The Old Guy

The BDE had already done some of these : The Black Hills,Sedona and Niagara Falls are some ofm the places we went. I would love to go back to any of them as they are spectacular

I did rte 66 with the Hot Rod power tour in 2001, and it was GREAT !! It would be very difficult to orchestrate, but I think the people that ran it would have the time of their lives. There are numerous books that will give you the info necessary to run most of the original road. Evenings would need to be spent in areas away from the original road, but not far away enough to be a problem. it would require more than 3 days, but I am retired, and can spend however much time it takes. GO FOR IT !!!!

The 320 is a straight eight and the "nailhead" was a V8

There have been more national meets in Flint Mich than anywhere. I attribute this to the fact that it is (WAS) the hometown of Buick. They were not judged meets, but drew more Buicks than any of the others. We did have tech seminars and the prices were reasonable. $50 dollars to register and then an additional $20 for judging is what the new regime has decided is the norm, and I think that is ridiculous ! Buicktown charged $30 and we made enough to give a grant to The Sloan Museum for the restoration of their 53 Skylark. It would be nice to get back to basics. The early meets had members on the field talking about their experiences DRIVING to the show. Now we seem to cater to the member that unloads from a trailer , and knows only how much it cost to restore their "work of art"

I have been to every BCA national meet since 1971, but I will NOT be at the meet in Ames. The BCA has lost its way , and the fun is gone !!!! The emphasis now is on the 400 point system ,and one of the reasons the cost has become prohibitive. The breakfasts, seminars and trophies along with banquets that drag on forever have , in my opinion done the organizition in. Raising the dues to overcome a shortfall in membership was another monumental faux pas !!! The economy is in the dumper,no matter what the TV says, and instead of trying to economize , the dues were raised. It will be interesting to see how many members this stunt cost. I wish you luck, but I think someon has fouled their nest

I have a 3.42 from a 55 Dynaflow in my 40 50 series and LOVE it. If the drive shaft and torque tube are not the same length, you can put the 40 parts on and go down the road.

I used to run Valvoline 10-40 ,but now I run Shell Rotella 15-40 They have reduced the antiscuffing additive (ZDDP) in many oils but this still keeps them alive. My 40 has been over 107,000 miles with me and is still running strong

Ben Buick did not change their rear axle carrier from 1940 to 1955. The cast center sections will interchange. The V8 dynaflow Buicks from 1953-55 had ratios from 3.36to 3.6. My 40 had a 4.4 in it when I bought it. There was a 3.9 option in 40 and I put that in until I did my research. My 40 now has a 3.42 and it will run in the "hammer lane" all day You will probably need to install your original drive shaft and torque tube to get the length right !!

I was born in 1933 and my first car was a 1931 model 57. I guess I am different than most "old car" people as I like them ALL!!! I started out as a "hot rodder" and haven't changed that much in 60 years of driving. My 37 has a 455 Buick V8 and ALL the toys (power steering--brakes and windows-- --cruise --tilt--AC- My 40 is stock to the eye. (it isregeared and has Roadmaster brakes) and my 72 GS runs regularly at the drags and is set up with a 200-4R overdrive. Every decade has some very interesting styles, and I am sure I could find one I liked in every one.

Lamar suggests a 94-96 Buick estate wago ,and I second the motion. Get one with the tow package and you will be a "happy camper"

My first "hobby" car was a 32 Ford 2 door with a big flathead. I bought it in 1956. I did not get into the "antique car" hobby until my kids got old enough to want the "hot Rod' to drive to school. My first antique was a 37 Chev 2 door purchased in 1967. It wouldn't hold the family (6 kids) so I bought a 32 Buick 90 series 4 door. I have been hooked on Buicks ever since.

I cut my teeth on mechanical brakes . I also put 10K -20K a year on my old Buicks. I have 100K + on my 40 and 40K+ 0n my 69 and really don't feel that I need all this on my car to be comfortable. I run the Xway with my 40 and run with the big dogs, and have NEVER had a problem. i replaced EVERYTHING and feel confident that I will be OK. ( I did put roadmaster front brakes on the 40 to get more stoppong power )

Mark Running on wood spoke wheels and 2 wheel brakes that fast is amazing. I had the oppurtunity to run the Buick "Bug at the drag strip in 2003 and I don't think I went over that . It went 105+ in 1910, but the guys that drove it must have had titanium gonads.

Jeff I agree !! The LeMay holdings are undoubtedly HUGE !! The Buick count for both would be astromical

Bill I have seen your wagon run ,and it is AWESOME ! You went fast where you are supposed to. I haven't run at the strip in 2-3 years but still enjoy "fast " buicks

Jeff I have been to all three, and the Pioneer village doesn't come close to the other two. The GM Heritage collection had at one time ,seven other buildings full. They would switch 15-20 cars a week into their museum. GM sold off many cars during their "restrucuring" , but it would still be a "toss up " between the two.

Most parts stores have plastic pins that screw into the block ,and have clips to hold up both the gasket and pan. They are inexpensive, and really help They come in a set of four

I don't know what this guy is smoking, but I want some !!!

Lamar If you are indeed planning on acheiving 422 CI from a 322 , you are going to need a VERY DEEP POCKET

I have known Doug for years, and he has been one of the stalwarts of the hobby for a LOOOONG time.

Derek There are many people that will debate whether it is "brave" or "stupid "

I have an overdrive in my 72 GS with a 3.31 axle, and have NO idea how fast it will run ! I can't afford the tires that will accomodate that speed. I have had it to 120+ ,but that was a while ago. It only has a 120MPH speedo. My 37 coupe with a 455 ahs a 2.56 axle and a 140 speedo , and I have had that to 130+

Mark In all my travels, I have only seen one failure of a front bearing. If you carry a spare set ,you will be covered for as long as you can see to drive

Stevo It is evident that your memory is good as you remember my drink of choice

Why do it??? I have driven my 40 with the old bearings over 100,000 miles and as long as you pack them every 25-30,0000miles the will run forever.