Sonny Butler

Thanks to everyone for all the great feedback. You've given me a lot to think about, and provided a lot of first hand knowledge. A little about the car: I've had it since 2019. It was originally out of Texas, found it's way to South Carolina then to me after about 2 months in SC. I had been following it for about 2 years. My dad had one identical to it when I was a kid that he bought new. Unfortunately, someone in Texas thought it would be a good idea to add "patina" to a fairly good paint job....with all due respect to those who like fake patina. Went to SC, checked it out and bought it. The car was straight, all there, original, numbers matching and solid. Currently has 116,829 miles on it. Based on the overall condition I feel comfortable with the mileage. It had a 1998 Texas inspection on it so I'm going to assume it sat inside for about 20 years. As far as I can tell, there was 1 owner before the patina lovers, then it passed through two dealers then to me. I had it shipped, drove it to the shop, they tuned it up, did all the maintenance and any repair to make sure it could be driven without doing any damage to it. In VA if you have antique tags you don't need a yearly state inspection, but I don't drive any of my classics without one. So it was safety inspected. Anyway, drove the Buick some in 2019 and ordered the correct interior from SMS. I pulled carpets and door panels and did repairs and refurbished floors and door mechanicals as needed. Covid arrived, so my opportunity to have any paint work was put on hold. I was in line at my upholstery shop for almost a year so when the interior arrived from SMS I took the opportunity to take my spot or I'd lose it. A totally backwards choice as far as the process should go, but I was also tired of sitting on pillows so I could see over the steering wheel. Fast forward.......The interior is incredible. Continued stripping all the stainless and chrome and doing prep work for a repaint. Replaced all the weather stripping and trying to locate someone who can pull the windshield and long 1/4 side glass and replace gaskets. Regular glass shops don't want to touch it because of the age. And at 70 years old and with limited use of my left arm, I'm not even going to attempt it. So, I've been driving it around town some for about a year and loving it. I have to allow extra time to talk to people who approach me in parking lots, stoplights, the gym etc. Everyone has a memory and and it rally intrigues kids who grew up with mini vans and suv's. That brings us to the current time with the leaks. All the information from you guys is really appreciated. Unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge to follow up with your suggestions, but I'll give them to the shop to do and go from there. As I said earlier, they're a high volume shop with a lot of commercial contracts and insurance work, but they'll work on my cars as time permits. I've known the family for over 50 years and trust them with my cars. The Buick will be an ongoing project and I plan on keeping it as original as possible and stock. Like I said earlier, I'm going to drive it and enjoy it. When the time comes, I've left instructions that all my cars only go to verified collectors. My goal for 2023 is to drive it to Hershey in October. If its ready, I'll show it in the driver participation class. It won't be a show car or historic preservation, so it will fit in DPC. I also have an original 63 Cadillac Sedan de Ville 4 window (Mom had one) and a 90 Lincoln Mark VII with 35000 miles that I show in AACA and Lincoln National meets. It has an AACA first junior badge and was best touring Lincoln at the Lincoln eastern national meet in 2021. Going for AACA senior in 2023. BTW, I drive it to shows and compete with restored, trailered cars. So far, the shortest distance to a show has been 6 hours. I think the journey is as good, if not better as the award. I've attached a few pictures. The engine pic I attached to the original post is how it was when it arrived. Sorry for being so long winded. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again, Sonny

Thanks. That makes perfect sense. I appreciate the advice.

I have not

Thanks. Appreciate the info. Sonny It has developed some major oil leaks. I intend on using it as my retirement travelling car and since it's numbers matching and solid, I don't want to take a chance on ruining the motor. I'm also having the transmission rebuilt. I'm not restoring it, just trying to maintain it and preserve what's there.

Thanks. Appreciate the info. Sonny

I want to have my 425 rebuilt and I'm hoping some of you may have recommendations on a shop you know that has experience with this engine. The shop I use in Virginia Beach has a wealth of Buick knowledge, but isn't set up to rebuild engines on 60 year old cars. They'll pull my engine, I'll take it to the shop for rebuilding, then I'll go pick it up. I'm looking for someone within 300 miles of Virginia Beach, VA. There are several shops around here, but none with any knowledge or experience necessary. So, If you know someone that you'd trust your Buick engine with, please let me know. Thanks, Sonny Butler BCA# 50336 757-749-3843 sonnybutler54@gmail.com The best way to reach me is through the forum or email. Feel free to text or call, but sometimes my spam blocker won't let calls through. Thanks again.

Thanks Mitch. I'm in Virginia and unfortunately don't have anyone on your side of the country. Thanks for responding!

WTB rear bumper for a 64 Buick LeSabre Estate Wagon. I need the center piece, but will take the entire bumper with end caps. The bumper from the full size 1963 wagon will fit as well. Call, text or email. Thanks Sonny Butler 757-749-3843 sonnybutler54@gmail.com

Thanks Joern! It was great meeting you and sharing stories. Thanks so much for all the knowledge you shared and the great advice. Looking forward to working on my wagon and getting to know other members. Thanks again! Sonny

I purchased this car from the dealer in South Carolina in March of this year (2019). My Dad had one identical to it when I was 10, and I always remembered that car. I've had many station wagons through the years, so this wasn't an unusual choice. I had it gone through at the shop I go to. They are old Buick people that I've known for almost 50 years. After some routine maintenance and a search for a NOS or rebuilt wiper motor, it's running well and is a blast to drive. In the process of removing trim then having the car repainted the original Arctic White. The chrome is in incredible shape and the car is straight and rust free. The interior is in decent condition for a 55 year old car but still needs work. It has the great "western" interior. The carpet is shot and the front seat needs to be "rebuilt " and reupholstered. If I could locate an old Sear's catalog, I'd use it to sit on. I've located NOS interior at SMS interior. The dash is in great shape. I'm not doing a show car restoration, but I'm trying to keep everything as original and correct as possible. I'm sure I'll have questions for you as I go along. Sonny Butler Virginia Beach, VA