Krugie36

Hello James, I purchased a Pinion Bearing Nut a few years ago for my 1936 Special from The Buick Farm. They may have one for your car. You should make measurements and take descriptive photos of your original, because the first one they sent me was incorrect. After giving them a good description of mine, they sent me the correct one. Good luck. Les

Hello Bill. My name is Les and I'm in the process of restoring my '36 Special Business Coupe (model 46). I found the following information in the "1936 Buick Shop Manual" that may help you determine the exact model number of your car. These are all the 1936 Special (Series 40) cars and all have 118" Wheelbase. Model 41 5-Passenger Four-Door Sedan with Built-in Trunk, License Weight 3360 Model 46 2-Passenger Business Coupe with Deck, License Weight 3150 Model 46S 4-Passenger Sport Coupe with Rumble Seat - Fenderwell only, License Weight 3180 Model 46C 4-Passenger Convertible Coupe with Rumble Seat - Fenderwell only, License Weight 3370 Model 48 5-Passenger Two-Door Victoria Coupe with Built-in Trunk, License Weight 3305 I hope this helps. Make sure you obtain one of these manuals along with a copy of the Master Parts List. Les

I don't have a picture to show, but I also have had a '36 model 46 for over 50 years. I'm the third owner. the behind the seat area was just open space when I purchased it, with no sign of a shelf of any kind ever installed. Les

The Master Parts Manual indicates a spring used with the Torque Ball Outer Retainer Packing (group 5.560) for some series of 1937 - 1948 Buicks, but not for 1934 - 1936. The part number is 1299002. Les

I should have thought it through more carefully before I spoke. The Frame Number sequence pertains to all models, but the Engine Number sequence pertains to only the Series 40 models. So, one would need to know how many of each model was assembled during each assembly run in order to even come close to predicting the Engine/Frame number pairs. Plus there are probably other facters that affect the sequences. So much for the math! Les

ricokc, The Buick Master Parts List covering 1936 list the first 1936 series 40 Engine Number as 4-2995239 and the first 1936 series 40 Frame Number as 2830899. If we subtract the first engine # from your engine # it indicates your car was number 16342. So, if they combined the frames and engines in the same sequence, then adding 16342 to the first frame # should result in your frame # (2847241). This also assumes that your engine has not been changed. If you know exactly what model number you have (41, 46, 48, etc), which should be stamped on the data plate adjacent to "1936 MOD.", you may be able to determine some of the other numbers. Hope this helps. Les

Thanks both for your feedback Pete Phillips and NTX5467. This apparently isn't a wide spread problem. I'll use the envelope idea from now on. Les BCA #45935

I had a problem mailing the BCA Board of Directors ballot this year that I haven't previously had. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I filled out the ballot, put a stamp and my return address label on the front (the side with the large bold BCA address) and took it directly to the post office. A few days later I received the ballot in my home mail box. Took it back to the post office where the postal worker scratched out the barcode above my mailing address used for delivering the Bugle to me, thinking the sorting machine was reading it for delivering the ballot. A few days later I received the ballot in my home mail box again. Took it back to the post office where the postal worker scratched out my complete address used for delivering the Bugle to me. The ballot has not yet been returned to me this time, but I'm not sure if it was received by the BCA in time since there was only about 3 days left before the dead line. If anyone else has experienced this, I'm wondering if there is an inherant problem with having the ballot on the same part of the cover sheet as our mailing address. Also, is there any plans to allow voting on line as an option? Les

There are a lot of things to consider. The differential carriers may be different and the third member housings may also be different. Example: I was going to put some new '36 Special gears into a '37 Special carrier and housing (the carriers are the same part #), but the third member housing was not compatible. The housing is deeper because the '37 pinion is larger than that of the '36. Also, if you use the complete '37 Century drive train, be aware that the torque tube length, axles and transmission spline may be different than the Special. That would require some modifications. Les

GeraldT, I may be too late with this info, but there are some copies of Buick parts manuals available for reasonable prices: Master Parts List of Chassis Parts for Buick 1928 to 1941 (January 1, 1941). This will tell you what other Buick years and models use the same part as yours. Buick Interchangeable Parts List (May 1, 1950). This shows interchangeability with other GM cars of sufficiently requested parts. Does not list accessories and standard parts. Master Parts Book of Chassis Parts for Buick Models 1928 to 1951 (January 1, 1952). Also has indicators of interchangeability with other GM cars. Good Luck, Les

I'm curious about what list your engine number is inconsistent with. Just be sure that the number on your block matches the engine number on your registration. Les

You have the wrong area code. I have recently contacted him at (763) 427-3460. Les

