Bob H

It's not a computer problem but the BCA renewal form I can''t find or decipher. It keeps wanting to sign me on as a new member and I don't want to start over, Thanks! Bob H

Note to JohnD1956: Don't know if you got my answer to your question or not. Did I mention that I use the computer but often don't really know what is happening? I am trying to renew my membership number 47121 for the E Bugle at $35.00. Thanks, Bob H

Help! My membership expires July 15 so I have been trying to renew online. Can't figure out if it's possible, I am not a computer geek but have ben using them since 1985. Can someone give me a boost or do I need to contact the BCA office directly? Thanks, Bob H

Greetings: My 1939 248 engine is torn apart and I have an appointment with a motor machine shop but am still short a few critical items. For 1950 connecting rods, a set of new connecting rod cap bolts with nuts and a set of con rod small end pinch bolts. For the 1939 engine, a set of new main bearing cap bolts and new head bolts. I might be able to use generic fasteners for everything but the rod cap bolts but prefer OEM. If you have these parts or know where to find them a little help will be appreciated. Thanks! Bob H

Would like to buy a set of made in USA .040" oversize pistons and rings for 1939 Buick 248 CID engine. The block is bored and I have a set of made in China pistons that need new rings so an upgrade seems timely. Thanks, Bob H

Billy: I think we have it. This car has never been torn down so I have a high degree of confidence in the location of its components. Hole #1: Two items, oil pressure line and temperature gauge tube. The grommet is split to the center hole for ease of assembly. Hole #2: Threaded stud that supports the radio mounting bracket. A rubber washer against the firewall, a 1/4" fender washer, then the nut. Hole #3: Two items through this elongated grommet, speedometer cable through the top hole and wiper vacuum hose through the bottom. Hole #4: Two branches of wire loom. Smaller branch goes through the top hole and across the firewall, larger branch down to voltage regulator etc. Empty extra hole. Hole #5: Emergency brake cable. This grommet has an inclined or angled hole. Hole #6: Throttle cable. Bob H

Billy: I have a 1939 Special sedan parts car that is pretty much intact and should provide the answers you need, Bob's Automobilia, by the way, sells most if not all of the grommets for those holes. I'll check the parts car tomorrow for you. Bob H

A belated thanks to critterpainter for the tip. I am a regular highly satisfied buyer from Bob's and passed on them because the catalog I have doesn't list a 1939 ring gear. I hope some of you aren't checking for a 114.5" fly wheel, could you imagine the freight on that? It should be 14.5" of course. Thanks again, Bob H.

Does someone have or could you direct me to a new flywheel ring gear for a 1939 248 engine? Have the engine torn down and a rebalance is part of the plan. Need a new ring gear before balancing. It has 146 teeth and measures on the plus side of 114.5" OD. Thanks! Bob H

The engine, running at idle. Attach the gauge to a port on the intake manifold, start the engine and read the vacuum at once with the engine at an idle. It should hold steady at the original or base value. If the vacuum falls off to a steady low setting (engine idling) suspect the exhaust system. The vacuum gauge was used for diagnosing mechanical and tune-up faults. I type poorly so it is hard for me to send a complete vacuum gauge test procedure, nor do I have a way to scan printed material and email it. Some MOTORS manuals describe the technique. Perhaps you have one or someone you know does and could get a copy to you. Again, the tool can pinpoint different problems easily and inexpensively. Bob H

Getting here kind of late. Have you checked for a plugged exhaust system? Either remove components or a vacuum check. Bob H

Has some craftsman found a way to straighten 1939 horn rings? I have two that are intact and in pretty decent shape but bent. The rings both have a small attraction to a magnet, isn't pot metal non-magnetic? Has anyone finished or seen a finished example of the rough castings offered for sale at the top of this post? My rings measure about 11 1/8" on the OD. Bob H

When I try to open the E-Bugle I get the February Cadillac club newsletter. Is this only happening to me? Bob H

My 1939 Special convertible coupe came with stream boards and the stone shields. The left side shield is in decent shape and could be recovered, if someone provided that service. The right side was the site of a significant bump and is in sad shape. The rear stone shields have been on my "critical shortage" list for some time and I am strongly considering painting two sets of rear fenders, one with the stone shield mounting slots in case a pair of shields miraculously appeared and a set without. Put my name on that reproduction dream list as a buyer for a pair of stone shields if they should ever become available. I have a complete extra set of 1939 Special restorable stream boards that will be made available for sale in the not too distant future. Don't have a clue what they are worth so I will probably list them on Ebay and let the market set their price. Bob H

