imported_buick5563

I like the vendor's report idea. Ebay is doing a similar thing right now where you rate different aspects of your transaction (much like Willis is suggesting). I'm not sure exactly how you would "publish" the results, however. I think one of the great things about this and other forums is (obviously) the exchange of information. How do you set the valve clearance, where do you get reproduction muffler bearings? No matter what anybody says, the final decision is up to you, krw. We'll be here when you receive your muffler bearings (however long it takes and how damaged they were in shipping) to let you know exactly which direction the nub on the thingy faces before you ruin your fresh paint. They're just old cars folks, if it ain't fun try dominoes... Mike

I'm just happy for you guys that you had nice weather instead of (stereotypical) northwest weather. We have been flooding here in Texas. We actually just passed our yearly average rainfall in mid July. I didn't want to bring this up til after the Meet was over. I'm sorry I missed it. It sounds like it was fun. Mike BTW, I love the pics Roberta. The Skylark Barney mentioned and the 54 Special convertible had me drooooooling.

One other thing. I have had squirrelly dealings with EVERY Buick vendor except Bob's. Unfortunately, Bob doesn't have more than a handful of non-engine/ mechanical related parts for either of MY cars. I don't want to name names, but the two Buick only places on the left coast are AWFUL. One of them doesn't have a phone number and the other hardly exists and has zero inventory. Pay first and then wait til they get it shipped from CARS to them, then to you. The other old car place in New Jersey isn't much better, and frankly you can find the same stuff they sell at NAPA for a third of the price. It was a huge surprise to me when I was doing my Wildcat and ordered the convertible parts from an Impala dealer. Nice dude, ridiculously cheap (compared to the Buick vendors) and all of my parts were there that week including my top. You know why? Competition. There are at least five Impala places I found when I was looking for these parts. I just picked one. Lastly, when have you REALLY had good customer service RECENTLY? Do you really want "Steve Johnson" with some eastern (non New Jersey) accent to be answering your phone calls next time you call CARS? Mike

Now don't get me wrong, I've had some iffy dealings with CARS, but as mentioned above they have the market cornered on some items. What do we do if they go away? I doubt there will be dancing in the streets, nobody really cares. If you don't like what's on TV turn the channel, if you don't like CARS, buy (or try) elsewhere. Mike

Just thought you guys should know...... I'm 40 now. (My son Woody, my brother Mark and Me)

Check a muffler shop on the old side of town. Alot of times they have the pattern in stock. I had mine done at an old timey shop in Seguin that had the pattern. They had to alter it a bit, but you will have to alter a mail order system also. Mike

Looking great Rebecca. Mike (Your gaskets are showing)

Thanks Roberta, Mike

Ok, I know the three Texas guys and I've seen pics of Mr. Earl. Could somebody identify the other folks. Thanks Mike

Skyking, I was going to say the same thing. The underside is really clean. Whoever did the interior did a REALLY good job, although I'm not sure why they screwed the gas pedal together. There are things that aren't right as far as BCA judging goes, but a nice, respectable driver...... Then those tires? Without getting into the bias ply vs. radial argument, they have radial whitewalls, use 'em. You add several thousand dollars to the look for under $600 bucks. I'm not sure if they were trying to go for some sort of Crown Victoria look with that chrome strip on top, but it's out of place on an otherwise "stock" car. (I will also not go for the obvious "Why would you want a Buick to look like a Ford?" comment either). Mike

That was my blue and white 55. I'm not going this year. I remember talking to you because I have a 63 Wildcat convertible. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Stoneberg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I told Willie I would buy hime one of the 72 oz steaks for dinner tomorrow. </div></div> That'll almost double his weight Mike

A.)Here's the serious answer. I'm so bummed I can't pull up behind you on the way due to my vacation limitations. B.)Here's the selfish answer. Take my 55 and get my Senior preservation award so I can REALLY start driving it. C.)Here's my Old Tank answer. "Take off like you know what you are doing." I'll be missin' y'all, I guess I'll watch from the sidelines. I sure hope you don't have the excitement from the past two years. Mikey

Hi Frank, I sent an email. Lemme know if you didn't receive it. Mike

Hey Gary, Just curious, but is this strictly an asymmetrical lift issue? I'm curious for my possible future lift purchase. Thanks, Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MrEarl</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buick5563</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm really bummed I can't make it. Mike </div></div> can't make the breakfast or the meet? </div></div> The meet. Not enough vacation time. Mike

I'm really bummed I can't make it. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skyking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I think Florida is the biggest selling state. I wonder why? I'll give you three guesses........ </div></div> Sunshine? Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 70 Electra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will soon be faced with the inevitable task of coming up with a car for my teen. </div></div> Inevitable, or unenviable? After getting rear ended by a 16 year old on a provisional license two weeks ago, I would like to chime in that perhaps airbags are the most important things for new drivers to have. I was hit hard enough for both of their airbags to go off. Luckily, their parents had bought a 92 Maxima (or something) which wasn't big enough to hurt ME. If they had been in a full size pickup, they would more likely have really done damage to me, my wife, and my four year old son riding in our car. My wife's 160 mile / four day old Honda Civic probably would have had more damage than the Four grand that it cost to repair, too. Greg, I don't want to freak you out, I will be looking forward to this conversation in twelve years, and I'm already concerned. Good luck. Mike

I have a rebuilt ARA, but it might be slightly bigger than you can use. I'll head out to the garage later and take a picture for you. I'd sell it for the cost of the rebuild (around $300). Mike

Looking good Laurynas. It looks like whoever did your body work did a good job on the rust. The Nokia takes better pictures than my Canon takes phone calls . Mike

Hi Jim, I also think there will be issues with your plan. Unless the models aren't to scale, the Roadmaster would be wider. Also either half of the Skylark (front or back) really couldn't be confused with a Special. I'd be inclined to search for a model of a Special on ebay unless you really want to cut up the models. Good luck either way. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dans 77 Limited</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> plugs wires cap rotor coil ignition module pick up coil carbuerator put a new accelerator pump in the new carb several fuel filters fuel pump blew out the fuel lines with compressed air. dropped the tank and had it boiled out stacks of air filters dropped the exhaust and checked the cat. changed the muffler and tailpipe even changed vacuum module on the tranny (thought that maybe the car just wasnt shifting early enough.} upgraded from regular to sunoco ultra 93. </div></div> Gee Dan I don't know if you belong around here, none of us have ever flubbed anything. http://forums.aaca.org/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/426227/page/1#Post426227 Seriously, nothing you did seems like it was an actual waste of money. Like Stevo said, you shouldn't have any problems for twenty years. Thanks for sharing. Now drive it like you stole it. Mike

I like how one of those posters stated the Belvedere was going to be a "Priceless Antique in 2007". OOPS. It's gonna cost more to dispose of it than it's worth now. Mike

It's pretty amazing how clean a chassis remains after being protected by 60 years of grease and oil. Lookin' good so far, Jefe. Mike