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Everything posted by Buick Bruce
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What was the correct wording in an old Buick slogan?
Buick Bruce replied to wildcatsrule's topic in Buick - General
Back to the original post - I believe "Buicks were built to be driven" originated with the BCA. John Gerstkemper used to close his Presidient's Messages in the Bugle back in the 70's with that phrase. -
What was the correct wording in an old Buick slogan?
Buick Bruce replied to wildcatsrule's topic in Buick - General
"When better automobiles are built, Buick will build them" I just did a quick scan of some BMD literature and found this slogan used in 1931 (and probably earlier) up through 1964. Starting in 1965, it was "Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick". -
I put both front brake hoses on my 90 a couple weeks ago - NAPA part #'s 38640 & 38641. They also offer on-line ordering.
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I just got home from looking at an 88 Reatta "parts car" (although it could be driven home). It has a very nice windshield, but the rubber moulding is not so pretty - it looks like it may have been a used replacement. Is there anything that can be done to spiff up the rubber trim? This car also has three pretty decent wheels/caps; taillight looks like it would clean up very well and "vent window" glass and mirrors are ok . . . all for $400. Is there much demand for crack-free front fenders, hood, rear glass, etc. I don't want another project (as in parting it out) but it's hard to pass this up.
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Welcome to the start of Buick Bruce Collin’s Summer Garage Sale. After 20+ years of filling it with projects, I have come to the realization that I’ll never get to them all – no way. And as much as I avoid it, every once in a while something still comes along that I can’t walk away from (just ask the "down south" Buick Bruce - Mr. Kile) which is the second part of my listing below. My plan is to work my way back into the garage so I can finally get at the keepers (1940-41C and 1953-79R). Along the way are many project leftovers including 67 Skylark/ Sportwagon & 320 straight 8 stuff. And a 65 GS conv project. But first are the Reattas, as one doesn’t even fit in the garage right now. First is a 1989 Reatta Coupe that I’ve had for 6 years and put about 2,000 miles on. It’s a very nice car for 104K. The usual red exterior/ tan interior. All 89 options. Left rear quarter has been refinished, otherwise all original and very complete. The big nasty is a cracked windshield, that somehow happened last spring. It’s about 14" starting in the lower left corner of the "interior laminate". Not repairable by any local glass shops I’ve talked to. I’ve not used it since (but have started and driven in and out of the garage every couple months). Second is a 1990 Reatta Convertible. Found on the local CraigsList 9 months ago and worked out a "couldn’t walk away" deal – even with 200K on it (I’ve had very good luck with my other high-mileage Buick acquisitions). It looked like an average 70-80K car - except for the paint and seats - and all the conv stuff was complete and good. I drove it home and have tinkered with it on and off since. New radiator; new upper torque thrust mount; fixed antenna; fixed headlights; fixed casette player (bombed on CD player – cleaned laser lens – no help); fixed fuel door latch; cleaned up interior; swapped out nice wheels from the coupe; worked on the brakes. My hope was to drive to Colorado if I could line up some interested buyers, but the brakes took a lot longer than I expected (and the National was a week earlier than I thought). So . . . keep the coupe as a parts car or sell to cover more conv upgrades or replace winshield and have a rainy day Reatta? I don’t know. The new owner gets to decide. I’ll take $5,000 for the pair – and start working back farther into the garage. Pictures posted in "Reatta pics" album in my profile (you must log on) Email me for a set of higher rez photos: bc.bruce@cox.net Specifics: Year: 1989 Coupe Mileage: 104,600 Considered Correct? Y Location: San Diego Title: Clear Any Accident History? N Asking Price: $ 1,500 Willing to take trade Probably not Exterior Color:Red Interior Color: Tan Paint Original? 