imported_buick5563

OK, Don't start hitting me up for money or anything (I'm not Mr. Moneybags) but this is the fourth car I have bought on ebay (one was a work related parts car). I guess I am lucky. Everybody I have dealt with has been pretty honest. As with anything on ebay- let the buyer beware. I guess I also set realistic expectations. I knew my Wildcat was a #4 car when I bought it. Unfortunately my wife didn't know what a #4 car looked like. SHE was woefully unimpressed. It was a running, driving convertible that cost $4k, what could I honestly expect? That being said, I'm waiting for inspections for Ca. title transfer stuff. I have the shipper on hold. I could be anxious or snippy since this is technically not my fault, but why? I don't have the dough to get started on a restoration now, I will be in Flint when it would arrive (if shipped now), and better to let the paperwork get done by the seller than by me. I suppose I will find out if the car is worse than described, but as you would all guess, I will be doing a full resto anyway so if the engine doesn't run the way he says, or all the new chrome was done badly I will chalk it up to the cost of the hobby. At least this car will be worth more when finished than any of the other cars I have gotten in the past. See you guys at "breakfast"! Mike

One more thing FYI, Wildcats didn't come in a convertible in 62. I realize you didn't ask that, but Pete's right, an Electra would have a column shift. Mike

Wow, that dude is really good! Mike

I just hope they don't scuff my whitewalls or scratch the paint

Thanks guys, I'm glad I had no cell reception yesterday.

Thanks Everybody, I guess we will see. I'm pretty excited. Of course pics will be posted when it gets here. Mike

I did buy the car for my neighbor. Morgan Fairchild. Mike

Stevo just had to pick the present up and shake it around to see what it sounded like! Yep. I'm calling Dependable, it should be here by the time I get back from the Nationals. The good thing for me is that I'm hauling the Wildcat to Flint behind a Dodge dually with my fuel paid for both ways. More on that in Texas Road Warriors part four thread to be started soon...

Jeeeeeez! If you must know, go check ebay's finished listings. Check Buick, sort by highest. You'll figger it out. I just didn't want to make a big deal about it til it got here. You kids go back to sleep. He knows when you're awake! Mike

OK, that's just creepy. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buick5563</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Sorry dudes, you're gonna have to wait to find out what it is. </div></div> Y'all are like kids at Christmas. I didn't want to jinx it. Yes it's a Buick. However, it isn't a 54... Mike

A convertible. With a bunch of wrapped up parts inside. Mike

Without getting into whether this system is possible to work or not (I have no clue), I have been hearing about this for the last month ad nauseum from my ex-business partner who is currently remodeling my house. Let me say this. During the day he listens exclusively to pirate (read: conspiracy) radio. He voted for Ron Paul, he loves Alex Jones, etc. He also told me about the 100 mpg carburetor. He also loaned me "truth about 9/11" dvd's. (read: extreme nutjobs) I would love it if this worked. I think it would be better for the economy, the environment, the world. But I too will believe it when I see it. Mike

I am currently trying to secure transportation for a car I just bought in Northern California. Ebay "recommends" four different carriers. Has anybody had good or bad experiences with: Fed Ex Dependable Auto Transport Express Auto Transport The fourth was way too low, so I imagine they don't know what they are doing, or they are going to upcharge me on everything. Sorry dudes, you're gonna have to wait to find out what it is. Thanks, Mike

voted Mike

I'm in if it's not too late. Mike

I did the STV conversion in my Wildcat in under two hours. I don't show it anymore, so I didn't feel I needed to bead blast and paint stuff that I would have if I showed the car regularly. My car now blows 40 degrees at the center vent. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JohnD1956</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess I should have worded my post a bit different, but HEY, what are we if afraid to laugh at ourselves? For the record, I have no plans to go anywhere, except Flint, for now, and maybe a few other Chapter's shows too. I will do my part to welcome every new member I can whilst I'm there too. </div></div> How bad can your posts be JD, you successfully used the word "whilst". (one of my favorites BTW). I totally agree (again) with Matt. The camaraderie among (at least) this group of guys is indeed priceless. Yeah, there is razzing. Yeah, there are political arguments. Yeah, there are Stevo's posts. It is a great place to hang out with people you have never even met. I admit I have two earlier cars (than a Reatta) that "old-timers" and general car show goers might appreciate, but the stories above about getting snubbed for whatever reason, kinda bum me out. I don't care if it's a Reatta or a Miata, if it's a nice car and well taken care of, I will appreciate it. Cheers, Mike

Excellent call on the assembly before installation, Chuck. I wish I had done that. I checked my Wildcat and I did use trans fluid, BTW. I, too got my new hoses and pistons from HydroE. When I rebuilt my system, I tried unsuccessfully to rebuild my pump several times which is why I bought a new one. I was fortunate that my interior was out anyway so I wasn't as concerned when filling the system. I also bought my car with a seriously cobbled top mechanism so I had to get all of the hinges in workingorder at the same time, hopefully a problem Colin doesn't have. Hope all of this info helps, and if you run across any other problems, we're here to help. Good luck. Mike

It's hydraulic and electric. The electricity moves the pump which in turn moves the hydraulic fluid to the two pistons which raise and lower the top. The good news is, if you need any parts, they are readily available as all full-size 61-64 GM cars used the same top mechanism. You may have an air bubble in the system which requires bleeding of the system. I bought two new pistons and a rebuilt pump and then followed the installation instructions in my shop manual and the top works like a dream. I believe I used trans fluid in mine although others say to use brake fluid. I honestly don't remember. Try getting the air out first, though, because to replace the pistons, you have to pull the back seat and the side upholstery. Good luck. Mike

Wow!

I dunno, that dude always ends up spending my money. Or talkin' me out of a cold beer! He is indeed a top bloke. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: old-tank</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I traded nailheads and Willie gave me the flathead free!!! </div></div> Whatta you mean free...you're gonna be paying for a long time. Willie </div></div> It's the price of admission, Pal. I remember the "free" nailhead you gave me to install in my 55. I believe it cost over 2500 bucks and at least ten 120 mile round trips (plus a couple to San Antonio) to get that engine to the tire-smoking monster it is now. And that was when gas was "cheap" at $2.50 a gallon. I have already found about ten grand worth of cool stuff for this freebie. Remember, I can hang chrome on this one. Mike

Lamar, I'm in the process of doing a Model A sedan. OK, truthfully, I'm in the process of doing a total remodel on my house so car projects are way on the backburner. I have a frame that is set up for a flathead and so I suggested it to Willie. No arm twisting was done on either end. We both got running engines in the deal. Willie's old nailhead is in my 55 right now so to look at it so that I don't look like a real bonehead... I traded nailheads and Willie gave me the flathead free!!! Not buyin' it? Yeah me either. Mike

Whaddya mean that flathead was sick? Ain't that like a buddy, trades engines and THEN tells you he got the better end of the deal. Mike