Hello everyone!
Being very very new to the Buick world, and now only 2 weeks into ownership of the '37 Model 48, I am getting ready for the winter restoration. I've read the Shop manual through and it is a wealth of information.
I have a few basic questions if you all don't mind sharing your experiences. In these couple weeks, I've done a lot of small things and have it running pretty good for a car that was literally sitting in a dirt-floored barn for the last 7 years. The choke is wired open as the "automatic choke" mechanism is rusted, and the engine hesitates first before going, but I'm getting there. So here goes:
1. The car has a MARVEL carburetor. Do I restore it or (as I was advised) "look for another manifold with a better carburetor" so the car is a dependable runner?
2. How do you get the radiator out? Does the entire front clip have to be disassembled?
3. Can this rusty automatic choke be restored?
4. Same for the rusty heat riser and the rusted out vacuum starter switch that sits atop the intake manifold
5. The car doesn't have a radio. Can one be installed if that blanking plate is removed? Or is that a completely different dash?
6. Can I get a new gas tank / sending unit? This one leaks, and it's rusty and the fuel gauge is inoperable.
7. Where would you go to find a new flywheel ring gear? All the teeth on mine look "scooped" out on one side.
OK for now. I'm SURE more questions will pop up once the restoration is underway. I truly appreciate all your help and advice.
Have a great day and a blessed Thanksgiving!
Gary Wheeler
NJ