Fr. Buick

I like the new idea for the show field, and I agree completely: Let's pay attention to how people respond. I would imagine if folks were proud enough to bring their cars, they will not be too intimidated by the guy next to them with pricy paint and detailing. Let's run it up the flag pole, as they say, and count how many people salute. Certainly shows will vary in attendance, pending location, etc. But I think we will see easily if it is having an impact. And then revisit the issue in a few years...

At least on my '54 with Dynaflow, you can inspect to see if you have the right speedo gear in the transmission easily. Where the speedo cable attaches to the transmission there is a hex-headed fitting attached to the trans. This holds a small "driven gear" up against the larger "worm gear" inside. On my car, at least, there is a number stamped on one hex side. Clean that all up with a wire brush, and start turning it out a bit at a time until you see the number, likely in the area of 18-20. This indicates the number of teeth in the driven gear. A look in the Buick parts book will tell you if it is correct for your differential gearing. At least this is all the case for '54, but I would bet you will find the same...

Length is 1 1/4 inches.

Head size is 3/4. Thread is 9/16-18. Threaded length is 1 and 1/4.

Any out there? Your help is most welcome...

Congratulations, Lamar!!

Thanks for the reference. I was able to snag three originals on Ebay and I will see how long they are. There seems to be some confusion in how long they need to be. Some aftermarket sources say 1 1/4, and this one 1 1/8. Regardless, I'm still looking for originals for eventual chroming, as they will go on wire wheels.

These are the longer wheel bolts used to accommodate the thicker aluminum drums. CARS is fresh out, and I need ten, preferably chromed... Any help is apprecaited.

HELP!! Cars is fresh out of the '57 and later wheel bolts, which are longer to accomodate the thicker alluminum drums. I need ten, if chrome even better!! Any sources that you know of out there? Or if you have some to spare, I am interested!! Much appreciated...

And the Roadmaster would have the extra chrome behind the rear wheels.

What, a GN and no burning rubber? I was waiting and waiting for a little gratuitous acceleration!

I would be very weary of loosening the steering wheel nut. Too critical for controlling the direction of two tons of Buick. The short is either at the horn ring or at the contact ring in the steering column. At the horn ring: Pull it off your steering wheel and see if the horn is still sounding at odd times. If not, problem is in the horn ring or how the wire is contacting it. If it is still sounding even with the horn ring removed, you have a short in the area of the horn contact farther down the column. Is the wire shorting to the side of the exit hole on the steering shaft, where it is soldered to the contact ring? Is the contact ring shorting to the steering shaft? You should be able to get a look with a flashlight and mechanic's mirror. Has the contact wring come apart, a common problem with Buicks of this era? Good luck...

So based on this reflection, I went out last night for a cigar and a rub down of my girls in the garage: '54 Buick and my budy's Packard that I am keeping while he is in Okinawa as a chaplain for the Marines. My first '54 was a Special 2dr sedan, a little-old-lady car with low miles. I could talk my Mom into letting me buy it, and I had been begging her over a lot of other cars before that, all mid-50s GM. I spotted it nearby, Easter Sunday afternoon on a post-dinner drive with my sister. When I pulled it into the Senior Class parking lot at school, even with a lowly Special, I felt like a king! Dances and graduation parties, college, summer jobs, an infant niece came home for the first time in it, road trips to visit buddies, salvage yards and car shows, cruising Angelos Burgers in Anaheim, family and friends with me for various events in life. That Buick is parked and somewhat apart, and come retirement I'll do something with it. In the meantime is a '54 Super hardtop I've had and driven for five years. They are comfortably familiar: "I know them, and they know me..."

Wow, first time I have ever heard it done this way!! Congratulations!

While no expert on exact differences, it seems to me there is a reason why Buick used bigger tires. Heavier than a Chevy, and expected to ride nicer. Go with the 7.60s

Wow, an unusual car!

Don't go rebuilding anything until you have changed engine mounts, thrust pad and trans mount. These will greatly impact how the trans behaves. Once these are changed, adjust your linkage, as Willie said above. I bet this will fix your problem.

Glad you got it, and happy to hear any questions or progress along the way!

Thanks, Leif! I was hoping to get lucky for my '54, but will bring it to Portland for somebody else to use...

Greetings all! I found this at a swap meet, a Dynaflow clutch drum in a Delco box. Group number 4.169, part number 1388730. Does anyone have a parts book that can cipher this? Grateful for any help...

Please count me in for All Together Parking. And looking forward to attending with a '54 driven from SoCal.

I have a good photocopy of the 53-54 FSM for AC. I would be happy to mail it to you. Address?

Congratulations, very impressive detailing!

There is a freeze plug behind the starter, and is likely your problem. Yes, you have to remove the starter... Get a leak-tester tool for this job. It runs off a compressor to fill the coolant system with pressure - a modified cap goes on the radiator and gets a squirt of air to build up pressure without having to start the engine and heat things up. That way, you can be sure a new freeze plug in holding water before you put the starter back on.

I believe he is gone - or in the process of being moved - for restoration and service back in the Mid West. There was an article recently in the LA Times...