80% - LR quarter has been repainted Paint Condition? Good Belt & Bumper Molding Color: Black Body Dents: N Body Rust: NONE Windshield: Cracked – lower left corner of inside laminate – about 14" Vent Glass Intact? Y Rubber surround molding for windshield condition? Good – but null with bad glass (Coupe only) Rubber surround molding for rear window condition: Good –small chink in lower left corner Out Side Mirrors Intact? Y: seals have cracking but are soft and intact; all adjustment controls ok Headlight Motors Function Correctly? Y Tail Light Lens: Clear – no cracks Interior Original? Y 16 Way Seats? Y Works: all except one contact on Lumbar Seat Condition? Very Good upholstey – front bolster on passenger’s needs adjustment and re-clip Drivers interior door panel condition? Good Passengers interior door panel condition? Good Center console top armrest condition? Very good Door weather stripping condition? Good Headliner Condition? Good Carpet Condition? No serious wear but "pink" – especially behind seats Original Floor Mats: N Condition of Steering Wheel Leather: Good Sun Roof? Y Works? N – motor runs but no retract Functional Keyless Entry? Y Both Remotes? One replacement remote opens trunk and locks doors – unlock not reliable Problems with Electronic Dash items? N Power Windows Work Correctly? Y Power Seats Work Correctly? Y Power Door Locks Work Correctly? Y Power Antenna Work Correctly? Y Original Sound System? Y Sound System Fully Functional? N – cassette player does not work; speakers and all radio functions OK Aftermarket Sound System Equipment? N A/C Functional? N – low freon pressure warning Has the A/C been converted from I believe so, but maybe not successfully Does the suspension require any attention? N Tire Brand: misc – old tires with cracked sidewalls Factory Wheels? Y – all have some "curb rash" or peeling plating Missing Caps? See info under 90 Conv below Any Brake Components Replaced? N Last Time Brake System Was Flushed: needs ASAP if driven Brake Test Results: 1: 7 2: 23 3: 36 4: 46 5: 1 6: ½" 7: Tap & Thump OK Original Engine? Y Original Engine Rebuilt? N Does Engine require attention? Never a problem passing CA smog When was last tune up? unknown Does the engine, cooling system, power steering, or brake system leak any fluids? N How often do you change the oil: Every 5,000 or two years Original Transmission? Y Original Transmission Rebuilt? Unknown Does Transmission require attention? N When was last Transmission Service: unknown Any Transmission Leaks? N Have CV joints been replaced? unknown I have no receipts for this vehicle's service history. Does the car have the owners manual portfolio Y In General, What items need attention: Windshield My Reatta Drives: Very Good I am the 3<SUP>rd</SUP> owner of this Reatta. I have owned this Reatta for 6 Years * * * * * * * * * Year: 1990 Conv Mileage: 200,750 Considered Correct? Y Location: San Diego Title: Clear Any Accident History? N Asking Price: $4,250 Willing to take trade: probably not Exterior Color: white Interior Color: tan Paint Original? Y Paint Condition? Fair: hood/trunk have extensive clear-coat scratching - looks like car-cover damage Belt & Bumper Molding Color: Black Body Dents: Y: slight impressions in front of LR wheel well Body Rust: NONE Windshield Chipped or Cracked? No "stars" or evidence of repaired stars; no cracks; wiper scratches that can be polished out. Vent Glass Intact? Y Rubber surround molding for windshield condition? Fair +: solid & complete except for 1/8" outer edge "bite" at midpoint of left side; about 50% has minor surface cracking/ roughness Out Side Mirrors Intact? Y: seals have cracking but are soft and intact; all adjustment controls ok Headlight Motors Function Correctly? Y Tail Light Lens: Mostly clear; no cracks; inside is dirty (dust & a couple small spider remains) Convertible Top Material: originally white vinyl - currently tan cloth Convertible Top Condition? Fair: no tears but dirty; window glass is loose with adhesive residue around opening; top mechanicals complete and working good Interior Original? Y 16 Way Seats? N Seat Condition? Fair: complete, intact and functional but with many cracks and scuffing Drivers interior door panel condition? Good Passengers interior door panel condition? Good Center console top armrest condition? Fair: intact and funtional but a few cuts on top Door weather stripping condition? Good Carpet Condition? Good: no serious wear problems Original Floor Mats: Y Floor Mat Condition: Fair +: they’re in the trunk – no attempt to clean them up so far Condition of Steering Wheel Leather: Fair – thin/ worn on top Functional Keyless Entry? Unknown – no remotes Problems with Electronic Dash items? N Power Windows Work Correctly? Y Power Seats Work Correctly? Y Power Door Locks Work Correctly? Y: drivers door needs a little manual unlock help sometimes; exterior door