1957buickjim

Awesome photos Doug! The river is quite high right now. Looks like you had fun in the Special as well. Hope we can catch up soon! In between travels, I actually have been working on the long roof. I hope to update my post in the near future. Glad you're getting out there and driving the Convertible. Enjoy it while you still can with this weather. Cheers!

Lance, they are larger because 57 Roadmaster had 8 x 15 in tires as standard. Rim size per the Chassis manual is 15 x 6.00 L. I wish I could help you out, but I only have Series 40 rims.

I am assuming that you are asking about the aluminum garnish above the doors on the inside? It should be the same as a 4 door hart top. Send me a PM with needs and I'll see what I have as spares for you on the wagon. Thanks.

Here are some photo's of the shocks being removed from a 57

Here are some photos of the tailgate assembly on my wagon. Hope these help out!

Love the picture Doug! Hope you had a good time at your mom's place! Also like the "new accessories" you bought for your car. Very cool! You coming over for Dream Cruise this weekend? I'll be back from China finally and I'm looking forward to it with Bessie!

Sweet! Congrats my friend! Good to have another 57 in the group. I think the new guy has to buy the first round the at the next National, at least that's what Willie told me at Charlotte!

So, Lance - Gold Senior Award? come on man...let us know.....

Hey Lance! Great find! You are just the guy to tackle that job for sure. Collecting spare parts is what it's all about when you find THAT CAR! Can't wait to see progress shots as you move along on it. Congrats!

They arrived. And they are nice! Thanks for the tip Al!

Well, at least I have one volunteer! Anyone else?

Looks like I am having some of my un-runner friends over for beer and burgers to work to the song " Stand By (On) Me". to get 'er done!

Lance was right, so I snagged them for my Caballero. Thanks guys!

They are, The issue is I need to raise the suspension to get to it to replace it. When I try to jack it up under the lower a-arm, all I do is raise the body off the ground, the suspension doesn't move at all, probably because the spring is forcing the whole suspension downward. Any ideas on what I need to do, outside of total removal of the springs - which I do not want to do?

Thanks Ben. I'll give that a try.

How do you replace the upper snubber bumpers on a 1957 Buick Front Suspension. The lowers are pretty easy, since they bolt down on the lower a-frame member. But the uppers seem to be a bit trickier. Looking for someone who has done this and what the procedure is. The ones on my car are quite smashed flat. Thanks for the help.

Doug, They are pretty easy to rebuild. What is see is that you probably have the original carburetor on your car. There were some minor changes from 57 to 58, and when I get home from China, I can provide you a difference on them, I think. Also, you can pick up a rebuild kit on ebay usally. NAPA may have them, but I have always got mine through the evil bay process. Just keep your eyes out for them. If you want, I also have a Carter manual on how to rebuild and reset you carburetor that you are more than welcome to have a copy of. Hope to talk to you soon! Take care, Jim

HI Brandon, I did get a intake and a carb for the Caballero. Did you also get a 4bbl air cleaner? They are different from the 2bbl, with the fit on the air intake on the carb (4bbl is larger diameter) and has orange lettering on the outside versus white for the 2bbl. It will be interesting to find out how things work out. Keep me posted! Good luck!

Brandon, Your car is a Special, correct? if it is, I would not venture to put a 4bbl intake and carb on it. You do need the correct heads for the 300 HP that the 4bbl system was on. I just was looking for one on eBay and here for my Caballero. Someone at some time earlier put a 2bbl carb and intake on it to save on gas mileage. They are not cheap. Expect to pay around $400-500 for one in decent condition. Carburetors are around $100-150, depending on condition, and that is one that has all the parts and is in working, but needs rebuilding condition. I unfortunately purchased a 401 4bbl manifold thinking that it would fit. Nope. The distance between the mounting holes, ie, how it mounts to the heads is different. As RivNut said, you an buy adapter plates for putting a 401 4bbl intake on, but I do not know what they do to performance. Good luck with your quest, Don Quixote! Jim

Thanks guys! So it goes to reason for show, stick with Bias Ply..for driving and ride quality..go with radials. Just trying to get a handle on it. Cal, - I do have a Senior Gold on the vehicle, so the deductions wouldn't be enough to affect Senior Preservation, I don't think. But it is good food for thought. Matt, - Is the price at $280 ea? what about shipping? Please advise. Thanks a ton! Jim

Hi everyone, I also posted in Buick General forum, but I am interested in getting new tires for my 57 Buick. Heard great things about the ride on radials as compared to bias ply, but radials don't look the same. The Coker bias ply look radials look like they might be the ticket, but would like to get some feedback before I plunk down $1K for new tires. Anybody try these and also have their car judged with them? Thanks for your feedback.

Hi everyone, I am interested in getting new tires for my 57 Buick. Heard great things about the ride on radials as compared to bias ply, but radials don't look the same. The Coker bias ply look radials look like they might be the ticket, but would like to get some feedback before I plunk down $1K for new tires. Anybody try these and also have their car judged with them? Thanks for your feedback.

Lance, What I have used is a small dab of clear RTV silicone at the attachment points on the inside of the housing with the lenses. Works great and you don't have to worry about it falling out or off. Also cures any buzz, squeek or rattles with the silicone. Good luck.

Lance, I'll send it to you as soon as I return from China. I want to ensure that Buick Scientific experimentation continues. PM me with your new address. I'll be back after 5 May. Jim

Lance, I think that know is press fit on the shaft. It comes as one assembly, from what I can tell. Could possibly that the knob is over-molded on the shaft. I just tested a spare one I had, and got it to spin and spin, but not come off the shaft. If you need a spare for your project, let me know. I have an extra one.