Jump to content

47 Super 56c resto


47 Super C

Recommended Posts

I'm a newbie here and finally took the plunge to get a convertible project that i have wanted for many years - decades actually, but kids and life get in the way.  Anyway I always liked the 46-48 Buicks and found this one recently so I'm just getting started and will be asking lots of questions and be looking for parts.  My last project was my 54 Chevy 3600 pickup see pictures below, but that was ten years ago, so I'm ready for this one.  I plan on doing a rotisserie restoration and going all stock - except maybe putting in a 263 instead of the missing 248.  The good - the car is in decent shape for a convertible - manageable rust to repair and has the original paint - in fact, I could probably do one of those clear-coat patina paint jobs, but I will go with a new coat of Black. The bad - missing mostly everything under the hood as the previous owner wanted to hotrod it - but I figure I can find most all of that.  The ugly - Missing seats ! - I figure that will be the hardest parts to find especially since they were Hydraulic.  I'll put up more pictures as I get into it, but for now I'm still taking inventory. Note since I'm new here this post also ended up on the AACA "Our cars and restorations projects"  - sorry for any confusion, but I keep this one updated.

post-154650-0-90674600-1441767946_thumb.

post-154650-0-69948900-1441768005_thumb.

post-154650-0-11406200-1441768010_thumb.

post-154650-0-73470500-1441768015_thumb.

post-154650-0-14866400-1441768020_thumb.

post-154650-0-57466600-1441768035_thumb.

post-154650-0-20914900-1441768042_thumb.

post-154650-0-87023000-1441768056_thumb.

post-154650-0-47234500-1441768062_thumb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Williams on Aqueduct Rd is still there and active, although I've heard they cleared out the bottom lot with all the old stuff.  I think the guy in Voorheesville is still there too, if you meant the place at the end of rt 85 just before the road to thatcher State Park? I got some stuff for my 69 GS there.  Neither of these places will let anyone into the yard though, so I have no real clue what all they may have.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Well,  I made a trip out to Rochester NY this weekend to pick up this '47 super sedan craigslist find.  My plan was to dismantle it for a bunch of the parts I need or could upgrade - gauges, bumpers, some chrome pieces the engine and everything under the hood (which is missing on my convertible).  Once I picked it up though, it looks pretty complete, the previous owner inherited from a friend who passed several years ago and had been restoring it.  It was repainted and looks like he was about to get to the upholstery since there's a box full of fabric that goes with it.  My dilemma is this - do I go through with my original dismemberment plan and sell off what I can't use,  or do I try to find a buyer for the whole car who wants to finish it ?.  I don't have the time or interest myself  to finish the restoration of  four door at this time.  See pictures and give your thoughts.  (note not in pics is under the hood - complete and the door panels are in the car, but it looks like the door handles and window crank handles are missing - probably lost.

post-154650-0-89040600-1443401296_thumb.

post-154650-0-16936600-1443401310_thumb.

post-154650-0-59901800-1443401773_thumb.

post-154650-0-88446400-1443401807_thumb.

post-154650-0-10402000-1443401812_thumb.

post-154650-0-48266300-1443401818_thumb.

post-154650-0-36685300-1443401845_thumb.

post-154650-0-24441200-1443401850_thumb.

post-154650-0-29403800-1443401853_thumb.

post-154650-0-92429600-1443401856_thumb.

post-154650-0-77696800-1443401859_thumb.

post-154650-0-27621200-1443401863_thumb.

post-154650-0-18579600-1443401866_thumb.

post-154650-0-57447500-1443401869_thumb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I finally started in on the dis-assembly of the convertible.  Pictures below.  The gas wrench came in handy to loosen some of the bolts.  The trim is all good, but the passenger fender is toast IMHO and once I took apart the headlight buckets I found about 3 cups of silt and dirt in each with all of the fasteners and retaining pieces rusted up.  I just don't see how it accumulates to that degree in there.  In any case, now that I have seen that, it pushed me over the indecision on the parting out of the 4-door.  I have that stored in a heated space that I am paying some rent on so I will take it apart soon and will be listing all the parts that I don't need for sale. Most likely that will include the doors, glass, seats, body & frame with me retaining everything in front of the firewall, dashboard and rims/hubcaps.