handle frame is cracked – replacement included Power Antenna Work Correctly? Y: repaired – about 5" short of original extension Original Sound System? Y Factory CD Player? Y Sound System Fully Functional? Radio & Casette ok; CD player shows "CD IN" when loaded, then "ERR" followed by disk eject (extra used CD player included – didn’t work either). Rear speakers ok; door speakers buzz with high bass levels Aftermarket Sound System Equipment? N A/C Functional? Blows cold air when compressor stays on but clutch cycles on and off Has the A/C been converted from R12 to R134A? unknown Does the suspension require any attention? Drives and handles well, but LF wheel is noisy when cornering fast - new hub included Tire Brand: Arizonian (house brand for So Cal "Discount Tires" dealers) Remaining Tread: 50% Are All Tires Matched? Y Factory Wheels? Y: above average condition; tiny plating corrosion lines extend out from the "Buick" recess and spoke edges; one wheel has scratch on one spoke; no "curb rash" Factory Wheel Center Caps Condition: Caps on car have been polished and refinished – two are very nice; two need additional polishing be very nice; Five extra caps included that need minor polishing and refinish to be very nice; one needs repacement center - included Any Brake Components Replaced? Y: pump/ motor/ pressure switch out of low mileage 89 Caddy; NEW accumulator from "DelcoDirect.com"; new relays; new front hoses - replaced end of June 2009; new pads and rotor surfacing @ 197,300 Last Time Brake System Was Flushed? July 01, 2009 Brake Test Results: 1: 10 2: 13 3: 16 4: 35 5: 2 6: 7/16" 7: Tap & Thump OK Original Engine? unknown Original Engine Rebuilt? Unknown – passed CA Smog on Sept 20, 2008 with 200,600 on odometer Does Engine require attention? N – new radiator and coolant flush When was last tune up? unknown Does the engine, cooling system, power steering, or brake system leak any fluids? Y: rear valve cover leaks oil onto exhaust manifold, takes a few minutes to burn off after sitting for a while How often do you change the oil? Normally every 5,000 Original Transmission? unknown Original Transmission Rebuilt? unknown Does Transmission require attention? Shifts and performs good; leaked about 1pint of fluid while in storage over the winter When was last Transmission Service? unknown Have CV joints been replaced? unknown I have few receipts for this vehicle's service history. Window Sticker – delivered to Frankenfield Buick, Doylestown PA; registered in So Cal 1996 Does the car have the owners manual portfolio? Partial: cover with Reatta pen but much of manual text is missing Craftsmen?s Log Y Tire gauge N Flashlight N Buick Road Atlas N In General, What items need attention? Major paint detailing or repaint; Interior needs new seat and console upholstery; Top/ rear window repair/ replacement if you need it to be weatherproof; missing front air dam. My Reatta Drives: Very Good I am the 4<SUP>th</SUP>? owner of this Reatta. I have owned this Reatta for 9 months. THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST! Bruce Collin BCA# 3651
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Very straight, solid, complete car. Third California owner, purchased in 1985, prior owner purchased in 1954. Currently running, but has been stored about 18 years. When last driven, had very strong engine and Dynaflow. Engine was rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago (prior owner was trying to beat his high school buddy's 47 Olds). Odometer shows 83,900, which I believe is correct original miles. Only rust is the trunk weatherstrip channel and trunk floor, interior floor is very solid. Needs upholstery, wiring and paint. Bumpers need plating (missing front bumper guards) but most other brightwork will clean up good enough for a nice driver/cruiser. I was preping for paint when we moved and I had to put it away for more urgent projects. I never got back to it, and still have too many higher priority projects, so it's time for a new home for this one. E-mail me for a detailed decription of condition, spare parts, and additional photos. Asking $6,500. Bruce Collin, BCA #3651 bc.bruce@cox.net
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Thanks for the help with the image files. This car was originally white. Interior is saddle tan. It was red when I got it, and seemed appropriate considering the way I set it up. I once towed my 53 Buick woodie with it - with brakes on the trailer, of course - about 40 miles including up and down grade of about 2,000 ft. It has rear air shocks that help keep the tongue from draggin with heavy loads.
