JohnD1956

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.

My pleasure to assist, but I do not know where the reservoir fill is located on a 1955 power brake Buick. I know the non power brake car fill is under the drivers floor and there is a hole purposefully placed to allow access. But I don't know about the power brake fill location.

Would have been great to have had all of you on the trip with us. Maybe next year. A new tour possibility just came to mind. Ever hear of the Glenn H Curtiss Musuem in Hammondsport NY? About Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Don't know if this is possible, but could there be too much amperage and the filiments are bursting with the direct lead to the battery?

This is a daily ritual for me. I love to come here and read the posts. I probably post too much but I hate to see anyone post something and there is little or no response. Speaking of which, there have been 267 "views" of this thread, which, allowing for repeat visits by the 10 people who have posted responses, means there are an awful lot of people lurking and withholding from posting. Please folks, come forward. Within reason, don't worry about what others will think of your post. The board would be so much more interesting if you'd would all join in. If nothing else post a picture of your Buick, old or new, in the me and my Buick forum and just say hi. It's time to fill the pages.

Would love to see this bulb, and all I can think is the back of the bulb is either not touching the postitive lead in the socket, or the socket is isolated from the housing in terms of a ground.