Frank Tedesco

Dave, Thank you! P.M. sent. -Frank

Everyone, Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. I have a lead on a used flywheel but would rather a new one. John, I'm interested in your flywheel. Can you describe it further. I just posted in the Prewar forum, asking for flywheel dimensions: I'm checking compatibility of using a flywheel from a 39 special on my 47 special. Both have "small" engines. I found the ring gear tooth count is 146 which is just what I need. Can someone provide the additional dimensions from the 39 repair manual? I need the overall diameter (14"?), gear ratio (16.22/1?) and tooth count on the starter pinion (9?) and the tooth pitch (10-12?). If the 39 service manual is similar to my 47 manual, this info should be listed within the Electrical chart. Thanks,Frank

I'm checking compatibility of using a flywheel from a 39 special on my 47 special. Both have "small" engines. I found the ring gear tooth count is 146 which is just what I need. Can someone provide the additional dimensions from the 39 repair manual? I need the overall diameter (14"?), gear ratio (16.22/1?) and tooth count on the starter pinion (9?) and the tooth pitch (10-12?). If the 39 service manual is similar to my 47 manual, this info should be listed within the Electrical chart. Thanks,Frank

Carl, Thanks for the info. Does your book by chance state the number of teeth? My manual says it should be 146. I don't know if this matters. - Frank

Hello everyone, I have rebuilt clutch going in my 47 Special series 40 model 41 4dr. My flywheel is missing many teeth and should be replaced if possible. I'm not yet sure what years are compatible, or if one from the 320 can be used. Please let me know if anyone has one. Thanks, Frank

I think those seat covers are cool!...very Howard Zink! -Frank

and 47 had NO cross hair in the gunsight hood ornament, could be a replacement though.

A few years ago, There was a mid 50's 4 door chevy in the driveway a few blocks from my home. The paint was worn, but it looked to be in running condition. I would make sure to look at it while walking with my daughter, who was only a few month old at the time. She listened intently as I went on about how cool I thought it was. It was there for a few months and then disappeared, never to be seen again. I always regretted not asking about it. I found My 47 Buick in a similar way ... and bought it! My daughter is now 7 and my son is 4 and they like old cars. They must have been listening all along.

I don't want to hi-jack this thread. Pete, I sent you a P.M. regarding the molding. Thanks, Frank

Paul, That sound great. I sent you a P.M. Thanks, Frank

Sorry to hear about a car that survived 62 years just to be done in by a tree. If it's not sold outright and instead parted out, I would be interested in the Radiator, passenger side front fender and passenger side rocker molding. Shipping to 11756. Thanks, Frank

I'm 40 and have owned my 47' Special for 5 years. This car was local and I had admired it for many years before inquiring if it was for sale. I Liked many makes/models and but didn't know Buick quality until owning one. My kids especially love this car and it's a good excuse to take it slow. Hope the pic's attach. -Frank

O.K. I'll try to answer these questions in order, best I can... To seat the rings, I'm accelerating moderately to to 50 mph, then engine braking to 30 mph and not maintaining any given speed. Last year I cleaned the draft tube and vent on the block below the carb, but will check these again. I believe valve guides were replaced, I don't know what style of valve seals were used. What choices are there? 10w30 oil and zddp additive was used. I have not seen any oil consumption in the last 100 miles. I called Terrill Machine. The ring brand is Grant. The compression rings are cast iron, oil rings are steel, but not Moly. They avoid Moly rings with long stroke low RPM engines as they are difficult to seat. Connecting rod shims were removed in addition to the oil pump rebuild kit installed. The engine maintains 30 lbs at idle, close to 45 lbs above idle which is factory spec. I'll try to find out those bore specs, and will do a compression check after I add more miles. The smoke appears consistent, not pulsing and appears the same whether the engine is cold or warmed up. Thanks everyone for the advise and suggestions, keep them coming. I'll also post when I know more.

