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Blackout

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Posts posted by Blackout

  1. 12 hours ago, jackofalltrades70 said:

    Take a pb blaster can and put the red tube into the nozzle.  Stick the nozzle into the clip groove and spray a little bit in there.  Tap the outside of the handle a couple times with a soft blow hammer.  After a time or two over the course of a couple hours, it should break free.

    Tried that.  I haven't had a chance to go back out to the car, maybe it just needs more time to soak.

  2. 54 minutes ago, Buicknutty said:

     The window handles are usually held in place by small clips that are hidden once installed. There is a tool which is sold that is supposed to help to release the handle from the shaft. I've never had much luck with them, and I've bought three of them, instead I use two very small flat head screwdrivers to slide them out.

     The bezel which surrounds the crank handle can be depressed towards the outside of the car a bit, like 3/8ths of an inch or so, then you can see the retaining clip, and either buy the tool I mentioned, or use screwdrivers as I described above. I am going to my garage later, and could take a picture of the one I have, which I think is hanging in place on the wall. The other thing to be careful of, as I've had those clips launch themselves when they slide off, so take care they don't hit you or a helper in the eye, or simply fly off into never never land!

     Hope this helps.

     Neat car, looking forward to seeing more of it.

     Keith

    Hi Keith:

     

    Yeah, I found the clips and removed them but the shaft splines are frozen inside the handle.  Not sure how to unfreeze them without damaging the shafts but will purchase new window/door mechanisms if I need to.

  3. I decided to move on to the interior--a dreaded task!  I thought I "vacuumed" pretty thoroughly until I took out the seats and found 5lbs of shredded newspaper and other rat debris!  Despite some significant challenges working around frozen door/window handles, I was carefully able to remove most interior items without much fuss other than the constant plume of disintegrating fabric, rust and dust.  I tried my best to salvage the patterns and oiled up the metal trim elements that are faux wood-grained. 

     

    Now I can truly assess the degree of sheet metal work on the floors and other structural elements :(.  Anyone have any tips for removing the door/window handles?  I'm pretty sure the plastic covered handles were unique to 1942 but all of them are quite degraded.

     

    Some cool discoveries, such as the 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny in the ashtray, the "Body by Fisher" stamp, and an interesting wood window guide thingy.  Forgot this car came with a heater under the passenger seat.

     

     

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    • Like 3
  4. Yep, wiring and sheet metal are on my short list; brakes are ok for now.  Just needed a simple, immediate-result project!  I like the sedanettes from 42-50 and 49 is a particular favorite.  

     

    Interesting note, I just learned that 1942 was really the first year where most of the design elements were modeled from the Buick Y-job, the first "concept" car.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Y-Job

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  5. Over the past couple weekends I decided to experiment with some oven cleaner and wax.  Now, I know the reaction most people probably have, but I've already committed to taking down to bare metal once I have the available funds; I just wanted to see what was under the horrendous layer of goopy primer covering the entire car and to see if there was any hope in bringing out some sort of patina prior to full tear down.  I found at least 6 different colors on the car (original brown base and metallic maroon; some salmon color, red and blueish grey paint, and a nasty top layer of brown primer covering just about every exposed surface including rusted panels.    

     

    Also, I found beauty rings and the 42's center caps.  Any idea where I can find correct center cap clips? 

     

     

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    • Like 1
  6. Another update...

     

    The radiator is rebuilt with new hoses and thermostat.  I fixed the fuel delivery issue by rebuilding the carb and fixing my own mistake of failing to reattach the fuel pump diaphragm plunger upon inspection.  The following video shows the new carb in place with fuel delivery for the first time since the 1990s.  The choke heat thermostat tube is broken and I'm sure I need to dial in the timing, but I have her down to an ok idle for now.  That is until the exhaust manifold broke...

     

    Does anyone know where I can find a replacement center section/collector piece for a 1942 Buick 320 with a single carb?  The other side of the collector is also broken and held together with a hose clamp--is the part weldable/salvageable?  

    buick new carb start.mp4

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  7. Ok, so I have an update...granted it's been almost a year since my last. Upon doing ample research on the ownership history of the car, I have yet to figure out exactly if/how it ended up as an "officer's" vehicle at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In addition, despite being the only known 76S blackout car known to still exist, I realize the car will never really be worth anything beside a unique symbol of American history. As such, I'm struggling with a variety of issues:

    1. I have zero time to develop and improve the skills necessary to restore this car to its former glory.

    2. The money I have saved and/or have access to will by no means fund an adequate restoration.

    3. I could afford a hack job, at best, but do not want to compromise the integrity of the car should it be restored at a later date.