UPDATE: I contacted Dave Tachney, who referred me to French Lake Auto Parts (also in MN). French Lake indicated that they had a complete 1936-40 rear end, but could not find the casting number to confirm that it was what I specified. Trying to think of another way to confirm the correct part, I remembered That I had a set of differential bearing caps with casting numbers that I had saved from the original rear end. French Lake was able to confirm that there's had the same number, so I took a chance and ordered the complete rear axle setup. I received it yesterday (5/22/14) and after scraping all the gook off the third member housing, the number GM 1266464-1 appeared. Thank You to pont35cpe, 1939_buick, Dave Tachney and French Lake Auto Parts, I now have the correct rear axle assembly. Les

Randy, Were there more parts ruined than the ring & pinion gears? Are you looking for the complete rear axle assembly, or just the gears? I've been going through the same hassel you are for my 1936 ser 40 Business Coupe (purchased what was supposed to be for my car but turned out to be a modified 1937 setup). I also contacted Dave Tachney, who is a very nice guy and easy to talk to. He referred me to French Lake Auto wrecking, also in MN, who indicated that they have the complete rear end for my car. But, being once bitten, I asked them to verify the casting number of the third member housing which they couldn't find (probably because of dirt and grease and still attached to the car). So, I then asked them to verify the casting number of the differential bearing caps, which they were able to do. I then purchased the assembly and am now awaiting shipment and crossing my fingers that it is the correct setup. The bottom line to all this rambling is: Whatever you're looking for, if a part has a casting number or other ID on it try to have the seller verify that his part has the same markings. Good luck. Les

Tad, The Buick Master Parts List 1928 to 1941 shows part numbers for 1933 Buicks steering gear parts in the 2614xx and 2615xx range. So, Maybe someone with a 1933 Buick can take a look at the casting numbers they have. Hope this isn't too late to help. Good luck. Les

born2lose, I photographed the picture below from an old Motor's Manual. The manual indicates that '35 - '51 Buicks use Saginaw Steering Gears. It lists several types of Saginaw steering gears but shows only 1 diagram, so I assume that the internal setup would be similar for them all. I couldn't find any info on the ignition switch. I'm not very good at posting pictures and I'm not sure if you can somehow expand the one here so you can read it. Hope this helps. Les

pont35cpe and 1939_buick, You guys have given me some great information to work with. It looks like that axle housing on ebay just may be the right one. I now have a casting number for the third member housing and a lead for possibly finding one. Thanks to you both, again. Les

Thanks to both of you pont35cpe and 1939_buick, Yes, I'm aware of the axle housing on ebay. I'm waiting for a reply for some more info from the seller because my son asked him for the width of the housing and he indicated 51 1/4 inches "inside brake plate to inside brake plate". I assume that means the shortest distance between each brake plate. This is a couple inches shorter than I think it should be. Also, he lists the housing as fitting '34, '35 and '36 series 40. The Master Parts List indicates that the '36 housing is a different part number than the '34/'35, even though all three cars use the same axle shafts. Any chance one of you could tell me the width of the '36 40 axle housing (inside brake plate to inside brake plate)? How does one contact Dave Tacney? Is there a way via this forum? Thank you both very much for taking the time to respond. You are giving me some very good information. Les

Tom, Thanks for the info. I'm looking for a third member housing and wanted to be able to positively I.D. it if I find one for sale. I currently have a modified '50 Chevy drive train that I put in my '36 Buick Business Coupe decades ago when my ring & pinion gears broke up and couldn't find any more. I had saved the original differential parts and axles, but unfortunately did not save the third member and axle housings. I now want to get the rear end back to stock configuration, so now I'm looking for the housings. I purchased the correct ring & pinion gears and have an axle housing I can use with some modification, but would like to find an unmodified original axle housing also. Les

I would like to know the casting number of the 1936 Ser 40 Buick third member housing. If anyone can give me that information, I would appreciate it. The number 1295957 is cast on the right side of the differential housing area on a 1937 S40 housing, but I'm not sure if it would be in the same place on a '36 S40. If you have a housing that has the number above, then you have a '37 setup. I have a feeling that many '36 S40 Buicks have had there drive trains replaced with '37 setups because the ring & pinion gears are more robust than the '36 gears. I want the number for the '36 so that I can verify that I purchase the correct housing. Thanks for any help. Les

