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#266998 - 03/03/05 08:40 AM
The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
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Dave@Moon
Long Time Member
Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 7381
Loc: Fairfield (Cincinnati), OH
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I stole this idea from a thread on the Packard forum.
Many of the people who read this forum are novices looking for insights into their newly purchased and/or dream cars. Most people know to look to owner's manuals, shop manuals, and sales literature to investigate their cars (for restoration information, authenticity, service information, etc.). However there are many other sources of information available to the novice that they may not be aware of.
Please use this thread to post a list of whatever sources of information might be useful to the inexperienced in researching their Buick, including published information (books both technical and of general interest, specific periodicals or articles in periodicals, etc.), internal GM documents (bulletins, catalogs, etc.) and any online sources (for specific models or for general reference--including the BCA tech services).
Many clubs incorporate a list like this into their web site. I don't think we do as yet (except for online links). Maybe we can encourage such a page be added. 
_________________________
"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."
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#266999 - 03/03/05 09:59 AM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: Dave@Moon]
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GRANNYS 70 SKYLARK
Member
Registered: 02/07/05
Posts: 93
Loc: Upstate NY
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The Standard Catalog of Buick, 1903-2003 published by Krause is a great start. Got mine as a gift from johnd1956 when I got my Buick. For paint information, I like www.autocolorlibrary.com
Best resource, the board members!
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#267001 - 03/03/05 01:08 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: Dave@Moon]
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MrEarl
Long Time Member
Registered: 07/14/03
Posts: 3534
Loc: NE Georgia
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Dave, way to go, this is a great thread. I had also seen it on the Packard Forum, and in fact had you not 'stoled it" then I would've. Brian Harpst aka B.H. on the Packard Forum spent a lot of time and did a fine job of starting their's off. Perhaps Roberta will consider making this a "sticky note" so it will be in front of us all the time. At some point it might be good to abridge or condense and add it to the BCA web site.
Well I see "the Buick Bible" (The Buick A Complete History) has already been added to the list but I want to add that IMHO that is the greatest automotive book ever written by the most dedicated author(s) to an automobile there ever was. Terry Dunham and Lawrence Gustin have done a great job on all six editions. Thank you Terry and Lawrence!!
SEVENTY YEARS OF BUICK by George H. Dammann is another great book by someone that gets personal and writes with his heart about Buicks.Copyright 1973, 352 pages.
BUICK THE POSTWAR YEARS by Jan Norbye and Jim Dunne is another hardback that is fairly comprehensive in it's coverage of Buicks after the WW II through 1978.There are a lot if little known facts contained in this book. Copyright 1978, 166 pages
Those are a couple of my favorite hardbacks. Will post more later.
_________________________
Lamar in Athens, Georgia
BCA- 39474, 1959 BDBCA-0021, AACA-228846  1954 BUICK "The Beautiful Buy"1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB, (Irene,gone down under) 1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup, Dakota, Blue Belle, Virginia, Marietta, "High Society" (thank you Paul Meyer) 1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT- "54Muscle" w/3 speed stick(thank you Jim Schilf & Norm Kortus), Mary Jane Verkauft bis ein, wer 54 Buicks in Deutschland liebt, dankt Freund 1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan 3 speed- Sugar Magnolia
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#267002 - 03/03/05 03:08 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: MrEarl]
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Dave@Moon
Long Time Member
Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 7381
Loc: Fairfield (Cincinnati), OH
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Quote:
Brian Harpst aka B.H. on the Packard Forum spent a lot of time and did a fine job of starting their's off.
I would've as well but my schedule wouldn't allow it, nor would it allow my brain the capacity to hold the idea until I had the time. 
I have every copy of the Crestline series (Seventy Years of Buick et al), and I find them to be the best photo records available. The Norbye & Dunn and Dunham & Gustin books are indispensable too. I'm particularly fond of my The Buick, A Complete Story. The Standard Catalogs series from Krause Publishing (Old Cars Weekly) is the most complete source of production and technical information out there, but there are errors to watch for (especially in the early editions).
Richard Langworth's Illustrated Buick Buyers Guide, like many of the early books in this series, covers way too much ground for it's size to be very useful. It is entertaining and an good early introduction to the cars though.
Brooklands Books' Portfolio series has a number of books compiling Buick articles from past periodicals. I have their 1947-1960 Buick book as well as their Riviera book. They're more fun than useful, but nice to have.
I think probably the most important book a novice can buy is the proper parts catalog(s) for the car in question. I consider this more important than even the factory shop manual(s). I've found it's best to have the book from 3-5 years after the year of your cars manufacture, because by then most of the parts numbers for your car that were superceded are included. If there's a specific book available for just your year from GM, that's a MUST! I have one for my 1960, and I'd be lost without it.
I also make it a point to purchase a copy of every Chilton, Haynes, Motor, Clymer or other manual for the car. This information is often better to have than the shop manual, as it is usually written with the home mechanic in mind.
"Tune-Up Information Cards", usually sold out of files that were kept by old service stations, often contain information that no other source sill have. The most common ones are published by A.E.A., but there are several others.
