had she sat in the back, with those bias ply tires he runs, her motion sickness would surely have kicked in!

 

It's only 30 minute drive to the Border and once again no issues crossing.

 

Not a BUICK DAY but a FUN old car one. 

[dei]

Had another non Buick moment today.

 

At least this car is in the family.

A little history....

My Dad bought this 66 Corvair many years ago and did an amature body and paint by himself but had the engine and automatic transmission rebuilt right after finishing his paint job. He had many years of enjoyment with it. 

One of the things on his bucket list was to have a better paint job some day so with my son having painted one of his cars, which turned out not too bad, he asked him to take on the Corvair.

Of course he was there helping what he could as he was diagnosed with bladder cancer about that time.

 

His plan was to gift this car to my sister and he lived to see the car finished and managed a ride or two with my son as he had given up his drivers license a few years before this due to his failing eyesight.

 

That was almost five years ago and bringing things up to today, the car is indeed my sisters but with no place to park it at her home in Tenn, it resides at moms where it was repainted.

With concentrating on the Special I have not been too attentive to her so last week decided to see if it would fire up. Naturally the battery (even though disconnected) was dead so grabbed one of his old trickle chargers and left it till today.  

Took quite a bit of cranking but the battery seemed to be holding her charge for the size it is.

 

Finally she took off and with nary any noise from the lifters, once warmed up, the chokes came off and idled like the day we parked her!

 

I've emailed my sister and with her permission toying with taking her our to a Cruise Night to burn some of that old gas. Man it stinks! A little fresh Hi-test can't hurt...

 

So that is the Special, the Cougar and now the Corvair all running again. 

[Buicknutty]

 Nice to hear your story. Its' great the the car is still in the family.

 Keith

[dei]

After work today went over to the Special garage and reorganised (can't say it was cleaned up as nothing was thrown out...) and came upon this box. 

 

I remember purchasing this at the National in South Bend but shelved due to it being unique.

Not sure the box is for these as they are 15" caps but they are definitely aftermarket as they are totally stamped versus the plastic emblems in the center.

 

These two are nice chromed steel but the other three are aluminium I think.

 

If you notice, the top two have a different crest than the bottom three which are missing the + and crown of the bottom three, plus they are dull comparatively.

 

I brought out my trusty metal polish and a clean rag to see what results it would bring and figure with an evening or two could polish those three up to driver quality...

 

The first two appear to be chromed as there was a bit of rust here and there but the other three are aluminium like the factory hub caps.

 

Has anyone seen these what must be aftermarket caps before??

[dei]

With my wife at her "FINAL" retirement management dinner, I used the opportunity to spend time on the Special.

One of the recent car nights a fellow approached me and asked if I had been working on the car.

Explaining that mechanically things have occupied my time I said no not really. In truth I have been carefully touching up the paint with a fine brush to clean her up. 

It isn't what I would prefer but from a distance, gives a sense of just what this car is a good base for a restoration.

 

Clearly the door showing the bondo from an obvious door hit before I bought it, I'm not ready to do anything right now but looks better than it was.

 

After getting and estimate of $15,000 Canadian for an upholstery job will preserve her at this point and drive the hell out of her!

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

I agree, Doug. Drive the darn thing!  If it is safe and reliable, don't worry.  New paint is old the moment the sun hits it. Looks good to me.

 

  Ben

[dei]

Posting this video I took the other night.

She was warmed up and idling nicely. Wish the lighting was better as it is somewhat out of focus...

 

[dei]

Today was a fun day!

 

I went to the Special to investigate the charging circuit today and thinking I had an NOS Voltage Regulator on the shelf at home dug into the garage and ... found nothing!

Drove over to the Special garage and looked and looked and looked!

Just like my new gas gauge, guess the "BLACK HOLE" syndrome is in play!!!

Poked around with the car and after tapping the cover doesn't it show a charge so... Will be ordering a new voltage regulator Monday. Thinking the contacts are dirty or...

 

Seeing that it was intermittent, took a drive Downtown and then went back to Mom's where the Corvair is parked in the garage. 

Tried to connect the Battery Disconnect and lets just say it was a disaster!

