1957buickjim

I just put AC on my 1957 Estate Rivieria Wagon. I did a hybrid system of 1957 parts and modern components. Engine is a 364 - 250hp 2bbl. I changed the generator to a 90A Powegen look-alike for more electrical service and to support additional loads like AC. Used 1957 Steel tube and fin condenser, 1957 Evaporator assembly (fan, evaporator core, housing, bracketry and fiberglas duct), had to go with 3 pulleys, since I was running PS and the water pump in addition to now AC. I used a factory 1957 AC dash control and hot gas bypass valve temperature control (1957 correct). Found a 1957 dash vent duct, integrated that into my dash, used a 1957 AC plenum (has different cable and vent operations) as well as made custom dash end vents integrated into my dash. As for the compressor, i went with a Sanden compressor from Old Air Products (R134A), made my own AC lines and used an Old Air reciever/drier. I gathered as many of the factory parts that I could over a couple of years, studied the chassis manual on AC system operation and how it all went together. Bought a book on How to Install AC on you Hot Rod by the owners of Vintage Air. And by golly, I took my time to install it and it actually works! I was quite amazed, but it wasn't that difficult. Here are some pictures of the system (I can provide more pictures if you want):

Here are my two Buick Beauties!

Not sure who is planning on going to Hershey, but I'm cleaning out some spare parts from my restorations of the 1957 Special Sedan and my 1957 Estate Riviera Wagon. Everything trim wise is for the Junior Series. AC and some other items may fit All series. PM me with what you're looking for and I'll see if I have it for sale and pricing. I'm pre-selling and taking payment through PayPal Friends and Family. If you want it and your going, I'll have it there at Red Field, RWK32. If it's not pre-sold, probably not gonna take it there. I have a bunch of parts. Here are a few pictures of some of the parts. I'll be posting more pictures as I dig the stuff out. 1 Each - L/R 2 Door HT Door shell, one pretty good, one with a good size dent, but fixable. normal bottom door perforations, but they have been shaved for custom use 4 used doors, less hardware for a 1957 model 43/63/49D/69 2 - NuView Door Mounted Spotlights 1 - NuView Cowl Mounted Spotlight 2 - Slightly used Coker Classic P225R75-15 Wide Whitewalls - tires only, no wheels 4 - Used Firestone 7.60x15 - No wheels. Tire only 1 - Re-chromed Hood Bar (40/60) 1 - Very Good Grille Bar and Ornament 1 - R Side - Re-Chromed Rear Bumper End 1 - L Side - VG Used Rear Bumper End 1 - L Side - Excellent Used Rear Outer Tail Light Housing (40/60) 1 - R Side - Excellent Used Rear Outer Tail Light Housing (40/60) 2 - Used Windshields that fit everything but a Model 48 Sedan (40/60) Sets of Reproduction Tailgate Safety Decals for 1957/58 Buick Wagons (all models) and 57/58 Olds Wagons (all Models) 1 - 4bbl Manifold - 1957/58- Correct casting number 1 - 1957/58 Estate Wagon / 1957/58 Fiesta Wagon Roof Rack - 5 of 6 Stanchions (one broken) 4 Re-chromed, 1 Used, One broken. 2 Screw type. Correct Dimension Fabricated rack tubes (4) 1 - Semi- complete 1958 Buick AC System: Condenser, Evaporator Assembly with fan, Compressor and mounting brackets, original/new hoses, 1 - Set of New Tinted Flat Side Glass for a 1958 Model 43/63 - and 49D/69 (less quarter glass) 1 - Used PS Pump / Reservior assembly w mounting bracket I have more stuff as well, just send me a PM and ask. I might have it. Thanks

I have a lot of 1957 Junior series parts, many wagon parts, and 4 door HT parts all used, most in decent condition. Sheet metal, engine parts, interior trim parts, bumpers, doors, glass etc. Some 57 AC parts, some 58 AC parts. Used Tires only, not wheels. Contact me with your needs and I'll get back with you with what I have and pricing. I will take all presold stuff to RWK 32. More pictures to come. Send PM for needs. Thanks.

