buicknewbee

I'm curious as to why the oem switch is not being used. It's still there, but I don't know if the internals are working. It's hard to see how it works according to the pictures. I might investigate as I'm tooling around the motor compartment anyway.

Well I’m glad I’m not the onlyone that thinks this whole thing is stupid. I wish this 57 service manual hadpage numbers to begin with. If you take a look at the additional scan that Isent you, under ( b. Engine will not stop cranking) I performed step 1. Theengine does stop cranking. So at the end of step 1 it says to “See paragraph10-9” which is the two pages I sent you yesterday which lists all kinds ofattempts to figure out the problem. My starter relay seems to be fine, not tomention the relay is a different one and it still allows the engine to keepcranking after the engine is functionally running.

Lets see if that worked.

Well I'm still chasing down this problem of mine. I had a little time to mess around with it yesterday. Taking some direction from the service manual I believe I eliminated the starter relay. I know the battery if fine. The starter button (no starter switch at the carb) seems to be working as it should. The starter stops cranking when I release the button every time. Only when the engine starts does the starter remain cranking. I followed a trouble shoot in the book that states to run a jumper to the generator A post to a negative ground. I proceeded to start the engine and this has solved the continued starter engagement. The problem now is, I don't know what I did or what I just figured out. I have read the procedure several times and I'm just not getting it. Can someone explain this in another way that I may understand.

Today I had hoped to get the Buick back on the road again. I finally found some time to mess around with it. I replaced the starter relay and the starter is still wanting to stay engaged. I suppose I'll have to find time now to look the solenoid over. If that's not the problem I'm at a loss. I really miss taking it to church on Sundays and the occasional evening drive.

Well I made it to carquest yesterday to order the starter relay. I had no idea it had a starter relay, and neither did the gent at carquest. He thought I was referring to the solenoid. Good thing I had the part number because he didn't show one available for the 57. He looked the part number up and low and behold there it was, discontinued! He found one in Iowa so it's on its way, $33 though! Ouch! But it'll be an easier fix compared to a starter overhaul. Hopefully I get it in a few days. I think I might see if I can refurbish the old one and keep it for a spare. It's a bummer not being able to drive her this time of year.

Heck, I didn't know there was a relay feeding the solenoid! I'll start there. Where should I be able to find this if it hasn't been relocated over the years? Willie, the relay from carquest, was it close in appearance to the original? Darren

My 57 nailhead has developed a problem and it seems to be getting worse. My Buick has a auxiliary push button to engage the starter. When I push to start the engine it starts and the starter is still partially engaged. If I just tap it real quick it will stop the engagement. I don't think the button is sticking. More likely I think the solenoid is sticking. I'm not sure it is the starter. It seems to have plenty of power, but it just won't stop when I let go of the button. As far as I know there isn't a need to oil anything with the starter or solenoid is there? If it were you would you just replace the solenoid? If so, does anyone happen to know of the part number from NAPA? Just in case I get one of those guys that is 20 or so years old. Darren

I happen to look at a picture of the motor in the book "Seventy Years of Buick" page 167 and I see what you mean about the air cleaner, draft tube, and the oil fill in the side of the motor. Could you tell me where I might find the numbers on the motor?

I just got my "Seventy Years of Buick" book. Lots of pictures to go with model numbers which is exactly what I needed. Every model made by Buick in the year given is listed and pictured too! Thanks for the help guys.

I know really nothing about Buicks this early or what they are worth. All I know is that I like it! I was looking at this Buick http://volocars.com/1937-buick-40c-special-convertible-phaeton-c-4641.htm#sthash.aRk5cXHl.dpbs and wondered if you guys would chime in with your opinions. Feel free to PM me if you'd like. also I can be reached at djchafin@watchtv.net Thanks, Darren

