imported_buick5563

Steve, Buick Specialists didn't exactly burn me, but it seemed like they bought all of their stuff from Cars after they took your credit card number. In other words they didn't actually have a warehouse. Just my take on it. I know they are still around but I don't have their new number. They even have a different area code so I don't know where they are. Even if I stole them off mine, I only have six <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. Sorry. Mike

Steve, I got mine from Cars, unless you are boycotting them. Mike

I called Willie this morning to borrow one of his trailers, I left a message. At about 2 o'clock he called me and told me I didn't need it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Ya know, it's hard to be really bummed about a car you didn't even know existed Sunday. Like I said before, I don't care that it went to other restorers, or even dealers who want to sell it. I just didn't want it to be "wasted". Yeah, I wanted a project. Yeah, I wanted a 54 Skylark. There will be more. Mr. Earl, it would have been a totally different story if the car had been in Dallas, hell, It would have been different if it had been in Kansas City. I would have done exactly what you would have done. Dropped everything and camped on the doorstep. But... it was going to take me AT LEAST 30 hours of driving. Knowing me, I would have done it all at once and I ain't a kid anymore. I would have been wasted by the time I got back to Austin. (cue touching music) The one thing I will take from this experience is how cool all of my friends are: one to loan me a trailer one to loan me a brand new Dodge diesel dually one that offered to drive from Connecticut to help me one that I have never even met going to and from an essentially abandoned house to try to help any way he could All for essentially just a favor. Oh...and all you other bozo's cheering me on while calling me nuts, either to my face or behind my back <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Thanks, y'all Mike

I'm not disagreeing with you P59. Mike

Thanks John, Ya know I don't know if any of you saw the 54 Skylark street rod at last years Nationals, it was a very well done car, gorgeous in fact. The guy said he got it in similar condition, if not worse, than this car. He said that the money would have been ridiculous to find Skylark only emblems etc., thus the modifications and "shaving". I have, however never seen (and frankly never want to see) a Skylark Rat Rod. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Mike

That guy has been trying to sell that Skylark for a couple of months. I have seen it listed several times. I think he wants at least $25k, probably worth it, this car might not get to that point for an additional $20,000, but I ain't got 25 grand. I just talked to a friend who just moved his mother out of her long time home. He said that the car is probably the last thing on THEIR minds. Unfortunately the more "interest" they get the more they (the handlers) will want. Frankly, yeah, It is a parts car. $2,160 in my Old Cars Price Guide. This is another reason I'm not on the road yet. I'm not taking off work to drive 24 hours straight to show up and get hassled by Philly's Phinest without talking to the owner first. Sorry Mr. Earl. Mike

I'm working Lamar. Mike

I honestly don't care if another restorer gets the car. I have been disappointed in the past by ebay losses and other, that's life. Heck, I emailed Mr. Earl before I let my intentions known here. I don't want to start anything with my friend. That being said, what I would be physically sick about would be if some dude came with a forklift and loaded it onto a flatbed trailer and headed straight for the dump/ recycler. I really want it, I realize I have tipped my hand on that, I realize it will take more cash than I have Right Now. I can always make more money, I work hard for it, but like John said I have time a bit more on my side. I'm turning 40 in July so I guess I have time and a total lack of sanity right now. Thanks for your assistance thus far Brad, I really appreciate it. Mike

Brad, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm already trying to line up a diesel and trailer (since my last trailer outing didn't fare so well). I could leave Friday night after work and be in Philly hopefully Sunday morning. Mike Yeah, I know I'm supposed to be at work. Rain delay. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">She's not answering!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Can you go over and put a Sold to Lamar Brown sign on the car for me. I'm serious <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> </div></div> She's still not answering. Go over and put Mike Middleton's name on it. I'm VERY serious. Nuts too. Mike

John and Brad, I am going to try to call later today, I am up to the task. Put me in coach, I'm ready to play. Any chance you guys could help if I can get up there? I can bring rolling wheels, jacks etc. My wife has given full go ahead. Also, Brad, do you know if there is a way to get a lost title? I suppose I could apply for a junk title, but that doesn't look so good, does it? I will be away from my computer for the rest of the day, but feel free to call me if you need to contact me. 512-294-8401 Thanks, Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So go for it my good friends. And may the best Buickman win. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> </div></div> Cheers, Sir. Mike

I tried too, Mr. Earl. Don't make me buy it and become a RASG. It is the car I have been searching for forever. I'm serious too, brother. My favorite Buick. Mike

My car was used in "A Perfect World" with Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner. When Costner is trying to steal a car in the first twenty minutes of the film, his partner is looking in the window of my car. Costner says "Steal that Buick" and the other guy says "I don't want a Buick, I want a Ford". I went to the premiere at a big old movie theater in Austin, and I kept my eyes peeled for it in the street scenes, little did I know it was going to be all alone on the screen with some dude looking in the window. I nearly jumped up and started yelling "That's my car!". So I would have to say "A Perfect World". <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Mike

