Patrick W. Brooks

Take large drift/punch and knock the old one in and fish it out with a magnet to a position where you can grip it with a pair of pliers and pull it out. You will always find that the new plug seems larger as it must be driven in with the punch and fit VERY tight. Do not worry about the fact that you must use a lot of force as this is simply how they fit. Use a punch that is NOT small but one that is LARGE and fits as much of the entire interior of the plug as possible. Use a large mechanics hammer and not a claw hammer. I always put some sealer around the plug as well, a very small amount. I usually use a product called Lock Tight which comes in various grades but acts as a sealer as well. The medium grade is fine. Have done this many times and the plug must fit very tight. Good Luck is not necessary. Patrick W. Brooks

Call Steele Rubber and ask for Terry.

Good Morning All: Am installing a windshield in a 1940 tomorrow. The reason that most shops will not install is that the windshields from this era FLOAT and are installed from the inside and not the outside. They often leaked from near new and still do. The shops do not want to fight the leaks and complaints from owners who do not understand how this has always been a problem. In searching for the proper sealant/gasket material I visited one of our local shops and heard about the floating problem, which I already knew about. I am using a sealant/gasket product and not an adhesive. What I am saying is that I am using this product around the gasket to SEAL out the water. Use the adhesive to bind the rubber to the glass but a sealant/gasket product to seal the rubber gasket to the inner metal window opening. Good Luck to both of us. Patrick W. Brooks

Both manifolds were painted engine color. Thanks, Patrick W. Brooks

Good Morning Bill: An alternator has an internal regulator and not one hanging on the firewall as did the Buick's which used generators. I can only assume the alternator has to be polarized as did the regulators used before alternators. Someone more knowledgeable about alternators may be able to add to this conversation but at least check it out. Thanks, Patrick W. Brooks

There is usually a line which runs to the head and this can be clogged. However, the usual problem is found where the line connects to the head with a brass fitting and then follows a channel drilled or cast into the head. This channel is in a "L"shape and provides a spot where oil may set and harden. Eventually, this oil hardens in sufficient quantity to plug this channel. I use a wire and some WD 40 to open the channel and this solves the problem. I have found this to be the problem on many of the straights eights as well. Hope this helps. Patrick W. Brooks

Parted out a 25 Standard a few years ago and believe I still have the diff. etc. Will check my storage area. You may call me at 641-485-6413. Still have the starter/generator, engine gravel shields, and a few other parts. Thanks, Patrick W. Brooks

Barney and Nancy: You have our prayers and condolences. Patrick and Mary Brooks

Good Morning: The first step is to take a voltmeter and see what it reads at various locations along the electrical path. This will tell you what the volt load is and where the loss of voltage is happening. Begin with the battery POST itself and then put the contacts on the battery CABLE to see if there is a loss of current between the two. Believe it or not this oftern happens, even after cleaning, and this will tell you without a doubt. Then go on to the starter. If there is juice to the starter juice is flowing through the ignition from the battery. You can also check at the ignition under the dash if you want and the starter switch attached to the carb. Start chasing it down instead of trying to fix something before you know if electricity (juice) is getting to the part. Good luck. Patrick W. Brooks:D

Hello All: Have a 320 engine out of a 1940 Roadmaster for sale. It is free and was removed about twenty years ago and a low mileage engine from a Buick funeral car installed. The cost depends on whether the manifold, distributor, starter, et certera, is needed. Basic engine would be $500 and am sure it should be rebuilt. Offers are considered depending on what is needed. Engine is about thirty miles from Ames, Iowa, where the 2010 National is to be held. Buyer must arrange transportation although I have equipment to load for the buyer. Thanks, Patrick W. Brooks, email: Brooker50158@hotmail.com; Cell: 641-485-6413:)

