Thriller

Any northern car that spent any winter time outside was exposed to salt. I don't recall regarding the floor covering and can't say from the photo for certain. That said, I don't remember if I heard where it came from before TRF. When I get on the computer again I will strive to remember to look at the original photo and see if I can verify from it. We haven't decided yet what we are bringing to Brookfield and the timing means we are unlikely to attend Denver in 2018 so I don't know when it will be displayed just yet beyond locally.

You think that's fast...you should see the '56 Special.

Yes. I haven't done an inventory but it is all supposed to be there - it had been removed for straightening and polishing. I'd forgotten we had the Reatta in the shop as well that weekend with brake issues.

A few minutes ago - Of course, I also had an interesting conversation this afternoon about an interesting pre-war Buick...sigh...running out of space...again.

So, in late August, Pete Phillips got a call from Thief River Falls, MN about this car being for sale. Not knowing where TRF was, he mapped it and noted how close it is to Winnipeg, so Derek got an e-mail. There was then a phone call or two and an exchange of photos via e-mail and next thing you knew, Derek was going for a nice drive to take a look. Derek was enamoured, so much so that he perhaps didn't take as close a look as he should. The price was reasonable, and it looked nice, and Derek had approval from the Minister of Finance, so cash changed hands and Derek made plans to return the following Sunday with a battery, a teenaged boy, and the truck and trailer. You know, when a car doesn't start, but you're OK because you have a winch, there's a sense of confidence, perhaps even cockiness that goes with it. Factor in a 4600 lb car and an eight year old winch battery, and it was near disaster. Happily, the car was almost on the trailer, so we only had to push it a few more feet, uphill of course. We towed it directly to our mechanic for the requisite Manitoba inspection after jumping through assorted border crossing hoops. They got it running well and performed the odds and ends required to pass the inspection. The bad news is that it needs floors, so it needs to go to a body shop that is willing to deal with rust. Happily floors are available, and I was given a set of rocker panels by a fellow Gopher State Chapter member. It was noted that the transmission fluid was down, so it was topped up, only to find a puddle under the car the next day...torque ball seal next on the list. At least the car has had good company for the winter as our McLaughlin-Buick 29-51 is also there. So, as of right now, it has spent the winter at the mechanics and in another month or so we should be able to get it to a body shop, then be able to put plates on it and get it on the road this summer. The Minister of Finance and her progeny have always had a liking of the "angry eyebrows" of the 1959 Buick, so one was on our wish list. Now the wish is complete. That makes two 1950s Buick Estate Wagons in the stable...in a sense, I hope it isn't a trend.

A lot of information can be gleaned from http://www.29buickphotos.com/ If you do make the purchase, Bill McLaughlin (who runs that site) does a quarterly newsletter devoted to 1929 Buicks. Mark's advice is sound. I only own one and have puttered with it a little bit - the bulk of the work thus far has been paid for. Bill drives his car a lot and fast, arguably driving it harder than intended since the roads it was built for were more sedate than today's highways. I've ridden in a Series 129 Touring for a short stint and was pushed into the driver's seat as well. I can't really offer you much on driving them since my drivers are more modern. That said, everything went well enough to put a smile on my face. The car I drove was on the cover of the October 2016 Buick Bugle. I would think there wouldn't be too much difference compared to a 1931, other than a six cylinder rather than eight may not have the same level of power. Good luck.

Good to hear Marty, I have a pretty hectic schedule, but I will be in NOLA the first weekend in March. We are staying at the Marriott on Canal if I remember correctly. We should have some time Sunday p.m. - She Who Must Be Obeyed was thinking we might want to walk the French Quarter a bit.

When I get my butt in front of the computer with a few minutes to organize my thoughts and photos.

Black Cherry for the Regal and Midnight Amethyst for the Envision. I will have to get real, natural light photos some time when they are clean again (above freezing and sloppy this week).

Well, aside from adding the "mystery Buick" purchased in the fall that a few folks here are aware of that I haven't gotten around to posting about yet, our garage changed a bit today. The Rainier now parks outside all the time again. The Lucerne is no longer in our possession.

Ramrod toughness in a Pleasurizer? Hmmm....

That middle one looks like it could be a someday picture of Vicky - Cordovan Invicta. Someday may may come sooner than you think Lamar.

Ditto

Good luck Chris. It appears to be a beautiful car. I love the colour and dare not show it to She Who Must Be Obeyed.

Not at all Cam. You are adding welcome flavour to the photos. I grew up around a Winchester 70 .270 - I'm left handed, so it's a bit of a challenge for me to use. Just need to make the first shot count, which typically didn't happen in deer season, but that's another story.

Do you really have to ask?

Good to hear everything is ok and that you have fire extinguishers around. That's the starting point. Knowing how to use them is the next. If anyone doesn't have a fire extinguisher, get at least one. If you don't know how to use it, start by talking to your local fire department to see about instruction. I've had two jobs that have provided training. That said, as I type this, I don't know if the rest of the family has had any so I need to get on this myself.

Groan....

I talked to a seller of a running Buick (according to the ad) that last ran in 2001. I have no reason not to believe that nor do I think it was hastily put away, but 15+ years since it ran isn't running in my books.

I did spend a winter in Toronto. I never needed to don what I (prairie boy) considered a winter jacket. Then again, I've got more built in insulation now....

Thanks John. I thought of you when I saw how close it was to the CT border, but don't know all the geography. Larry, I may be getting into the divorced business if I'm not too careful. I don't want to get my hopes up...this unit appears nice, but I feel is overpriced for one that hasn't run since 2001 (yet is advertised as running). Time will tell. So, I need to work on the home front...hmmm...a really good Valentine's gift may soften the blow...or the blows she lays on me anyway. In case anyone isn't sure, I'm joking around on the spousal abuse / divorce side. A deal on a new acquisition isn't worth any of that and potentially losing my sugar momma.

Thanks Ed. Message sent. I didn't even hope to find someone quite that close with that range of old cars.

I need more people like you in my business, Bernie. Alas, I can't expand to the USA just yet, but plan to meet those criteria this year.

By some standards, Paul, Toronto doesn't get cold.

Hello. Is anyone near Monson, MA that would be willing to look at an early Buick on my behalf (he typed behind the back of She Who Must Be Obeyed)? Something interesting has come up...Suzanne isn't convinced yet. I've asked the seller if they are open to having someone take a look for me. If someone is close enough and willing to make the trek, I will provide more details via private message / email. Thanks.