Thriller, I think luan is around 11 dollars a sheet down here and I bet the carpeting is under 75. Therefore even with tax it should come out the same as the vinyl. I think Adam's trunk looks way better than mine, even if "not correct". Luan plywood is also moisture resistant since it is used as underlayment on flooring jobs, thus leaks are not as devastating as if it was trunk cardboard in there. I used luan on my door panels on both of my cars for this reason. Mike

Derek, I don't know the configuration for your car, but I got a couple of sets from them for my Wildcat and the 60 Electra I was working on. They fit OK. The Electra fit very close, but the Wildcat (admittedly) wasn't intended for a convertible. These kits are merely good to put SOMETHING in your trunk. It is neither correct or "great" looking, but better than a nasty, dirty trunk or bare paint for $99. Also, if your trunk leaks at all (or if you actually use your car to put luggage in) it is a great alternative rather than $150 worth of fabric, some underliner, and installation costs, whether by you or a shop. Again, if you are going for points, it's better to have the wrong fabric than nothing at all. Mike

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The Roadmistress doesn't have seatbelts, either, and I've promised to buy factory-correct ones when I find them. Been looking for 15 years and still haven't found 'em. TG </div></div> TG and everybody else who is riding around without seatbelts in their cars, I assure you guys I'm not on my high horse on this one, but... http://www.julianos.com These will save your butt and they look fine. I have them in both of my cars. My 55 is a BCA Gold Senior. As long as they are installed with quality workmanship no points are deducted. My 63 already had pre-threaded holes for front belts. Most of us use seatbelts every day in our personal cars, why would this be any different? There aren't crumple zones or airbags in our old cars. Life is too short to take chances riding around without them. Mike ps. Mr. Earl, Please no more of those graphic pics. It sickens me. Plus, are you sure it was in Germany? That's my favorite Dutch product. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I'll try one more day and then probably take it to a "pro" who can rig it faster. </div></div> Update: OK, so I haven't taken it anywhere yet. The cool thing about going over it yourself is I'm finding all sorts of other things that the "pro" wouldn't have even known/ been paid to look for. Like the courtesy light switch that never worked, or the glove box light. Both come off of a harness behind the glove box. The courtesy light wire had been cut, then spliced on the wrong side of the cut (DUH). Glove box light at best could be described as a rat's nest, and that's just the picture of it in the manual. They're both working now. I'll keep on chasing down the taillight/ dashlight issue myself I suppose. Or bring some test equipment to Salado this weekend <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Mike

Awesome, thanks Don. Mike

The lead acid battery is shipped dry, but I have had their version go bad in under two years, thus making it a really expensive leaky doorstop. The maintenance free version is the only reason I chose to try it. Thriller, ya know, from Suzanne's point of view, there is only a three point deduction even if the battery isn't in your engine compartment. So really a maximum of two points for a non Delco, wrong sized battery. I suppose you COULD tell her it's a ten point deduction, though. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Mike

http://www.antiqueautobattery.com Mine was about $280 shipped. I have been really happy with my regular "non tartop" Optima in my Wildcat for about 4 years now, which in Texas is a long time for a battery. I switched over to one in my wife's car, too. Mike

Thanks y'all. I was checking my Wildcat's radio to see how to set up additional speakers so my ipod would work. I may have to sell the AM/ FM to Pete for his Kitty project and get a secret audio for my car. I got the lighter working for the ipod charger thingy and had some underseat speakers I wanted to try out. They are a bit bassy, even with the tone knob turned all the way up. I also got the AC compressor working the other day so after seeing Willie charge two cars and another dude charge yet another car, I tried my hand at charging the AC. It seems to be blowing cold, so with the AC and the ipod, I'm set for cruizin. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Willis, I like your transformer idea. I just didn't have a spare battery around. p.s. Note to my friends at shows who have been irritated about my 55's "new" battery, I just splurged on the Optima hidden in a Delco case. Wow, It sho is 'spensive, though. Mike

Is there any reason why I can't bench test electrical equipment with a 12 volt charger. I've done it a couple of times and I just wanted to know why I had never heard of anyone else doing this. It seems like a safer way, instead of possibly causing a spark that could explode a battery. Just curious. Mike

A couple of vagabonds (BS & OT) dropped by the other day after spending some time at the Lonestar Roundup hotrod show. Uhhh...three words. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I still don't have taillights, though. I have swapped out the headlight switch for a known good one and still no dice. I will try something else later tonight. Mike

For us Southernfolk..... Who's Duane? Mike