Well...she has never really questioned my interest in old cars or cycles before until this particular car. I'm kinda unsure what to do next. She does love old cars that I've had interest in before. I think it was just the kinda sudden interest in the thirties and twenties that through her off. It may be that she wants me to finish a few projects first and then it would be ok to buy another. Although I have told her in the past that projects don't just necessarily get finished one after another. It takes time to do research, find the right parts, and right suppliers. She agrees with that so I have to remind her of that. I think what is somewhat bothering her is that the car we looked at is far apart from what we had discussed last year. I know this because it just come up last night! LOL We looked into maybe getting a buick convertible again after seeing a 56 special convertible last year at a local car show. It was a beautiful car, but it wasn't for sale. I looked on the net again and still haven't found a turn-key 50s Buick convert for $30,000. Lots of basket cases and projects available for under 30k but just nothing that is drive away. Don't get me wrong, I knew we wouldn't find a convertible for $30k that was restored to 100 point, I wouldn't want a car like that anyway, but we were hoping to find one that was at least drivable and work on it as we owned it. I got totally off subject here! I just need to find out what she likes. Almost every year and model look totally different from the previous year. If the 31 was polished and in fresh paint, it may have looked totally acceptable to her. I just have to learn to look for the middle ground and keep her interest up also. It won't be a fun hobby if it's just me.

Update, shortly after I posted this thread I used the advice given. I have been aware of a location to a model T enthusiast for some time now. I never stopped there, but always wanted to. I introduced myself and told him of my auction story that happened a few weeks back. We got to talking and he invited me to a Model T club. I attended it with him an learned a lot. It was a fun evening getting to know everyone and telling them of my auction story also. My new friend and I learned of a local tour that we would have the opportunity to join in today, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Wednesday evening I spotted a 1931 Buick for sale just about an hour and a half from my house. It was advertised as a survivor. So I pictured original paint and original everything to go with it. An untouched Buick from 1931. I emailed the guy and asked for some more pictures and if it was still for sale. He contacted me the next day and said yes. So, I made an appointment to see the car Friday evening. I just couldn't wait to see what the car looked like. I only had the one picture to look at. So I picked the wife up after work yesterday and we were on our way. I was thinking this could be the one! This just might be the car we take for the occasional picnic or drive to the park. It didn't take long before we reached our destination. We introduced ourselves and headed to the barn to see the Buick. Well there were other cars for sale also, but I knew I couldn't afford them. So I just kinda concentrated on the 31 Buick. It sure did show its age and patina. I just loved it, but I was having a hard time reading my wife. I looked it over a little and the owner asked me if I wanted to hear the engine. I said, absolutely!! He pumped the pedal a little and explained the procedure with foot on the starter button and the gas pedal at the same time. It then come up to a purr of a kitten just waking up from a nap. He asked if we wanted to go for a spin and we jumped up in the seats and away we went. It was a rather windy evening. Not the perfect time to be in a car with no top, but I didn't care! Tooling down the road I looked back at my wife to see her reaction. Hmm, I just didn't know what she was thinking. The owner pulled over and let me at the wheel. Wow! I was driving a 1931 Buick!! what an experience it was. After a few blocks around we made it back to the farm barn. I looked it over some more and asked some questions. Some of them that I had planned to ask, just didn't go very far. Like what kind of history could he tell me about the car? Well, unfortunately his dad just had a few strokes and much of the history was lost. I was a little disappointed since the car had been around for so long. He had only owned it for ten years, so not much history was made with them either from what I gathered, other than lots of parading down town. During this time of questioning I was also trying to decipher what the heck my wife was thinking. Drained of questions I proceeded to tell the owner that this was my first time dealing with such an early car that I was not familiar with. I really had no idea what the value should be or what to offer. Heading back to my truck I made the decision to get back with him after I talked with my wife since I couldn't make much of what she was thinking. Heading home I asked, so what did you think of it? O BOY! She just let loose. She just couldn't see ourselves taking the kids in it and going anywhere. I said why? She thought it was just not that attractive or comfortable. Then she said, How much was it? I told her and she didn't like the idea at all. She just didn't get the idea of why I wanted a car like that in the first place! Well, after discussing it back an forth on the way home it appeared this would not be the car, especially after she referred to it as "a buggy with wheels." So I obviously have some work to do with her if I'm going to convince her that it is a good idea. Maybe this car was just a little too original to impress her. I have showed her other pics. that aren't to far from what we drove. She just couldn't see past the dull chipped and peeling paint I think. Now, back to the local tour. Today my son and I were invited to join along with my new friend to accompany him with his 1917 model T. The weather didn't look to promising at first this morning. It was very overcast and quite chilly, but the rain seemed to be east of us here in Ohio. So we agreed to make a go of it. When we left the weather was just right! Not to windy and not to cold. He showed up and we jumped in. My son was smiling from ear to ear. I imagine I was too! We were sitting so high off the ground. It didn't take long to see what everyone had been saying about driving these at a speed of 25 or lower. Even though we were only doing 20-25 mph it seemed as if we were flying. I think it was a combination of sitting high and so close to the radiator. I found the operation of the T to be easy to understand after watching him for just a few stop and go's. What a simple vehicle. I'm not sure that the T would be a great car for me though. The pedals were rather close to my friend and I'm 6' tall. Sitting in the front seat was a little cramp for me and I wasn't even sitting on the drivers side. The Buick seemed to have leg room that I needed. I'm kinda wondering what that overland would have felt like. Anyway the short tour was a informative ordeal today while meeting new folks with the same interest. My son and I had a lot of fun even though we were familiar with the route we have taken before. That's it for now. I have my work cut out for me I guess. I'm going to have to figure out how I can get my wife to see it from my point of view. I think if it were a little cheaper or a little more presentable she wouldn't have quite the negative attitude. We will see.

