JohnD1956

This car was a 2003, and look at the condition of that metal behind the rear bumper. What a shame that such a nice car was ruined by carelessness. It is also a testament to how well cars are built today. This much damage and the trunk lid still works?

Well Toolman, you have had the good fortune to come here, because this is the right place. Serb, on this forum, is closely attached to the Buffalo Chapter of the Buick Club of America. That chapter has a lot of folks who have top quality cars and I'm sure they would love to make your acquaintance. MEanwhile as to you direct question, I believe your car is certainly show material. First of all it's beautiful. Second it looks like it is mostly original and with minimal effort can be a gleaming example of Americana from 1951. While I'm sure you'd find the production numbers to be high on this particular model, I bet you'd also find hardly any of them frequenting events in your area or in any of the local cruise ins. You see, Stick shift Buicks in this era are somewhat rare. So please do us all a favor and show that car when-ever and where-ever you can. I know I'd love to see it... Best of luck.

This is only one third of the misfortune Doug has had with this car. While it was a sweet car to begin with, it really looked great when he put on those GS Chrome wheels with new tires. However it has been the victim of two events before this. But this time it looks like it got the kiss of death. Thankfully neither he, nor Cindy, were ever hurt in in it. Sorry Doug.

Congrats Willie, well deserved!

First, congrats on saving a piece of Americana. What do you think happened to the original motor?

The radio, signal lights and hi brite indicator are separate from the guage lights. In my 56 I found the guage lights would work if I rotated the control lever a few times to basically clean the rheostat. But eventually I just by passed the rehostat alltogether since I like em bright anyway. The signal lights and hi brite indicator would almost seem to be a ground issue but these cars are 98% metal to begin with, so that seems highly unlikely, especially if the dome light and courtesy light on the dash work. If you are looking at these lights in the day they may be hard to see, but still be working. If at night, and they are definitely not working, I'd replace the bulbs. The radio light only goes on when you turn the radio on.

Gotta love those nailheads... Congrats and good driving

Wow! I must have been asleep for like a hundred years looking at the "buy it now" price on this thing..Buick Riviera Wheel Center Cap (1) 95 96 97 98 99 4016:eBay Motors (item 180415237292 end time Nov-02-09 08:09:45 PST)

I don't use a spreadsheet, but have been thinking about it. How do you think the database program with Microsoft works would be? I always note it is difficult to maintain the discipline to constantly update the file, especially when you are in the midst of a project. As for Excel, the two caveats I might suggest are: 1) be careful "sorting". One misplaced command and data does not move correctly with your sort. and 2 ) always use a copy of your spreadsheet for sorting because if you fail at caveat one, you at least have the original data untouched.

Very appropriate. Mr. Earl, a Buickman award for Willie please!

Another fantastic score...Is that your bright star I see out there west of me.

Very nice car Charles. Good luck with it. Love those flat tops!

Here's a short long shot for you. Call Jerod at 1- 603-336-8328 or e mail jerod_tier@hotmail.com He has recently posted several parts for sale from his brothers Estate on the buy sell forum under the moniker "Edicted" . I just spoke with him today and he advised his brother had accumulated several posi rear ends BUT, his house has been sold, with a closing next week, and the parts have to be moved out this week. Good luck

Has anyone had any experience with this bellhousing and the kit? Buick Bellhousing 364/401/425

According to the standard catalog of Buicks the frame dimensions should be the same unless the donor car is an Electra or Electra 225. But I don't know about extra frame needed for a convertible.

Man, that is some list. Nothing like that going on where I live. Some of those cars are too good to be true.

Oh no! I just threw this exact stuff away two weeks ago!

Glad to help you out. It's nice when we can help someone avoid the mistakes that frustrated us when we did the same tasks. The 55's are definitely hot cars. I think the Buicks of the 1950- 1959 generation were all beautiful, and well executed. Finding one with A/C makes it all the better. I like convertibles a lot but A/C is prefered by my wife when going for a ride.

Ok then, now that the parameters are set, just by pass my earlier suggestion.

The interior is nicely done, but since you've seen others, it's probably not a surprise that it's got some major changes. I like the changes, and you are correct, the wheel is wrong. That looks like a newer full sized Buick wheel or a Cadillac wheel from the mid 70's to me. Take a look at the Legandary Interiors Catalogue on line for comparison: Legendary Auto Interiors

Presumably you have the Rochester carb like my 56, and the switch is on the passengers side rear quadrant. The Carter carb may be different. The Rochester switch is also different than the Carter switch, although they might be interchangeable if need be. I think the manual says to remove the carb mainly to accomodate the task. I find the area kinda tight in there. Hard to see when the carb is on the engine and you want to ensure placement of the ball bearing on removal and installation. Also the port in the carb that supplies the vacuum to pull off the ball bearing should be cleaned too. But a word of caution. The intake gasket under the carb will most likely rip as you pull off a carb that has been in place a long time. You will need a new gasket and for that you may have to try one of the old Buick Part suppliers. This will not be something you can just pick up at your loca NAPA dealer.

excellent suggestions Roberta. With so much to do down that area it may be appropriate for a two night stay in Watkins Glenn perhaps?

Just for arguments sake, would someone have had the financial ability in 55-58 to cut up a 54 Buick? By then the car would have only been 4 years old and still retained a good portion of it's value. I might suggest that someone would not cut up a 54 buick for a hot rod till at least 61-64, thus moving your search to Corvair or even Skylark bucket seats.

John, great video and awesome car! Dave, Beautiful vehicle! How many convertibles were ever produced? That looks like it would be a really fun car to drive. You guys are sooooolucky.

Cool options those power vents. I'm very fond of the 65 full sized dashboard layout.