Will be changing it out later but finally got things together!

Firing her up again (battery was still fully charged thankfully) backed her out of the garage. 

 

Interesting situation here as the Special is parked in about the same spot when I bought her in 1972 and brought her home.

 

So naturally had to capture this moment today.

 

 

I drove the Corvair over to the Special garage to clean the tires and one thing let to another...

 

Had a bottle of vinyl cleaner and decided to go at the original upholstery.

 

Afterwards went to the Shell Station and filled up with High Test and then headed home to BBQ.

As I pulled in my son pulled in with his car behind me.

 

First time he has seen the car cleaned up after painting it (and Dad's passing) so asked if he wanted to go for a drive.

One of those special moments...

 

The wife and I drove her back to Mom's and my sister will find her looking like this when she comes here on Thursday.

 

[95Cardinal]

I have always liked the second generation Corvairs; that's a great looking example, Doug!

[dei]

As the saying goes, A picture can hide a thousand sins but from a distance she does look pretty good I think also Joe!

I do like driving it with the low centre of gravity and the tires properly inflated (that's the secrete with them) she handles really well. That pancake 6 will scoot her along at highway speeds even with the automatic transmission. This one shows 65,000 miles but not sure it is accurate as Dad had several 65 and 66's before fixing this one up. It's possible he swapped out the speedometer but don't know for sure...

My sister was given the car because she still has her first car which is an early production 1960 four door sedan so Dad thought she would like his.  

I know my son likes it too and was impressed how it handled the other night.

Posed the situation with my sister if she was at any point not sure of what to do with the car, Mark might be interested in it...

Edited September 25, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Not paying attention to the weather forecast yesterday, after supper decided to go for a drive and get Sundays at a spot outside of town. It has been there since 1954 and with the passing of the founder a few years ago, his daughter and husband have carried on the business with great success and still has Car Hop Service.

We went in the Cougar and with the AC working (somewhat - needs a new low pressure switch...) sat in the new screened in patio looking out over the now park like grounds till finishing our treats.

It was getting dark by now and noticed lightening off in the south west on the way home.

It was raining steady when I dropped my wife off at home and then proceeded over to the Special garage where I switched her out for my truck.

 

When I came home and got in (almost getting totally soaked, the TV was announcing this.

 

Fortunately being north east of Wyandotte (at the top) and the tracking direction of this storm front we were spared anything like a tornado but... checking in the Special garage today, found the floor wet and a few card board boxes with things in them wet...

 

After dealing with that decided while the Special was parked outside now anyway, might as well get the wife and head over to what might be one of the last weekly Wednesday night Cruise-in's.

Headed home to pick up my wife and was surprised to find I could not park in my driveway due to the neighbours construction of his new house.... so parked out on the road to wait for Cindy to get ready for a drive and some supper.

 

It might look sunny and warm right here but after supper it was about 58 degrees!!! 

I suggested putting the top up but was told "I'm fine" so rolled up the windows and turned the heat on high taking the slow City streets home.

 

Thinking next Sunday Show the top will be up before we start and see just how the day goes. 

It is officially Fall now so...

 

 

[dei]

Saturday after work went over to the Special and moved her out to take inventory as we were planning on attending an annual Fall Apple Blossom event 25 miles out of town Sunday.

Needed to top up the gas tank first so headed over to the closest Shell for some of the good stuff (non ethanol). Cutting off the pump (as the gas was coming out the low oriented fill tube...) went in to pay. 

I noticed it was at $58 and 58 cents.

Headed back to clean up the tires and sort a few things in the truck (just in case things) and it was time to head home for supper leaving her in the garage for the night as the morning due is heavy right now plus the forecast was for light rain over night.

Well...

I need to be a Weatherman! It's the only job you can be wrong 50% of the time (or more) and still get paid. 

At 6:30 am it was steady rain and the forecast is for rain till noon (again or so...). Since we were planning to go with others the phones were ringing saying it was a BUST this time.

 

Hanging loose watching the radar and might squeeze a drive in today yet should a window open. 

[dei]

It's Sunday evening and that window I hoped for opened up!

It wasn't till about 11 am but... went and got the Special.