Thanks guys! I ordered Seventy Years of Buick" by George H. Dammann I should get it in a week.

I have been doing a little homework here lately on the early Buick autos from say 1920ish to 1960, mostly 1925 - 1942 though. I never realized there were so many different models during the same years. There is so much information that I'm finding all over the place here and there on the web. I'm doing some homework to help me in possibly buying another Buick in time, but again the info is all over jumping from one year to ten years later and back again. Some of these body styles I didn't even know existed! Is there a book that may have this info on a year to year basis? If so I'd like to know the title, or if anyone has one of these books they aren't using anymore I'd like to purchase it. Thanks, Darren

Welcome to the club! There are plenty of Buick 57 folks on here to help out. Join the BCA, Buick Club of America. Nice find! I like your side view mirrors. I haven't seen those before. I wonder if they are a factory accessory? Anyone know if they are? Mine are attached to the doors and the right side mirror isn't worth a pinch of poop! The 57 is a stylish year that my wife, I, and the kids love to just jump in and enjoy the ride to the park, ice cream, or whatever.

I thought I'd chime in here and let you all know I'm still taking the advice in. Most all say the late teens and twenty cars aren't fun at 45 or 50. Hey I'm ok with that! I just wanted to know if there were cars for the budget that were capable of those speeds. Hey I have Cushmans, so I know all about moving at a slower pace to enjoy the ride. I'm still open to enjoying a early touring car even if they aren't capable or enjoyable at 40 or 50 mph speeds. Taking some advice from a few of you I have known of a model t collector for years but I never stopped. Don't know why I didn't. Anyway I stopped and gave him the story basically that I told at the beginning of this thread. I was there for a good hour taking in a few of his stories and discussing his model t. He did have a larger collection a few years ago, but had sold them. Rats, too late! He invited me to a local Model t club that we will attend Wedneday of this week. Looking forward to that. I bet anyone I'm the youngest one there! Anyone want in on it? I'm trying to buy a car here after all and gotta come up with some money! LOL As far as what make of car I'm thinking of, I haven't decided yet, BUT I am leaning towards a Buick. I'm already a member of the Buick club, AACA, and I already have a 57 Buick special the wife and I are fond of. In addition to that the Buick bodies appeal to me a little more than others. I found a Buick that needs work, but the price certainly appeals to me. I understand that usually more work and money goes into a restoration than buying one already done and turn key, but that's really not fun to me. I like originality and some patina to be part of the car. In fact, I'd be just as happy with a car that looked as if it was just pulled out of a barn than one that has a 100 point restoration finished. Unfortunately, this car I found has a title problem. I'll just have to see how that goes. Ohio has some of the most difficult retitling regulations that just make no sense. Stay tuned and keep posting opinions! Thanks