There are several Buick parts books that will give you some interchange info: Master Parts List of Chassis Parts For Buick 1928 to 1941 will give you interchange info with Buicks within those years. Master Parts List of Body Parts For Buick 1928 to 1941 will give you body parts interchange info with Buicks within those years Interchangeable Parts List (for Buick, May 1950) will give you interchange info with other GM cars through 1950. Master Parts Book of Chassis Parts for Buick Models 1928 to 1951 Inclusive also has indicators for interchangeability with other GM cars for some parts. Re-prints of these books can be purchased from several companies for reasonable prices and are very useful. Good Luck Les

I would like to know the casting number of the 1936 Ser 40 Buick third member housing. If anyone can give me that information, I would appreciate it. The number 1295957 is cast on the right side of the differential housing area on a 1937 S40 housing, but I'm not sure if it would be in the same place on a '36 S40. If you have a housing that has the number above, then you have a '37 setup. I have a feeling that many '36 S40 Buicks have had there drive trains replaced with '37 setups because the ring & pinion gears are more robust than the '36 gears. I want the number for the '36 so that I can verify that I purchase the correct housing. Thanks for any help. Les

Looking for the following Rear Axle Parts for a 1936 Series 40 Buick: Rear Axle Pinion Bearing Washer (front), Group 5.460, Part# 1285691. This is 2 3/8" I.D. X 2 13/16" O.D. X .177" Thk. Used on 1934 - 1938 Ser 40. Rear Axle Pinion Bearing Shim (front), Group 5.460, Part# 1285697. This is 2 3/8" I.D. X 2 13/16" O.D. X .060" Thk. Used on 1934 - 1939 Ser 40. Rear Axle Pinion Bearing Shim (front), Group 5.460, Part# 1285699. This is 2 3/8" I.D. X 2 13/16" O.D. X .012" Thk. Used on 1934 - 1939 Ser 40. Rear Axle Pinion Bearing Shim (front), Group 5.460, Part# 1285700. This is 2 3/8" I.D. X 2 13/16" O.D. X .015" Thk. Used on 1934 - 1939 Ser 40. Rear Axle Pinion Bearing Shim (front), Group 5.460, Part# 1285701. This is 2 3/8" I.D. X 2 13/16" O.D. X .018" Thk. Used on 1934 - 1939 Ser 40. Rivet, Ring Gear to Case, Group 5.531, Part# 970301. This is 5/16" Dia. X 1 1/4" long. Used on 1934 - 1942 Ser 40. Need Qty 12. The Washer and Shims may be used if in good condition. The Rivets, of course, must be unused. Les

bunchabuix, I've just recently logged onto the forum, after not being on for a few months, and noticed your post. I have some other info that I didn't see in the other replies. You probably have all the info you need by now, but here it is anyway. My copy of the Buick Master Parts List 1928 - 1941, Group Number 5.503 (DIFFERENTIAL AND GEAR) lists 1937 Series 40 as having Differential and Gear Assy part# 1396016 as having ring and pinion gear ratio of 44:10 (4.4 to 1). The individual gear part numbers listed are 1296862 Ring Gear and 1296863 Pinion Gear. It also lists a 44:10 ratio for '40 and '41 Series 40 and 50 but the individual part numbers are different (Ring part#1299444 and Pinion part# 1314654). I could not find any correlation between the part numbers and the numbers marked on your parts What I find strange is that Group 5.529 (GEAR SET, Ring and pinion) does not list a 44:10 gear ratio for 1937 Series 40. It lists only 40:9 (4.444 to 1) or 39:10 (3.9 to 1) ratios. To make things even more confusing, the Master Parts Book for Buick models 1928 to 1951, published in 1952, lists slightly different ratios and not 44:10 for the 37, 40 and 41 Buicks. So, it appears that the original 1941 Series 40 and 50 Buicks did come with 44:10 ratio gears. The other things to consider are if the Ring diameter and the Pinion spline correct. Les

Hello all. I am currently having the cylinder head in my 1936 Special Coupe repaired and a valve job performed. I need to replace many of the valves and the machinist suggested that I replace them, especially the exhaust valves, with those made of stainless steel. The original valves were apparently made of a softer steel. The Master Parts List (for years 1928 to 1941) lists Buick part number 1266751 for the 1936 exhaust valve, however, I also have the parts list for years 1928 to 1951 which lists part number 1310508 for 1936. My question is: Does anyone know if the new part number reflects a change to stainless steel? A few of my valves were stainless (as determined by not being attracted to a magnet) due to previous valve work done back in the '60s. I'm thinking about just replacing the whole set of valves and, in pricing the them, I'm finding quite a variation in price. In calling some vendors, they weren't able to tell me what theirs are made of, so I'm wondering if any valves advertised as part number 1310508 would be made of stainless steel. Thanks for any ensight. Les