sloperlad

The paint has been chipped and damaged on the glovebox lid and surrounds, was existing damage when purchased. Being an Australian assembled vehicle I am fairly positive the dash board cannot be removed so repairs will be instu. I am not sure if the paint applied is enamel and is the same as USA vehicles. Is there any one from OZ that could point me in the right direction in getting this repair done with the correct paint application. The colour match needs to be correct and finish right. Have taken the old girl to a few panel shops , no one seems game to do works due to age. Based in Brisbane Qld.

Yes , I think you are right in the muffler diagnosis , the one I have looks home made ,back in the 70s. Might have been a stove pipe.

After watching Matt Harwoods video clip mine is way louder. Now I know how loud they should drive. Thankyou.

Exhaust manifold is not cracked and no leaks, doing a process of elimination, valve clearance check, engine has had a rebuild, carby rebuild, Exhaust pipes ok , going by previous comments I will change the muffler, yet another tune, tyres ,bias, are new, at the moment thecold girl sounds like it has wind pain. It is good to know these vehicles are to proceed quietly down the road and thankyou for the supplied information

Is this still for sale. I am interested , residing in Australia.

I just had the front seat re upholstered and at the same time some custom made covers made. Total cost $850.00 including taxes AUD.

Not having anyone to compare the 38 special to, when driving should the experience be reasonably quiet, with a bit of road and engine noise , mine is very loud , the muffler has no holes but is quiet old , exhaust pipes are good, I can only assume baffles may have given up. I would appreciate the advice.

A lovely collection.

Hi. I gave up on using the dash lights on the 38 sloper. Only had candle light turned down low. Could not see a thing at night. Took the cheap option and purchased a magnetic torch from a auto shop. Works brilliantly, shines light down and no window reflections.

Thank you for the reply. The interior needs the seats overhauled be be comfortable again , so at the same time I am going to overhaul the interior. I am trying to stay true to the original colours but if I find them a bit claustrophobic or depressing I may go a lighter shade to brighten the interior eg a tan instead of brown. Ambiance and a comfortable driving environment makes the ride more enjoyable. Have been told by a couple of prewar club members the aussie cars did not have the cloth interiors. Will chase up the book to get some knowledge. Cheers.

I am trying to find out the interior trim colours for the Australian assembled 38 Buick specials. I have been informed the Aussie cars had leather/ vynal interiors and not cloth as per USA produced vehicles . Any information will be appreciated.

Thankyou MCHinson for your kind offer would take it up but have found out from previous owner that when they purchased car the they found out on inspection the original owners had replaced window regulators with ones from other models and makes. Apparently Australian Buicks are different to American Buicks. Makes the repair more challenging. JFranklin. JB world. Will try but will also from Buick club advice drill and insert a grub screw to hold in place. Thankyou for the response.

My crank handles after 84 yrs have decided not to grip where they insert into the winding mechanism. They slip on the knurled edge. These are held in by a small spung clip and I assume the surface area they grip on have worn down causing the releasing. . Has any one inserted a shim or found away to gain grip again. Would like not to replace original fittings with reproductions.

Handles now purchased from vintage reproductions.

Is there anyone in this forum from Australia that has a vent window crank handle for a 1938 buick special , or pair of , in good condition with the baker light knob ends they would like to sell. I have a missed match pair , one metal ,one plastic installed by some prior to my ownership and this irritates me no end. Just trying to right a wrong. Cheers.

thankyou for the eye candy. most enjoyable.

Keep up the good work Rodney. Hope to see this car at the Buick nationals in Dubbo , covid permitting.

Fabulous progress and an entertaining read. Following with much interest as I had a mechanic from the prewar Buick club do the same to my old girl. It is amazing how much work is involved keeping these cars roadworthy. Well done sir.

Maybe a rebuild could be in order as it looks like came out of a old tractor.

No evidence. Radiator is clean as per engine block. Not sure if these vehicles have thermostat. Is this temp reading I am getting going to effect the motor or is it normal. Daytime temp is about 28 to 32 degrees centigrade .

Have noticed the 38 temp gauge sits between half and 3 /4 , on a highway run at 50 - 55mph. I realise these old chariots have big iron blocks which generate a lot of heat and have flushed the radiator and block, added a high quality engine coolant, climate correct as where I abode is usually warm. Is this a normal operating temp as original fan is on vehicle or has anyone had a thematic fan installed and run at a lower temp.

My understanding here in Qld Australia that if the vehicle was manufactured without seat belts as in 1938 they do not have to be fitted. If they were installed an engineering certificate is required and inspection plate ( modification plate) installed on the vehicle.

Were there any period correct roof racks, cannot find any pics, scouring the net . other wise a folding one similar to a 32 with modifications. If any one has previously done this a pic would be fab. 50Jetback surprised me with the accessory item.

Hi Grant Great read, and fabulous trip. Planning to take the sloper in May 22 to Winton Qld to see dinosaur bones from Brisbane. Planning 15 day return trip. Would appreciate any pre planning car maintenance tips eg extra tubes etc as western Qld towns are not that close. Regards john

Thanks jet back. Glad to see that they were an accessory. Cheers for the pic. That looks similar to a 32 luggage fack which is starting to be the go. Now to find one.