I'm looking at buying a 80 year old car in Illinois without a title. It evidently hasn't been registered in 40 plus years. It doesn't run! I haven't seen the car yet and frankly I doubt that I will buy the car if a title ends up to be a hassle. I live in Ohio. I know many of you may say buy the car and register it in Ohio, but you don't know the hoops on fire you have to jump through to get a old vehicle registered in Ohio! I also know that after jumping through the hoops of fire I'd get a title stating the car is a assembly of parts or "kit car" deemed to be a 2014. I'm not going to do that! If getting it registered in Illinois is easier, I'd be willing to maybe go that route and just transfer it to Ohio. I'm wondering if anyone on here has dealt with the Illinois bereau of motor vehicles? Also, does a member of the aaca live in northern Illinois? Thanks, Darren

The Franklin is unique, but that Marmon is an awesome car! Is that an electric start model? It appears that way in the picture of the carb side of the motor. I don't see a place for the crank at the front either, but that probably doesn't mean anything. Thanks for all the replies. I'm keeping watch and not abandoning the thread.

This past weekend I was at an auction and just fell in love with a 1915 overland touring car. I had not even went to the auction to purchase the car but to look over a couple of cushmans instead. Needless to say I hadn't even given thought to buying the car. The Cushmans sold and the car was up. The auctioneer went on to describe the history of the 1915 Overland. He explained it had been bought by the current owners father new in 1915 from the factory in Toledo Ohio. I was absolutely astonished at the originality and the solid condition of the car. I realized then that I truly had an interest in the car, but I had no idea of value or rarity. Because of that I didn't bid on the car, but I regretted it every day since this past week. I just thought what were the chances of finding another car such as that in that condition. Because of this I have decided to do some homework. First off I should explain I know absolutely nothing really about the teens and twenties cars, and I have a good reason. I'm 39! So any information that anyone wants to pass along is welcome. First question I'd like an idea on is, are there any cars of this period that will do 50 55 mph comfortably? Secondly, Is there a touring car that may be priced under $30,000 and be perhaps a friendly first touring car? One other thing, are wooden wheels safe? I mean are they if they receive certain maintenance. On a side note here, I have looked at a few cars in the period of the teens and twenties. To give you an idea of what my taste is like, I do like ford T's an A's but I'd rather have something different. For example a 1925 Chrysler b25 Touring roadster. Not that it is the car I'd like, but it's a good example of the character I'd be looking for. I definitely will only consider something that has been restored years ago as I doubt I can afford a fresh restoration. I really don't think that is my kind of car anyway. I like cars with a used look, or a look that I wouldn't be afraid to take it out for a drive. My occupation is automotive refinishing, so I'm accustomed to working on cars.

Well I refreshed my mind with doing the gps thing again. It was just as I remembered. First comparing the speedo with the GPS I was showing 65mph at the car speedo and 52 at the gps. A second take showed 80 at the car speedo and 65 ish at the gps. Also my odometer showed about 4 tenths off at 7 miles clocking against the mile markers. I'd like to do a mile for mile comparison, but didn't quite have the time today. My tires are larger than what the car was equipt with, but when I raised this question before I was told there was no way the tire size had much to do with the difference in speed. I'm still leaning a bit towards changing the gear for a different size.

I never did check the odometer, but it sure seems to role pretty fast. I will try and check this all out this week.

This is great news! I will take a look.

Sorry John, After reading my first post I can see where you may have thought the power steering and power brakes were already installed in the car. I have a problem with typing my question out in keeping up with my mind. I still chicken peck my keyboard which takes time. I'm generally thinking three sentences ahead of my typing. LOL But I'm going to have my treadle system rebuilt or rebuild it myself (scary) and install it in the car. I have got to have at least this much done for this driving season. I have asked for help in finding a company that can rebuild it in the general forum.