[Please help a "newbie" with some basic beginner questions]

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

[Brand new Buick owner here! 1937 Model 48]

[Brand new Buick owner here! 1937 Model 48]

[Brand new Buick owner here! 1937 Model 48]

On 11/8/2016 at 9:52 PM, MCHinson said:

Gary, 

 

Welcome to the AACA Discussion Forum. You probably willl also want to get a catalog from Bob's Automobilia.  http://bobsautomobilia.com/

 

Additionally, Dave Tacheny is probably the guy with the most parts cars if you are in need of anything from a parts car. He can be reached by phone at 763-427-3460.

 

You should consider joining the 36-38 Buick Club, A division of the BCA at http://www.3638buickclub.org/.  

 

You can download an application to join the club from the website' Membership Page. 

 

Model 48 indicates a Special Two Door Sedan, Trunk back

Style No: 37 - 4411 is the Fisher Body number for the Model 48's Body

Body No: 6889 = individual body sequential number

Trim No: 300 = Tan Bedford Cord upholstery

Paint No:  510 = Hampton Gray Metallic paint

3105718 = Chassis sequential serial number

43279307 = Engine sequential serial number

 

 

Ill try to post some photos today.  Can you find out when the motor was produced?  ( Like month/year?)  

On 11/8/2016 at 9:52 PM, MCHinson said:

 

 

[Brand new Buick owner here! 1937 Model 48]

Hello All!  I just bought my first Buick on Saturday.  It's a 1937 2-door sedan with a trunk, a Model 48.  Literally pulled out of a dirt-floored barn where it sat for the last 6 years.  Got it running, and drove it 15 miles home so I have a good running start, although the paint and interior is shot.  So: I bought the 1937 Buick manual, joined the BCA and now I was wondering if you can help me decode the Fisher tag under the hood:

 

Model 48

Style No: 37 - 4411

Body No: 6889

Trim No: 300

Paint No:  510

Chassis "plate" # 3105718  (the metal plate riveted to the frame behind the front right wheel)  It's also the VIN on the title

Engine #  43279307

 

Also, I ordered a catalog from C.A.R.S., and would surely appreciate any help with reputable vendors.

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Gary Wheeler

NJ