imported_buick5563

A warning though. The Secret Audio that they sell can't use an ipod without buying their 10 disc changer. I just spent almost around $800 not including speakers from them on a car I was working on. Why buy a 10 disc changer if you are going to listen to an ipod. Yeah, I don't know why either. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Mike

Wow, I've never seen that before. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spring came & went fast. It's 87F as I type this at 18:22 and a heat index of 111F! Summer's here... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> </div></div> Yeah, but at least it isn't snowing <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. We had a great spring, lotsa rain, cool temps, Summer's here, too. Mike

Like I always say... check with the old timey dudes. Mike

That's a good read, Dick. Thanks, Mike

Hey Mark, I would make that page two. Page one (on your lawyer-friend's letterhead) should be the explanation that when you were notified you stopped and deleted. I guess that would be the internet version of cease and desist. I googled the essay and found that Ellen Degeneris is credited for it. There are t-shirts with different slogans on it. I can see now why she copyrighted it. There is actually money to be made by it. I GUARANTEE Ellen paid, and you know Mrs. Amstutz is getting a cut from Lillian Vernon or whoever else is selling $20 t-shirts. It IS ridiculous to sue a non-profit organization. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Copyright is a pretty gray area, owning words is pretty tough to prove </div></div> With all due respect, no it isn't. Paraphrasing is one thing, but printing someone's work (even with creative editing) does need to be credited. I agree that perhaps she wrote the essay without financial gain in mind. The same way if you lose a pet somebody always sends you that "Rainbow Bridge" poem (author unknown). Mark, I know you were just printing in your newsletter and weren't trying to make money off of it, I know that, but she may very well have been put in other "compilations" without compensation and they are just trying to lay claim to her property. If it was written recently enough for her to still be alive, it isn't in public domain. I agree with the others who wrote saying to basically beg ignorance and explain that it wasn't for sale, no money was made, please forgive us. I realize this is a completely different circumstance and I'm not a lawyer either, but I made a living as a musician for 15 years. Music law states that nobody can record a song until it has been sold. Once it has been recorded it is open for "covering", but credit (and royalties) must be given. Good luck, Respectfully, Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I sure wish I would have read this post BEFORE we judged your car in Batavia. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> </div></div> Bill, I'm glad you didn't know anything before you judged my car in Batavia. Thanks for the Senior. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Mike p.s. either way the belts still would have lined up

Always go to the old side of town and find the glass shop over there. "Intranet? we got catalogs." They can find any windshield around, at least back to my 55. Yeah, it cost more than ordering online, but it was delivered to their store instead of a place of business. Most freight lines won't deliver to a residence. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I also like the look of contrasting gloss levels in an engine compartment--it gives it a more highly-detailed look than just shiny black everywhere. It certainly LOOKS more authentic to most observers. </div></div> I agree with Matt completely on this one. The contrast makes an engine compartment pop. That Wildcat chassis is gorgeous, although on my car I did try to overspray on the distributor (since it was mounted when the engine was painted at the factory ( as was the fuel pump)). I like the subtleties with any car at any show. The chrome issue as far as engine accessories goes, can be overdone too. Again...contrast, even with customized rides. Remember, when I was restoring my 55, I had two Senior cars and an original to compare mine to. I was instructed where flat paint was supposed to be and, well, kinda ignored it <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. I listened to Willie when I really needed to. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As time progresses, overly restored vehicles are deemed to be "correct" when they are not (including "show chrome" rather than "OEM chrome" finishes). In one respect, this is highly unfortunate. People just want them to look nicer than they originally did, which is understandable, but not fully researching what is really correct rather than what is correctly correct leads to these indiscretions. </div></div> The following is my opinion only, and I will stand by it. As the owner of a car which could definitely be considered over restored, i.e. glossy paint instead of flat, show chrome, etc., let me at least explain my particular thinking. Many people THINK my 55 is a trailer queen due to it's current existence. It has a cover in a garage, not under trees or exposed to the elements, birds, cats, rats, what have you. As most of you know from threads regarding Nationals trips the past two years, I drive my car...hard, really hard. I expect it to perform like any new car. I KNEW before I restored it that there were aspects that were not original. I painted my inner fenders, engine compartment grill parts semi gloss. Air cleaner- hi gloss. My personal thinking behind this was (and is) that it is easier to keep clean. This is absolutely true. Show chrome is minimally more expensive, when you are talking the difference between five and six thousand dollars. It's off, pay the extra dough. NTX's point regarding lack of research is well taken. I, however did the research and decided to do it "my way". I have heard that points should not be taken from cars that were over restored, and Pete Phillips in last years judging meeting said to take points for wrong gloss. I totally admit my car is over restored and should not be the end all- be all for judging standards. I would feel bad if someone did not do well at a show because mine was judged first and the INEXPERIENCED judge decided to dock points for "incorrect gloss" on a "competitors" car. I actually totally agree with Willis on this point. I did duplicate many inspection and assembly marks during my restoration that SHOULD be respected and noted for historical accuracy. Like I said, just my opinion, Mike