post-154650-0-43787200-1443660058_thumb.

post-154650-0-33230300-1443660066_thumb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Took a dirt bath last night and managed to get the rear bumper and fenders off.  Had to use the torch to loosen most of the nuts, but had melt a few off.  Kind of a pain to do while lying on your back. I also managed to get the flare pieces off that fit between the door and rear fender as well as the outer rockers all of which were heavily rusted/ almost not there.  I will need to find a set of those for both sides.  Next step is installing some bracing and then pulling the doors and aggressively pressure washing the whole thing before I start in on the rust repair.  

post-154650-0-18229300-1443887603_thumb.

post-154650-0-55205800-1443887608_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did some more dis-assembly - took a couple of hours to remove the belt-line stainless and managed to not bend or ding it - which is good as it was in excellent shape to start with.  Also took out one of the rear windows and all related hardware.  One thing that I had never noticed before was the reflective red stripe on the door edge - see picture below.  It is the same on the drivers door as well.  The car is in the original paint so i wondered if this was a factory paint stripe, dealer added or later on ?  Wondering if anyone has seen this before ?

post-154650-0-57958400-1444351871_thumb.

post-154650-0-79045200-1444351877_thumb.

post-154650-0-90668900-1444351959_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

More dis-assembly,  removed all window components, fender extensions and brackets, all chrome except windshield dash and top of quarter panels.  Those little screws are hard to deal with when they are rusted tight and the screw driver won't bite.  Next up is the dash and windshield then install some bracing and remove the doors.  The rockers don't look bad from the top and outside, but the bottoms and inside (underneath) are not so good especially up front.  I'm thinking I'll need to fix those before I go for the floor.  I plan on cutting the rockers and floor out of the 4-door.  After all my measuring it looks like it will fix with some minor modifications.  The floor panel as well -at least the sections that I need. Also threw in a picture of the new (to me) compressor I picked up recently to help the cause.  It's a Gilbarco (same as the gas pump manufacturers)  from 1968 with a Quincy pump on it.  Works great and was adeal at $200.  Just took three cans of degreaser and 3 hours of pressure washing to get it looking like it is now.

post-154650-0-45898100-1445391857_thumb.

post-154650-0-50480600-1445391869_thumb.

post-154650-0-26017400-1445391876_thumb.

post-154650-0-99412700-1445391881_thumb.

post-154650-0-98569500-1445391887_thumb.

post-154650-0-17634100-1445392065_thumb.

post-154650-0-89206200-1445392069_thumb.

post-154650-0-48307400-1445392076_thumb.

post-154650-0-32557100-1445392081_thumb.

post-154650-0-88172300-1445392093_thumb.

post-154650-0-77228400-1445392100_thumb.

post-154650-0-34608000-1445392106_thumb.

post-154650-0-41876200-1445392126_thumb.

post-154650-0-37651200-1445392130_thumb.

post-154650-0-71488000-1445392145_thumb.

post-154650-0-05471300-1445392150_thumb.

post-154650-0-67097800-1445392157_thumb.

post-154650-0-51820400-1445392162_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

More dis assembly.  I have now removed the windshield glass and dash board.  I still have a few items left on the firewall and windshield stainless. The most difficult part was removing the key-switch and coil line without damaging any of it.  I don't know if the coil is good or if I can get another one of this style, but i'd like to keep it stock.  The next most difficult item was the removal of the convertible latch pins.  I could only manage to get one free with-out shearing off the attaching stud.  I drilled out and re-tapped the holes for the studs.  The studs themselves are badly pitted, but relatively simple in design.  I have a brother with a metal lathe and will make up a new det from stainless and buff them rather than chroming steel ones.  I've never seen these for sale so making them seems the best approach.    I picked up the bracing steel and a 4x8 sheet of 18ga steel for patch panels.  I won't use that much, but it was the smallest I could buy from the local steel supplier.  

post-154650-0-35287600-1446854684_thumb.

post-154650-0-94881500-1446854690_thumb.

post-154650-0-70196400-1446854696_thumb.

post-154650-0-04503500-1446854702_thumb.

