JohnD1956 Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Is the frame of that car port plastic or aluminum? If aluminum, make sure it is rated for the snow load in your area. I had one collapse with the first inch of wet snow, creasing the roof on my 93 Regal. I was lucky it did not break the glass. If it's plastic, don't take a chance on it over the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Snow load in Newport News?? Pretty small chance, I would think. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Probably right Ben. All I can say is they had more snow and Ice than my area last year. No telling if or when that may happen again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 3, 2016 Author Share Posted August 3, 2016 18 hours ago, JohnD1956 said: Is the frame of that car port plastic or aluminum? If aluminum, make sure it is rated for the snow load in your area. I had one collapse with the first inch of wet snow, creasing the roof on my 93 Regal. I was lucky it did not break the glass. If it's plastic, don't take a chance on it over the winter. How are you. The frame is steel, 1.27 inch tubular framing. No plastic or aluminum. Very strong. I actually hung off the top of it without an issue. So I am not worried about snow. But thanks for the heads up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 what happens with those is the snow builds up on the tarp between the top frame pieces and the tarp sags, the snow melts and the water left in the sag ends up eventually penetrating the tarp. I ran a piece of 10-2 w/ground between the top frame members and while it still accumulated a little snow/water not enough to be concerned about. I also ran a piece of 3/4" pvc in the bottom hem of the door to make rolling up easier. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 1 hour ago, MrEarl said: what happens with those is the snow builds up on the tarp between the top frame pieces and the tarp sags, the snow melts and the water left in the sag ends up eventually penetrating the tarp. I ran a piece of 10-2 w/ground between the top frame members and while it still accumulated a little snow/water not enough to be concerned about. I also ran a piece of 3/4" pvc in the bottom hem of the door to make rolling up easier. I will definitely follow up on that. I don't want to take any chances. This has to last a good while...until we can get a garage built. Thanks Mr Lamar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 7 hours ago, Kosage Chavis said: I will definitely follow up on that. I don't want to take any chances. This has to last a good while...until we can get a garage built. Thanks Mr Lamar! You can use rope too, probably, I just used what I had on hand one day when they were calling for snow that night. The tarp will start leaking going into the second year. When that happens just buy a good tarp and strap over the top . As you can see I am an expert on these things . 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 I JUST know Mr. Fitty Fo, YOU are a honest, loyal, & helpful Buick guy, don't know about your being a TARP expert, but maybe,,,, Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) Okay, so after my baby boy gets to an age where he doesn't need the constant attention of an infant, I can now start back up the removal process. By now, my son had just turned 2. My daughter is also taking an interest in the Buick and wants to follow me everywhere to help me out. Of course I am eating this all up. My daughter and I remove the trunk handle ornament.Very simple, just remove the 4 bolts inside the trunk.Trunk handle ornament off the car. Edited August 7, 2016 by Kosage Chavis Terminology (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 11, 2016 Author Share Posted August 11, 2016 So, at this point, I felt it was a good time to move to the inside of the car and begin removing interior parts. As you can tell, my daughter is now taken an interest in the Buick and is helping out. I started with the simple stuff. Hanger clips are first. My daughter is showing the location of the clip in comparison to one of the screw locations of the trim.Showing the removed clips. The tape is to retain the screws with clips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 Remove 1 screw on each side of the dome light cover assembly. Dome light cover assembly removed from car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 A family project -- that's great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 Ashtrays...just open and press down locking tab in back. While holding down locking tab, slide completely out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 My little girl at the wheel. Reminds me of myself when I was her age when I used to sneak in my Dad's old Buick and pretend to be driving it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 Cigarette lighter...just remove 2 screws.Disconnect at connector and label both connection points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 To remove steering wheel ornament, just simply grasp firmly and pull out from center.Car door locking grips...just unscrew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 28, 2016 Author Share Posted August 28, 2016 Just found this picture on Facebook. A gentleman named Robert Tollenaere sold me the car. He took this picture the day he towed the car to my house and sold it to me. He mentioned in the post that he finally sold his 55 Buick Century and that he felt it was going to a good home. True indeed Mr. Rob! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Thanks for posting the process you are making with such clear pictures and detailed explanations! Your leaving a great legacy for me and other folks to follow to be able to refer back to these photos and text. The manuals don't do near the justice your doing here. I just "binged" through it anxious for more! Good luck. