The Old Guy

I have been to them all since 1971, and there has never been a bad national. Some have been better than others, but it is still a chance to see new Buicks ,and meet old friends. "Be the good Lord willin', and the creek don't rise" I will be there in 2007. I have my room reserved and my 40 registered for Rochester next year.

I might just as well jump into this discussion ,and tell you that when Mike Doble and Gary Penn came out to look at my 63 Riv to purchase for the Buick gallery in 1988, they were driving a supercharged Reatta. It was something they had put together to see if the "big Brass" would consider it. They were turned down, and I don't know what happened to it

Earl, I agree it is a GREAT year, but it is on the fringe of the years constituting the Pre-war division. I have driven it over 100,000 miles,and it still goes down the road with the best of them.

In the older Buicks, they ran .008 clearance. The roller tappet was held to the cam with a apring and the clearance was between the push rod and the rocker arm.

Mark, If you do not have a volunteer from the Great Lakes area, I will help until you get someone with an older Buick. My 40 is on the fringe, and I am not in the loop with the older cars.

Robert, I have mostly mechanical "stuff" Randy, I don't have anything that new, mostly 30s-70s- I will be going to the Great Lakes regional in Indy in August

I am not sure whether i signed up or not ( don't get old) ,but i am going to the meeting ,and will try and keep you updated.

I guess " ignorance is bliss" because I just jump in a Buick and go! We put 4700 miles on the 69 Sport Wagon going to the BDE in Sedona without a hitch. I have put over 100,000 miles on my 40 convert, and it has never let me down yet. I'm glad that the problems you are experiencing are all fixable, and hope to see you in Batavia. We are arriving Wednesday afternoon (hopefully)

ttt

It is the Buick Club of America national meet, and it is July 6-9

The reason that TA Performance repopped them is because they are getting EXTREMELY hard to find. You are correct stating that the 400-430- 455 covers will interchange. The problem is finding a GOOD used one. Buick stopped making the engine in 1976, and the supply has almost dried up. GOOD LUCK!!!

ttt

TA Performance at :www.taperformance.com has new ones. They are pricey,but VERY good.

Last year ,the national was in Texas, and that was just too far for many members. Usually after a situation like this, the following meet is HUGE! I think you will find this will be one of the bigger meets.The group in Batavia always does a great job ,so it will be a meet to remember.

If anyone is interested , i can bring the following parts to Batavia: 1938 40 series trans and torque ball $100 1941 50 series brakes (backing plates drums and spindles)$75 1941 lower "A" arms with bushings $60 1957 Special left front fender (no rust- one small dent) $40 1973 LeSabre AC complete(compressor,condenser,hoses evaporater, and under dash "stuff" ) $100 20 carb rebuild kits ( all makes) $40 assorted starters and generators $10 each If itnerested, let me know and I will make arrangements to get it there

If anyone is interested, I can bring the following parts to Batavia to the BCA national meet : 1938 40 series trans and torque ball $100 1941 Buick 40-50 series front brakes( complete with backing plates,drums and spindles) $75 1941 lower "A" arms ( complete with bushings) $60 20 assorted carb rebuilding kits (all makes) $40 1957 Special left front fender ( no rust-one little dent) $40 1973 LeSabre AC unit complete ( compressor, evaporator,condensor,brackets, hoses and all the under dash stuff) $100 various starters and generators (6 volt) $10 each

Where are you located,and where can you be contacted?? Send me a PM

It appears we will have to wait to meet you! I am sorry you can't make it

The BCA "modified " division is just forming. The first meeting will be in Batavia ( check at registration for time and place) The best way to get what you desire is to come to the meeting and make your remarks to the group.

The BCA has nothing against a modified Buick! The problem araises when the car is entered into the 400 point system for judging.I have been to every BCA meet since 1971, and have found that the best way to enjoy the meets is to not worry about a trophy ( your Buick is your trophy) I have as much enjoyment going to and from the meets in my Buick as I do at the meet,as we usually travel in a small ( 2-4) group. The 400 point system satisfies the purists, and trophy hunters, and the rest of the members can enjoy the comradery while they are polishing their "trailer Queens"

Sid, I installed the trunk mounted unit from " Classic Auto Air" in Tampa in that 57 Special on the 72 chassis. It worked well and the only problem was it took up all the trunk space on the hump over the axle.

Sid, I realize the mixed emotions, but life will go on! Your 58 is a GREAT car, and one that you can be proud to drive to any meet. I am glad you drove it to the BDE meet in Canada, because without it ,I would still be sitting on the side of the road.

Use the 6 volt! I have for years with NO problem. Unless the engine needs a tune-up badly, it will start quick enough that the starter will never be hurt.

C.A.R.S. Inc in New Jersey has very good replicas.

I have a 37 Special coupe with a 455 and a TH400. As Matt says, it takes a complete reengineering job to make them safe. I run a Mustang ll front end ,but I am not sure it is the best way to go. I hung a 2.56 Camaro posi in the back and it makes a GREAT road car.