SJF1948

As a fairly new member to the group, I would be interested in seeing how many Buick owners are planning on attending this week long event. It would be nice to see something other than Tri-5's, Mustang's, Camaro's, Malibu's, etc. Out of approximately 8,000 registered vehicles last year, I saw maybe 10 Buicks!!!! I plan on having my '53 Super ready to cruise and attending as a Participant instead of a Spectator.

Thanks for the reply Al, especially thanks for the photos. I have seen the battery cover plate listed in my shop manual, but not the cover! I wondered how the plate mounted, a picture IS worth a thousand words..... The battery that came with my Super is a 3ET, slightly taller than a 3EE, more CA and CCA. I do have both hold down bolts and both front and rear tie straps, so the cover may be lying in a box in the shop where I bought the car.... One can only hope!!!!

Now that I have my A/C questions answered, I'm now concentrating on getting the electrical system ready to go. I discovered another component "missing" from my box of parts. I do have a 3ET Battery that I was able to recondition and be able to use. What I'm missing is the battery hold down strap/bracket and the louver cover. I have seen several different straps listed on the usual sites, with several different designs, materials, series designations, etc. Is there a difference between an inline 8 battery and a V-8 battery, illustrations for both look the same to me..... I have the shop manual but it's not much help there. Anyone have any photos and/or part numbers for the correct setup. I'm more interested in securing the battery in the stock location, stock appearance would be nice. I do know that the 3ET battery is used in a lot of JD tractors, and I suspect some of these straps are for tractors.

Hi, I have a '53 Super 56R. I'm looking for a set of door mirrors, battery top louver, windshield washer jug lid, bottom half of front bumper, driver's side rocker trim, and radio speaker grill (dash trim). Thanks for your help, Jimmy

Hi Ben, Good points for sure. By keeping the radio intact, what I meant was for appearance only. No way am I going to mess with all of that chrome on the dash! I do remember seeing an episode of Jay Leno's Garage where he featured a '51-'53 (I think). This car looked stock on the outside, even the interior looked stock, however underneath it was 21st century. The thing I was most impressed was the way they had modified the speaker grill. It was hinged on the bottom and when dropped down there was a DVD receiver/monitor where the speaker would have been. I found a grill on EBay to experiment with, I'll let you know how that turns out. I have pretty much decided on the under dash Mk IV, maybe not what you may have seen in '53, but definitely in a mid to late '50's upgrade.Here are some photos of the car when I found it and after we washed it with detergent and water using a Scotch-Brite pad. Before: Photos 1-5, After a soap and water wash Photos 6-9..... Nice patina!!!!

Thanks for the reply Al, and thanks for the words of advice/encouragement. There are no plans to modify my car with the exception of safety and reliability items. That would include keeping the stock engine, upgrade plugs, plug wires, and the usual tune up, seat belts. I was able to dig through my old stuff and found my old dwell/tach meter, vacuum gauge and induction timing light, (it pays to never throw anything away). Included with the car and in the trunk is a new fuel tank, rebuilt fuel pump, and four new wheel cylinders and rear brake shoes. The previous owner was in the process of restoring the car and was unable to complete the project. The only pieces not included are the two outside rearview mirrors. As for the brakes, a friend of mine just acquired a '55 Special and he converted his brakes to power, front discs, dual master cylinder with remote fill. Looks to be a shoe in fit. I plan on driving to shows and events, keeping to the back roads (Scenic route) as much as possible, but some Interstate driving will be necessary at times. It's been a while but I do remember standing on the pedal trying to stop a 4,000 lb. car in a hurry when some fool pulls out in front of you. Power steering....who needs it, that's what that big impressive banjo steering wheel is for. Maybe down the road. Maybe a suicide knob!!!! Yeah I know, they're illegal. Gotta have A/C, only decision is which one, Vintage Air, Old Air, in dash, under dash. Personally, I like the under dash with heat and air. I plan on keeping the radio intact, even the speaker. I'll put the required stereo in the glove box. I see no viable alternative to the knee shocks, so I'll rebuild as necessary and enjoy the ride. The first thing I bought after the initial purchase of the car was a cover as it may be spending some time on the driveway. The next thing purchased was the '53 Manuals with the '54 Supplement, books and CD. The next major purchase will be a set of tires, TBD, I haven't inspected the wheels yet, but for now it'll be stock with restored wheel covers. And... all of the above mentioned items/needed parts/accessories have been distributed to my family in the form of My Christmas Wish List!!!!! Merry Christmas everyone I would like to hear from some of y'all who have experience with P/B swaps, and A/C choices and installations. As soon as the rain stops here I'll get some photos of the carpet and floor damage.

Thanks for accepting my application into the World of Buick. I have recently acquired a '53 Super 2 dr hardtop (56R). I searched for this car for about a year or so, looking for a unique car that I wouldn't see a thousand like it at the shows. Too many Camaros, Tri Fives, Malibus, Mustangs, etc. As a bonus, I got a car with classic lines and style. I've been reading these Forums and it would seem there aren't many Supers out there. Mine is about as stock as it gets, original, unmolested, paint, interior, numbers matching! No Power Steering, no Power Brakes, no A/C. She came with all of her original trim, bumpers, chrome, stainless, however there will be some assembly required. The body is solid, some surface rust (Patina), the only serious rust I've found is the front floor pans (footwells). My intention is to keep the Patina for now, concentrate on making her reliable, safe, and comfortable to take on the road, to be enjoyed. I am debating on upgrading the brakes to discs, or keeping the stock drums. Power steering would be nice, but I can live with manual steering for now. Living in the South, and a lot of my cruising will begin along the Coast, A/C will be high on the list of upgrades. I'm basically old school and grew up with points and condensers, timing and carb adjustments, so this original stuff doesn't concern me...... yet!!!! I'd like to hear some of the group's experiences and recommendations concerning their '53 Supers, especially DynaFlows, Knee Action Shocks, A/C installations, Steering, and Brakes. Thanks to the group, and more photos will follow!