    4. Maybe there's someone out there who would continue what I started with a love for this vehicle like I have.

    5. I just want to drive it!

    Alas, it saddens me to even consider getting rid of Alice, but she just sits in my garage and by the time I can do anything with it, those who can appreciate the vehicle and its symbolism may not even be around anymore. This is a tough realization that has plagued me since buying the car and while my intentions have been appropriate, after 3+ years reality it's finally sinking in. The last thing I want is to see this car leave the country, let alone California or even a 100 mile radius of Mare Island. The unconfirmed history of this car is like none I've ever known and it should probably be in a museum. Anyway, that is my rant for now. I would love some encouragement, a reality check, or any other feedback from the community.

  8. Great advice! I love this car for several reasons that would make it very hard to sell. First, it's one of a kind (as far as anyone has been able to tell, this is the only one left) and if you saw my Willys, I have a desire to be unique. Second, this car represents amazing history when the nation was galvanized around a common cause (mechanization for WWII). Third, the car is about the only good thing to come out of my divorce. And lastly, it represents an era that I wish I had been part of. I'm currently working on DMV to provide the provenance for this car from their archives. Originally I was told DMV didn't have records, only to find out through an inside contact that a history on the car could probably be tracked down. I hope to have an answer in the next few months. I love the idea of trailering the car to local shows. Of course, I'd have to get a trailer and truck, but that's doable in the short term. I'd really enjoy putting together an exhibit about the car. I have original literature for the car, an original print block for the advertising, 1942 CA license plates, hood ornaments, etc. I could really do a cool educational piece about the car to show its significance. I think that would be fun, plus it would get me acquainted with the car show circuit!

    Regarding it's condition, the motor lost oil pressure in the late 60's, thats why it was parked. The owner before me drove the car after replacing the oil pump, but apparently that didn't solve the problem. I think it has something to do with the bearings in which case I really don't want to attempt the run the car without rebuilding the motor. I would hate to ruin a #'s matching block. I've tried the brakes while moving the car around, I know they work. The tranny, no clue...but the clutch disengages. Electrical is shot, needs tons of body work...I mean, in light of all that I figure what option do I have but to wait until I save enough money to pull the body off, go through the drivetrain, plop the body back on, wire it to run...cruise the block a few times, start electrical and body work. That seems like the logical next step...

  9. Wow, what a response! Thanks, everyone. No, I'm not discouraged by the project, just a bit intimitated. Due to my budget situation I've simply focussed on acquiring miscellaneous parts and memorabilia associated with the car. I figured it would be best to drive a beater, as suggested, and start a fund for any extra money I have to go toward the restoration job. My challenge has been identifying reasonable project "chunks". The car needs EVERYTHING! If felt kinda dumb pulling the drivetrain to rebuild it only to stuff it back in a car that would sit for a couple more years before I could bite off another chunk. But, I do see the point of taking things one at a time so I can at least enjoy the car on the road instead of in my garage. I recevied advice a while ago to save money and acquire parts until I have the resources I need to tackle the bulk of the project or at least to get it on the road. I'm patient, but I might have to find another old Buick in the meantime to run around while I save. Guess I'm a bit antsy to drive an old car again. Anyway, you all have given me a lot to think about. :)

  10. So, I'm tired of seeing my '42 76S collecting dust in my garage and, while I'm still poor, I have acquired most of the missing pieces for the car. My question is this: Is there any grant funding available to restore historically significant vehicles?

    I guess I have a few other questions, too"

    1. The car is in pretty rough shape, what are the logical restoration phases that would be manageable so I can start formulating a plan of action. I've decided I probably wont try to do the work myself, so funding is a big hurdle and biting the project off in chunks makes the most sense.

    2. Does anyone know of a good restoration shop in N. California who can get this car back to its former glory? Since it's quite possibly the only blackout 76S left in existence, I don't want someone to do a hack job.

    3. What other words of wisdom might you have for someone trying to restore a very rare vehicle?

    post-63759-143139195365_thumb.jpgThanks!

  11. When I first bought my 1942 Buick (Oct. 2009), I was on a mission to track the ownership history. Rumor had it that my car was an Admiral's or Commandant's car at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. I've tried DMV, the Mare Island historian, the Vallejo Museum, and the Naval Archives with no luck. I've even contacted former employees of the base and the towyard that snagged the car in the '90's to no avail. Does anyone have some advice for me on tracking the ownership history of my car...I'm losing hope!

  12. Beautiful car...I've always liked the swept B pillar on the special sedanettes. I can't imagine what it cost to ship that thing to Aust. We certainly have a rare breed of cars. Are you sure you want to throw chevy running gear in her? I sure wouldn't, especially if you want to maintain the original integrity and value in the car. What a great color combo, too!

  13. Hi, Dave:

    Thanks for the info, I saw the '42 for sale online in Colorado and was curious if it might be something special. By the numbers, he's asking waaaay too much. Anyway, my '42 finally found a home in a garage. No real progress has been made due to finances, but I keep acquiring parts as I see them. I'd like to start working on her, but my facilities at the moment are pretty restrictive. Just trying to keep her from further degregation until I can finally get my hands dirty.

    Kind regards,

    Jared

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