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Originally ordered as a tow car with 400 V8, Turbo 400, factory front power disc brakes, trailer brake controller. Third California owner, purchased 20 years ago at Orange County Chapter show. Modified in 1988 with 69 GS hood, air cleaner and emblems - then painted and driven to the 88 National in Flint. Very solid, complete car with many extra parts. 3 seat/ 8 passenger model, originally had woodgrain vinyl below the side trim. Also has AC, cruise, 15x7 rallye wheels with correct caps. Chrome is pretty good, paint is weak, needs some seat upholstery and carpets. 160,000 but running good - load up the parts and drive it home for $6,000. Bruce Collin, BCA#3651 bc.bruce@cox.net
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From the album: Buick
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From the album: Buick
Another of my projects that's been stored for 20 years - time to get it in the hands of someone that will put it back on the road. Check for sale section of the Buick Club site. -
From the album: Buick
Factory original running gear except for air cleaner. -
From the album: Member Galleries
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From the album: Buick
This car was modified with 69 GS hood and emblems. Cosmetic restoration was done before driving to the 1988 BCA National in Flint. -
Where are you/ your cars located? Couldn't find an Ebay site as of today. Please post your e-mail address.
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Exceptionally original complete So. California car that I believe has been garaged most of its life. Bamboo Cream (yellow - code Y) exterior, deluxe white vinyl interior (code 154), white top. Has 168,000 miles but looks like 68,000. Purchased as an HPOF prospect, but found that it has been repainted and had engine detail sometime way back. Too many other projects and too little storage require me to sell, so it's my one way ride to Flint. Arriving Wed 23rd am and will take best offer by Fri. E-mail for additional info or 619-948-4835 (cell) at the meet.
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To all BCA members wishing to send condolence cards to Greg's family, here's the details:<BR>He has two sons; Bill Fallowfield and Sean Fallowfield, and a daughter; Lisa Fallowfield Patterson. There are four grandchildren; Luke, Gregory, Melissa, and Elizabeth.<BR>Some of you may not know that Greg's birth surname was Fallowfield -- the name he used when he started the BCA. Over the years he shortened it to Field.<BR>Cards should be sent to:<BR>The Family of Greg Field<BR>at Greg's address as listed in the roster<BR>or email the Buick Club of America at buickcluboffice@aol.com<P>Further plans are still only TENTATIVE at this point, but the family thoughts are to have a funeral/burial on Sat the 24th near Anaheim, with a gathering following the service at Greg's house (address above). They plan to make further decisions tomorrow regarding flowers and/or memorial donations. This will be posted as it becomes available.<p>[ 08-16-2002: Message edited by: BUICK RACER ]
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At approximately 9 AM this morning, Friday the 16th, Greg Field passed on.<P>His sons and daughter still have no concrete plans for services/ memorial, etc., so please hold off even sending cards. I hope to have an update later today as to who and where to send cards, and his family's desires for flowers or memorium.
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There is no special VIN number for 65 GS. Skylark and GS use the same numbers. The one GS check I consider most useful is the frame. GS cars all used "boxed" convertible frames. Although this could have been changed for a clone, it less likely than most other easier stuff. Check for boxing midway between the front and rear wheels - the Skylarks frames will have an open side toward the driveshaft; GS cars will have an inner frame section welded in that creates a closed, or boxed frame. Sort of like a "C" channel (Skylark) frame vs. a rectangular tube (GS) frame.