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 31, 2016 Author Share Posted August 31, 2016 12 hours ago, 2carb40 said: Thanks for posting the process you are making with such clear pictures and detailed explanations! Your leaving a great legacy for me and other folks to follow to be able to refer back to these photos and text. The manuals don't do near the justice your doing here. I just "binged" through it anxious for more! Good luck. Greg The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for your kind words. It is my intent to simplify the restoration process as much as possible. Lord knows I don't have nearly as much knowledge as some as the others, but breaking it down into more digestible pieces will help. I'm so glad you are able to make use of my post. I have more to put up. Take it easy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 So getting back to the process, rear seat is next to be removed. The video below explains it all. Part 2 shows the cut outs that sits just behind the upper portion of the rear seat. The rear seat removed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 (edited) All interior trim would come next starting with the door just beneath the door window. Then the trim just beneath the rear window (part 1). Part 2 of the same piece of trim. Showing the step panels at the door. Just remove all screws and gently pull the panel up.Turning to the rear windshield trim removal. Removal of trim above the side windows. Removal of trim at the front windshield. Please forgive me, but it was getting dark that day and visibility in this video is pretty bad. Once you are left with the front windshield trim (2 pieces), just remove screws and gently pull off. This will then expose screws that hold up sun visors and rear view mirror. Simply remove those screws and remove sun visors and rear view mirror. Showing all trim, rear seat, rear view mirror and sun visors off the car. Edited September 7, 2016 by Kosage Chavis (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 Upper portion of front dash was next. When all screws are removed, be sure to pull back on upper dash to remove. Do not force too much, as to be sure not to damage anything. Once the upper dash is pulled out, disconnect the radio light at the connector. Be very careful of sharp edges. For the exception of dislodging the upper dash from rest of dash assembly, this is a pretty easy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 (edited) Started removal of the door decorative panels next. The video explains it all. Just be sure not to damage the plastic washers for all of the hand cranks during removal. Also, these panels are also held in with nails along the periphery of the panel. Pry slowly. I did keep all the nails. You never know. Panel after removal. Be sure to group each hand crank with its own set of hardware and then label.Panel off of car. Edited September 6, 2016 by Kosage Chavis (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 Removal of rear decorative upper and lower panels. For the upper panel, remove hand crank and screws. The panel should be pulled from top, leaving behind the lower panel. The lower panel only has screws retaining it. Just simply remove. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 Rear dash panel is next. My hand is touching the flange like strip that is screwed in just behind the top part of the seat. Just remove screws and the panel will slide out forward. In my case, I also had to remove speakers before sliding out the panel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 Removed access panels from front doors (2 total per door) shown in picture below. Just remove screws and pry open. The video will show the other access panel already removed which will give you access to the rear quarter panel nameplates. The video will also explain how to remove the nameplate. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) Some of the AC parts I got from my trip to Georgia, compliments of Mr. Lamar. Sight glass and associated tubing.Both factory copper lines that connect to AC receiver.Factory braided line. I already have the other (stored away).All other factory copper lines that connect the front with the rear (compliments of Matt) Edited September 7, 2016 by Kosage Chavis (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 More factory AC items received from my trip to Georgia, compliments of Mr. Lamar. Factory AC condensor.Factory AC power steering pump. Factory AC dehydrator. Factory AC solenoid valve. Factory AC 5 blade engine fan. Factory AC receiver. Factory AC control panel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 The last of the AC parts from my GA trip. Factory AC evaporator box.Factory resistor and evaporator drain tubes. Factory AC compressor and AC generator (generator bought from another person)Factory AC grill and duct sets (ducts do not fit my car, still looking for correct size (compliments of Matt). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 Be sure to seal all components that had refrigerant inside and store inside in low humidity. Rust will form and render them useless. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 4 hours ago, old-tank said: Be sure to seal all components that had refrigerant inside and store inside in low humidity. Rust will form and render them useless. All AC items were boxed up and kept in my garage. Stays pretty cool in summer and stays warm during the winter. However, I did not temp cap the outlets. Am I in good shape or do I need to go back and temp cap? Thanks Mr. Willie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 10 minutes ago, Kosage Chavis said: All AC items were boxed up and kept in my garage. Stays pretty cool in summer and stays warm during the winter. However, I did not temp cap the outlets. Am I in good shape or do I need to go back and temp cap? Thanks Mr. Willie. Needs to be capped/sealed and inside. It is too humid in the garage. Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture and does not protect from rust like other oils...in fact it will promote rust! If you are not ready to refurbish the compressor take the cylinder head off the back to inspect and spray down the cylinders and valves with WD-40; you should be able to turn it with a 1/2 wrench on the front bolt. Then re-assemble and turn the service valves to close off the insides. