Rusty Heaps

It’s pretty rough, but I could look for pieces and parts the next time I get out there.

Not that this will help the supply problem, but I did find this in a local junkyard. And I would love it if they would reproduce lower quarter panels for ‘51-‘53Specials.

That’s true for any of the parts not currently available. More demand, the more likely that the parts would be reproduced. Instead of parting out viable restoration projects, let’s reach out to businesses that specialize in repros. Many parts are reproduced for many different makes of cars and trucks that weren’t available a decade ago.

That’s enough to make a grown man 😢!

I’m hoping that replacing the gasket and pan won’t be terribly difficult. I plan to replace the oil pan, side cover, and rocker cover gaskets. There’s a bit of sludge on top of the head and I thought I could clean out most of it easily. It’s not heavy, but it looks as though someone may have used a little Quaker State in it a couple of times. I would hate for some of it to come loose and ruin a running engine. I also intend to clean the oil pump screen. Let’s keep some fingers crossed.

Thanks guys. A previous owner of the ‘52 had enlarged the holes with a torch to the chassis to access the bolts. I have no desire to do that to the ‘53. I have no air ratchet and a gravel driveway! Fortunately the engine is still a runner, so I can rotate the crank. Also thanks for the tips on the drag link and mounts. I said nearly impossible because the engine in the ‘52 was a boat anchor with the crank rusted solidly in place. I had to take a sledgehammer to the crank to retrieve the flywheel and clutch assembly from the engine after we pulled it!

I need to pull the oil pan on a ‘53 Special. Can this be done without pulling the engine from the car? I know it’s nearly impossible to do on the ‘52, I’m hoping the factory made some modifications to the frame just for this purpose.

There’s a 1923 Buick engine listed for sale in the General Motors parts listings under the Buick parts

Anyone need a boat anchor!?

It’s been a while since I posted any progress reports. I have been busy working on my house, new roof, deck, 200A service panel, HVAC, and exterior paint job. Now time to get busy on the interior. But I have taken some time off of the house and put the effort into the ‘ 52 Special and the ‘55 BelAir. We just pulled both engines today! Major progress. Now I can turn my attention to detail work on the front end of the chassis. Had to beat the crank out of the old waterlogged block to get the clutch assembly and bell house. Now for some pics.

What became of the parts car? I could really use the driver side door.

So, if you have the starter for the 320 bolted to the 248 it should crank the engine over quite well. Correct? That could be a plus for those who have the smaller engine.

If you do use the new shoes, while you have the one axle out go ahead and pull the other and replace the seals. That way you won’t risk ruining the new shoes should there be a leak from the rear end. Peace of mind.

I didn’t find any Stills on the property.

Keep me in mind if you want to sell parts from the second car. PM me.

Is the parts car a 45R series hardtop, or the convertible? If so I would be interested in the drivers door. And possibly the grill bar with extensions, even a broken one , as long as it is complete, for a hotrod.

Anyone know what year?

Perhaps you could ask this question in the Buick forums. You’ll get more responses. And easier to find for Buick enthusiasts!

Those are the ones!

I thought these were the ones for ‘53 Special . And the Big bodied Buick came with the covers with the big V for the new V8.

It’s a ‘53 , the Special still had the inline 8. Last ones. Good looking car!

I use an oil can with a flexible spout. The metal ones with the squeeze handle. Then it’s easy-peasy!

You and me both

If you find one as a project, this one in an East Tennessee junkyard may serve as a parts car. Sonny’s, near Blaine, TN.

Here’s another one for ya! Brought back from NC last fall.