Luan holds staples better, too. Get your attaching hardware before you attach the fabric. I got just aftermarket push clips, which you attach through 1/4 " holes predrilled in the door. First attach the plywood to the door using self tapping screws. Then remove the door panel, redrill the pilot holes and they will be in the right place. It's really much easier than trying to reuse the old clips which are old and tired. Plus you don't have to make those silly triangle cutouts for the original clips. Mike

My 55 got 16 mpg on the way to the Nationals with the AC on. My 63 with a 401 used to get around 12 combined, I haven't checked it with my new carb setup, although it got 95 miles on the first quarter tank, which optimistically means I can go 250 miles on a tank versus 190 plus or minus. I guess we'll see. The 401 takes premium gas, though. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The story is the farmer's daughter drove it for a few years until the motor spun a bearing. It was then towed to a far away field and parked. That's how I like my 4-speeds, stripped! </div></div> That's how I like my farmer's daughters. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats funny is that he has 2 pictures right next to each other... 1 with the wheels and the correct color combo and above it is the rear end with the wrong sequence. </div></div> When I did my 55, I had to look at pictures while I was painting my grill emblem. I knew what it SHOULD be, but I kept second guessing myself. I bet they did the back emblem before they had the wheels on, therefore not having a reference. OK, I'm not trying to excuse them, just saying, UH. Mike

Justin, I don't know about your car specifically, but if you have a dual diaphragm on your fuel pump, the vacuum half ONLY goes to your wiper. I don't think there is a vacuum problem you could be having in regards to the fuel delivery. Does it start if you put gas in the carb? Mike

Dave, Since you are in Tejas, I would suggest adding insulation. Get a dynamat or at least that foil insulation from your neighborhood big box hardware store. I'm considering pulling my headliner and doing this, since I nearly caught fire last year coming back from the Nationals last year, even with the AC cranked. Mike

Justin, I just woke up and immediately realized that I misinterpreted your "sender" remark. I thought you meant a mechanical sender. The in tank gas guage has a tube attached that is also called a sender (Duh, my bad). That tube could be clogged from sitting in a mucky tank. If it is you will need to pull the tank to access it. Sorry for the misunderstanding <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. Good luck, Mike

Hey Dude, Is the gas fresh? Really fresh? Did you drain all of the old gas? There isn't a fuel sender on your car, the fuel pump sucks it. It is possible that there is air in the lines, but that should go away when you start the car, thereby pulling fuel from your tank through the fuel pump to the carb. Make sure that gas is fresh, and never stick your face over the carb when you're messing with it if you value your eyebrows. If you try this and it doesn't work, you may need to try electrical diagnosis. Your lights and horn aren't part of the starting system. Have you already changed out: coil, distributor cap, points, rotor, plugs, etc. Mike

Man, you guys are sharp. Maybe it was judged at a BCA show and it didn't fare so well, it seems like the $50k cars usually have the AACA and BCA badges. It's still a really nice car though. Mike

I'd agree with Lamar about the color being "off" at the least. The hood insulation is on upside down. The interior looks like a "kustom" both the style and materials. After really looking at it though, I realize I don't know that much about 54's. Really strange that I have been so focused on small series 55's that for some reason, everything looks wrong (off) to me. Of course, on this matter I would have to agree with Mr. Earl on anything he said. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">. My machine shop recommends drilling out as much as possible, then using a reverse bit. </div></div> No matter what, you should try drilling out as much as possible (with a cobalt bit, not cheap but always worth it). Obviously, the less bolt/ez out you have. the better. Mike

I just spoke with Marc, the ebay guy. He didn't buy it. He has other project cars so I may pursue them. Anybody want to buy a 63 Wildcat convertible? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I thought about being Buick 5563X, but I doubt I'll be able to keep my kitty...or a Model A Ford with a nailhead? I got the bug, boys. Mike ps. I was going to let this thread die. Sorry. Oh yeah, My 25k estimate for his dipped 54 was WAY off. Like by twice.

I bet it was a "Western Auto" type replacement mirror. It is definitely a 60's mirror. Cool though, if you aren't getting judged. Mike

Thriller, Actually, you need to measure from the center of one hole to the outer edge of the "opposite" hole. Or center to center plus 1/4". I don't know why they measure 'em this way, they just do. Yes Ewing, a 58 has the same bolt pattern as a 55. Mike