jerryacheson

Hello, I have a 62 Electra 225 ragtop. I don't have the parts you listed but I do have some pieces from around the firewall and dash. Jerry

Jon's right on the money.

Yes; there are screws up from the bottom along the front of your padded dash. Take those out and your padded dash will pull right out. Once gone, you have easy access to see what you need to remove to get the dash assembly out. Be sure to watch where your grounds are connected so you can put them back.

Sounds like an illegal Buick to me, but I'd like to see pictures.

Well Tommy (and others) I'm sorry you feel that way. I met a gentleman a few weeks ago that referred to my 62 Electra ragtop as that 'illegal Buick' because I chose to put wire wheels on it. That little comment made me feel unwelcome in the BCA local chapter and I may not go back. My Buick is legal. I have the title; it has legal registration; and all the safety equipment works. It's road worthy. In fact, I just made a 550 mile trip in it without a flaw. Is this the kind of response the BCA wants? I hope not. I'd guess the numbers of 'purists' are dwindling. Like you, I appreciate an original car or one that has been restored to original. They're beautiful and I appreciate the fact that I can go to one of them to see how Buick did it. It's also expensive and they're not always as drivable as a more modern car. Obviously the leadership in the BCA is recognizing that there should be room for the purist and customizers. Perhaps there's more to this hobby than originality. What about meeting people and seeing their idea of art? What' so wrong with someone deciding to make their vehicle more comfortable or drivable or tweaking the look? My suggestion to you is to look at and appreciate the kind of car you like. If you see something that you don't like, just walk on by and don't chastize the owner for what he's done. There's room for all of us in the BCA. Bob; thanks for a great magazine. Jerry

I have an extra one. Email me with what pieces you need and what you're interested in paying. jerryacheson@yahoo.com

I'd call Diamondback. They're pretty accommodating. Check their website at: www.widewhitewalltires.com

Diamondback does vulcanize whitewalls on tires. I bought a set of 1" ww radial tires from them for my 62 Electra a couple of years ago. They're fine. 5 years ago, or so, I had a local guy cut the sidewalls of a set of tires and make redline radials. He had a machine probably like what you saw at the dealership. He was in Indianapolis. He's no longer in his old location and I have no idea how to find him. Perhaps someone on this site will know of one of these shops in your area. I happen to like the Diamondback tire better than what this guy did though. Jerry

I've had good luck with Kanter on my Chevy suspension components. I just got a complete brake rebuild set from them for my 62 Electra. We'll see how it goes. Jerry

Pat, I don't believe the Electra had dual exhaust. I checked on the 62 and it didn't - I did it anyway. Can't help; I had my system made locally. Jerry

Why are Buick engines called Nailheads? Which engines fall under this term? Thanks. Jerry

Here's how I did my 62. 1. With a rat-tail file, cut a 'v' shaped groove in each crack. You want a place to put filler. 2. I used 2 part epoxy filler that I bought at NAPA. Mix it and fill each of the grooves. This stuff sets up pretty quick so work with small amounts until you get everything filled. 3. After it cures, file/sand each spot smooth (just like you would to prepare a fender for paint.) 4. Prepare the entire wheel for paint by wet sanding with 1000 paper. Prime and sand until smooth (just like if you're doing your fender). 5. Use a single stage enamel or base/clear to paint the wheel. I used the same paint that I used to paint the metal dash. I'm sure there are other approaches. Mine turned out great. Good luck.

I just shipped a 18,000 57 Chevy pickup from San Diego to Indianapolis on the top of an open carrier. The truck was dirty but everything was fine. I would do it again. The difference for this distance for open vs. closed carrier was $1,000. The following site is the company that I used. They were great. They also have a calculator for various options if you want to get a feel for what it will cost to ship. I did everything online. I don't think I even talked to them. Good luck. http://www.dependableautoshippers.com/ Jerry

Who's Bob's in CA? Do they have a website? What is it?

You may want to check Diamond Back. They custom made mine. I'm putting 1" ww radials on my Cragar wires. You can get to them at www.widewhitewalltires.com

My 62 Electra interior was hand made by Kent's Upholstery in Beach Grove, IN (Indianapolis). Take a look at my picture page in my signature. If you have the original pattern, he can fix you up. I waited 2 years in line to get in though.

I would think that gap should be relatively even from front to rear. There is some flexibility in these bumpers. That looks like it should adjust out. Haven't heard from you in awhile. Everything going ok on your project? We still need to hook up some time. Jerry

You're right. Those wheelcovers are nice. However, I really want wires on this car. Would you guys/gals use the 1" radial on the wires or blackwalls? Anyone think I should go with a 2" ww?

What size were the whitewalls on a 61 Electra 225? Thanks.

Need your help and opinions. 1. I just bought a set of Cragar 470 wires (15x7) for my 62 Electra. They look very much like the 53 Skylark wheel. I don't like the Cragar center caps and want to go with a more 'Buick-like' center. Does anyone know the size of the opening at the mounting surface of the original Skylark spinners? I'm talking about the small spinner with the 3 color circle emblem. Wheel Vintiques sells these but they don't list what they fit (except their wheel). I saw a 62 Wildcat at Flint with these wheels. He had bought some sort of tri-shield emblem and bolted them over the Cragar script. That didn't look bad. Too bad I didn't get more details from him. What are your ideas and recommendations for solving this problem? 2. I know this 62 would have come with a 1" ww bias tire (800x15). I had a set of radials made with 1" ww from Diamondback. Although I like the tires, I'm not sure what a 1" ww will look like on a wire wheel. I think the ww will be too small. I'm leaning toward a 2" whitewall. What do you recommend? 3. This is my first experience with wires. Any recommendations for keeping them nice with minimal maintenance? Thanks Jerry

Intermitent guages usually means there's a bad ground somewhere. Make sure the engine is gounded to the body and make sure all under dash grounds are good and clean.

I've seen them somewhere. Checker Coker or WheelsVintique or Cragar.

Imagine that. Got mine today. Thanks anyway. Jerry

I did not get mine. Jerry Acheson 9245 Powderhorn Lane Indianapolis, IN 46256-1179 BCA #37986

Here's another option for those of you that are handy. I had a cracked steering wheel for my 62. I took a 3-sided file and cut a wedge out of each crack all around the wheel. I then went to NAPA where I bought some epoxy. The epoxy that I bought came in a can with small packets inside that mixed perfectly when I opened and mixed them. It produced a small amount that was easy to work with (this stuff sets up fast). I filled the cracks with the epoxy; let dry; and sanded smooth. All that was left was to prime and paint the wheel. Turned out perfect and cost $10-$15.