Thanks Guys! Always an honor to share a birthday with Adam!! 😀

Lance, I did call Jim Hughes and he said to drive it for a good ten miles. As soon as I get the brakes finalized I’m gonna do that. Willie, that’s a darn good idea! I will try that before I head out on a drive. The transmission was newly rebuilt and dry when I put the rebuilt engine in and broke it in. I added probably 13-14 quarts of fluid, to make sure torque converter was filled which probably a bit too much! I’ll let it overflow with the heater hose system until it either stops or I need to go to your plan B. Thanks for the insight gents. I’ll keep you posted.

I'm in the process of finishing my restoration of my 1957 Buick Estate Wagon, and in checking out the transmission (which has been rebuilt) when I have been shifting into reverse (and having to rev the engine to get it to move) the fluid shoots out of the filler neck all over the exhaust manifold and frame. Doesn't do it in Drive and haven't tested Low yet. I have installed an external transmission oil cooler in series with the radiator integral oil cooler, as I want to be able to tow my Shasta AirFlyte with the wagon. Any ideas as to why the trans would blow back fluid only in reverse? As a side note, I have only run the car in the driveway only for 20-30 minutes, not taken it on the road for loading of the transmission. Thanks in advance for any insights on how to correct this.

Thanks Rusty! Keep me posted.

Looking to buy a 1957 Buick Driver's front door lock release mechanism. The ones I have have broken return springs, so I need working ones. From what I can tell in the Buick Parts Manual, it looks common from 1954-58 on the 2dr sedans, 2dr hardtops and 4dr hardtops (wagons and cars). Crazily, ones from a 4dr sedan won't work. Looking for 2 drivers side front door parts. Need this to get my 1957 Estate Riviera Wagon doors completed. PM me if you have working ones you'd like to sell. Thanks a ton!

Hey guys! I’m still alive and kicking! Since I was retired in 2020 by my former employer, I’ve been busy working on my 1957 Estate Riviera Wagon. Gonna have it done and at Nationals in June, God willing and the creek don’t rise. Expect to see some updates very soon! Thanks for asking about me. Like JohnD said, not a lot of the early chimers left on the forum.

Mark, I am shocked and saddened by the loss of your father. He was a great guy and always had a positive attitude. It is a great loss to our guys here on the forum. I was fortunate enough to meet and hang out with your dad a number of times over our Buick's over the years. We shared a wonderful roadtrip to Lance in Indiana a couple of years ago for parts. It was always a great time with your father. It is great that you are continuing the family tradition of working and restoring the cars in his collection. He always spoke highly of you and your going into automotive engineering. It's awesome that you are going to also continue the tradition of this forum that he started years ago. It was always great to hear his stories on cars, life, cruises and general everyday things we all encounter. My prayers go out to you and your family on Doug's passing. Jim

They do not interchange. Buick changed the sheet metal from 56 to 57, to get a 4 inch lower vehicle height. Also, I think the brakes and pedals on the 56 go through the floor, not firewall mounted as on the 57. I have a decent, though not complete floor if you’re interested. PM me for more details.

Awesome for another 57 on the road! I concur with Lance on his recommendations and comments. My only add ight be that unless the front and rear springs are really worn, check the road height. Coil over shocks don't necessarily mean you need new springs. You may not need to replace them. They are pretty sturdy items. Ball joints are way different and what most places say is sloppy, on a 57 they may be in tolerance. Get a Chassis Manual and a Body Manual. They are priceless when it comes to understanding and working on your 57. They are readily available on eBay or througj Hometown Buick on the internet. I agree with Lance on the speedo. They are very temperamental for sure. Rebuild costs about $300. Radio might be a fuse, but there are guys out there who rebuild and repair them. With the clock, if you read the chassis manual on that, it might be that it needs a wind and reset from the battery. There is a whole process on setting and disconnecting the clock in the manual. Areas of concern: body: drivers floor; trunk floor; firewall; inner rockers; (at least with my 3 57's) Definitely would like to see pictures for sure! Ask questions anytime. They guys on the forum are always willing to help.