I put the top and windows up as it wasn't warm and with a promise of sunshine on the horizon decided to make the most of things...

The objective was to make a Car Show out of Town in Ruthven, Ontario only 24 miles away from home.

 

Took all back roads not caring when we got there.

 I did however have some instructions. 

 

[dei]

We arrived late as suspected but donated the 10 dollars anyway to the Community Living Fund Raiser Event and parked.

 

I might mention after seeing this shot that I need to do a bit of "touch up" on the paint to the passenger side as the drivers side (from a distance) I did some work on, think it has made a bit of a difference.

 

Might cheat a bit and see what I can do to hide that hole in the fender???

There is a brace right behind that hole that must have held salt, sand or whatever and rusted it out over my years of ownership.

 

The Event wasn't just a car show, there was a whole other field of Arts and Crafts plus Food Vendors so walked, ate and bought an apple pie before deciding it was time to move on.

 

Cindy suggested we head on down the road to Leamington where we cruised in the Special when we first dated. 

Took the back roads again (having learned them back in my teenager days) and stopped at the Dock which we had done back in 2005 before the brakes went out on the car and sat for 13 years till getting her back on the road last year.

 

Things have changed here development wise with the new Ferry to Pelee Island and over to Sandusky, Ohio but the feelings are strong with memories of summer and young love.

 

From here we travelled along the lake road past where my grandparents and then parents had cottages on the lakeside. This was just a mile outside Pointe Pelee National Park which again we two (car makes three...) had spent a few summers together at.

 

Decided it was time to head on towards home but took the OLD #3 Hi-Way which is now posted at 30 miles per hour. Perfect!

This brought us again to the Dairy freeze we had gone to last week in the Cougar so... Decided to ruin Supper with another Sunday and Ice Cream Cone.

 

Headed on home and when driving through Essex, Ontario made a stop for a picture or two at the now restored Train Depot that has quite a history.

 

 

The short version:

WAAAY back, there was a train load of dynamite that stopped here and somehow it exploded and all but destroyed the depot. It was rebuilt back then but with Passenger service eventually dying off in the 60's the Depot "Stop" was cancelled and it went into disrepair. The Town of Essex and groups put an effort together to preserve the history and heritage  / importance of the times and is today used by various groups keeping it alive. 

As with all train lines, this station now stands isolated since the tracks have all been removed.

 

Continued on home and after dropping Cindy (and my apple pie) off went to park the Special in her garage.

Made note of the Trip odometer reading as I was happy with her performance today.

 

Round trip works out to 88.4 miles.

 

(happy the weatherman was wrong today!)

Edited October 1, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Managed a couple of hours before dinner today and pulled the Special out to see what I could do with the paint on the passenger side.

Up close you can see what needs attention on the door.

 

This is not really a proper fix but more of a preserving issue. The fact it doesn't show as bad does help though.

 

Before anyone says anything, I know full well it's going to take more than a little paint to deal with the rocker panel!!

 

Still, encouraged with the results I moved on to the lower front fender and the obvious spots.

 

 

Once it all dries completely will go at the paint with the wax / cleaner and see how things look.

 

Think I might have gained a few feet letting someone look at her before the obvious becomes too clear...

Edited October 3, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Last two evenings I have been on a mission.

With my contractor saying he is thinking of starting the back wall that had collapsed next week, I have to remove the shed and the Limited parts car.

There are a few things on it I will be keeping like all the stainless and such so made a bit of progress after purchasing a new angle grinder and some sawzall blades.

I had loosened some things awhile ago so managed to get the grill out last night.

 

For as rusty as she is more than a few bolts came out with the help of PB Blaster. Looks like I'm going to need to stock up as moving on to the drivers side fender tonight I had to resort to the sawzall here and there.

 

 

Finally got it off and will take the stainless off later as it will be easier to access those speed nuts now.

 

With a little effort was able to unbolt the inner fender from the rad cradle.

 

Next turned my attention to the only bolt holding that rad cradle on. NO WAY was it going to unbolt so went at it with the angle grinder.

 

Finally cut it off and ground down that special nut(?) till she came loose.

