1957buickjim

Not to mention how soft your hands feel after your done... Where's Madge when you need her...

Rob and BRB, I think you can buy the cardboard backing from any trim and upholstery shop. It should come in 60" x 36 or 40, I can't remember. I also think that you can get it in black or dk gray. I happen to work with a die cutting company, so they hooked me up with a few sheets. I painted mine to match the color on the original. I found a Rustoleum gray that was the ticket. Also, when I painted my panels, I used a gloss gray, and when it dried, it became a satin finish on the cardboard. The cardboard soaks up paint, so I had to give them 3 full coats to get an even finish on the parts. You will also need a lot of x-acto or razor knife blades for cutting. A sharp blade is the ticket and you have to change blades often. Good luck.

1957Buickjim here. I am getting ready to paint my PS steering gear box. Got it stripped and ready for paint. Attached are pic's of it in its un adorned beauty. What I would like to know is what color to paint it? It looks like it should be cast iron gray,with the silver, machined covers. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> A. Should I prime it before paint? if so, should I use self etching primer? Any other suggestions..a caveat..it is 18F here, so all painting will be with rattle cans in my basement shop. <o:p> </o:p> B. On the caps, should I not paint them (leave them original, cleaned metal with diamond clear) or paint with a matching silver from Eastwood? <o:p> </o:p> C. Bolts..same questions..but, the unit is in good shape, I do not want to take it apart to rebuild, it doesn't leak and I don't have the rebuild kit for it nor all the tools to take apart and put together again. <o:p> </o:p> D. Pitman Arm. Cast Gray?? Primer? <o:p> </o:p> I too will also put the yellow paint daubs on it, since it was marked that way Thanks for any help out there.

Here are some pics (of Bhigdogs 46C trunk) and my model 48 trunk. Both are 2 doors, Specials, and they are different. Both Bob and I used the original cardboard liners as templates for the side walls and back of the seat area. I realize the convertible would have the cutout for the hydraulic top motor, but what puzzled me is the side boards..if you look, they are different. His is cut out over the wheel wells, while mine are fully covering the wells to the hinge. Hence, why I don't think the Century template as cut would work. I have had the same issue with the side glass replacements that I bought. Vent windows, Door Windows and Quarter Windows are totally different by a lot! It took 3 months for the glass guys to get the right ones to me and I had to take out my glass and provide the templates because they did not have them, though they thought they did..with a 1957 Buick 2Dr Special. The model 48 is a unique body style, only used in the Special series. None offered in the Century trim or Super / Roadmaster. Rob, my car is TC color coded, which is Dawn Gray top with a Dover White under the spears. Trim code, 471, and thanks to you, and your wonderful book of info, provided more insight into some little known details. I thank everyone who is on this lively post. Jim Edwards, I did by my material from stockinteriors.com. That is who told me that they did not have the patterns for the Model 48, body style 4411.

Rob..thanks for the vote of confidence on making my own. I will figure it out in some manner, hopefully through the massive knowledge base on this forum. I have the same picutre in my MB book as well, and I think it is close, but no cigar. I will just keep on trying and looking. TG..I did request samples and it did match up quite well with the original material. Just working on getting the patterns. Jim..I appreciate the input. I did ask them about the cut, but did not get a warm and fuzzy from them regarding the original patterns.

Sharon, glad you finally came out of the darkness to the light! Welcome to the forum. What a great story and a beautiful car. She sure is a looker. I know you will enjoy the Buick with all it's tempermental items. I know that your children will truly love the car...it will become part of the family to them as they grow up. That one is from personal experience and my kids love "Old Bessie".. As for your switch, TG hit the nail on the head. Hopefully it should not be a troublesome part to find. Let me know if you can't locate one. I might have one in a box of parts somewhere. Good luck and happy motoring with your new family member.

WOW! I hope you didn't put those clothes in the laundry for the Mrs. to do! If I did, my new home would be in the garage...permanently! Albert, thanks for the post. I can imagine the the filling of the blaster would be the most tedious job. I was thinking of doing that, but with the car still on the chassis..but not sure that the neighbors would be happy with all the fall-out, since I live in a city neighborhood.

Ok Team..that is what I was told when I went to order the liner kit from that supplier..maybe they didn't know, but neither did I and I have spent a small fortune on stuff for Century and 2 dr HTP parts that don't fit my vehicle when I went to install them, so maybe I was a little gun shy on ordering the pre cut items. That is why I am looking for some patterns to cut my own. I did by the bulk / roll of correct gray material for the trunk. TG, thanks for the update. I really need to get me one of those master parts manuals. I have one from 1946 - 1957 and one from 1957 - 1966, but the one in the middle still eludes me, and it seems that book is the necessary bible for these holy grail searches. Jim - Thanks for the update on the GM commonality. I have found that to be very beneficial in obtaining a number of parts that normally you cant find for the Buick, but are the same on the Olds, Chevy and Pontiac..also though, there are some subtleties that you have to look out for as well. The quest continues...

Jim, that's where I started. Called them and inquired about it. Seems that the Century is not quite the same as the special 2 door sedan. I then bought the material to make my own. Crazy, but the 2 dr sedan is a unique body style, not offered in the century or any other model. Thanks for the info though.

Lou, looked at the restoration on your Project Omaha...holy moly!!! You are a maniac!! that car is awesome and beautiful to boot!! WOW!! So, you used a SS urethane for the primer underside and interior with a flattening agent. Looks great! I am planning to do that with mine as well, but frame on, hence the thread and these posts. Definitely looks great. I like what you did with the wheels as well...brilliant idea with the paint and the match. Thanks for your input and the project impetus..can't wait to get mine out of storage in a couple of months to get cracking..right now I am like a squirrel..gathering all the stuff in the winter to SPRING on it when I get it home..