--more to come--
_________________________
"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."
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#267003 - 03/04/05 03:38 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: Dave@Moon]
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elk93001
Member
Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 228
Loc: Dillsburg(Harrisburg), PA 1701...
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Great topic, should stay "ttt" for a while.
While these may be specific to later Buicks (turbos and V6s) and some may cringe at the thought of modifications....
"The Buick Free spirit Power Manual" by John Thawley
"How to Hot Rod your Buick V6" by HP Books
These books have alot of useful specs if one were to get their V6 machined. Also there is some historical info on the V6 as well.
Both may be out of print, but they do pop up on ebay quite a bit.
Color and Trim books corresponding to one's year/model. At Carlisle, I usually check out Bob Johnson's Auto literature (www.autopaper.com) since he has a wide assortment of these trim books for various makes.
Another neat little book is a quality control assembly information manual. If you go on ebay and type a keyword search once in while: 19XX engine manual (check the search title and descriptions), sometimes this will pop up.
I see alot of folks will reproduce this little book (scan, enlarge and photocopy), however the resolution is low quality compared to the little factory book.
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#267004 - 03/05/05 06:14 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: elk93001]
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MrEarl
Long Time Member
Registered: 07/14/03
Posts: 3534
Loc: NE Georgia
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Quote:
Great topic, should stay "ttt" for a while
_________________________
Lamar in Athens, Georgia
BCA- 39474, 1959 BDBCA-0021, AACA-228846 1954 BUICK "The Beautiful Buy"1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB, (Irene,gone down under) 1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup, Dakota, Blue Belle, Virginia, Marietta, "High Society" (thank you Paul Meyer) 1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT- "54Muscle" w/3 speed stick(thank you Jim Schilf & Norm Kortus), Mary Jane Verkauft bis ein, wer 54 Buicks in Deutschland liebt, dankt Freund 1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan 3 speed- Sugar Magnolia
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#267005 - 03/06/05 02:01 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: MrEarl]
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B.H.
Long Time Member
Registered: 08/15/01
Posts: 2755
Loc: Western PA
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MrEarl -
The BCA and any other forum is more than welcome to "borrow" my "bookshelf" idea, and I like what you folks have accomplished here in just a few short days.
I started my "bookshelf" thread at the Packard forum last summer in response to repeated, if only ocassional, inquiries by newcomers WRT information "in print." It began with a "primer" on factory publication, but I had to put off the "book store" material so I could continue to "make hay while the sun shines" with car and home improvement projects.
When I finally came back to update the thread last weekend, it was as much out of a need for some diversion from Punxsutawney Phil's "gift" of six more weeks of winter and wrestling with my tax returns as it was for any want of progress.
Once I dug my box of Packard books out of offsite storage, I spent an afternoon gathering info online and and another organizing it and writing up some commentary for posting. Yet, I've had to go back and edit some posts (more than once) as additional thoughts came to mind. The real challenge was to present not too much, but just enough - without coming off as a "critic."
It seems like people at the Packard forum may have been waiting (quite a while) for me to come back and update that thread, but it really can be a group effort (as you all have demonstrated here). While I've exhausted my resources, recent posts by others have provided Packard titles that I don't have and some that I wasn't even aware of.
Threads like this are not only a great starting point for "newbies", but a ready reference for the rest of us.
Good luck, and keep up the good work!
Edited by B.H. (03/08/05 04:30 PM)
_________________________
Brian Contributing Member of PackardInfo.com - Best of All, It's Free! "Knowledge is good." - Emil Faber
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#267006 - 03/07/05 08:58 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: B.H.]
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brad54
Member
Registered: 01/14/01
Posts: 791
Loc: Jefferson, Georgia
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I'm a HUGE fan of a full bookshelf!
Here are a couple of my personal favorites:
Motor's Service Manuals are at the top of my list. DO NOT get the "Flat Rate" manuals--those were just books that told how long a procedure would take.
Be picky when you buy them--I've put together a full set covering the first years (I think 1937?) through 1985, and all the books are in perfect condition--no broken spines, no grease stains. Paid between $10 and $15 each for them over 2 years of swap meets. That was with some hard, dedicated shopping. Typically, the average price seemed to be around $40. For the one book covering your car, that's not a bad deal. I just really wanted a full set.
Next is a good set of the un-abridged version of the Technical Service Bulletins. It's amazing what you find in these. In a bind, the abridged versions will be okay, but the unabridged, 3-hole-punched versions are full of much more information.
John Lawlor's Auto Math Handbook is also a must-have. It isn't Buick-specific, but when you want to start figuring out tire sizes vs. RPM, etc. it can't be beat. And I've had that particular conversation with a lot of resto guys!
Finally, the best book out there is one you can make yourself. Every magazine article, web-thread/post or scrap of useful information should be printed/photo copied, 3-hole punched, and put in a binder on your shelf.
I have one, and the categories are (for hot rod stuff): Engine, Transmission, Rear End, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical, Misc.