post-154650-0-52940000-1446854707_thumb.

post-154650-0-33711400-1446854713_thumb.

post-154650-0-31212300-1446854718_thumb.

post-154650-0-13999400-1446854724_thumb.

post-154650-0-80984100-1446854734_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just about stripped clean.  I used a heat gun to remove the waffle type insulation as I wanted to save it for patterns and also get to bare metal everywhere.  Does anyone know of a source for this material ?  I would prefer to use original type material rather than the newer sound deadeners available.

post-154650-0-87227400-1447293239_thumb.

post-154650-0-58372900-1447293244_thumb.

post-154650-0-18458500-1447293260_thumb.

post-154650-0-51720900-1447293264_thumb.

post-154650-0-87045700-1447293271_thumb.

post-154650-0-13263400-1447293277_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Removed the hydraulic lines carefully to save for patterns.  Started in on the dis-assembly of the parts car.  I will be listing a bunch of parts for sale once I sort through everything.  Seats will be excess including the re-uposltry materials that came with it.

post-154650-0-34766400-1447462077_thumb.

post-154650-0-57407600-1447462124_thumb.

post-154650-0-66120600-1447462130_thumb.

post-154650-0-31032300-1447462136_thumb.

post-154650-0-15725700-1447462141_thumb.

post-154650-0-83271900-1447462146_thumb.

post-154650-0-16792600-1447462152_thumb.

post-154650-0-40757600-1447462158_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I may have a front seat for you. My '51 came with an incorrect 2-door front seat that appears to be older. It took me about a year of looking before I found the correct seat for my car, so I know what a drag it puts on the project to not have something major like that.  I'll post some photos and you can let me know. I'll also see if I can find any part numbers on it. It is missing one of the sheet metal seat-back covers, but the other side is there to mirror as a pattern. Sounds like one of the other guys may have the hydraulic parts for underneath. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Overall width = 56" not including adjuster lever.

Rear outboard floor attach points, 50" apart.

Forward points, approx. 48 1/2" center to center (uses U clamps to hold to floor)

approx. 53" across top of seat backs (including estimate for missing part on the right side)

Floor to top of seat back = 30"

post-134757-0-14892500-1447519106_thumb.post-134757-0-73369800-1447519114_thumb.post-134757-0-23640200-1447519122_thumb.post-134757-0-36173000-1447519133_thumb.post-134757-0-79570400-1447519140_thumb.post-134757-0-42173000-1447519153_thumb.post-134757-0-38814900-1447519161_thumb.post-134757-0-34701300-1447519169_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Front fender work.  The original passenger fender is very straight with only the original lacquer paint on it but, its rotted in the lower quarter. The fender from the donor car was lumpy with lots bondo, so I decided to cut it up for patch pieces.  In the process I found evidence of a very old dent that couldn't be pushed out because it was behind the stiffener pan at the back of the fender.  Since I removed this part I could get to it.  It turned out to leaded - about 3/4" deep at it's worst point.  I melted out the lead and dent pushed out easily.  I then cleaned the patch up and welded it on. I temporarily installed the rear stiffener as a means of alignment while I did the tack welds and took it back off to finish the welds. Took about 3 hours to get the patch cut, de-leaded and straightened and then welded on to the old fender.  Next is to swap out the mounting flange at the top of the fender which is rusted through in a couple of spots on the original fender and weld the rear stiffener back on.

post-154650-0-89219800-1447546703_thumb.

post-154650-0-77462800-1447546708_thumb.

post-154650-0-37136000-1447546715_thumb.

post-154650-0-03187100-1447546720_thumb.

post-154650-0-98141800-1447546725_thumb.

post-154650-0-38952200-1447546731_thumb.

post-154650-0-40322900-1447546736_thumb.

post-154650-0-45401300-1447546740_thumb.

post-154650-0-59857500-1447546841_thumb.

post-154650-0-17255600-1447546862_thumb.

post-154650-0-41906500-1447546866_thumb.

post-154650-0-78674000-1447546881_thumb.

post-154650-0-40070900-1447546886_thumb.

post-154650-0-79679200-1447546890_thumb.

