Jetneo

I always thought it mounted under the radio. Take this with a grain of non-corrosive salt!

I’m drove a 54 Special Convertible as my only car for 10 years in the ‘80s. I was told to add lead additive to every tank (I bought it at Union76) if the engine is original. I was also told to use NON-DETERGENT oil, so living in Los Angeles I carried a case of Quaker State 30 weight non-detergent, suitable for all occasions! My Buick, Fred, never let me down or stranded. But I remember saying that I didn’t actually accelerate, I put in a requisition to accelerate. The brakes hinged on a single hose. If that hose failed, all you had was the emergency brake. Twice, I drove Fred 8 miles at 6am without ANY brakes to the brake mechanic. I just coasted at idle speed and went when there was no traffic. Why? I was stupid and never trusted tow trucks to hitch it correctly, frame not bumper, and I was trying to save money! Good times! I could go on and on. After30 years Fred was sold to a childhood friend who spent $100,000 on a complete “original” restoration. I miss the old Fred. Named after Fred Astaire so I wouldn’t feel so bad spending the money to keep him going. I got a lot of joy and attention driving Fred. When I couldn’t take the fumes any more I bought a Honda.

Thanks everyone, you're a sassy bunch! That dent on his hood happened during the tow trip to the mechanic! 59 years old without nose damage and it had to happen then! I didn't even bust their chops about it, I was so grateful they (AAA) were willing to call a second truck to get him out of the garage and onto the flatbed. They were great guys. Fred wasn't your average haul! He was stuck in the garage, and for a while I thought I'd have to sell him with the house! So far the mechanic is working on replacing the ignition system. I'm going to try to have a discussion about getting some Marvel Mystery Oil flowing before even hand cranking is attempted, but I don't want to insult him, it's obvious I'm no mechanic! My husband, of 5 years, is cautiously optimistic about my car, but he refuses to ride in him until I have seat belts installed! I get it, but honestly, people stay far away from me, they know they'll lose pound for pound! A friend of mine said today: "The way to make a small fortune in classic cars is to start with a large fortune!" Joyce new BCA member 1954 Buick Special Convertible Los Angeles

Joined today, and found my local chapter, too. I'll be at the April meeting for sure. I'll post pix as soon as I figure out your system, it looked a bit intimidating! As for MrEarl and Stealth Bob....I just put them on my short list! Thanks very much for the support and the info.

Thanks so much for the tip. I'll absolutely check them out. They'll be plenty of work to go around! And thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated.

In 1978, I found myself in Arizona at a drag race working for Wide World of Sports, and I saw an ad in the paper that said "54 Buick Special Convertible. Driver. Runs Good." So I stole the company rental and drove 75 miles to see it. Love at first sight. I gave the guy $50, not to sell it to anyone else, got back to Los Angeles, sent him ALL the money ($1800), and instead of getting ripped off, he drove it to California to me! It was my only car for 10 years. White with red interior. I had to hang my head out the window to drive in the rain when the wipers would lock in the open position, and I breathed the fumes in the hot summer stop-and-go traffic. But I loved that car, and swore I would never become one of the many people who would stop me, go all misty, and say "I used to have a car just like that". I swore I'd never sell it unless it meant losing my house. But time marched on. I wanted air conditioning. And seat belts. I became gun shy of the frontal lobotomy dashboard, and the cardiac bypass steering column, and weary of the people flagging me down at 70 mph on the freeway to ask "What year is it?" I bought a Honda. And Fred started an oft repeated cycle of sitting, getting a new 3E battery, getting rolling again. And then sitting. Until 1999. Am I ashamed to say I stopped starting him up? Taking him out? Buying him a new battery? Yes. I'm very ashamed. Now I've retired. Today I called AAA and with the help of a flatbed. AND a second tow truck, I got him towed to a mechanic who SAYS he's great with 50's cars. We'll see. I know Fred'll never be a show car. I don't care. I love that car and I want to do right by him. If you have any suggestions, or referrals for Buick loving mechanics in Los Angeles or Glendale or thereabouts, please let me know. I'm waiting to hear the diagnosis. What will it take to get him up and around? I'll keep you posted. Wish us both luck. And please, don't hate me! Joyce