Ever had a question, and just KNOW you read it somewhere, but can't find/don't have the time to dig through 15 years' worth of old magazines? Build your own book, and it's always there, easy to find.
-Brad
_________________________
Never pee on an electric fence.
1954 Special
'62 Chevy Suburban daily driver
'57 Chevy 150 2dr wagon Gasser race car
'56 Chevy 150 2dr post
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#267007 - 03/07/05 11:04 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: brad54]
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MrEarl
Long Time Member
Registered: 07/14/03
Posts: 3534
Loc: NE Georgia
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One of the most informitive and helpful books (actually a bulletin/manual) when it comes to restoration is the "Fisher Body Service News". They go into more detail of the removal and installation of body parts for each one of the body styles than the Shop Manual.They are typically around 50 pages each. Willie Pittman, aka "old-tank" has scanned and made several of these (54 and 55) available for purchase. I have all the 54's and most of the 55 and 56 originals but hate like the Dickens to have to use them when my hands are all greasy (and bloody). I called him up and after a "Downloading for Dummies" shortcourse I downloaded them and will be getting them copied so I can dirty up the copies instead of the fragile vintage ones.I consider his prices as very fair!! Thanks for this great service Willie!!
Willies Fisher Body Service News
Edited by MrEarl (03/08/05 06:10 AM)
_________________________
Lamar in Athens, Georgia
BCA- 39474, 1959 BDBCA-0021, AACA-228846 1954 BUICK "The Beautiful Buy"1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB, (Irene,gone down under) 1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup, Dakota, Blue Belle, Virginia, Marietta, "High Society" (thank you Paul Meyer) 1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT- "54Muscle" w/3 speed stick(thank you Jim Schilf & Norm Kortus), Mary Jane Verkauft bis ein, wer 54 Buicks in Deutschland liebt, dankt Freund 1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan 3 speed- Sugar Magnolia
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#267009 - 03/16/05 08:24 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: MrEarl]
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MrEarl
Long Time Member
Registered: 07/14/03
Posts: 3534
Loc: NE Georgia
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There are a couple of Seventy Years of Buick on
eBay
_________________________
Lamar in Athens, Georgia
BCA- 39474, 1959 BDBCA-0021, AACA-228846 1954 BUICK "The Beautiful Buy"1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB, (Irene,gone down under) 1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup, Dakota, Blue Belle, Virginia, Marietta, "High Society" (thank you Paul Meyer) 1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT- "54Muscle" w/3 speed stick(thank you Jim Schilf & Norm Kortus), Mary Jane Verkauft bis ein, wer 54 Buicks in Deutschland liebt, dankt Freund 1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan 3 speed- Sugar Magnolia
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#267010 - 10/07/05 08:23 AM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: MrEarl]
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MrEarl
Long Time Member
Registered: 07/14/03
Posts: 3534
Loc: NE Georgia
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just wanted to bring this back to the top.
plus this is currently on ebay
SEVENTY YEARS OF BUICK
_________________________
Lamar in Athens, Georgia
BCA- 39474, 1959 BDBCA-0021, AACA-228846 1954 BUICK "The Beautiful Buy"1954 Roadmaster 76R, 2 DR HT - DoraB, (Irene,gone down under) 1954 Roadmaster 72R 4 DR - Buttercup, Dakota, Blue Belle, Virginia, Marietta, "High Society" (thank you Paul Meyer) 1954 Century 66R 2 DR HT- "54Muscle" w/3 speed stick(thank you Jim Schilf & Norm Kortus), Mary Jane Verkauft bis ein, wer 54 Buicks in Deutschland liebt, dankt Freund 1954 Special 41D 4 DR Deluxe Sedan 3 speed- Sugar Magnolia
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#267011 - 10/07/05 10:57 AM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: MrEarl]
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sixpack2639
Member
Registered: 01/29/05
Posts: 756
Loc: SC Coast
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#267012 - 10/07/05 07:45 PM
Re: The Buick Owner's "Bookshelf"
[Re: Dave@Moon]
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BUICK RACER
Member
Registered: 07/28/00
Posts: 2307
Loc: Flint, MI, USA
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I made this post a "sticky" cause I think it will help alot of folks out, looking for info on Buicks and Buick Stuff. Beware though there are several books out there that have alot of mis-information, one in particular is the Buick Muscle Car book. Norb has a list of all the things wrong and page numbers, I think he even wrote to them about it. I got the '70 Years of Buick" book for Christmas from my parents way back when I wasn't even driving or just about to get my license, learned alot reading that. But I guess most of my knowledge of Buicks and how they work and how to fix came from reading the shop manuals for the '56 and '64 Buicks that we had at the time, everything from carbs to transmissions. And then later in life actually doing alot of the work myself and referring to the shop manuals when necessary and so on!
_________________________
Roberta
BCA #16798
BCA Board of Director,1997-2003
BCA WEBMASTER
'56 Special(parts car!),'68 GS350,4-sp '68 GS400 Convertible,4-sp,'66 Wildcats,'70 GSX Stage 1,'70 Skylark Racecar,'73 GS455,'86 Grand National
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