danlb63

Thanks for the input. I have discovered the new torque ball retainer I purchased is not correct in that the vulcanised rubber is too thick and not tapered properly I'd have to install nearly 1/4 in. shims to make it work. I'm sending it back to Buick World who have graciously agreed to take it back and try to see what they can do to replace it.

I installed the guide pins then a gasket then the inner retainer then all the shims in two packages then the torque ball with the outer retainer then the thrust plate. I even lubricated it with 10w oil. The torque ball is completely immovable before it is competely tightened. What am I doing wrong? Is there an assembly drawing available?

I blew 2nd and 3rd gear and would like to install a floor shift in my '40 Century. Will a '38 big series fit?? If not I need a '40 "big series" replacement or parts. Any suggestions?? db '56 Special (2) '40 Century

Come on guys I didn't get a single response in my previous post as to the easiest way to remove a heater core in a '56 Special. Surely someone can give me a little advice. Help!

I got Benny Goodman in my '40 by simply installing a 12 volt battery in the trunk, the cd player in the glove compartment and a couple of smallish but good speakers in the rear window. I cover the speakers up in the package tray with old women's hats. After a day or two of constant play I hook up the trickle charger over night. Not sophisticated but it works and it's loud enough to swing dance with my daughters in the driveway. db '56 Special (2) '40 Century

Hey Jaybird, I appreciate the info, I'm sure it will be a pain in the butt as I am both big and old, I've been working on this car 40 years, and it doesnt get any easier but I'll sure give it a try. thanks, any more info would be appreciated too Dan Bailey Las Vegas danlb63@hotmail.com

How to get the heater core out to repair?? Does it come out into the fender well? Do you have to take the fender off? HELP??

Does anyone know the easiest way to remove and replace a heater core on a '56 special? Does it come out into the fender well? How do you get to the screws or bolts? Do you have to take the fender off?

I Read with interest your comments about engine and trans combo for your '40. I was thinking about putting a Nailhead in my '40 Century because the trans is bad and I am having a heck of a time finding a replacement trans (supers and specials apparenly will not fit). I want to go low dollar as is this car would be considered a beater or rat rod at best. You said you were putting a Riv rear end in yours, any problem with width? I've been looking for a doner car but so far no luck in my price range. I've also thought about upgrading the straight eight with some performance stuff and would like to put in a floor shifter trans like a '38, do you know about any interchange possibilities there?

How do get the heater core out of my '56 special? After 40 years working on this car, I'm still amazed as to how difficult things that should be simple are. Is it just me? Sometimes I wish it were a Chevrolet but I catch myself pretty quick when see how cool this low rid'n Buick is. danlb

HELP!! what is easiest method of replacing headlight switch... also other dashboard issues like heater vent hoses, etc??

what are the whisker strips called that are stapled to the reveals and door that stablize and clean the window. And where can I get new ones? Thanks db

Thanks again for the input, it's a mystery why the carb bases are different or why Rochester would even make one that didnt fit over the exhaust ports but I've spoken to the people at Kanter and I'm just going to send the new one back so they can match it up with the old and send me the (hopefully)right one. I've had my Special for 38 years, and its always been kind of a mild custom; lowered with wheels and custom paint but I have recently decided to go back to my roots in the 50's and am in the process of making the car remeniscent of those days, a fifty's cruiser. Am having fun with my Buick Again, good luck with those great Buicks of yours db danlb63@hotmail.com

thanks for your response, Im sorry to say the Roadmaster was a four door, it sat around my house for over 15 years before a move forced me to have it hauled off, only got a few parts off of it, the manifold and wonder bar radio among them. The carb I got from kanter is apparently the wrong carb for that manifold or it may require a special gasget or plate to work. How many rochesters were available for '56. I wonder if an intake manifold gasget is available that would block off those exhaust port. Thanks for the info on the counter weight too. I,m learning as I go.

I salvaged a 4 bbl carb and manifold off a '56 Roadmaster, after replacing the carb with a rebuilt from Kanter ( Rochester 4 jet), installed it on my special. To my horror, I have exhaust escaping from the (exhaust heat ports ?) where the carb doesn't cover the ports. what did I do wrong? It appears to be the identical carb that came off however, I have already sent it back for core refund so I can't compare. Also, when the accelerator is fully depressed the butterflys attached to the counter weight don't open. What is th purpose of the counter weight and how is it supposed to function?