larryabbott

Greetings, maybe someone can help me out. I have a 62 Invicta convertible. I want to check the fuel sending unit (gas gauge doesn't work, maybe it's the sending unit, as it was on my 53 Ford). Anyway, there looks to be two possible access "ports." One is on the "floor" of the trunk, driver's side, near where the filler neck would go. The other possibility is on the upper "tier" of the trunk near the back seat. There looks to be some sort of tank under this port, but it's not the main tank (?), and I don't imagine there are upper and lower connected gas tanks (?). Thanks for any suggestions and clarifications. Larry

hi, maybe somebody has a suggestion for my '53 Crestline Victoria. The car has been modified to some degree--460 engine, dual master cylinder with 7" booster, 1 inch bore, supposedly from a Toyota (according to mechanic's best analysis). However, my brake pedal goes nearly to the floor to the degree that I can't get my toe under the pedal. Pumping doesn't help. I had brakes bled, no change. I had larger master installed (1" bore), no change. I had longer rod installed on the pedal, no change. There are no leaks in the system. So . . . mechanic suggests a master/booster kit with 1 1/8" bore to push more fluid. There is no space for a 8" booster, so I have to stick with 7" with a dual diaphragm. Any trouble-shooting suggestions appreciated, especially for sources for a good quality product. Thanks, Larry

Hi, The Carter carb in the car has embossed (raised) on one side 6-1585. The other side indicates Carter AFB. I've been trying to get a correct rebuild kit and this number does not appear in any data bases; even Fusick can't find this number. So, even if carb is not original to car, a number reference should show up. Any '62 Invicta owners have this or similar number? Any suggestions appreciated, esp. for correct rebuild kit. Thanks, Larry

Thanks for reply and advice. My fault for not checking sooner. Had MC bled today and shoes are in proper adjustment. So, problem appears to be what you mentioned. So, I'm thinking to replace complete unit. Do you have any recommendations for best kit? 8" diameter, thanks, Larry

Greetings, checking to see if anybody has a recommendation of a headliner supplier for a '53 Crestline Victoria. Mice actually got inside the headliner and although there is no staining or sagging there is an odor. You would not believe what I vacuumed out of the hole (above the visor) and I only got to one small section using a straightened coat hangar with a "hook" on the end and a long dryer lint brush. Maybe the headliner is salvageable if you can partially detach it and get a vacuum cleaner along the edges and then treat the smell. Any sources and advice appreciated. Thanks, Larry

Thanks for advice. I will look for the Castrol . Larry

I have a '54 Special and a '62 Invicta. I'm pretty sure the previous owners used dino or synthetic oil. Should I switch to Valvoline VR-1 oil for both? Or . . . ? Thanks, Larry

Greetings, my '53 has an upgraded booster and dual master cylinder. The drums were inspected and said to be OK. However, the pedal goes almost to the floor, to the degree that the left foot can barely fit under the pedal. Pumping doesn't seem to help. Is it possible that the reservoir is too small and that therefore there is not enough brake fluid? Or could the rod be too short? If a bigger reservoir is called for, what would be the way to go? Thanks for any suggestions, Larry

Photos of the Special posted earlier

This 1954 Buick Special is an exceptionally clean, 99.9% rust-free, and smooth-running and driving 2-door sedan (post). 48, 700 miles. Car was repainted in what looks to be Baffin Green and Lido Green. The engine is the Fireball V-8. There are no leaks. Clutch and shifting are fine. The car was repainted some years ago in what looks to be Baffin Green and Lido Green. The front seat has been reupholstered, while the rear shows one small section of slight wear. The headliner is fine and has 2 spots of minor staining. All glass is intact with no cracks. Carpeting shows virtually no wear. Bumpers, grill, and trim impeccable. The weatherstrip, rubber encased in cloth, has some areas of fraying. There are two small areas of rust-through in the trunk above the exhaust tips. There are also 4-6 small paint "nicks," notably where the hood meets the body. There is a small ding lower driver's side wheel well. The package tray has seen better days, and the cardboard "side panels" in the trunk could stand replacement. However, neither is in terrible condition. Everything works: brake lights, turn signals, headlights, dome light, wipers, cigarette lighter. There is a Blue Tooth radio playing through a dashboard speaker. There have been many upgrades to make the car "modern" and safe: dual master cylinder with booster and new copper-nickel brake lines; heavy-duty anti-sway bar; rebuilt front end; conversion to alternator; front seat belts; new Die Hard battery; tires within 4 years old; 3-gauge cluster (volts, temp, oil pressure; stock gauges also work). Car is located in Maine. Having trouble downloading photos and videos but at least a couple are attached.. Contact for further information and photos/videos. I have walk around and driving videos and numerous stills but cannot post to the For Sale page for some unknown reason. Larry, 207-342-3676, black99vette@gmail.com. Thank you. Offered at $20,000.