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I had a similar vibration problem years ago with a 69 Wildcat. Turns out it was indeed the driveshaft. This year used a single driveshaft, but it was two pieces that were press-fit together with a rubber bushing. Although the U-joints were ok, the bushing had allowed a slight twist in driveshaft which left the front and rear U-joints out of allignment (it was a fun car for mashing the gas pedal). This was discovered by the guy who ran a nearby drive shaft specialty shop. He said it was unusual for them to twist, but it did occasionally happen. He built me a "heavy duty" driveshaft without the rubber bushing and all problems were gone. My understanding is that the U-joint yokes at each end of the driveshaft are supposed to be in exactly the same position. I don't know what earlier cars used the press-fit rubber bushings, but it's something else to check.
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I checked production numbers and was surprised to see that for this model, there were more export cars built than domestic cars. (807 domestic vs. 811 export). If it has a tag identifing it as a model 69X, my guess would be that it is a factory body (Buick was builting their own open bodies during this time; Fisher built the closed bodies). A custom or other body would tend to be built on a "stripped chassis", which would be a model 601X.
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Dealership Information from Window Stickers Needed
Buick Bruce replied to a topic in Buick - General
I'm in the middle of shuffling and resorting my literature (having to move it all out to the garage ). Here's what I found, primarily from warranty booklets - a couple are already on the list, but thought maybe the associated cars/ date of sale might be of interest to someone.<P>Adcock Buick Co. 31-224<BR>805 9th St N<BR>St Petersburg, FL<BR>sold 1965 model 43669 (Special Deluxe sedan) on 2-12-65 to I. Mcmillen of St Petersburg<P>Lauesen Buick Co. 24-393<BR>1656 Sepulveda Blvd<BR>W Los Angeles, CA<BR>sold 1965 model 44467 (Skylark convertible) on 1-27-66 to M. Leavitt of Los Angeles<P>Terry Buick? 24-206<BR>(this one doesn't have dealer name imprinted - just Terry Buick sheet stapled on cover)<BR>sold 1965 model 48469 (Electra 225 Custom sedan) on 7-29-65 to D. Miller of Huntington Beach, CA<BR>1,000 mile service coupon in this book was stamped by<BR>Springfield Motors<BR>Buick Sales and Service<BR>7th & North A ST<BR>Springfield, Oregon<P>Childress Buick Co. 24-426<BR>621 N 7th Ave<BR>Phoenix, AZ<BR>sold 1967 model 44439 (Skylark HT sedan) on 2-6-67 to L. Lust of Phoenix<P>Lou Thompson Buick - Opel, Inc 24-467<BR>363 E St<BR>Chula Vista, CA<BR>sold 1971 model 43337 (Skylark HT coupe) on 10-11-71 to W. Nelson of Imperial Beach<P>Also have at least one 1968 Warranty booket somewhere - I'll post info if it's anything new. -
Most people don't realize how critical photo quality is for printing reproduction. It is time consuming (i.e. expensive) to enhance marginal photos. Past Bugle editors have struggled many, many times to put together a set of photos that have good color, good backgrounds, nothing "cut off", are in focus, and represent a variety of years and models (not all red convertibles). Often the "offical photos" had to be supplemented with sets from other members. Then you also have the problem of getting the right year/ model/ owner with the right photo. Not an easy project.<BR>Can't wait to see this year's October issue.
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Best/Worst Experience in a Car Show/Club
Buick Bruce replied to Dave@Moon's topic in Buick - General
My best experience was the first car show I ever attended in 1974. After a year of college at San Diego State, I decided to apply at Cal Poly in central CA (the only west coast school to offer a degree in Printing Management that I wanted). The perfect time to go check it out was the weekend of the BCA west Coast Meet, held nearby in Morro Bay. I drove the 350 miles in my recently acquired 57 Caballero wagon, which provided great overnight accommodations with the back seat down. The surpise was winning a award at this show, as my Buick was in well worn, unrestored condition. But because wagon bodies in that vintage were built by Ionia, I was put into a "special bodies" judging class with one other car -- and won second in class! I also met a very nice couple that made a specific point of meeting and helping new and young members in the club -- John and Barb Gerstkemper. -
I drove my 69 Wildcat everyday for about 7 years and my trick to filling the tank (also filler behind the rear license plate) was to find a station with a slight downhill grade - it made a difference of 4-5 gallons to "fill" the tank versus filling at stations with an uphill grade.