post-154650-0-49255600-1447546903_thumb.

post-154650-0-08219700-1447546910_thumb.

post-154650-0-67853500-1447546915_thumb.

post-154650-0-15318400-1447546920_thumb.

post-154650-0-19058100-1447546932_thumb.

post-154650-0-30031600-1447546938_thumb.

post-154650-0-60728700-1447546943_thumb.

post-154650-0-07499600-1447546949_thumb.

post-154650-0-66746300-1447546955_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Started making parts.  The tops of the interior quarter panels that conceal the convertible pistons are pretty thin and no longer structural.  I made patterns from MDF and bent the metal over them.  I set the piece in place for fitment, but still need to cut out the old part. Next piece to make is the top well.

post-154650-0-89160200-1448068642_thumb.

post-154650-0-31025700-1448068647_thumb.

post-154650-0-66634300-1448068657_thumb.

post-154650-0-84147600-1448068663_thumb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Worked on stripping the parts car some more.  Took the doors, rear fenders and rear bumper off.  I will use some of the parts for the convertible.  Next is removal of the dash and glass.  Then the sawzall comes out for the floor.  If anybody is looking for body or roof sections let me know, what I don't use is headed to the scrap man.

post-154650-0-07720200-1448220600_thumb.

post-154650-0-00125100-1448220606_thumb.

post-154650-0-70551000-1448220612_thumb.

post-154650-0-79008400-1448220617_thumb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Made the pan for the top well by routing out a piece of MDF and then hammering the metal into the grooves.  It worked well once I got the hang of it, but I still need to smooth out the grooves somewhat.  One of the pictures shows the three parts made so far laid on top of the rusted originals which I have not cut out yet. I still need to fold over the front edge of the well panel and add the weld nuts for the bolts to fasten the seat mounting plywood with.

post-154650-0-81064700-1449360947_thumb.

post-154650-0-00602700-1449360954_thumb.

post-154650-0-22413600-1449360958_thumb.

post-154650-0-98968800-1449360972_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am also impressed.  I often wondered how such rolls could be reproduced.  But let me ask:  It would seem that the roll is making the metal thinner.  Since I think these stamps are there to strengthen the panel, does it matter that the metal in the roll may be thinner?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Finally started actually welding new metal on the car,  I am getting it media-blasted this week thanks to the warm weather and needed to fix a couple of areas before the blaster removed any ability to make patterns.  Specifically the rear fender mounting points.  I noticed these had been replaced on the 4 door as well. I still have to install the inside piece with the weld-nuts attached.   Hopefully the next batch of pictures will show the body in primer and then more patches.

post-154650-0-41621100-1450044125_thumb.

post-154650-0-66122900-1450044130_thumb.

post-154650-0-52896200-1450044242_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The blaster man cometh ! - Actually an early Christmas present as my wife reminds me.  Now I can do my rust repair work and hopefully be ready for paint in the spring. I did manage to get the rear fender mount sections partially done.   I also stripped down the sedan completely and plan on transplanting large sections of the floor and wheel wells.  I do have the sedan sheet metal (other than the floor) listed for sale.  

post-154650-0-92245300-1450644768_thumb.

post-154650-0-71433400-1450644793_thumb.

post-154650-0-82977700-1450644798_thumb.

post-154650-0-73865500-1450644804_thumb.

post-154650-0-60396400-1450644810_thumb.

post-154650-0-71518700-1450644852_thumb.

post-154650-0-62637400-1450644856_thumb.

post-154650-0-37181900-1450644869_thumb.

post-154650-0-89881400-1450644875_thumb.

post-154650-0-38618400-1450644883_thumb.

post-154650-0-74054200-1450645031_thumb.

post-154650-0-12761700-1450645035_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Finally got the sedan body onto my homemade rotisserie.  I know it's wood.  I'm in the construction world, so the materials are free and I can toss or burn it when done.  I used LVL's and OSB with plenty of fasteners so It's pretty stout which is good because that body is heavy.   I built it to support the entire length of the body, so when I get the convertible on it, I won't be flexing it.  The plan is to patch the couple of rust holes on the sedan's floor before removing it section by section to transplant to the convertible.  I will also use sections of the wheel-wells and some parts of the trunk.  I looks like I will have to fabricate the rockers, but now I have good and easy to access patterns to work with. 

