Thriller

I've been thinking for a while now that a truck like that would be the cat's meow.

An alternative may be to try an O-ring instead.

OK. Welcome to the BCA.

Cool...let's see...I want a Buick truck, there's room for the troublemakers in the back, and I have some remains of a 26-20...with at minimum head lights. Hmmm.... Pete, if it isn't too much trouble, could you please get the price? I could then at least dream and check with the Finance Department. Another question is how tall is it? The depot hack that was available at the National in Colorado had a trailer specially made because of the height...I'd need to be able to fit this into my enclosed hauler if I were to purchase. Thanks.

Hey Pete - do you recall if that car was the Cordovan colour (dark brown)? To me, it doesn't quite look black nor the dark blue that was used then.

Mike - the script for quarters at least was a carry-over from 1965, so you can broaden the search. Later in the model year it changed to individual block letters. That way, you know you may be able to find the scripts from someone with a '65. What that means is that your car is an "early" production '66 Wildcat. I'm not sure when the change to block letters was made. My Wildcat was built in December 1965 and has the scripts. Which seat does your car have? There would be buckets or notch back (fold down arm rest) available for sure...I'd have to check whether a full bench was available in the Wildcat, but I don't think so. We'd love to see photos of your car.

Just as a note, that is about $1000 more than I paid for my '41 in the spring of 2007. Now, I got what was considered a good deal, and my car's paint isn't as pretty, but putting that in perspective with what the economy has done since then and the location (great for folks in the area, but someone from a distance who really wants it may add in the cost of transportation and that could put it out of reach), the current bid may not be that far off from where it should be. Of course, a lot often happens within the last hour of bidding. I'm not trying to detract from the car at all. I'm just trying to put another perspective on the market and where the price may realistically be in today's market.

It seems to me the fan ought to be painted. I'll try to remember to take a look at mine next time I'm out there (unfortunately, it won't be easy since the hood is covered in "stuff"). From the one photo at 1952 Buick Roadmaster Four Door Riviera Sedan I would surmise the fan to be painted (but dusty / dirty). The more I think about it, I think every fan I recall seeing on the straight 8s was painted.

Olds 371? So, it makes me wonder what the seller is thinking in the first place. To my knowledge they were all torque tubes then - whether the manual or the (genuinely rare) self-shifter transmission. Either this guy doesn't know what he has, doesn't know what he's talking about, or is speaking a different language than we are (I know "open" gets used in respect to rear ends, but that shouldn't be directly applicable to Buick transmissions. I don't know how rare one would consider this. I don't know if different transmissions were used behind the big 8 as compared with the smaller engine in the 40 series, but 1938 Buicks are relatively plentiful (one of the most common years in the BCA roster).

Way cool!

Very nice Cubelodyte! If it were me, I'd get the mechanicals up to snuff and drive it like that without worrying about chrome and paint too much. It is way nicer than mine. For the interior, you may want to look into a couple of options. There is a product called NilOdor. You put a drop or two on a rag and toss it into the car and it will absorb odors. I haven't used it personally, but I have some on the advice of a friend who has used it. Another product is called Fresh Cab. It is sachets that are pine scented that deter mice and other rodents. While the latter doesn't eliminate odors per se, it makes it much more pleasant in the interior, although the pine scent can be a bit strong. I first found it through exterminators, but it seems to be becoming more mainstream, so you may find it a agricultural dealers or general store / hardware store type places that you can find poisons or traps. Again, the car looks nice. Some information about the car can be found at 1952 Buick Models.

Welcome aboard. My Roadmaster doesn't have mirrors either - I haven't checked my '52 literature, but they were presumably options. Spark plug covers were standard, but occasionally they would get misplaced or simply not put back on after changing / checking plugs. Who knows, maybe it is in the trunk. For gas, low grade is fine. These engines aren't high compression, so detonation shouldn't be an issue. I would recommend you stay away from ethanol if you are able. The general consensus on oil is that if the engine hasn't been recently rebuilt and you don't know what was previously used, do not use oil with detergents as they will loosen any crud that is now tucked away. You got the right answer about engine paint earlier. Buick Green (or apple green) came out in 1953 on the V8s. If you are interested, take a look at my Roadmaster at 1952 Buick Roadmaster Four Door Riviera Sedan - unfortunately, it is sitting in line awaiting restoration and the way the progress is going on the '29, it may be a long wait, although I am tempted to get it running again and bring it to a National meet to see if it can achieve an Archival award.