Thank you! I was tending toward the switch.

Greetings, Maybe some kind souls can help me out with a couple questions. Is there a source for an upgraded (even if it has one) anti-sway bar? Also, my turn signals work but the brake lights don't. Taillights also work. Probably a wiring issue but I want to check the bulbs anyway as a start. How do you remove the taillight lenses? They are kind of "floppy" and not really seated securely. Thanks, Larry

Greetings, I am looking for a pressure plate or a complete clutch kit for a '54 Buick Special. Any sources would be appreciated. Thanks, Larry Is the stock pressure plate three-fingered?

Greetings, just got the '54 Special out of some refurbishing and thought I'd take a look at the air filter. Wasn't expecting the oil bath air filter. On the AACA site in 2016 archives there was an interesting discussion of the relative merits of each. I'm thinking I would like to change to paper, but what filter would fit the oil bath housing? or would I need a totally new set up? how do I find that? Or, stick with the oil bath, which takes the hard-to-find 50W? Oil in the "trough" is supposed to be changed every 5000 miles? Is the mesh in the OB replaceable, or just cleanable? I do not drive in abnormally dirty,dusty conditions, all highway, back roads. Any thoughts appreciated, thanks, Larry

Hi, can anyone recommend a supplier for a Carter carb rebuild kit? This is for a '62 Invicta, 401 nailhead, 4 barrel.. There are a variety of numbers on the carb that may or may not be relevant: choke, 7235; Climatic Control knob, A3478S; passenger side body of carb, 1585. Regarding the CC knob, it was set on lean (second marker from left); should it be set in the center? Location is Maine, basically sea level. Thanks for any suggestions, Larry

Greetings, I need some advice/suggestions. the convertible top motor/pump died. Any suggestions for a source for a new one? I'm not ruling out a rebuild but at 60 years old . . . (the car that is). I'm assuming the apparatus is behind the rear seat; doesn't look like you can access from the trunk?? How difficult is it to get to the top motor and replace it? Thanks for any help. Larry

Greetings, I just picked up a '62 Invicta convertible to go with the '54 Special (strange garage fellows?). Anyway, will have a bunch of questions as the car gets sorted out, but to start: any source for a dual master cylinder (Kanter seems not to have)? any particular shocks recommended? for oil, Valvoline with zinc or Mobil 1? Thanks for any suggestions/advice. larry

Greetings, I am the happy owner of a '54 Special. It is well-sorted and in great shape. However, I am wondering about the feasibility of some upgrades: 1) with the single master cylinder under the driver floor, is it possible to upgrade to a dual master in some way? 2) car starts right up (12 volt system) but can I go to a Pertronix or MSD ignition with minimal hassle or should I leave well-enough alone? Any sources for the above also appreciated. Many thanks, Larry

Greetings, I am the happy new owner of a 2-door Special. The car is well-sorted, but needs the original (!) weatherstrip replaced. What are some sources for this? Thanks, Larry

Greetings, I am checking if there is a kind soul near Portland, Maine who could check out a 1950 Mercury for me, or if anybody knows of a reputable inspection service. Car is in Arundel. Honorarium of course. Thanks, Larry, black99vette@gmail.com