Bhigdog

That sounds like a good idea. I tried some experiments today. Mig gas is heavier than air and displaces it in the can (confirmed with a lit match, in an EMPTY CLEAN can). So I purged a half MT can of paint of it's air, replacing it with MIG gas. I'll give it about a month and see what it looks like....Bob.

You've gotten my blood boiling just reading these stories. I've got a few of my own but not as bad as these........Bob.

You know how a half empty can of paint skins over or other wise dries up? I would guess it's because of oxidation with the "air" space left in the can. It occured to me that if I replace the air with MIG welding gas (argon/CO2 mix) that wouldn't happen. Has anyone tried this. If so how did it work?........Bob.

1954 Studebaker Starlite Coupe. Automatic. Failed the first time around because I applied the brakes with my left foot. I was devastated...Bob

Flea marketing one day. Showing the 57 Buick on Sat. Looking for a preservation and then on to the Grand Nats next year....Bob

Flea market runs Wed through Sat. About 9000+ venders. Use the internet to find rooms, Harrisburg is close. Show is right next to Hershey Park which is located in..................HERSHEY, PA. Admission is free, parking is cheap. Whether you find what you are looking for or not is debateable, unless you are looking for the greatest automotive spectacle on Earth. In which case you have found it.......Bob.

I'm lucky enough to live close to both Carlisle and Hershey. I don't bother with Carlisle anymore, it seems more street roddy and aftermarket. I never miss Hershey though, both at least one day for the fleas and a car in the show on Saturday. Hershey cannot be described only experianced........Bob.

Acetone is a VERY active solvent. Use at your own risk.......Bob.

Hagerty for me. no claims but the price is right and they don't hassel you with conditions. All they require is photos, no appraisal. They also will insure a car during the restortion process, increasing the coverage as the progress warrants. Real easy to deal with on the phone too.....Bob

Not to be contrary, but my 55 has different keys for the ignition, trunk/doors. My 57 however uses one key for all locks........Bob.

Lots of different opinions on this one. My understanding is it is not the valves that are eroded but the valve seats. Some say you only have to worry if you run the engine hard (pretty subjective parameter). I talked to my engine machine shop owner and he says there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the erosion problem. He says they see heads with one or two seats eroded away and the others with no erosion. The easy fix since your head is being redone anyway is to have hardened seats installed. It is not that expensive.......Bob.

In a 55 S-88 2 door hardtop where were the rear seat power window switchs located? Were they in the side panel or the top of the arm rest. Thanx.......Bob.

Possibly a short to ground in wire from points to coil (most likely inside dist.) Coil then would never see points opening and therefore not fire. Disconnect points to coil wire at coil, open points (slip a piece of paper between them) and check for continuity between wire and engine block. There should be none. If there is, check for frayed insulation etc etc etc.....Bob.

I'm sure the judges will answer, but in my experiance a judge won't even touch your car without asking first. Except for one show where I came back to my car to find the judge sitting in it trying to put the top down to see if it worked. I all but grabbed him by the neck and pulled him out of the car. BTW, it was a non AACA show........Bob.

Not recently, but the 57 Buick tail pipe they sent me needed EXTENSIVE rework....Bob.

Restoration Specialties Inc. Windber, Pa. 814-467-9842 $1.50 per ft.....Bob

On my current project I've been using X-Rusto satin black and am pleased with the results. Plus it's cheap. It does have to be thinned about 20% to be sprayable though. Sherwin Williams sells a "chassis Black" that also appears "correct".....Bob.

What metal is it made of. Brass or steel would not be too much of a problem. Pot metal would be tricky........Bob.

BTW. A die grinder with a cutoff wheel is as reliable an ignition source as a torch. ......Bob

Has anyone had had any experiance with Gas Tank Renu? They refurbish gas tanks.......Bob.

Thanks, it's worth a try. i only need one but would buy 2.......Bob

since i will be facing the same project (warm shop but no lift ) please post all the pros and cons............Bob.

Cylinder layout. Drivers side, counting front to rear is 2 4 6 8. Passenger side front to rear is 1 3 5 7........Bob.

You say the linings appear new. If they are like new and not glazed and fully contacting the drum they will feel exactly as you described. I had the same problem with a 57. I even sent the brake booster back to the rebuilder as defective. It turned out the new linings were too hard and not seating. New softer linings cured the problem after a few miles of break in. To test booster operation.....With engine off, pump brakes several times to deplete vacuum tank. Hold brake pedal down while you start engine. If booster is functioning properly you will feel the pedal move down slightly as engine vacuum builds........Bob.

check your coolant for oil. My first thoughts ( after coolant leak ) would be "head Gasket".