NC-car-guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 So this peach arrived today from Georgia: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 One of the straightest cars I've bought with the most complete running gear under the hood. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 Needs a patch in the floors, and one in the rocker. I think I have most of what's needed to reassemble this, but will be posting wanted ads when I don't. This is the kind of car I've wanted. I've been through so many (14+) 55 Buicks now, but a 4 door small body is the ticket for me. This will get century trim, and an extra fender hole, as the locals here are hard on you if you only have a "tree hole" Buick. (yes it sounds like tree when they say it). The other plan is to put a 322 in it with the 56 dynaflow and rear axle I have. For now I may just see if I can get the little 264 going, as it looks clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 And make the left headlight ROUND again, hehe How far will YOU take this FULL of PATINA PIECE, and I don't mean mileage wise? Ain't no weekend project, FIR SUR, LOVE giving up the TREE HOLE look. YOU and FITTY FO can fight over what year is best. Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 10 minutes ago, smithbrother said: And make the left headlight ROUND again, hehe How far will YOU take this FULL of PATINA PIECE, and I don't mean mileage wise? Ain't no weekend project, FIR SUR, LOVE giving up the TREE HOLE look. YOU and FITTY FO can fight over what year is best. Dale in Indy I think fitty fo and I already do in our silent competition to buy up more cars. This will get out back together safe and comfortable, but not high dollar. Now that I have a shop, I'll do the work myself. I just want a fun cruiser, no shows needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 Well, I will be a watchin, we had a 55 Century 2 door HT, race it many times on Route 66, TOP END. Even pushed a pickup truck past a car as a bet. The truck owner was a ARCA driver, he bet one of his employees that his parts truck could out run his car. As a surprise, the employee didn't know I would be there to Push, If needed. We passed him, and he was mad. Din were my CRAZY days. Truck had wood rear bumper. Dale in Indy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 26, 2016 Author Share Posted June 26, 2016 (edited) Did some clean up today. Engine turns with a breaker bar, and turns over with the starter, but no spark. Paint code is ABB, but will be blue with a white roof when I'm done. She needs floors and rockers..... Took all the external parts to storage: Then pressure washed the remainder: Edited June 27, 2016 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56buickinga Posted June 27, 2016 Share Posted June 27, 2016 So that's what the engine and trunk look like on that car even has the washer jug. Good to know it was all complete under the hood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 27, 2016 Author Share Posted June 27, 2016 While some may see this car as a mess, It is one of the straightest cars I've bought. I'd much rather start with rusted bare metal, completely disassembled. No hidden crap like bondo, and I don't have to deal with the frustration of taking out every freaking rusted bolt. Once I brace the car and do the floors, I will move it to the frame I already have cleaned and painted. I might put some more effort into getting the 264 running for now until I can afford to get a nice 322. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted June 27, 2016 Share Posted June 27, 2016 Must have been sitting in the weeds to get the floor so rusted? That's a lot of work, but YOU are ENTHUSED, and that's KEY. Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 27, 2016 Author Share Posted June 27, 2016 Yea, and with as clean and straight as everything else is,(clearly the whole thing was sanded or blasted to bare metal). I think it was somone's resto project that ran out of time or money. :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 27, 2016 Share Posted June 27, 2016 2 minutes ago, wndsofchng06 said: Yea, and with as clean and straight as everything else is,(clearly the whole thing was sanded or blasted to bare metal). I think it was somone's resto project that ran out of time or money. :-( Maybe they gave up trying to get the rear door windows back in. Verify that you can get them back in and working and that all parts are there. I spent hours trying to figure it out even with the opposite mechanism still in place and another car still assembled AND a parts car. On top of that there were 2 version of the mechanism in 55 (my parts car was different...this was before I had a body manual). PM me if you need a body manual for that model. Willie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted June 27, 2016 Author Share Posted June 27, 2016 16 minutes ago, old-tank said: Maybe they gave up trying to get the rear door windows back in. Verify that you can get them back in and working and that all parts are there. I spent hours trying to figure it out even with the opposite mechanism still in place and another car still assembled AND a parts car. On top of that there were 2 version of the mechanism in 55 (my parts car was different...this was before I had a body manual). PM me if you need a body manual for that model. Willie Thanks Willie! There's something not everyone would know (or expect). I won't be using the doors. I have a 4 dr hardtop with pristine doors (rest of the body is hacked) that I bought from Bob that has the windows and mechanism all still installed and working! Once I get the floors and rockers done, I will just bolt the other 4 doors on. I may still ask about that body manual. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 I have a 55 Special 4 dr ht with some trim pieces left on it if you have a need. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 It's a 4DHT -- so I like it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share Posted July 2, 2016 (edited) Got her running today. Interesting assortment of spark plugs in this car... Time for a beer!... Carb needs rebuilt, might swap a 4bbl in temporarily until the 322 is built. This link should open a video of it starting. temp_6.3gp Edited July 2, 2016 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted July 2, 2016 Author Share Posted July 2, 2016 Cleaned up out back some too.... now I need to devote time to the building..... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted July 14, 2016 Author Share Posted July 14, 2016 Ok, after a brief delay in Buicks due to rain and negotiations with the owner of the neighboring property I am getting back at it. Re: neighboring property, I have three acres, this 5 borders me. The owners want to sell and knew I didn't want the subdivsion next to it expanding on top of me. Not ideal timing, but I pounced. That being said, I want to get the floors and rockers for the hardtop. Which vendor provides the best panel with the least hassle and modification involved? Or are they all the same maker just sold by different retailers? Thanks, Matt 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56buickinga Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I have a custom rocker I made in metal shop. It's molded off my 56 4dr hardtop fits nice it's about 3ft long or so maybe 2 I used plastic to build my rockers up. So I don't need it if you're interested I'll snap a picture tomorrow. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted July 14, 2016 Author Share Posted July 14, 2016 Plastic rockers? How'd you do that? Inner or outer? Yea shoot me a photo of the one you're wanting to sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56buickinga Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Body filler, I put about 6 inches of bondo in my drivers side rocker. My car is too far gone to get serious about fixing it correctly. I'll send you some pics tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 23, 2016 Author Share Posted August 23, 2016 As my building nears completion i was looking at what i need to get done. Thought this made for an interesting photo of the Buick pile. Almost looks like a sad death trail from the gate to the back.... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 26, 2016 Author Share Posted September 26, 2016 I pulled my 1956 dynaflow this weekend. I will be putting it in my 55 behind a 322. The car I pulled it from showed 71k on the odometer. Between pedal wear, upholstery wear, and the lack of ridges on the tops of the cylinders, I'd venture the 71k is accurate. The fluid in the transmission is very clean, no signs of metal or other material. I hesitate to throw down all the money to rebuild this right now and am hoping it has a few miles left in it. Would you risk just bolting this in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 Previously discussed... It will "work", but the 56 tranny is about an inch longer and the splines on the universal are different. Some found that the transmission mount is different too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 26, 2016 Author Share Posted September 26, 2016 (edited) 7 minutes ago, old-tank said: Previously discussed... It will "work", but the 56 tranny is about an inch longer and the splines on the universal are different. Some found that the transmission mount is different too. Oh I know. I have the torque tube rear, trans mount and cross member (Also from the 56). The question was more if a 71k trans is trustworthy or I shouldnt waste the energy installing until I rebuild. Edited September 26, 2016 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 7 minutes ago, wndsofchng06 said: Oh i know. I have the torque tube rear, trans mount and cross member. The question was more if a 71k trans is trustworthy or I shouldnt waste the energy installing until I rebuild. No easy way to test unless you install (see Mudbone 55 Century thread). It might be ok if running when parked. Any original transmission has old-old-old seals that could fail at any time. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted September 27, 2016 Share Posted September 27, 2016 Has anybody ever cut that inch out of a 54/55 torque tube and swapped in a 56 spline universal. BTW been meaning to say congrats on the 5 acres purchase, that ought to hold quite a few 50's Buicks. You bought a trailer yet? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 27, 2016 Author Share Posted September 27, 2016 That mod won't be done by me, ... and the 5 acres fell through... for now, long story.... freaking politics. But i still have 3 acres to fill so.. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted October 12, 2016 Author Share Posted October 12, 2016 (edited) Anyone have a recommendation on rebuild kits? Particular brand or seller? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1948-56-Dynaflow-Transmission-Master-Rebuild-Kit-Buick-Rebuilding-Overhaul-Parts-/300904328215?fits=Year%3A1956|Make%3ABuick&hash=item460f4bac17:g:isYAAMXQkcZRjq3w&vxp=mtr Edited October 12, 2016 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 Mine was rebuilt with a kit from Fatsco. I refrain from buying any kits on Ebay simply because you never really know what you're going to get and returns are hit or miss. Fatsco also lists the 1955-60 Dynaflows as their own category, whereas this vendor lists 1948-56. Your call, but the guys at Fatsco will forever be my saviors. My Buick died in 1978 because of a ring gear failure (the one that goes around the planetary gears). They just happened to have one NOS on the shelf. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted October 12, 2016 Author Share Posted October 12, 2016 Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 Finally back on the Buick..... she's in the shop as of today, so now I can work on it after work..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Can't wait to see the progress Matt. Hope you'll provide plenty of pictures and details. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 3, 2017 Author Share Posted January 3, 2017 1 hour ago, Kosage Chavis said: Can't wait to see the progress Matt. Hope you'll provide plenty of pictures and details. I'll try. Won't be at the level of detail you've documented yours though, I'm not that patient! Plus this one is mostly disassembled already. This car is not getting a full resto, she already runs, and while I don't dare say ratrod, maybe a rust-oration is better. The "parts" car I bought has a title and is actually in better shape, it will be my restoration. Safe, drivable, wet sanded and clear coat is where im headed with this car. Debating on trim treatments. Will probably paint the bumpers, taillights, and all pot metal. Not sure if I want flat black or silver (not fake chrome, actual silver). I will NOT paint the stainless, might delete it and put a painted-on side sweep. Opinions are welcome. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Doesn't matter to me either way. You are breathing the life back into a 50's Buick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 14, 2017 Author Share Posted January 14, 2017 Started tinkering... always stuff hidden away.... clearly there was a for sale sign taped in the window... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 15, 2017 Author Share Posted January 15, 2017 (edited) More playing....56 trunk emblem. I did Not paint the little disc in the center that says 1956.. if anyone needs it let me know, I don't mind letting the rust shine through the center.... the emblem itself had more pitting than was worth while, so. Filler and paint, plus I already drilled out my trunk lid to hold the new emblem. Edited January 16, 2017 by wndsofchng06 Spelling typo (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted January 16, 2017 Share Posted January 16, 2017 I like it. Would be cool for someone to take all of the best parts of each Buick, from 54 thru 56 and make one car out of it. Matt??? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 Started cutting out the old floor, inner rockers are pretty rough too.... bah! I just cut along rust lines to open it up, I'll go back and even things out later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 You could just put some ply wood down and call it good lol. Body work scares me to no end. I imagine floors would be pretty easy until you try to add back in the strengthening divets and channels that were pressed into the sheet metal. Good luck! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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