Before the rebuild the engine ran but with about 70 lbs in ea. cylinder (should be 112 on a new engine) and was oil fouling the plugs. When the engine was disassembled, Broken rings were found, weak valve springs and some burt valves. Since the rebuild, I have been watching the plugs and they all appear about the same: dry and slightly grayish-tan. I ordered the valves, springs, standard rings and oil pump rebuild kit from Terrill Machine. I'll ask them about the ring material. I have since read that Moly rings seat better to out of round/tapered cylinders with very little honing. Is this true? I'm not sure of the engines milage (53k, 153k). but was told it appeared to be low, and the babbitt bearings were in good shape too. I had good oil pressure, even better now (shims were removed). I don't know if the block had a ridge or not. All the work was done with the engine in the car. The re-builder said I should put about 500 miles on the engine and see. Thanks for the responses so far... -Frank

I had the 248 strait eight in my 47 Special worked on. I was advised after dissassembly that a valve job (including new springs and valves) and piston re- ring were all that was needed. I had the work done, and have driven the car about 100 miles. The motor runs great, but there is blow-by coming out of the breather, but not the draft tube, or exhaust. I have not done a compression test, or leak down test yet. Will the smoking lessen as the rings seat? Or was a overbore needed in the fist place? I'm not sure what my recourse is. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks, Frank

John, I cannot get my P.M. to go through. I will review my options and let you know. Thanks, Frank

Yes, Meant to say that ....Brain not functioning this late in the work week!

I just checked out their site. I didn't know Bob's made them. John, I sent you a Private Message. Thanks, Frank

Hello everyone, I need an exhaust manifold, in good condition with no cracks. I would appreciate any leads too. I know CARS has new, but $700.00? OUCH! Thanks, Frank

I just received a call that my bearings are good and will be reused. Thanks everyone for the responses. Also, to clarify for others that could use this info in the future, there was a mistake in my original post. The Part # I listed is the rod with insert bearing. It began being used in 1949, and fits the years/models I posted (Thanks John). -Frank

Hello everyone, Not too long ago Patrick W. Brooks was kind enough to provide info for a direct replacement of babbit rods to insert rods. I'm in the process of a rebuild and need 8 of them for my 47 Special, Series 40, Model 41 four door sedan. Part # 1393817 and can be sourced from: 1937-1938-1939 series 40 1940-1941-1942 series 40 and 50 H1942 series 40 and 50 1946-1947-1948-1949 series 40 and 50 1950 series 40 If you have them, or even a lead on them please let me know. Thanks, Frank

I have a Covercaft custom outdoor cover on my 47 Special 4dr. I sent it in for repair, two years into the four year warranty. It was determined to be UV damaged and will be replaced...no questions asked. I should receive it back in a few days. Excellent cover, excellent people and a company that stands behind their product...and very important Made In the U.S.A. -Frank

Dave, The were well made in the U.S.A. , but over 50+ years ago. The vinyl lost strength due to age, and the stitches pulled through most likely because I also had it too snug. The plaid areas are woven plastic fabric and durable. Since the vinyl is weak, I'm afraid new stitching will fail. I'll see if I can put some sort of fabric tape?? behind it. Regards, Frank

Dave, I bid/won them on e-bay about three years ago. I paid about $65.00 total for the four piece set. I recently contacted that seller through e-bay, and asked if he had any to list in the future. He replied that he sold all the sets "up in the rafters" of his garage. About a month ago, I saw a set of "Howard Zink" brand, new old stock covers go for about $120.00 on e-bay from a different seller... so they do turn up. I didn't remove any of the old fabric or cushion material when installing the covers. I simply laid the batting down on each cushion as a large unattached sheet and installed the covers over it. This gave the seats some body. Regards, Frank

Dave, Regarding a previous post about seat covers: I didn't have interior pictures on hand, so I took some this past weekend of my 47 Special. You may notice that I split the cover on the front seat back, exposing the sheet of batting I used. While not as nice as a new interior, they are at least a period correct accessory. Regards, Frankl