JohnD1956

Leaning towards

The sting of an expense is difficult on day one. The beauty of a better quality unit is the antidote for the pain of the sting. I once paid a high price for some center caps for one of my cars. That was in 2017. Everytime I take that car out I smile at the long lasting beauty of those things and the money? Well I would have spent it on something else anyhow and after 6 years I don't really miss it. Take @EmTee's recommendation and don't look back.

It is an Envista, Buicks newest model. It is an entry level Crossover. Unconventional, for a Buick, but I am tending to like it. It is a 3 cylinder, 1.2 liter with a turbocharger. Sounds ridiculous, right!? Yet it is surprisingly peppy. Easily blends into Thruway traffic. keeps up without any sweat, and is rather comfortable to drive. It is only front wheel drive, which I wanted, is Buick quiet, and although the lowest level model ( The Preferred level) it is equipped with enough options to feel like it is a much higher level model. The best part was I did not have to sell or trade in the Regal GS. It isn't for everyone, but I am satisfied with it. It just feels "right" for me.

Okay, major lane change here. I replaced the wagon with a new winter car. ..the wagon will be sold (hopefully). Meet the latest JohnD 1956 Buick

Hi Steve. I am not sure which locations you are talking about for bushings or seals. If you mean seals around the wipertower and washer fluid towers I would say use that rope window caulk product. I would also use that on the wiper transmission unit that goes under the wiper motor. Where ever it goes thru the cowl. That rope caulk is versitile and plyable and holds up to the elements very well. Weather this car may likely see very little of. I also would not take the wiper tower apart. But I would consider some lubrication like 10 w oil. I would now want anything too heavy in the tower housing. Of course, this is all just my opinion.

Dealer installed the options that aren't marked, maybe? This would be an interesting question for the 400 point judging. Which way would meet the "as delivered from the factory" standard, with or without the extra options?

Thats a great car! 2x on @Fr. BuickBuicks post. More fun to drive while doing small prokects for constant improvement. Been doing that to my 56 for 48 years now.

I would call the glass shop before trying to deform the mirror holder. They must have dealt with this situation before. At a minimum the mirror will have to be removed from the holder again.

That swivel is usually pressed into the mirror base. And in this car the base attachment screws should be visible in the door jamb without removing the interior door panel. But a glass shop can likely replace the mirror glass without removing either piece. Unless the car is immobile I recommend driving it to your local auto glass shop

I would agree with @EmTee. I would use the dual-rate rear springs which may bring the rear up a little but not as much as a new heavy duty spring set. One other thing to be aware of is tire size. You may find neither tire size you mentioned to be available today. And changes to the rear tire size may impact speedometer accuracy. In addition, I recommend installing new shock absorbers. Not many of them last 55years and remain effective. Not impossible ,but most unlikely.

Does not look like they have side mounted valves. Those center end valves probably will not work with the factory end washers that capture the springs.

Had a 1960 MGA once with a bunch of melted insulation throughout the car. The seller said some one hooked up a battery backwards. That MGA was a positive ground system and the battery had been hooked up as a negative ground. This may have been a similar situation for your car in the past.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends and families! Peace to those who seek it,

While it may go as fast as questioned, and reported, I ask, why? When I take out one of mine, I want to enjoy the ride as long as possible. What's the hurry?

The strut arms look like a Chevy C 10 pickup truck setup

I see on Facebook that Brad Connelly, from Ohio, passed away. I don't know any of the details, but he was a big Buick guy with a 70 white GSX that was a prototype vehicle. My condolences to his family and friends.

What engine RPM do you have it set at? If much higher than the factory recommended setting it could make a loud clunk going into reverse. For example, on my 56, i used to run a 700RPM while the factory setting is 550. At 700 it might clunk going into reverse but at 550 it doesn't. At 700 I would let my foot off the brake pedal when shifting into reverse and the clunk was reduced, but still there. At 550 it seems the clunk stopped. Of note is that at 550 the engine sounds like it is barely running, and in summer driving I will pop it into Neutral at traffic lights or road stoppages and raise the idle with the accelerator, but that is more to reduce heat buildup. But you may have to have everything dialed in just right to feel confident at that slow idle speed.

Lunch, November 16th 2023. No time like the present to enjoy a 50° day in Upstate NY.

Hit a milestone in the 1992 Wagon Still fun to drive!

Likely a traffic circle today because if this picture!😯😁

I did the wooden peg thing to set the ball drag per the manual. Not very accurate this "period correct" procedure. @Kestrel whats the wood peg thing? What is it supposed to accomplish and how does one do it?

I am sincerely sorry for your loss @Terry Wiegand. I am sure it is devastating. The worst of times....Sending good thoughts and prayers for you and Barbara.

55's usually have an external trans cooler located on the transmission. 56 was the first year Buick used an internal radiator trans cooler. However, there is always the chance your car could have either due to previous repairs. Look at the bottom tank to see if there are two metal lines attached. As for replacement, there is a company on Long Island NY making authentic looking replacements but before spending that much money I'd recommend checking your area for existing radiator repair shops and bring yours in to evaluate its condition and repairability.

Moved thread to this Forum section for better exposure for accurate answers. @60FlatTop or @avgwarhawk may be able to answer directly?

@jackofalltrades70 in case you missed this post.