old-tank

40-60 fit Special and Century 50-70 fit Super and Roadmaster Willie

The 55 parts books list the same spear for all models. All of the spears on my 3 Centurys and the 2 parts cars are 52.5". In fact the most forward mounting hole in the fender is just 2" from the front of the spear, which would have a 5.5" shorter spear exposing the hole. I have no idea where that 47" spear came from: 54?, very early 55? I don't have any usable extras. Willie

THE LONE STAR CHAPTER of the Buick Club of America Invites you to our 23rd annual BUICKS AND BLUEBONNETS TOUR A South Central Region Meet Stagecoach Inn, Salado, TX. April 16-18, 2010. 800-732-8994 INFO and Registration form

You answered my questions---I'll let others form their opinions on your credibility. My ideas have been discussed with the board members, the elected volunteers of our club.

So your not a member of the BCA, have never been to a BOD meeting....and probably have never even seen a Bugle. And after the BOD discuses implements your ideas of a trial electronic membership you will graciously join? Bwaahahaha

LINC400 Are you a member of the BCA? Have you ever been to a BOD meeting? Have you ever contacted a member of the BOD with you concerns or suggestions? Are you running for a position on the BOD?

If you have continuing problems, replace the drier bag and then pull a vacuum for a few hours. That system is VERY sensitive to moisture and internal icing. Willie

I edited the link and it should display now. I have seen these demonstrated at a swap meet and considered them for my 55 CVT. After installation there should be no noticeable difference in the door panel. Willie

You can find what you need HERE. But you will have to get the original windows working well.

Neither Bob's nor NAPA have components to rebuilt POWER brakes for a 55. Years ago I talked these folks into sending parts to rebuild: POWER brakes rebuilt, 1953-1961, 48-hour turnaround. Ed Strain, 6555 44th St, Unit #2006, Pinellas Park, FL 33781, PH: 800-266-1623, 727-521-1597. The 55 power brake uses a chromed rod to displace fluid and if it is not perfect you will have leaks. I also duplicated that rod in polished stainless steel. Willie

Brian I made a typo earlier: the rear ratio of the special is 3.6:1 not 2.6:1 and I would use that rear to get better seat of pants performance. The only time you might miss the secondaries of the 4bbl is high speed wide open performance. Try it, you can always change later. Willie

Yours can be repaired HERE. There are others out there...

That is incorrect. (edit: you would have to change the timing cover if the 322 came from a 56 since the transmission cooling is different) Both the 264 and 322 blocks are identical externally. Internally the only difference is the cam and pistons (and associated bore). The dynaflow transmissions are identical as long as it is from a 40 or 60 series. The standard rear axle ratio for the special with dynaflow was 2.6:1 and the century was 3.4:1 (later 3.36:1). The 322 will work well with the 2bbl carb and manifold from the 264 and will actually give better low speed and seat of the pants performance than the 4bbl since it flows better than the primaries of the 4bbl. The carter wcfb 2197s was used on the early production 322's in 55 and the 2358s was used on the late 55 and 56 engines. The intake manifold on these late engines also have an exhaust track matching one in the base of the carburetor so you cannot use the 2197s with this manifold; but you can use the 2358s with the early manifold. So it sounds like you are good to go and start smokin' the tires on that special. Willie

Eric I have seen it done and it looks nice, but don't know what is involved. The only difference in most 55's and 56's in the rear is the bumper, tail lite housings and trunk trim. Just stay with parts from same series: 40-60 and 50-70. Willie

75 miles south of Austin we only had a few flurries...seems that all the big flakes are still in Austin.

Gm never made a HEI distributor for any nailhead. There are of course conversions out there and for the price they should give installation instructions. There are 2 onEBAY now. The original distributor was dependable and could be fixed on the side of the road iif need be. The HEI was developed in the mid 70's to provide a hotter spark to fire the leaner low compression mixtures of that time. You will have to make a lot of modifications to you Buick to take advantage of that hotter spark. Willie

Well it is a surprise that you are having so much trouble. I have had a '55 in my driveway or garage since 1962 and have never had a problem with the gauge. The few problems were related to grounding issues with the tank and a float in the tank that leaked and filled with fuel. All 3 of my present '55s are surprisingly accurate...1/2 tank reading = 10 gallons. There are vendors that sell replacement sending units and I am sure there are others that will repair the gauge if defective. This is one case where you don't need to reinvent the wheel. Willie

This info should be in the service manual since it is in my old ragged Motor's and Chilton's manuals...you just need to read it and as Bill said:

Brian Do yourself a favor and don't drive the car until you can check it out. While a warped drum can be aggravating, a failed wheel bearing can be disasterous (the drum and wheel can come off) and cracked drum can be equally hazardous (it can break and lock the wheel). Willie

I have friends with GS's for whom I have even bought gift memberships in the BCA and they are the ones that 'snub' the BCA...they feel they have nothing in common with owners of old family cars. In their words they like to hang out with other 'racer boys'....and you ain't gonna change that. Willie

Just be thankful for global warming or it would be much worse! (I give this comment 15 minutes before it is edited or deleted....)

Happy Birthday Dave...I hope the day was at least an excuse for some adult beverages. Willie

The parts book does not list the valves or components, but does list different shocks for the different series, 200# overload, and export. So there are at least 2 possibilities for valves. Can you tell from the valves and springs which would be heavier application? Willie

Thanks everybody...now get back to work so you can pay the taxes that pay my 'entitlements and benefits' Willie

Just a couple of things to watch for: Don't put shims under the valve springs---replace the springs if they are needed. If you just have to use shims be sure that the shims under the outer springs don't cover the recessed pocket for the inner springs ( the resultant valve bind destroyed one of my engines---bent and broken pushrods, rockers, rocker shaft, camshaft and webbing around the cam). Don't install hardened seats unless the seats are already recessed to the point of being unusable---stainless steel exhaust valves are available that will make the engine compatible with unleaded gas. Although I have had no problem with seats in the early (322/264) nailhead others with the later engines have claimed that penetration into water cavity when installing the seats ruined the heads. Willie