Well everybody, its been a while since I put an update in this crazy thread! I'll answer a couple of questions first: 1. Yes, I still have the long roof. 2. Got bogged down with 3 yrs of international travel, so was really hit or miss working on the car. 3. Had a little pandemic hit last year, caused a bit of a stir. 4. My employer eliminated my position last spring, and I decided to retire to work on the Long Roof (if you don't believe that, ask my wonderful wife where I am all the time and what I am doing) All that aside, I'm looking forward to catching everyone up with what has been going on with the illustrious 1957 Buick Estate Riviera Wagon in my 2020 Stay In Place Remodeled 2 Car Garage! In that period of time, Wifey and I decided to buy a small trailer, a 2015 Shasta AirFlyte Retro, built to the 1961 design, with current upgrades. That being said, the new task of my long roof will be to tow that baby across the US on Route 66 to CA and back on the Lincoln Hwy Route 30 back to good old MI. So, what you are about to see is the small veering off course of a fully correct 1957 Buick restoration, to a somewhat modified 1957 Buick Estate Wagon Long Roof Long Hauler! The picture is of the trailer, with Old Bessie lined up in front of it. Bessie does not have a hitch, but when I did this picture, that's when I had an "aha" experience to change the long roof restoration to hauling this little beauty! When we last left off, I was finalizing the original brake system and a few issues that I had with figuring out a small issue regarding pedal height and getting the brakes to work. That issue has been resolved and in fact, with the trailer factor, I've decided to move to front discs using the Scarebird mounts and associated parts recommended. Actually, was an easy remove and replace, and took about 4-5 hours. The hardest part was removing the backing plates. All the components for the system are specified by Scarebird and can be purchased locally at your NAPA or through Rock Auto. Was a lot easier than I thought. I also put on a dual MC for the system, with a little flash, and had to modify the mounting a bit, but it works and is very solidly mounted. One item that you will need to do this is a splitter block for the front / rear brakes so each area is provided fluid separately from the MC. I feel with this system on the car, it gives me a little more stopping capability with the trailer hooked up. Next up what the heck has Jim been doing with the body of this Long Roof..

Silly me...of course, the Autronic Eye! Very cool! That will be an awesome car when you have it competed for sure.

Lance, what's the big black box on the inner fender over the generator you posted on your Sunday pictures? I've never seen that before in a 57? Please expound..

One Pair of nice driver and passenger windows for a 1957 and 1958 Oldsmobile 2dr hardtop or convertible. Tinted Glass in excellent condition, window frame chrome in very nice condition, and window channels complete and been repaired. Nice set - $450 for both. PM if interested.

Found one. Thanks.

One Pair of nice driver and passenger windows for a 1957 and 1958 Buick 2dr hardtop or convertible. Tinted Glass in excellent condition, window frame chrome in very nice condition, and window channels complete and been repaired. Nice set - $450 for both. PM if interested.

Looking to by a Driver / LH door handle for a 1957 Buick 2 door. Has to be from a 2dr vehicle. Any condition as long as all the "guts" for the push button and locking mechanism are there. PM me with details if you have one. Thanks.

Thanks Mike! Found one and ordered it. Looks like that will do it! Appreciate the help.

Hi, I am in the process of setting up my 1957 Estate Wagon to do some towing of our new Shasta AirFlyte trailer, and I am stumped on how to wire in a 7 pin connector, specifically regarding the brake and turn signal set up. I have a separate wire for the brake lights and a separate wire each for L/R turn signal lamps. The 7 pin connector assumes, based on current modern vehicle wiring, that the L/R wires also run the brakes. Hence there is my conundrum. Can I just jump the brake wire to the L/R wires on the connectors with a splice? Or do I need a converter to take the brake signal and and integrate it to the L/R turn signal. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Lance, Big Gray is really taking shape and looking fantastic. Wow! Keep up the good work as you are an inspiration to me slugging it out on the Estate Wagon right now. Love your progress.

57 Century, Glad you could help Gary. Now I am looking for some help. I need the dimensions of the aluminum trim attached to the headliner on the interior of the 66R, from the A pillar to the C pillar. I think that they are aluminum, and I have 2 sets, but not sure if they are the right ones. Also a picture of one of them installed would be totally appreciated. Thanks! Jim

How very cool! What a great memory for you and your Mom and Dad!