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 So the panels located just under where the bottom portion of the rear seat would be if still installed. Each side has about 3 to 5 nails. You'll need a flat head screwdriver, small hammer and plyers to remove nails. Tap the head of the screwdriver underneath the head of the nail, until the nail sticks out enough to grab and turn with some plyers. The nails act like screws, so turn counterclockwise to remove.There is also a rigid pad underneath that should be glued to the fabric. Remove together.Showing the panels outside the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 8, 2016 Author Share Posted September 8, 2016 I moved to the removal of the headliner next. All the trim has already been removed at this point.Remove all nails from the whole periphery of the headliner. All you should need is some needle nose plyers. Yes, I kept all the nails.When all nails are removed, gently pull edges of headliner off car body. The video below will explain the rest. Showing hard top without headliner. Showing headliner off of the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 8, 2016 Author Share Posted September 8, 2016 Next, I removed the front seat skirts.Very simple, just lean seat forward and you'll have access to all screws. Mine had 3 in the back and 2 in the front. Be sure to lift the whole panel slightly off of foundation. Then you will gently pry the front end away from seat. Once you do this, the whole panel comes right off. Don't forget the seat adjustment button. Loosen the screw at the bottom. It is an internal hex socket head screw.Showing skirts off of car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 8, 2016 Author Share Posted September 8, 2016 (edited) After removing the front seat skirts, I found a few interesting items tucked underneath the driver's seat. This can has to be almost 30 years old. Not sure about the cigarette pack. The most interesting were a bunch of old check stubs dated as early as 1974.When I bought this car from Robert Tollenaere, he mentioned that he bought the Buick from an older lady who's husband died a while back. I then got a little curious and decided to do some research. The name of the guy on the check stubs was Clarence A. Dively. Turns out that Mr. Dively passed away in 1978 at the age of 75 in Hampton, VA. His wife, Mary V. Dively, passed away much later in 2001 at the age of 88 in Hampton, VA. Even though I could not find any more info on Mr. Dively, I did find an obituary for his wife. The obituary stated that she passed away after dealing with a "long illness". There is also no mention of any children and states that her sister and sister's husband were her primary caregivers before her death. Another part of the story...I visited Robert Tollenaere's Facebook and saw a post in regards to selling the Buick (to me of course). I read over the comments and one stood out to me. It was a lady who sounded a little upset about the sale. She also mentions that Corey will be very upset. So, I go to the lady's Facebook and I try to find the Corey she mentions. Corey turns out to be her Husband. I send both of them a message and I get a reply from Corey. Corey turns out to be the Grandson of a Gentleman that also used to own the Buick. Corey was nice enough to answer some questions and even offered me some small stories of his Grandfather's ownership of the Buick. His name was Cornelius Tucker Carwile, also known as Neal. He was a pretty prominent gentleman in Hampton, VA. He owned a car dealership called Merrimac Motors.In Corey's own words..."My Grandfather drove the heck out of that car. It was one of those cars you would always recognize. He had 55 Buick on the license plate and that leopard skin in the back dashboard [seat]." Corey also mentioned that his Grandfather bought the car in the mid-90's. He was a man in his older years and would sell the Buick to Robert Tollenaere in 2000 when his diabetes worsened and could no longer drive it. Corey's Grandfather would pass away in 2005. It sounds like Corey kept some kind of contact with Robert through his 12 years of owning the Buick and there was some understanding between the both of them, that if Robert ever decided to sell the Buick, he would give Corey the first opportunity so that he could bring the car back into the family. For whatever reason, that word wasn't kept and Robert would end up selling me the car. So based on all the info, I was able extrapolate these things... This car was once owned by Clarence A. Dively and kept at their houses in Hampton, VA.Mr. Dively had this car at least as early as the early 1970's. In 1978, Mr. Dively passed away and naturally, all of his belongings remained with his Wife. Mrs. Dively would put the Buick up for sale in the mid-90's to Mr. Cornelius Tucker Carwile. A few years later, Mr. Carwile would become ill and would sell Mr. Tollenaere the Buick in 2000. During the ownership between all 3 previous owners, this car stayed in Hampton, VA. Robert owned the car for about 12 years before putting it up for sale. A coworker of mine would then spot the car, informed me of it and I purchased the car in late 2012. I am at least the 4th owner of the car. I still would like to know of anything pryer to the early 1970's, but this will have to do for now until I can find any other clues. Edited December 20, 2023 by Kosage Chavis Story update (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 9, 2016 Author Share Posted September 9, 2016 My car was born on the assembly lines of the General Motors Assembly Plant in Wilmington, Delaware (pictured below).Out of 80,338 of these cars, mine was the 17,688th off the line. The upholstery is blue cloth/blue vinyl. The exterior paint is stafford blue metallic on top, condor yellow at the center and stafford blue metallic at the bottom. This is the body label from my car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 9, 2016 Author Share Posted September 9, 2016 (edited) What my garage shelving unit looks like at the moment with all the boxed up and stored Buick parts.Starting to run out of room. Will have to build another shelving unit in here soon to make room for more parts. Edited September 9, 2016 by Kosage Chavis (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted September 10, 2016 Author Share Posted September 10, 2016 Today, I got a little time to break away and touch the Buick. Decided to remove both car doors.First, locate the door hinge bolts. There 3 at the top and 3 at the bottom.Remove only 2 bolts from each set, leaving one still in it's place. Then, remove the last bolt from the bottom hinge first. Place a jackstand at the base of the door to support the door before removing the very last bolt. I put some cloth between the jack and the door to avoid any damage to the door.Remove the last bolt. Carefully slide the door from its hinges. The door is a little heavy, so be careful. Showing the hinges.Showing the doors off of the car.All in all, this was more easier than what I thought. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 Hey, it looks like you have the same aftermarket mirrors as me! That's the first time I've seen that type of mirror on another Buick, I'm not alone! lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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