Mack0331 Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 Hello guys. I grew up working on classic cars with my dad and I am now a ASE certified master tech. I've been busy racing motorcycles for a while but wanted to start a classic restoration. I found this 57 and thought it was a perfect project. I drove from the Seattle area down to Boise area to pick it up over the weekend. The body is in pretty good shape no rust other than some surface rust. Everything is there about the only thing missing is one piece of fender trim. Needs complete restoration but its a solid starting point. Going to be pretty much all stock I really like the look of stock 50's cars so no big modifications planned at this time. Here's some pics check it out. I'll probably move it into my shop and get started on it next month or September. I'll keep this post updated as I go. Even though I am a master tech this is my first restoration so I'll probably ask a lot of dumb questions lol 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARY F Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 Looks solid. Where is the motor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 17, 2017 Author Share Posted July 17, 2017 6 minutes ago, GARY F said: Looks solid. Where is the motor? That's the block sitting in front of it. The rest of it is in the trunk. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Dawn Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 Congrats, looks like an awesome project for your first restoration. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 Nice! I was looking at this one but it was just too far for me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dei Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Looks like a good body! You might want to check with Beeman here on the Forums as he has a block or two that might be something you could work with and is close to you? Keep us posted. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I bought up every 56 322 block I could find from Idaho to Oregon. 57 was the first year for the 364, though. I know where there's quite a few in the Auburn area, if you're close (I know you're from Seattle, where are you located at?). If you're interested, I can give you the gentleman's information. He's strictly local, though, as in no shipping, and pretty interesting guy to get to know. Here's a pic of some of his wares: Good thing you don't need any sheet metal! If you're missing your fender spear, however, there might be a good one out there. The one in the pic is in pretty decent shape, but it's bent at the end... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 18, 2017 Author Share Posted July 18, 2017 8 minutes ago, Beemon said: I bought up every 56 322 block I could find from Idaho to Oregon. 57 was the first year for the 364, though. I know where there's quite a few in the Auburn area, if you're close (I know you're from Seattle, where are you located at?). If you're interested, I can give you the gentleman's information. He's strictly local, though, as in no shipping, and pretty interesting guy to get to know. Here's a pic of some of his wares: Good thing you don't need any sheet metal! If you're missing your fender spear, however, there might be a good one out there. The one in the pic is in pretty decent shape, but it's bent at the end... I have the 364 its in pieces that's the block setting in front of the car in the pic. I'm actually in auburn I just say Seattle area cause its easier for people not around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Whatever you do, don't take the block to Auburn Auto Machine. The last nailhead to come out of there (not mine) dropped a valve seat and flooded the crank case with coolant. The auto shop across the street from the Cennex station in Black Diamond deals specifically in vintage cars. They turned me on to this ex Boeing engineer who is on point. Unfortunately he's moving 40 minutes outside of Pullman, but it's worth the drive. There was another machinist but I wasn't interested. That was also through the vintage shop. The shop owner's name is Keith. I'd have to look for the phone number, but you're close, and they're good people - you'll know the shop when you see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 18, 2017 Author Share Posted July 18, 2017 2 minutes ago, Beemon said: Whatever you do, don't take the block to Auburn Auto Machine. The last nailhead to come out of there (not mine) dropped a valve seat and flooded the crank case with coolant. The auto shop across the street from the Cennex station in Black Diamond deals specifically in vintage cars. They turned me on to this ex Boeing engineer who is on point. Unfortunately he's moving 40 minutes outside of Pullman, but it's worth the drive. There was another machinist but I wasn't interested. That was also through the vintage shop. The shop owner's name is Keith. I'd have to look for the phone number, but you're close, and they're good people - you'll know the shop when you see it. Thanks for the info! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted July 20, 2017 Share Posted July 20, 2017 Nice project car! Looking forward to your pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 I'm early in the planning process and deciding if I want to convert to power steering. I have never driven a older car like this without power steering. For those that have what's it like ? It looks like I can get a power steering conversion kit for $995 . Kit description - complete power steering conversion kit for a 57-58 Buick. The kit includes a factory remanufactured bolt-in power steering gear, pitman arm with ball, universal joint, remote pump, billet pulley, nailhead pump bracket, remote reservoir, hoses, hardware and instructions Is that all the parts needed ? If the manual steering isn't that bad I don't mind keeping it but I do plan on driving this car a good amount and don't want it to be a complete pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1956322 Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 That sounds about right..I prefer the manual steering... Who is offering that kit?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 1 minute ago, 1956322 said: That sounds about right..I prefer the manual steering... Who is offering that kit?? Saw it on eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1956322 Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 Hmm can't find it any chance you can post a link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 37 minutes ago, 1956322 said: Hmm can't find it any chance you can post a link http://m.ebay.com/itm/112467457412?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275&_mwBanner=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 Its going to be a while before I start on the motor but I want to at least get the block cleaned up and check it out make sure there's nothing big wrong with it. Mixed up 7 gallons of molasses in a big tub to soak it in. Should come out pretty much like new in 3-4 weeks. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 You can find a complete stock power steering kit at that junkyard I shared for much cheaper and it will be correct. As for the block... I don't know what it is, but that's not a Nailhead... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 1 minute ago, Beemon said: You can find a complete stock power steering kit at that junkyard I shared for much cheaper and it will be correct. As for the block... I don't know what it is, but that's not a Nailhead... 2nd person that said its not a nailhead. Well that sucks. I'm not familiar with them and was told that's what came out of the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 The part that gives it away is that it doesn't have the gasket surface for the valley cover. Luckily there are engines out there, too. Trust Salvage, owned by Matt Cooper. He's open 10-3 I believe only on Saturdays. 253 735 6690, located at 14909 SE 326th St, Auburn, Wa. You'd be surprised what you find out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 For what I paid for the car I'm not that upset about it. Never built a Buick before so its a learning experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 That looks an awful lot like a Ford "FE" engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 (edited) So what kinda price am I looking at for a 364 block? Theres very little info online since apparently no one sells them. I'm a ways away from needing one just curious what I'll be looking at. Edited July 21, 2017 by Mack0331 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 $200 for parts, $400 for a runner I think is pretty ball park. That's what I paid for my engine cores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 I f you are looking for originality, we have one with just under 5800 miles. Will be happy to help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 26, 2017 Share Posted July 26, 2017 1 hour ago, old car fan said: I f you are looking for originality, we have one with just under 5800 miles. Will be happy to help How the heck did that come to be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 26, 2017 Share Posted July 26, 2017 18 hours ago, lancemb said: How the heck did that come to be? 99,999 rolled over on the odometer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 26, 2017 Share Posted July 26, 2017 Not ours ,service stickers are on the door to prove it.,also records from the 2nd owner. It was not stored in a way we wished it should have been .but brought the paint back .Amazing car guys. Got our first HPOF 2 years ago .Being somewhat computer dumb, I can send pics to someone who can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 On 7/26/2017 at 3:03 PM, Beemon said: 99,999 rolled over on the odometer. Have you seen this car,dont think so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 On 7/26/2017 at 3:03 PM, Beemon said: 99,999 rolled over on the odometer. Beeman.prove it any way I can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Crap post by you with out looking at it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 On 7/26/2017 at 4:20 PM, old car fan said: Not ours ,service stickers are on the door to prove it.,also records from the 2nd owner. It was not stored in a way we wished it should have been .but brought the paint back .Amazing car guys. Got our first HPOF 2 years ago .Being somewhat computer dumb, I can send pics to someone who can. Sorry misunderstood...thought you were saying you had an engine available with 5800 miles and I was wondering who'd pull an engine out of a 5800 mile car!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 On 7/21/2017 at 5:08 PM, Beemon said: You can find a complete stock power steering kit at that junkyard I shared for much cheaper and it will be correct. As for the block... I don't know what it is, but that's not a Nailhead... www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/buick-nailhead-401-block-with-crankshaft.925385 take a look at this block. Note the surface for bolting on the valley cover, note the hole for the distributor, note the extended bellhousing, and note that you see through the lifter Valley and see the camshaft. The 57, came with a 364 cubic inch engine and the 364 has the same size bellhousing as the 401 and 425 blocks. 264/322 locks have a different diameter ell housing. If you go with a later 401/425 block, you'll have to finagle some motor mounts. But you could gain up to 60 hp.? Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Sorry beemon.i was out of line as well,My post did not say car or moter. If anyone needs pics of originality, we have them,i will send pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2017 Share Posted July 29, 2017 (edited) On 7/21/2017 at 6:43 PM, Mack0331 said: So what kinda price am I looking at for a 364 block? Theres very little info online since apparently no one sells them. I'm a ways away from needing one just curious what I'll be looking at. A Edited December 11, 2017 by Guest (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted August 12, 2017 Author Share Posted August 12, 2017 I'm about to get it into my shop and striped down and the body off within the next week or so. For the frame and suspension stuff anyone have opinions / experience with the Eastwood rust converter , rust encapsulator , chassis black ? I'm not going for show winning perfect but a NICE driver. See mixed reviews seems decent though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted August 13, 2017 Author Share Posted August 13, 2017 Got it into my shop today. Now the fun can start. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Got the front apart. I forgot how simple old cars are to work on. A ratchet and 1/2 socket and a few hours and the front clip is off. Broke a few bolts but overall it came apart easy. Hoping to get the body off the frame this weekend. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack0331 Posted August 20, 2017 Author Share Posted August 20, 2017 Well I got the body off. That was fun without a lift. About half the body bolts broke no prob I planned on getting new ones anyway. The one just before the right rear wheel well just spun so I had to cut a small hole in the floor to get to the other side of it. No big deal there's almost no back floor left anyway . my first attempt to pull the body off was almost a disaster. I got it up on jackstands. I had one big ratchet strap so I figured I I would use that to hold up one side by hanging it from the big center beam in the shop so I could pull the chassis out sideways. When I let the weight down on the strap it moved the body and yanked it off the jack stands on the other side . not good. That's the first pic. After that I went and got another big ratchet strap and just hung the whole body so I could pull the chassis out. Kinda redneck buy hey it worked. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dei Posted August 20, 2017 Share Posted August 20, 2017 (edited) Looks like you have a nice space to work in and she is quite solid. As always just be careful man. Edited August 20, 2017 by dei (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now