After finding the URL, I copied it and clicked on the little world with a link of chain icon above the reply box - that brings up a window asking for the URL and I pasted it in there. That's all there is to it, if you can understand my explanation.

I counted 5 1950 76Cs in the 2008 membership roster. Were you not sent a roster? All members should have received one.

Paint 355 is Westchester Grey.

Joe, I hear where you are coming from and was saddened to see a tradition end. I respect that you have a different view of the National Meet than some others. I agree with you on the Senior / over-restoration point. I'm not sure what can be done about it - I am sure Pete and Alan are tired of hearing me harp on some of these items. If I type any more on that, I'll need my soap box.... The sad part is that I think you missed one of the highlights of recent Nationals - the drive to Jewell. The cost of the event was right (fuel to drive from Ames to Jewell and back). The response was very pleasantly surprising - many of the cars made the drive north for a good old-fashioned street party. You have every right to your opinion and your convictions. However, when will you know if the meets succeed in achieving your definition of fun if you aren't there? I guess the one alternative is to ensure that meet organizers know what would appeal to you and if they include activities / events that are to your liking, you can choose to attend. This year, some Gopher Staters brought a grill and pretty much every evening there was a gathering in the parking lot at our hotel. Now, it wasn't at the show field, but there were Buicks there and Buick people. These folks chose to participate in a way they wanted and made it happen. In my mind, judging, for good or bad, has become a part of National Meets. I'm fine with that and participate somewhat. The one thing I don't like about it is the number of cars you don't see until the moment of judging. I really don't understand the value in unveiling a car for the judging team, then hiding it again as soon as they are done. Only the judges of that class get to see the Buick. Many others are busy at that time and don't get the opportunity to see the car or chat about the car with the owner. Some folks believe it has become too much of a focus, but that is somewhat variable and depends on attendees intents - some folks will spend the week detailing the car to minimize deductions, while others will have a car judged complete with the bug guts on the car from the drive there. For me, my enjoyment of Nationals has been something of an evolution. My first was 2003 when I was essentially in awe of the spectacle, but I didn't really know anybody. We enjoyed ourselves, but now it is much more about the people, getting to see Buick family we may only see once a year. We still enjoy the cars and the fact that you get to see some different ones every time. If nothing else, you can know that you were missed.

I brought my '41 home today...it needs help. By the time I got to the city (about 30 miles in high sixties temperature) the temperature needle was pegged. Of course I had predetermined to run a couple errands which put me coming home in "rush hour" traffic. By the time I got home there was significant steam involved. I know I lost some coolant. Steam appeared to be rising from the oil filler, which put me into a panic...after cooling I checked the oil and it is at good level and appears to be just oil (whew). There's always something. Aside from dealing with temperature, I do have a couple more things on my list to get done with this car before I would attempt any significant distance. Sigh. It's only money....

Excellent suggestion Bill. Thanks for sharing your experience. With enough data, you are probably more accurate than most of the gauges on my running cars.

Beautiful car. I wish you well in your attempt to procure it. Did you happen to write down the information from the data plate? I had difficulty trying to make it out from the photo. There are likely folks here who can give you some additional information / confirmation about the car based on that data.

nunu - the Wildcat shared windshield with other GM full size vehicles. I haven't checked lately, but about 15 years ago, they were easy to get and inexpensive at your local auto glass shop. If you haven't already, I'd suggest you ask your local glass guy - you may be surprised, and you get a new windshield - used can have some pitting or other irregularities so may not be as nice. Good luck.

1959 BUICK INVICTA, ITS HUGE!!!! Hmm...looks half decent for the money.

You old fart you :cool: Well stated JD...I have tried to get the message of respecting others and their opinions across, but perhaps not so eloquently.

Engine numbers and VIN / serial numbers of the cars were different at that point. Whether the title used the engine number or the serial number depended on the jurisdiction. 1940 engine numbers started at 3786214.

Cool.

Thanks Barney. That makes a lot of sense. Even though it wouldn't be perfect, I'd consider taking that photo, along with dimensions of wheel hole and threaded rod to see how close a metal fab shop could come to that. That would cost considerably more than the bracket you have, but a good job done could possibly almost pass for correct.