tigersdad

PS: Mr. Earl- Didn't the '54's have some transmission problems? Jay

John, Pete- Thanks a lot for the advice on the '56. That's all I needed to hear when both of you mentioned hard to find parts! This is why I come to the experts at the Buick Club of America. Everyone I know in the club is there to help! Thanks, again! Jay

I'm looking at purchasing another car and have been looking at the 1955 and 1956 Buick Century Riviera and Super. Which, in mosts opinion, is the better of the two years? Better of the two cars? Thanks! Jay Kingston

Thanks guys for the help. It is a Studebaker President, 1955, for sale on E-Bay. Beautiful car, but with a cracked dash, am going to hold off until I get more information about the dash and whether there is a replacement for it. I would hate to spend that amount of money for a car that has a dash that may, or may not, be repairable. Jay 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner

Unfortunately, no, it's not a padded dash which, like you said, would be easy to fix. Appears to be the hard plastic.

I'm looking at purchasing a 1955 Studebaker Speedster, seemimgly flawless, less for a cracked dash. Is there a technique for repairing this or does the whole dash have to be replaced? The crack is about 3" long. Thanks! J Kingston

Found them. Thanks! J

I'm looking to purchase two rear seat arm rest ashtray's for a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner. Does anyone have them or know where I might look? Thanks!

Great video! Reminded me when I was a kid watching the cars going up and down 4th Street in San Rafael, CA while we were watching George Lucas filming American Graffiti. 40 years ago! Wow! Jay 1931 Cadillac 355A Town Sedan 1934 Buick 40 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner

Dan, Don't know if you've been in the past or this was your first time, but this years Concours was nothing compared to past events. There were fewer classic cars and what you term as "trailer queens" which are always a pleasure to look at, even if more $ was poured into the car than what it is worth. The band playing tunes form the 20's and 30's is great background, but when that ended and the auction began, I thought I was at a Mecum Automobile Auction. It completely took away from the ambience of the venue. This had once been a great show, but like others, seems to wane after time. Plus it's HOT as hell every year, hence, the fewer cars and crowd. Jay 1931 Cadillac 355A Town Sedan 1934 Buick Series 40 1957 Ford Farilane 500 Sunliner Convertible

I agree with option #2 and #3. Don't hotrod an original car. If you want a hotrod, sell this car and buy one with the specifications you are looking for. And as everyone had mentioned earlier, 4 doors don't make good hotrods............just good Sunday drive cruisers. Jay 1931 Cadillac 355A 1934 Buick 40 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner

Thanks, guys! Very informative on the Octanes and lead substitutes. Jay

Everyone, Thanks for all your help. Out here in CA, where we still pay $3.50/gallon for premium, seems like premium would be the best bet (though I think the octane is only 91). It's 87, 89 and 91 out here. Rusty, thanks for the information on the valves. I'll check with the Jerry Hill to see if that was done. Jay

I recently purchased another car, a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible (Sunliner) with the 312/245 V-8 Thunderbird engine. The car has been completely restored. My question is: What would be the best grade of gasoline to use in this car? In the original Sales Manual it calls out for Supreme for the highest performance for your engine, but that was leaded gas in those days. What about today? I usually add a lead additive to my older cars every once in awhile. Thanks! Jay 1931 Cadillac 355A Town Sedan 1934 Buick Model 40 1957 Ford Sunliner

Anyone out there? Appears other auotomobile clubs are more active than others. Sad.

Is there a Ford Fairlane Club for the mid-50's Fords in the San Francisco Bay Area? See there is a club for 1962+, but haven't seen a club for the 50's.......'54 thru '59. Thanks! Jay 1931 Cadillac 355A Town Sedan 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner Convertible

Isn't this the one that was for sale at Hyman Classic Cars? Jay 1931 Cadillac 355A Town Sedan

Thanks, Todd, will do! Also, have you thought of the name of the movie Rusty is looking for? Just giving you a bad time because it is now driving me nuts!! I'm going to call my mother-in-law who lives in Woodland Hills, CA. Seems all the neighbors are in the movie industry. Someone should know. Jay 1931 Cadillac Town Car

We've got to keep this one going! I am now more curious about the movie than the cars (not really, just at this moment), but would like to find out what the name of this movie is! Jay 1931 Cadillac Town Car

Hmmm???? This is a question for movie trivia experts! Jay 1931 Cadillac Town Car

Dave and Todd, Thanks a lot for the information. The more I read this forum, the more I learn about the old cars. I'm 50 now and have loved old cars my whole life. My first old car was a 1930 Model A Coupe, with the trunk still in tact. Hadn't been turned into a rumble seat. I was in my early 20's. I feel like I may know a lot, but then I come across people like the two of you and learn even more! Thanks for all the help and insight to these beautiful classics! Regards, Jay 1931 Cadillac Town Car

Good call, Bob! I think you are right. I bet if Rusty looks it up, there it will be! Jay 1931 Cadillac Town Car

Thanks guy's for all the help! I did find out that leather was original to the car for the seats and dash board and that the dual exhausts did not come out until 1956 on the Starfire. I'm still on the hunt. PS: Marty.......Beautiful '41 Cadillac! Jay 1931 Cadillac Town Car

Don and Glenn, Thank you very much for the information. I had my doubts from what research I could do and from pictures I've found on the internet. It appears that the car I was looking at has been somewhat customized. I prefer stock automobiles. I'll keep on the hunt for a mid 50's Oldsmobile. These cars have beautiful lines! Thanks, again! Jay

Come on guy's! I know someone out there knows!