Model56s

Thanks gentlemen, you saved me some $$.

Can a dynaflow taken from a 49 Roadmaster (320 cid) be installed in a Super (248 cid) that was equipped with a dynaflow? I am concerned that there were different bell housing bolt patterns and other unique features between the 320 and 248 that would prevent the swap. Thanks,

Congrats Pete. A member of the Gateway Chapter BCA restores stainless trim. It looks like the passenger side front spear could use a little work. Geoff

How do you improve on the 49? You can't without the somewhat radical but friendly change of the 51. The 55 Chevy is another classic that Chevrolet somehow found the restraint to transcend to the excellent 57 with minor but effective changes. Unfortunately they got drunk in 58. Studebaker had the same problem with the 53 Commander hardtop coupe - what a lean, timeless thoroughbred beauty! Lowey was inspired. There was nowhere to go with the Commander in Studebaker's imagination, so in 55 they panicked and attached a lot of stainless & chrome to the sides and a stupid 2500 lb chrome deposit on the front. Sometimes you just have to let it go and come up with a totally new departure. I think most 50's stylists became prisoners of a mandatory "improvement" mentality when a simple change in the tail lights, grille pattern, or grill shape (keep it simple!) is all that you can do with an inspired design - a great example is the unsung 52-54 Ford. The 52 with its clean, simple and lean design leapfrogged the puffy contemporary GM sheetmetal and Ford exercised the restraint to let the design age gracefully in the public's mind. Ford showed that you don't need to be afraid to run it for three or five years while the next total departure is dreamed up. Give the public some credit. You are right in all respects about the 50, plus they even brought back the fadeaway front fenders for that model. Unbelievable. Ned Nickles must have taken a sabbatical. Ford fell into this trap with the second generation Taurus - an absolute insect. Fortunately, my 49 Super Sedanette will never change. Congratulations, you got me on my soapbox!

Nice 41 sir. Any luck in locating a 42? The Buick sedanette is a class act, which is why I bought my 49 Super.

Selim, it's your car, do what makes you happy. I prefer to keep these cars as they wer built but will change some things to suite me. Misterc9 alerted you to the aliminum data plate that is attached to the top of the firewall/cowel under the hood. The color number on the data plate tells you what color the car was painted at the factory. If your car was green, you will see one of these color codes: 04 (Verde Green), 10 (Allendale Green), 11 (Gala Green Poly) or 13 (Cirrus Green). My 49 Super Sedanette was 05 - Elan Blue from the factory, but I prefer 01 - Carlsbad Black. I had my dash and interior metal trim parts repainted a non-Buick single color, BMW Space Grey Metallic which looks great with the factory interior colors and black exterior. From the factory, these parts were painted two tone. I think the 49 convertible looks great in red. If you like it, keep it that color. Your door trim color of beige is not original, but works with red. Do what pleases you.

1949 Buick Supers came with a rubber floow mat in the front.

Well done - this has been so satisfying to follow!

Good news Gary! I've been checking your thread hoping to see an update...looking forward to completion!

Keep up the good work!

I totally appreciate the choice. Several years ago Hemmings Classic Car did a story on a black '49-'50 Pontiac with red leather upholstry. The distressed look of the natural creases in the well-used front seat was very appealing.

Brian, The red leather is amazing. Was that an original interior color? Geoff Lockett BCA Gateway Buick Chapter

Hi Wilf, I have always enjoyed your post, from when you were Wilf Desoto. I appreciate your exellent English! I bought my 49 Super Sedanette in February 2012 and have driven the car almost 15,000 miles in that time - when it's nice out I'll try to steal 1/2 hour behind the wheel. I love driving it to work. Buick made strong cars and I love this one, especially her lines. Enjoy! Geoff Missouri

Very satisfying.

Gary, I've been lurking for some time and alerted my brother Randiego to this inspiring restoration. It is so satsifying to see the job done right with so little delay. I told my wife that the difference with this restoration, very close to finish in 12 months, is that you stayed with it. Most people get frustrated, or tired, or whatever and back away for months at a time and the next thing they know 5 years has got behind them. My guess is that with your project we're seeing the result of desire aided by the habits that experience instills (your Model T, etc.). I bought a 49 Buick Super Sedanette in February 2012 that I estimate was restored in the early 80s. This car brings me great joy and has significant meaning - from the date stamps on the clock and speedometer it was assembled in February or March of 1949 in GM's Kansas City assembly plant when my late father was in Kansas University medical school in Kansas City (1951 graduate - he delivered me as an intern in 1952). It still looks great, and is mechanically excellent, but should be painted and needs some very minor metal work in one lower spot. Reading your post encouraged me to do the same as you did with your 37, but I'm still on the fence - I love driving it too much on my County two lane blacktops! It was Elan Blue (a light metallic blue) from the factory but was painted black when it was restored. I'd like to redo it in a metallic navy blue. Thank you for your post, attention to detail and your boost to the old car hobby. I'm looking forward to seeing the hood, doors, trunk lid and seats installed! Geoff Lockett Dardenne Prairie, MO