Good Morning Again: The concept of the BCA National heading the meet, with no official Host Chapter, is available as a basis for future bidding for smaller chapters. I think it is a good idea. The local chapter does not have any risk whatsoever as the BCA National fronts all money and assumes all loss(es). The local chapter gets a small guaranteed amount of the profit as they assist with pre-meet matters because they are there (in the geographical area) while the National people may be some distance away. The only financial risk the local chapter has is that the meet may not make a profit and their share is zero. In addition, the contracting for lodging, parking, space for the show, etc., is done by the National. It has worked very well for the Hawkeye Chapter and the National has provided great leadership. The financial risk for an individual Host Chapter is significant and in the past there have been major problems from time to time. This is to say nothing of the stresses within the chapter and among the individuals involved. In any event, it has worked well for the 2010 National without any stress at all. In addition, the National needs the money to keep our dues low and the National has the experience to see it is done right and without losses. The National has slowly assumed many functions over the last ten years because of problems. This is why the National has assumed all responsibility for registration, the computer and record keeping. In my mind this is the next logical step. Patrick W. Brooks, Hawkeye Chapter Director

Good Morning All: As I read the postings it seemed to me that there was simply a level of frustration similar to that which existed when the Driven Class and Modified Classes were created. The award for the Driven Class is a medallion and not a trophy. The Driven Class awards are delivered on the field and not at the Banquet. I would envision a class with almost no limitations, except being a Buick or modified Buick and be driven to the meet. Someone creative person should take a stab at the rules and collect a petition of support through the web. An article for the Bugle could also be written. Then get a BCA Board member to put it on the Board meeting schedule and move forward. This appears to be low effort and administration situation and yet is very important. I would be happy to appear in Ames at the Board meeting to speak in support of a Modern Driven Class, or whatever it might be called. The more people and cars we can include the better. What do others think?? Patrick W. Brooks:)

Good Morning All: Some interesting and valid thoughts. What I think is that we need a MODERN DRIVING CLASS which could accommodate Buick vehicles not in the other classes and modified vehicles not entered in the Modified Class. The rules would be minimal and yet recognition could be given. Patrick W. Brooks:)

These threads raise many interesting and relevant questions. I have always viewed the BCA as a large tent under which we can accomodate many people. The question is how do we expand the BCA to include those who have contributed to this set of threads. I can only give my opinion based on my experience after serving two terms on the BCA Board and as President of the BCA for two years. Consider the following; FIRST: The approach: Please remember that the Driven Class was created after several years of hard work and finally passed the Board by a ONE VOTE margin. There was considerable resistance from those who wanted the BCA to emphasize the 400 point system only. This attitude has largely been overcome and this is reenforced by the later creation of the Modified Class, which I strongly supported. The wrong thing to do is take an existing class and try to make it into something it is not. The Driven and Modified Classes serve specific needs and groups and trying to bend them into something else would not satisfy what you want done and create substantial resistence to your ultimate goal(s). SECOND: What to do? Pull your thoughts together about cars to be included, organization and rules. Find people to head the group and develop a name, identify the recognition to be given, etc. Write an article for the Bugle and use this web to spread the word and develope support. After you have had a broad conversation within the BCA take your end result to the BCA Board and ask that a new class/group be created. This way you tailor the new class to your specific needs and rules without having to fight with others in an established class about upsetting their system, rules and organization. I believe you will find the existing Board receptive to broader inclusion and there should be a positive result. GO FOR IT. Good luck, Patrick W. Brooks

Just realized I made a typo in the prior posting. The BCA National keeps 50% of the profit and not 40%. Patrick W. Brooks

The rules governing the Driven Class involve more that having to drive your Buick to the National. The Buick must be at least 25 years old and satisfy rules about originality and period items. The rules do not penalize a car for condition or appearance. Read the details in the June 2009 Buick Bugle, pages 14 and 15. Also, you may review the rules as contained in the 2005 Judging Handbook at pages 8-9. Remember, Buicks were made to be driven. Patrick W. Brooks, Driven Class Chairman

The history on how this happened is very simple. The BCA had no bids for the 2010 National and this created a problem situation. Many things were discussed, including doing a National every two years instead each year. The BCA President, Rick Young, is from Iowa and a member of the Hawkeye Chapter. The Hawkeye Chapter is very small with an average age older than most Chapters. Rick approached us about being the Host Chapter. This involved a financial responsibility, as well as organizational committments, we were unable and unwilling to assume. We responded that the BCA should sponser the 2010 and the Hawkeye Chapter would assist in planning and execution along with BCA National volunteers Bill Stoneberg and Rick Young. A deal was struck that spread the responsibility and money to all those who help. This is a concept talked about for some years but never attempted. With no bids for 2010 a chance to try something new occurred. The National keeps 40% of the profit and the Hawkeye Chapter gets 10% for all our planning and assistance effort. The balance of 40% goes to the volunteers. The National assumes all financial responibility and liability for a loss and provides leadership through the existing organization. It is working extremely well and allows a small chapter to be involved, make a small amount of money, and provide a new site for a National. Going to new sites is best and this system allows even the smallest chapters to bid. I would encourage every small chapter to consider using this as a model and submitting a bid. My hat is off to Rick Young and the BCA Board for being bold enough to get this done. Patrick W. Brooks, BCA #3939, member since 1974 Two terms on the BCA Board and BCA President for two years

