Thriller

First, there are no absolutes. As a comparison, generally, if something is covered and it isn't supposed to be, as a judge (haven't judged Reatta class), you cannot judge the item, therefore you can't give it full points. So, if someone has an aftermarket steering wheel cover, you essentially assume they are hiding something. Even if the owner simply prefers it for comfort while driving, it is a non-authentic item, so deserves a deduction. Now, in the case of the Reatta, if the mats were standard (that is the case, right?), they should be removed, or at least lifted by the owner so the interior judge can see the condition of the carpet. If mats were supposed to come with each Reatta, then they should be there, whether outside or in the car. You also have to keep in mind when Pete is giving the judging school, he is trying to cover generalities for over 90 years worth of Buick production (have to be 12 years old for 400 point). Generally speaking, in many of those years, the cars didn't come from factory with mats, so having them in a car is not correct. Keeping in mind that the "modern" Buick judging form was created with the Reatta in mind, then ported over for use on other FWD modern Buicks, that should be the reference used when considering judging on a Reatta. Anything that is original should be with the car, either inside or on display. I haven't looked at the modern judging form recently. Since the glove compartment isn't opened, I'm sure there would be no check for the craftsman log, but if one shipped with each car, it should almost be there...thankfully I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be required. Now, there must be some here who have judged the Reatta and would be able to put forth how it was handled. Barney? On another related note, judges are human. They make mistakes. They are also individuals. Even if it is spelled out in the judging manual and / or on the form unfortunately doesn't mean it is followed. It is what it is, but there are those among us who hope to improve the judging system from within and, based on some significant errors that have occurred, I understand there will be some changes in place starting next year.

I haven't been able to play with mine much, but I have the same issue.

Nice reflection factor.

Way cool.

AutoColorLibrary - Color Chip Selection - paint chips for 1950

Bruce is also the BCA Technical Advisor for the '61-'63 compact Buicks. When you get your first Bugle, there should be an ad in it for Wheatbelt Buick - they are a Buick-only wrecker based in Carrier, OK. It seems to me they have shut down their web site, but if anyone has parts, they are a good bet. Good luck with the car.

And they even made pie....

Whimper / drool.

Hi Andy, I don't really have much to add other than those are very attractive cars. The bigger tag with the various codes is typically referred to as the "body tag" or "data plate" - just trying to assist with nomenclature.

It isn't...it keeps sitting there waiting patiently for me to apply time and money to it....

Hi Jeff, I have a 26-20 with a complete drivetrain, so I suspect I have what you are after. One issue is that the car has another frame on top of it and is not in a location where I can easily start pulling it apart. Another potential issue is the cost of shipping and customs. If someone else pipes up, you'll want to take them up on it, but if you get desperate, let me know...I can pretty much guarantee I won't be able to get things disassembled quickly.

Sounds like a great trip and a lot of fun. I'm glad it went well for you mechanically and fine-wise.

According to the Standard Catalog of Buick, console was standard on the Wildcat and tachometer was standard (except on hardtops with bench seats). That exception for the bench seats suggests to me that all cars with the "long" console got the console-mounted tach. Never having driven one myself, I don't know how valuable a tach in the floor area is as to look at it pulls your eyes from the road and other gauges, but the cool factor is high. Get rid of a Reatta to make space ;)

69 refers to the model number. That should be on the body data plate on the firewall. Mechanical parts shouldn't be too difficult to obtain. The front clip should be the same across others of the same body line. The doors may be the same as a sedan as well. The things to be more cautious of are the wagon specific parts, which would be the rear window and rear quarter windows (if they are flat glass then it shouldn't be an issue). Good luck coming to a decision.

Stop thinking and buy it Marck. It looks reasonably nice and the console with tach is correct. There are a couple of online prices guides available that should give an idea of an appropriate price range -vmrintl.com is one and NADA guides is another.

Thanks so much for sharing that Kevin.

SeaRail is another, but they require it moves on its own if I recall. One time I dealt with a local company...they quoted a reasonable price, but they messed up at the border...then when I got the bill, they told me the charge was in US dollars...they had neglected to tell me that on the quote.

My 2005 is low mileage, but I've had no engine / tranny issues.

Welcome jfransom - you may want to spend some time hanging around the Pre-War Buick forum. Dandy Dave will likely be one who is able to help you out - he has a very outgoing 1915. Chaz - depending where you looked, you may have only seen "before" pictures. There are always improvements that can be made, but it is more or less completed now. These photos are from 2008.

Harry & Meatsy. Searching "boohick" turned up a few threads, but the main one is http://forums.aaca.org/f115/harry-meatsy-invent-294790.html

Chaz - welcome. Sounds like you are enjoying the Riv, which is what it is all about.

Here's a couple photos from Pete, one showing the '62 Special quite well beside a '63 Special (I don't think it is a '62 full size). Sigh...it would look too good beside the convertible....

Lamar, a month off school would be a bit much, particularly near the end of the school year...by independent, I don't necessarily mean out of the house, just old enough they can get groceries and get themselves to and from school...not much else is there? I mean, how much trouble could three teens without an adult around get into in four weeks of unsupervised bliss?

Touché...I guess I didn't really read the latter part of the sentence particularly well.

I should show the pink one to Suzanne...maybe she'd like it and then I could get the white '88 back.... Love the Umbridge comment...and the pumpkins, although I think I have seen that photo before.