post-154650-0-50720000-1451873075_thumb.

post-154650-0-10705700-1451873088_thumb.

post-154650-0-78147600-1451873097_thumb.

post-154650-0-64105000-1451873100_thumb.

post-154650-0-40620400-1451873102_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Starting in on fabbing replacement rockers.  I first removed the old rockers off of the sedan to use as patterns since they are virtually the same as the convertibles.  Then I made up a 2' section which I limited to by the finger brake that I am using.  That went well enough,  but then I was trying to figure out how to get the longitudinal radius.   I used this as an excuse to buy a Shrinker-Stretcher.  After making a stand, I put them to use and was surprised to see that they were able to give me the bend I needed.  I had thought that the section would be too rigid to bend in that direction.  Look at the side view and you can see the gap in the center.  i only need it to be about 1/4" per the 2' section.  Now I will have to find a 4' brake and bend up the permanent ones.  I will still do the front section separately and weld the two parts together.  The front section will require some hammer-forming.  I have started in on a hard maple form that I will picture in a future post.

post-154650-0-32475500-1453079173_thumb.

post-154650-0-81678200-1453079181_thumb.

post-154650-0-05650200-1453079190_thumb.

post-154650-0-55915900-1453079256_thumb.

post-154650-0-10229400-1453079258_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The end of the line for the sedan.  I cut the roof off leaving the floor & braces only on the rotisserie.  I started in on the two patch areas but haven't finished (a little cold at the present).  The 4 door floor is the same as the convertible once yu remove the seat front brace that is spot welded onto the pan. I saved the trunk floor pan and roll pan if anybody needs those.  I also saved the fire wall at this point, but won't need it.  The rest got cut up and sent to the transfer station.  Other pictures show the bracing that I added to the convertible in preparation for the floor swap.  First i have to make up the replacement quarter panels and rockers.

post-154650-0-87675600-1453675647_thumb.

post-154650-0-66879100-1453675649_thumb.

post-154650-0-45424600-1453675651_thumb.

post-154650-0-45834100-1453675653_thumb.

post-154650-0-80443700-1453675654_thumb.

post-154650-0-48946000-1453675657_thumb.

post-154650-0-92617700-1453675659_thumb.

post-154650-0-61649500-1453675661_thumb.

post-154650-0-57145600-1453675663_thumb.

post-154650-0-88758400-1453675664_thumb.

post-154650-0-52873400-1453675717_thumb.

post-154650-0-94275500-1453675718_thumb.

post-154650-0-93986400-1453675719_thumb.

post-154650-0-27225500-1453675721_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After some more on-line research at the MetalMeet site, I decided to make cast hammer forms to reproduce the patch panels I need.  The first one I tried was the bottom of the passenger side door jamb.  I used plaster and didn't actually hammer against the casting, but did form the part in two sections using the shrinker and body hammers.  It fits nice and tight as I had hoped, but my welding could still improve some.  The next pieces to make are the rear quarters.  For that I cast a pair of hammerforms using high-strength concrete and then skimmed it with some plaster to fill in a couple of voids and air bubbles.  It was easy to do and I look forward to using the air hammer with an variety of home-made tips to stretch the metal over the form.  The concrete bag says 3000# psi in 1 hr and 6000# in 24.  I figure I'll let it cure at least a day before I try it.

post-154650-0-74241500-1454199244_thumb.

post-154650-0-30408400-1454199460_thumb.

post-154650-0-39571500-1454199461_thumb.

post-154650-0-83521900-1454199462_thumb.

post-154650-0-13618100-1454199464_thumb.

post-154650-0-37882800-1454199465_thumb.

post-154650-0-38093800-1454199482_thumb.

post-154650-0-84060400-1454199483_thumb.

post-154650-0-86614900-1454199484_thumb.

post-154650-0-07435600-1454199486_thumb.

post-154650-0-33317700-1454199487_thumb.

post-154650-0-52277200-1454199488_thumb.

post-154650-0-82610000-1454199506_thumb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...