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If your car is a Super model 50 you will want the S390 starter. I did have to replace the key switch also but can’t remember if it was from CARS or Bobs.it had the correct chrome plate where the key goes in but you will have to use the lettered plate that goes behind it .enclosed a photo of the dashboard don’t have one of the switch

Hello the starter on my 49 was changed to a high torque when they changed it to 12 volt. Don’t know if that would be a option for you.The starter I mentioned is available from CARS Buick parts from New Jersey or Bobs from California.Good luck. Gary

You’re welcome,be careful when removing the tapered retainer screw they like to fall out then have to hunt for them at bottom of door.Good luck,Gary

Attached is a picture of the DRIVERS side door handle,use opposite handle for passenger side

Will see if I have an extra I can photograph.

Am sorry the one on left would be for the right side holding the handle as position as placed on car the angle should face upward.

Hello I think the one one the right is the right side it has a angle to alignment with the inner slot and held in with a tapered screw that’s often hard to remove., a magnet maybe needed to remove it.Good luck.Gary

Hello not sure if this has adjustments on the steering gear itself. I know earlier models do . Check the service manual,I had a 40 Chevrolet that had about a quarter wheel of play and was able to adjust the steering gear to tighten it up.

The 1949 Buick was a one year only,with parts being hard to find for a restoration today attached a picture of the 49 dashboard called pilot centered in Buick advertising.One annoying feature is the headlight switch located by the cigarette lighter sometime pull out the lighter rather than turning on lights also the ashtray was criticized as being to small by drive reports of the time.

Hello a few 1949 models I seen didn’t have the smaller I’d tag perhaps it was only those cars and someone removed them. To tell if it is a early or late model,the duct for ventilation will protube from the radiator core support,if it is a Dynaflow the fill level check will be under the hood low on passenger side early cars it’s under floor on passenger side .the venti ports ie portholes , will be open to engine compartment later models are blocked off.early convertibles have a lay flat spare,also a steel rather than canvas top well .deck lid is also higher on late model for stand upright spare. If Hope this will help.Gary

Also Buick discontinued the small Id plates that were located on top of firewall and driver side inner door hinge they stamped the id number on top of frame near steering gearbox. First number of vin will be plant were built,I believe 1 is Flint Michigan.

Hello enclosed is a picture of a 49 Super model 56c the data plate will also have a X after style type for an export if originally built for delivery out of the US

Hello I think that seems to be normal on older cars the 49 Buick is actually 50 mph when indicating 55 the 71 MGB about the same and 69 Porsche at 62 mph at 70 on speedometer. I know police cars are checked and corrected for accuracy,had a 96 Ford interceptor had inspection stickers on speedo and it also went to 150 mph. Probably can only get so close on gear driven older types plus age and wear added to the equation.Gary

Hello finally managed to get new seal in dropped the crankshaft down as far as I could and worked it in , not a job I would want to do again, so far no leaks plan to road test it more tomorrow,let it run for over 1/2 hour on jack stands ..Thanks for all the input and reply’s .Gary

Hello as mentioned in other post check all the cables and pulley,my 49 was binding up on linkage,vacuum motor ran great off car .

I think what I may do is reinstall old seal with the wire shims as per post ,the rubber seal got damaged trying to install.hopefully won’t be as bad as before but sell car as needing seal as least it can be driven that way.

Got the tool kit to put seal in broke on 1st try then tried the molding seal and it didn’t work either.may put oil seal back in sell it as is have in Hemmings currently may drop price again.

Hello after the attendance of D Day re-enactments in Ohio I finally got to work on Buick main seal.enclosed are pictures of it ,wasn’t packed tight rope seal seems too small. I was going to put in the seal type but think will get a new rope type.Back to work when it comes in ,along with the tools to install it.

Hello thank you for all of the reply’s the new rear seal is supposed to be here tomorrow ,so that will be a weekend project. I did get the supposed “new and improved “one .Have to post how well it works when I get it in ,though most anything being an improvement.leaking about a quart in 500 miles 1st though it was the Dynaflow.Thanks again for all the posts and websites,hope this can also help others.Gary

Hello got the pan down and see that there is a lot rtv around rear bearing and doesn’t look if the seals on sides of block are there .At least inside the block and pan are clean also rods are numbered so assume it was rebuild some time before I bought it.Thanks for the tip.Gary

Any one have use the new type seal on a straight 8 Buick and did it work ok.in process of changing mine out.Thanks Gary

Hello as mentioned the 49 Buick was completely resigned from the previous years ,trunk floors were even changed mid year from horizontal mount to upright,also causing a change in the deck lid at least on the convertible,,perhaps a floor from another C body car Cadillac or 98 Oldsmobile could be used but finding one isn’t likely .If the trunk floor is pin holes rust, usually from spare tire and most of metal is still good,you may be able to sandblast both sides and use por 15 and fiberglass mat for a repair.

You are welcome ,Mr Putt of ARO was quite helpful when I was installing the top on the 49 answering my almost endless emails to him ,before you take anything apart measure and photo current location and top bows,I had taken mine apart for rechrome and repaint ,lots of special bolts and washers,will help a lot when reassemble it.Glad I could help,Gary

Hello you may want to check ARO 2000 website,I bought my top for a 49 Buick from him and they had a lot of information on line.

Hello Steele rubber has a how to do it on you tube that may help