Next I went at the four bolts that hold the bumper brackets on to the frame. That required the sawzall but with good access it soon was off and will be stored as a good core for rechroming / trade / sale.

 

Knowing the car was slated for parts some time ago, it still isn't easy as this was my first car and was a gift from Dad to start my driving career.

To be cont'd...

 

Edited October 5, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[JohnD1956]

Save that steering gear.  You never know when you'll need one of those!

[dei]

Oh Yes John!

Same with the power brake unit, the heater motor, the water control valve (hoping it is alright) and believe it or not, all four upper and lower ball joints were new about 3,000 miles before I quit driving her so...

It's going to be a busy Canadian Thanksgiving.

Edited October 5, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[kgreen]

Phew, caught up with your posts.  I really need to get back to work myself now.   

 

I have a possible suggestion for your rocker panel holes.  The aluminum tape they sell at building stores and is used to seal duct work can be applied over the holes and painted red.  It seems all your car show ventures end up with a drive in the rain.  Yes, it will show an indent or depression at the whole, but it will also keep water out of the rocker.  It is a good 40-footer repair result as well.  My dad used to do that to get his car to pass inspections when we lived in the salt belt.

[dei]

Hey Ken, Thanks for following along and the "likes".

 

Funny you should mention the tape possibility to pass inspection your Dad did.

When they first started inspections here I used a cut open tomato juice can on my Limited muffler which had a hole on one of the 6 in the dual exhaust system which I screwed it on with machine screws and that passed.?

 

I have a new rocker panel in stock that really should be put on but then that rear quarter in front to the tire needs to be done which means at the very least I should redo the whole side below the side trim mouldings which means dealing with the holes under the headlights...

Boils down to where to start and stop.

 

Might indeed give the tape a shot as it can always be removed I guess.

[dei]

After raining all morning and finally clearing up about 2pm went out to the Limited and took off the heater/defrost fan and housing, loosened off the steering box, took out all the master cylinder housing bolts expecting I had taken off the pedals and such inside but ...

Turned my attention to the coil springs as I want to save them for a fellow '58 owner.

I have never done this before so looked up on You Tube and with not having room to use coil spring compression tools, went at things slowly till I got the drivers side out.

 

It went quite smoothly considering the weight of the engine and transmission were not in.

Moved on to the passenger side and repeated the process. 

I put zip ties on the tops of each and will mark which came out of what side  just because.

 

Since it has warmed up and appears to be clear might go and get the Special and treat ourselves to another Sunday and Ice Cream cone.

Edited October 7, 2018 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

The plans today were delayed due to morning rain and showers till noon.

Grabbed a quick sandwich and once it stopped went back to dismantling the Limited.

Started out with soaking the bolts on the passenger door figuring they would be tough but...

 

I'm not in need of this door and the glass is cracked but was amazed at the lack out rust on it.

 

I'm going to need parts of the front seat for the Roadmaster some day as the drivers seat back has something broken and lays back way to far so put a socket on the bolts on the floor and with NOT much effort it came loose.

Tipping it back to inspect the condition of the under the seat heater what do I find?

 

With having stopped driving her sometime back in 1976 and the bottle being the old stubby style funny to find the tell tale signs of my youth...

 

Definitely going to find a safe spot on the shelf in the garage. Does patina on this count? ??

 

Moved on to the right rear quarter not necessarily for saving it but I literally will be cutting the car up in pieces (what doesn't crumble due to rust) to get it out of this spot saving the stainless and a few Limited specific parts still usable.

 

With a sawzall and a 4 1/2" angle grinder with cutoff blade finally ended up with this.

 

Took my time spraying various screws and bolts to extract the rear quarter window, power window motor and interior trim.

 

By 3:30 it was time to clean up the tools and put back in my sons toolbox after carefully wiping them down (per request...).

 

With no place right now to put the seat inside out of the way decided to flip it back in position for now still out of the rain.

 

I know the thread should be about restoration and such but my goal is to save the parts still usable since I have it and put them on the shelf as spares for the good Limited waiting patiently inside my garage.

 

Now to dismantle that shed tomorrow and allow me to work on the other side of the car...

Edited October 8, 2018 by dei (see edit history)