Billy: Neither of my 1939 Special parts sedans had a plywood bulkhead behind the rear seat. The seat back hooks directly to the sheet metal structure. There was a thin "trim panel" installed on the trunk side of the seat back support structure. My 46S coupe and 46C convertible have or had a 3/4 inch plywood bulkhead with sheet metal clips that the rear seat back attaches to. I have a badly deteriorated but intact bulkhead from the 46S that will serve as a pattern. Bob H

Craigslists in Southern California, Los Angeles, Orange county and Inland Empire show a pair of 1939 Buick running boards that look like they have the trim intact. Maybe someone in Socal could look at them for you. I have a complete set of restorable 1939 Special stream boards that will be for sale after the new year. Have no idea what there value is so I'll list them on Ebay and let the market place determine their value. I'll notify Buick club members when I list them. Bob H

There is a 1941 sedanette that has been on the Portland, Oregon Craigslist for some while. It looks pretty good but still needs some finish work and the price is out of line to me. He lists it as having a "motivated seller". Bob H

The 1939 Buick Parts and Service Bulletins book has a bulletin describing how to install and adjust the vent and its operating mechanism. Since you have a 1939 car, a copy of the book would be a great addition to your library. I can't scan the pages but if you think this would help I could copy and mail them to you. Bob H

Ron: I too am in the process of restoring a 1939 Buick 46C. Spent most of the time so far accumulating parts and information. In the process I have acquired a 46C parts convertible with a lot of stuff but by no means everything. Luckily there was one visor in really good shape. As nearly as possible, the visor is 21 3/4" long and 4 1/2" wide. The little edge trim extends beyond these dimensions. Thickness is difficult but it is about .280" thick including the covering material. The corner radii are right at 7/8". The mounting hardware is listed in the Bob's Automobilia catalog. The visor fits both my convertibles and I have no info on an alternate design or pattern. I'll try to include a couple of pictures that might help. Bob H

Check the thermostat housing attachment point on the front of the heads. Not exactly sure of the years but prewar and postwar are different. I have a good 1950 head but freight to you would be prohibitive. Bob H

Add my name to that need list! I did hook up with a fellow 1939 convertible owner at the Buick club national meeting who says he has fabricated them. Haven't seen them nor do I know if he would build them for sale. His name is Leif Barem and he lives in Mount Vernon, Washington. I am hesitant to list his phone number here but he is listed in the 2014 Buick Club membership roster. Bob H

Appropriately, Oregonians don't tan they rust. Bob H

FYI,contrary to popular belief it doesn't rain every day in Oregon. Lots of times it rains at night! Bob H

Somehow I violated a rule about posting to this forum and lost about half of my list. The following items were on the post above. Bob H [LIS [*] 1950 248 CID engine odds and ends, starter core, hydraulic lifters, road draft tube, etc. $55 each or $150 everything [*] Twelve unidentified stainless trim pieces, not sure they are Buick. $25 each or $150 for everythin [*] Stainless steel beer keg, no beer. $ [*] Robinair R-12 AC service unit, in good working condition but who cares? $225 [*] Seventy old hot rodding magazines. $5 e [*] Two "pickle forks, great tools for destroying ball joint and tie rod end boots. $25 each [*] 12 volt sealed beam headlights, new. $5 each [*] Other stuff included

A little over a year ago I became a Buick owner and restorer, a 1939 Special 46C two door convertible. First thing I tackled was collecting parts for it. In the course of this quest I have accumulated duplicate parts, incorrect parts, and stuff that doesn't fit my car, so the swap meet booth. This is my one shot to get these parts into the hands of someone who can use them, beyond here most will go for scrap. Most of the parts are 1939 a few 1940, and a handfull of 1950 engine stuff. There are also some miscellaneous automotive items. All prices are suggested retail and open for negotiation. 1939 original headlight reflectors converted to 12 volt halogen bulbs. Should have read the Ebay ad more closely! $100 the pair 1939 Special rear shock absorber cores, left and right. $80 1939 Special windshield trim, center and pinchweld pieces. $30 each item 1939 hood panels, left and right. $100 each. 1939 nose side panels with hood latches and operating mechanisms, left and right. $150 each. 1939 wheels, four, 16 inch. $75 each or $500 the lot. Two 1940 small series transmissions,rebuildable cores. $125 each. Not 1939 front bumper. straight