Fr. Buick

Hah, the news chopper couldn't keep up!! Them Impalas have loooong legs. I got stopped in my 96 late one night, but I was only doing 90 - on a freeway that was empty, smooth and straight. But I had my collar on, and it really was an emergency. I was just exiting the freeway for the hospital when I saw the lights. After some awkward first moments, I got a gentle chewing out and an offer to escort me the remaining blocks to the hospital. I politely declined. There were no witnesses, but I'll swear to this one... BTW, it was a kid with concussion and lapsing into a coma, and a family I knew well. Kid pulled through, and knows the story. The little turd almost got me thrown into the clink.

It went in the mail this morning, thanks Dwight!

Sounds interesting, so long as you are not trying to use the torq-tube behind it... The GM cars that used the Hydro had a leaf-sprung rear end that allowed for absorbing some of the jolt from the Hydro shifting. A Buick would transmit that jolt right into the engine and frame. But for racing, sounds like an interesting experiment...

To add the bigger Roadmaster brakes, you will need drums, shoes AND backing plates.

Looks like we are good. I am pretty sure they are correct for my 54.

Thanks a million, Joe, the second one looks correct.

Put the trans in park. Use the guide pins as pictured above. Have a friend jack up the rear end under the pumpkin, otherwise the long tube will bind in the frame X member. With you at the transmission to guide and direct, have your friend push the assembly forward, rocking the assembly and turning the wheels, all the while laughing at you until it all falls into place.

I imagine this applies to '55 Buicks as well. A friend is looking, and I can't find it either - a source for new rubber disks that the folding front seat rests on when in the upright position. I think they are the same across all series on two-door cars About the size of a quarter, angled, mounted with a machine screw recessed in the center. Any help is appreciated.

Good job, Tank! Only I might add that you could swap Roadmaster front brake assemblies, 52-55 for wider drums and shoes.

I have a complete manual unit from a super - so I believe you would have to shorten the shaft by a cut and weld... Regardless, I am in Newport Beach with plenty of 54 parts, so give me a PM with a phone, and I would be happy to chat and see the car.

I might have something for you. Let me look, and in the meantime, give me a private message with your phone number. I will be out to the shop for a look at my parts tomorrow...

Don't tell nobody, but I have some R-12 and would be happy to help. PM me... Good Lord, is that really 115 - as in degrees? We should air condition Texas.

According to my books, any 52 to 56 Roadmaster will do you. The center hole will be rectangular, as you said, to fit more of the spindle support. You will be happier with the bigger brakes... Just be sure to keep them adjusted. I do mine every thousand or two miles.

Looks like a 55.

Congrats on your first outing!! I assume Rita is feeling well, and Elvis looks happy too!