1957buickjim

Mike..question on the fuel line? From the product school manual, it looks as if it should be a rubber fuel line from the pump to the carb, not steel. Is that correct? thanks for your help again. Jim

Mike, thanks for the reply. Those are the things that I am looking for. Any help is really appreciated. Got those changes on my list of things to do. Looking for more to add to the list. Thanks again. Jim

Mike suggestion is very good. I have had great results with the PB Blaster soak of rusted items. Just use patience, as it is very necessary with restoration. Otherwise it gets really expensive!! Good luck.

Based on what the forum has told me about the carburetor, it most likely has engine color overspray on it, probably was originally black from supplier (to ward of corrosion while waiting to be assembled on engine). Just an educated guess, but it would make sense, since they painted the engine after assembly. Any other thoughts by any one else on this thread?

Thanks Dan. I can imagine that the rules may be "fluid". What issues did you have? Not that I am ever going to make it to a 400pt car (rather have a 300+ point driver, I guess), but you never know. Attached are some pictures I took of the areas that I am not sure of. I could definetly use your help in trying to get it correct (as I can). Some things I know, such as hose clamps (have the correct ones, just haven't had time to install), but small stuff, like proper bolts for part attachment, plating (which has been discussed on fender inner bolts (sq.head)) but what about the large round serrated attachment bolts - plated or painted? Where were they used? Steering gear box? Colors, painted, etc. Things like that, to which someone said "the devil is in the details". Very true. Any help or critique you can provide will be gladly appreciated. Thanks for your help here. Regards,

Dan, If I post some pictures of my compartment as is, could you take pictures of the same areas on your car (either one) so I can get an idea of a 400pt car engine compartment? Just a question. Trying to get this right and not getting alot of detailed data. Let me know. Thanks. Jim

I'm looking for pictures of an installed rear seat speaker in the package shelf. I have just picked up a wonderbar / w rear speaker switch and would like to install one. Looking for pics or anyone that has had experience installing one. Also looking for the speaker grille for the mounting. Thanks. Jim

Hi. A couple of other places to try are: SMS Auto Fabrics (Largest Selection of Cloth, Vinyl & Leather Automobile Upholstery - SMS Auto Fabrics) and Original Auto Interiors (Home of Original Auto Interiors). Both carry NOS vinyls and cloth for your car and can send you samples of the materials if you request them. I have used both and both are very responsive. Good Luck Jim

Adam, just spent the last 2 hours reading your amazing journey on this 58. WOW! You have unbelievable stamina and focus on this project. Lesser individuals would have given up long ago. Your preserverance on this is truly an inspiration to me to get to work on my 57 Special. On a technical note, how did you know what colors to paint or finish what on the chassis? i.e., brake backing plates, sway bar, steering gear box, etc. Is there a publication or something that tells the finish? I have been trying to get info like that for refinshing my engine compartment and front frame but little exists. Any insight would be appreciated. Good Luck my friend. Keep up the good work, especially since the weather is perfect for this work now.

Wow! very neat. It is not very often that you get to see original cars in this condition. Good Luck with the rebuild.

Pete, Thanks for the information. I did not want to go down the road again getting the wrong glass for the car. Jim

Oh by the way, I have a Model 48 and am looking to replace the clear glass with tinted. If anyone is interested in buying a whole set of tinted rear windows for a 2dr ht / (possibly 4 dr ht) let me know. I have all three. Thanks. Jim

Looking for help here. Does anyone know if the back light corner windows from a model 41 (4dr sedan) will fit the model 48 (2dr sedan). I bought some but found out that the backlights (corners and center window) are different from the 2dr ht / 4 dr ht than the sedans. (slightly smaller and minorly different shape) Thanks for the help. Jim

Hi. Just like you, I was pretty hesitant to rebuikd my card because of the "little spring or whatchamacalit" . Did some research on line - google "rebuilding (your make / model) carburetor" that you have and you should get a listing of how to and documents / sellers of those documents for rebuilding it. Buy a NOS / NORS rebuild kit (again google) and follow the instructions. As you take it apart, use your digital cameral to photograph every step starting with the carb before you take one screw off, and continue to do it until it is fully taken apart. Clean everything with quality carb cleaner (CRC is very good) then follow the instructions provided with the rebuild kit and the documents you may have purchased (they are invaluable..trust me!) Did that with my Carter WGD 2BBL and set it to factory specs on the bench. Mounted it up to the engine and ...ZOOOM. Started right up and idled like it was new. Let me know how it goes or if you have any more questions...good luck! Jim

Hi Trace! Glad to hear from you and that things are starting to clear up for you. I just did a whirlwind put back together in about a week of my interior for the Woodward Dream Cruise here in Detroit this past weekend. I found out a whole heck of alot about the car by stripping - no - gutting it and putting it all back together and getting it to work. I have taken over 1500 pictures on tearing it down and re-assembling it, mostly so when I forget what I did, I can look at the picture and go..oh yeah, now I remember. I have attached a couple of before and after pics of the interior. 7 days / 18 - 20 hrs a day. Whew! Hope to hear from you. Jim

Just did one myself. I agree the Olds uses the same as the Buick. You can buy one from Fusick Auto Parts if you want one pre cut. I made a pattern from the back shelf and cut the board larger than the pattern to allow for minor adjustments and trimming to fit. The board painted well. The question is what color to paint it? Body color or one of the interior colors? Any help there? Thanks.

I agree, that number seems pretty low. I have a Model 48, with production numbers somewhere 12,000 or so. Wonder if mine is even of a lower number on the road. Hmmm.

Aaron, can you tell me who did the install on your Mustang? I am in the Detroit area and would be most interested in getting a quote from them. Thanks. Jim

OK..now I am torn. I can't find any local glass shops who will do the job, but it sounds like Pete has some pretty salient ponts. I have looked at all the installation instructions and it does look like it can be done. Anybody else want to put their two cents in for a comment or insight? This weekend is when I need to get it done or not. Thanks everybody.

I have attached some pic's. I also have the other two windows (driver's side and center window). Contact me at jpickard@theasegroup.com if you are interested. Thanks.

I have a clear rear pass quarter window. Please let me know if you are interested. $50 plus shipping. thanks Jim

Lee, I had the selector base rechromed as well. should not be a problem for a decent replater since it is a stamping. Good Luck. Jim

Lee, I did get the indicator stalk rechromed. They masked off the end with the knob, since it is either a press fit or molded on the stalk. It turned out great, no problems with the knob. If you need to touch it up, it paints very well with lacquer and you can rub it out. Hope this helps. Jim

Thanks guys. Mike you mentioned a video on YouTube. Can you provide the site or what the video is called? It looks like it is a two person job either way you look at it. Mike, where did you get the gasket sealer and can you give me the name of it? How long did it take to do the job? Did you use spacers and such as shown in the Buick winshield install instructions? Thanks for the tip on the type of cord to use. Is smaller cord better to use than larger diameter cord? sorry for all the questions but I think I will only have one shot at this and it is better to get as much info prior to the job. Thanks everyone.

I need to replace my windshield on my 57 Buick special Model 48. Mine is cracked. I have bought a new one and a new gasket. The big question is, is this something I can do myself or should I take it to a glass house hand have it installed. I have all the documents and factory information on how to do it. Anybody out there who has done it in their garage? Looking for help here. Thanks.