Woodieman559

How much does it matter the condition of the existing wheel? Mine is half gone, and the rest is crumbling. I may have a lead on one in better condition with just cracks.

Just rescued a 1954 Chrysler Town and County wagon from it's 39 year slumber in the woods of northern CA. Seems to be pretty much rust free and all the trim is present. It has the last early hemi (331 cu in 195hp with the 2bbl) and Powerflight auto transmission. I plan to restore it to stock with safety enhancements (disk brakes, radial tires, etc.) After cleaning it and removing ALOT of rodent droppings, pine needles and forest dirt, I'm amazed at the condition of the wagon. 67,000 miles and surface rust only. The interior needs some TLC, new headliner, front seat re-apolstered, and the wood refreshed and/or replaced. What I need first is the tailgate window regulator and a decent steering wheel. I believe Chrysler used the same wheel from the early fifties to at least 1954, and the Desoto and Chrysler wagons shared a lot of body parts. It's a rare wagon, with only 1,100 built, which makes wagon only parts hunting that much more challenging. Any leads are much appreciated. Bob Riding

I need to sell my 1953 Buick Special Deluxe 41D because a new baby is on the way. This is Buick's Golden Anniversary model and it has a smooth-running, recently rebuilt 263 cu in Fireball eight-cylinder engine, Dynaflow automatic transmission, radial tires, and all new brakes. Also replaced are the front and rear stabilizers, generator, taillights, fresh hoses, belts, and plug wires. The car is a time capsule with all original trim and knobs, front and back seat heaters, and has a straight frame and no body rust. The transmission has just been serviced with new transmission fluid, mounts and thrust pad. The shop that serviced it indicated that it would benefit from a future rebuild. Included are new parts I purchased but wasn't able to install, including seat belts, and all four coil springs. Interior is very clean - great seats and headliner. Car has 84,700 miles on the odometer. Excellent candidate for a restoration. I am near Fresno CA. Here is a link to my Craigslist ad 1953 Buick for Sale $6,750 briding40(at)gmaildotcom or 559 531-5972 .

Awesome info guys, thanks!

Sage advice...thanks- we will heed it!

thanks, great advice! Can coil springs be reconditioned like when re-arc leaf springs? If not, do you have a favorite supplier?

My son Jeff and I have been sorting out the "53 Buick Special and no majors issues have appeared - yet! It's in the shop now getting the Dynaflash serviced and I had them replace the tie rods (I supplied the parts). We have fixed the brakes, master cylinder, trunk lock, replaced the battery and beefed up the cables to 0000 size, changed hoses, belts and spark plugs. Next is seat belts. The straight eight runs really well (new head from the prior owner) One thing the shop said was the the suspension is not great- the car sags toward the drivers side a bit. I tried adding fluid to the shocks, but it didn't change the leaning. I'm assuming that the springs are the culprit. Also the rubber body mounts have pretty much lost their rubber flexibility. Any suggestions as to how to tackle the suspension would be appreciated - do you have to take the entire body off the frame to redo the rubber? Any build threads to follow? Thanks Bob

Thanks Ben. That's a great idea. I will propose it to Jeff. To me, the cool thing about the '53 model year - it's the last connection to the styling of the post-war fat-fendered cars and the legendary straight 8, not to mention 6 volt electrics. Growing up, we had a '55 Buick Roadmaster, and you saw the tri-five era Buicks all the time, but not as many earlier Buicks.

My name is Bob and I have to admit up front- I'm a diehard Mopar guy! I started out with a 1940 Dodge Business Coupe, then found and restored a 1940 Plymouth woodie (only took 12 years), and now I'm working on a 1951 Plymouth Suburban (all metal, 2 dr wagon). My adult son Jeff, who always wanted an old car to restore, found and bought a barely running 1953 Buick Special 41D. We just spent the last month getting it ready for the local BOP car show in Clovis, CA (brakes, new generator, taillights, hoses, belt, plug wires, etc) and it now runs great! It is indeed a time capsule, with all original trim, knobs, no rust and straight frame...it will be a great restoration candidate...Needless to say it was the only '53 Buick at the show. Lots of Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles. I have to say- Buicks are awesome cars! Jeff and I have located a number of great resources, but want a little guidance as to what to look for during a resto- pitfalls, impossible to find whatzits, etc. I know with the Plymouths, a lot of parts are not reposed, so a parts car is usually needed. Looking forward to chatting with you all on all things Buick!