The BCA National in Ames, Iowa, represents a first in terms of how the event is organized. There is no official host chapter as the sponsor for this event is the BCA National organization. The planning has provided that 40% of the profit is to be shared among the volunteers who work the National, no matter which BCA Chapter they belong to. This means that if you volunteer your Chapter will receive a portion of the profit from the National. You sign-up to volunteer and register the name of your Chapter and a check will be sent to your Chapter in your name for your efforts. The more time you spend as a volunteer the more money your Chapter receives. Our BCA President, Rick Young, and our Treasurer, Bill Stoneberg, are managing this system and the division of profits. Be sure to volunteer and earn a share of the profits for you Chapter. WHAT A DEAL.

If you are interested in vending, or attending the swap meet, all vendors will be either inside or under the protection of the building overhang parking area. As a part of the Scheman Building there is a large attached parking area which is all under cover. Vendors may find this the best arrangement ever for a BCA National. Outside vendors and customers will be out of the sun for almost the entire day and under cover in the event of rain. Inside vendors will be in the middle of the action and have a great view of the show field and surrounding area. If you have not registered to vend do not miss the opportunities provided in Ames for the best vending arrangement possible. If you want to look for parts and make new friends come to Ames. You will not be disappointed.

Are you going to the 2010 BCA National in Ames, Iowa? Have you sent in your registration? Be sure to know and notice that for the first time you will be able to enter both the 400 point system and the Driven Class. In the past these have both been judged on Saturday and logistics made it impossible to enter both classes, even though there have always been many requests to do so. In Ames the 400 point system will be judged on Friday and the Driven Class on Saturday. Thus, for the first time you can go home with awards from both classes. This may be the first and only time you will have this opportunity so take notice. If you have sent in your registration you can still enter both classes by simply amending your registration. If you are going to go to Ames why not make the most of the experience. Be sure to review the rules concerning both classes on the Buick web site, Bugle or judging manual. Thanks for listening.:)

:)FOR SALE: NOS Rear shock links for all 1939's and 1940 80 & 90 series. These are the rubber loaded links which fasten to the arms of the rear shocks and bolt through the frame and allow the rear shocks to keep the car from rocking back and forth. The joint in the link is rubber loaded and they wear out and rot out. They are not being reproduced and when existing NOS stocks are gone they will not be available. Established suppliers charge $50.00 a pair (plus shipping) and my price is $35.00 for a pair (plus shipping). I only have two pair in the original boxes. Let me know if you have questions. Patrick W. Brooks, Cell Phone: 641-485-6413; email: Brooker50158@hotmail.com

Hello Peter: First, let me thank you and all others who are responsible for this website and the many services it provides. THANK YOU. My questions is how I pull an ad once the part is sold? What have I missed besides simply posting a message that the part has been sold? Would it be a good idea to post instructions? Thanks again, Patrick W. Brooks

FS: NOS New Departure pinion shaft bearing which fits 1933-1935 40 series. This bearing is in the original box in perfect condition. Group 5.484, part # 901105. Price is $30.00 and I will pay shipping in the USA. This is the bearing which needs to be replaced when the rear end begins to howl. The pinion gear rides on the bearing. Email me at Brooker50158@hotmail.com Thanks, Patrick W. Brooks

Good Morning: The gas will siphon out if you do not act to stop it. Many years ago I took a small length of gas hose and filled the end with gasket sealer and let it harden. All I do is slip it on the end of the fuel line and with no radiator clamp it does not leak as it fits very snug. It is carried in my tool kit so I know where it is. Thanks, Patrick W. Brooks:)

Good Morning Joe: I believe you can buy the correct decal for the battery. Check with Bob's, CARS and others. Hope things are going well for you. Post what you find as to where to buy this decal. Patrick W. Brooks:)