Jeffrey1344

I have a 1955 Buick Special with a ribbon speedometer. We replaced the cable since something was making noise and the mechanic thought replacing the cable with a metal one from Bob's Automobilia was a good first step. Although the gauge seems to work, something is squealing like crazy. Does anyone know of a reputable speedometer mechanic in the Los Angeles area? I am not driving it since I fear it will cause damage to the gauge until diagnosed correctly. Thank you, Jeffrey

Very interesting and informative… thank you

Thank you

It would be my pleasure to do this myself. However, at almost 80 years old, I would rather leave this to a qualified person. Thank you

I have 40 spoke wire wheels on my 1955 Buick Special Convertible and need to find someone that can mount new Diamond Back tires. Most shops would rather not touch this since they are afraid that they will scratch the rims. Firestone and Just Tires here in Los Angeles won't touch it. Does anyone have someone they can recommend in the Los Angeles area? Thank you

I will call him. Thank you for the advice

My Buick is in Los Angeles and if the crankshaft is the problem and local guys say it can’t be ground any longer I’m not sure how to proceed.

Do any of you know anyone in California that can do this type of work? I’d gladly have it flat bedded to any reasonable distance thank you

Sir. If the seal was replaced correctly and it still leaks(which it does) my mechanic feels confident that the crankshaft is worn down from over 120k miles that it’s beyond being ground to correct the leaking. They pulled the engine and the dynaflow out and did some minor fixes such as a new timing chain kit and gaskets all around. i have searched continuously for a replacement 322 with no luck yet as well as a crankshaft with low miles on it. Are you familiar with Speedy Sleeve and/or Spray Welding as noted in the above postings? thank you

We replaced the rope seal with one from Best that is rubber with a graphite thread. It's a two piece item. Unfortunately, my mechanic agrees with Rusty OToole's post that it would have to ride on the unworn part of the crank. It leaks whenever the car is not running such as in my garage or someone else's driveway G forbid.

Thank you for your reply. I'll investigate whether spray welding is an option based upon cost and availability.

Thank you for your explanation. I had never heard of this problem before. I have a 1955 Buick with a 322 engine that is totally restored. I’ve had it for almost 30 years and have way too much money into it to sell and come out anywhere near the investment. I guess it’s very unlikely to find an engine to pull the crankshaft out. just have to live with the dripping Thanks for your input

My mechanic says that the oil. leaking from the engine through the rear main seal is due to a "run down" crankshaft. WE replaced all the gaskets and the rear main seals and it still leaks. Is this anything anyone has ever heard of and/or knows how to find one. Mine is supposedly too far gone to be ground by a crankshaft shop.

JEFFREY I have "Coker Classics" on my '55 Buick Special - Radials - 2.5" white walls w/Wire wheels. They look great. After doing some research, I found that the Coker Brand (as written on the Black wall) is supposedly manufactured in Mexico and is frowned upon by numerous competitors. Doesn't mean they aren't correct. Supposedly, Diamondback Classics 4753 SC-90, Conway, SC 29526, United States is about the best. They have a pie crust finish to make them look like bias ply but they are radials. They vulcanize whatever size whitewall you want. They run about $309.00 with shipping. No tax for out of state customers. For those of us who don't drive thousands of miles a year, it might not matter whether you buy Coker Brand or not IF it is only allegedly a slightly "inferior" product.