Bob, If you could take pictures of your trunk liner that would be great! I do not have an original to use for patterns, hence the request. I have some scraps left over, but the original was toast when I bought the car. I bought a repro kit..but it looks like cheesy vinyl, not the original pattern burtex. I ran across some burtex with the original pattern and color, but don't want to use the one I have installed in there now. I know it is not correct. I have a feeling that the orignal was 3, 4 or 5 pieces when installed. Your 46C might be right up to the portion by the back seat where the top cylinder is installed (I think). I do have the kraft paper to make the patterns, but nothing to go by. Thanks for your help on this.

Hi everyone! I am looking for patterns of the trunk liner for a 2 dr sedan. These would be for the burtex material that lines the floor and back of the trunk. I am not sure that a 2 dr htp would work as well. Just need the patterns or if you have an old original that you no longer need, would be interested in that. Also not sure that a 55 or 56 wouldn't work either. Looking for help here. Thanks. You can PM me if you have it. Thanks.

Hi, looking at replacing my manual "armstrong" steering with power steering on my car. I have the pump, hoses, steering box, pitman arm. Are there any other parts that I need to do this? I have seen that there are 2 idler arms - one for PS and one for Manual listed on eBay. I have a feeling that I will need that. Also in the master parts catalog, they list a tie rod difference between one with PS and one with Manual? Looking to confirm that as well. I am also looking for any tips from anyone who has done this on a vehicle. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

OK Rob..you got me there! Missing all the stainless and chrome did me in. I did think the wheels were a bit unusual for a Chrylser product, but I thought they may be aftermarket? You never know..You have a great eye for details my man!

Mike, bringing this post up to the top again. So what you are saying is that underside of body, inside of trunk and wheel well are red oxide primer. Also, would the deck lid inner be body color or red oxide as well? Also, where would the split be from the firewall to the underside of the body? Another question, what do you think of using a SS red oxide paint (Eastwood now has one for rat rods) for all of this primer painting? Would like your thought on this. This information would be pretty valuable for people getting ready to paint their vehicles..Thanks

Lou, thanks for the post. Those are some pretty nice jackstands. Definitely multi-purpose. About how high off the ground can you get the car with those? I like them because they are multipurpose and look pretty solid / sturdy. Also, nice looking Mopar you have there. May I inquire as to what year it is? I would guess a 58 or 59. Looking real fine.

Mud, You might also try a mixture of dish soap and water. That what they use in the auto plants to install seals and rubber parts. Might be less messy than the baby powder. Just a suggestion. Car is looking great!!! Keep us posted with updated photos..

Mud, what a great idea! You are so fortunate to have your son work on that with you. If you ever make copies of the movie, count me in for one. I'll even send you the R/W DVD to record it on.

Well guys, it looks like another Buick mystery is uncovered. It is nice that the forum and knowledge base that reads and responds to these posts is 99% of the time extremely useful information as to restoring our vehicles. I like TG's idea of the grille (extra) becoming artwork. What a great idea for the garage. My thanks to all that responded, and to Bhigdog, for his initial post on this way back when, because that is what got me started on this crazy kick to acquire this knowledge.

Well guys, I guess the jury is in. I just finished painting the Argent on the backside and sides of the grille. Wow, does it make the chrome on the front stand out! Followed Bob's approach with masking off the whole front. Painted the inside and sides with Eastwood Argent..nice matte finish like the original. However, I trimmed the masking tape between the teeth and painted it also from the front to ensure full coverage on the sided of the teeth. Really looks nice. I do appreciate all the input from all of the gang out there on this.This sure is a lively thread. PS..Mike we will get you to the darkside soon...I see a 57 in your future...

Mike..pure genius!! Except, that I don't think that we could water down the paint enough with thinner to make a "blackwash" product. Therefore, black it is. Now it is down to the many varieties of black that we wish to impose on our vehicles. Does that mean the brake lines, and all the stuff would be painted this black as well? Hmmm.

Jerry, what type of paint are you using on your car? Base coat / Clear coat, single stage ureathane, acrylic lacquer? Interested because I will be painting my car this spring / summer. Thanks. BTW..the car is looking AWESOME!! Keep us posted with pic's..

Mike, I think you are on to something. It may be a styling thing. I have seen the same on a number of vehicles, new and old. That may be the ticket. Just would like to have confirmation without having to pay $3000 for a NOS grille (though if I had the dough, it would be a sweet idea )

Thanks for the info, but it now begs the question...Bob, did you paint the backside of yours after the 1 pt or just say....well, you know what you might say. Mike, I think you are right, but the plants may be doing that to cover up the fact that it would be cost prohibitive to buff and plate the back side of the grille..or maybe the styling department thought it looks better..or maybe the buyer had a guy who sells silver paint that was his brother in law...who knows why they do something. On my grille, backside, there is a thin layer of silver paint over the chrome. What I am wondering, is that it looks like this paint also coats the sides of the verticals up to the face of the grille, but also as I am cleaning it from the road dust, I want to make sure that it I am only cleaning the road dust off it. I will repaint it, per Bob's detail, but want ot make sure I know where the paitn should and shouldn't be. Thanks for the input. Looking forward to hearing more if you know any more.

I am now in the process of cleaning and buffing the grille to my 57 special. However, in a post on another thread, it was noted that the reverse (back) of the grill should be painted Argent. My grille looks like that not only was the reverse painted, but in between the verticals (on the sides) was painted as well. Looking for some confirmation on this. Thanks for your help.