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In my case I say, "I might be old, but I'm NOT dead".

So this one is a laugh! I have a sister that is "in the arts" and upon insistence of my brother-in law (a great guy!) thought the picture was missing something when I sent the original to them. So, this is what she sent back to me..... As my youngest son said when we went to Disney World and were riding on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, " 'at not weal' ".

That's OK John. You are helping keep my oil stocks in good shape. Just a friendly kidding. (Don't forget I drive a 22 gallon gas tank Buick too.....)

That's funny! I think you'd have to talk to my wife about that.... The fellow that had your Buick when I first knew of it can be a bit... crusty, but likes to buy cars, as he puts it, "not messed with". Consequently, they are that level of car which could qualify for Preservation Awards. Having said that, I know the car changed hands after he sold it but not sure just how many or where. Glad you are getting to enjoy it. I think it is stunning, especially with those dual side mounts! As to Erieau, My grandparents used have friends (cousins?) living there and remember as a kid going with them to visit. It sure has gone through a transformation the last time I was there! Back then the railroad tracks used to go down the entrance road median and on through to the coal docks at the water entrance to the Bay where the ships would unload the coal and it would then be transferred to coal cars. I was fascinated to be so close to a moving train and in the middle of a town / village. It sure is different now with beautiful homes and a Marina and the beaches are nice! I've heard stories that Comedian Tim Conway has had a summer home there for years. Might be time for a road trip one weekend with the top down!

One night last week I started a check list of things I need to verify / check "if" we are driving the Special to the National. One of those things was checking the spare tire. Sure enough it is flat! Tried pumping it up with my compressor (a portable unit) and it would not hold air while all four road tires did well while being in storage? Took her out of the car and brought it to my garage with a spare powder coated rim I had purchase at a meet in Ohio a few years ago just in case the old rim was defective. Sure enough, they had to switch as the old rim just would not hold air. I asked about the condition of this tire and he said that it was pliable, showing no tread separation or side wall cracks so it should be fine. They are not new so... will be looking for any signs of deterioration! Now, all my rims are painted red and with this one black, you just know I had to change it! Grabbed a new brush and a can of what was labelled 'Fire Engine gloss Red". It's a spare right? If it is off well.... Like the rest of the car, at 30 feet, not sure anyone will notice the difference. Actually, should consider redoing all the others but not sure there is time. While waiting for paint to dry, looked around the shelves in the garage and noticed some bubble wrap. Sure enough don't I find four hub caps I had planned on putting on the car. Those two on the right are NOS and had forgot about purchasing them.... I love the scratched out price (believe it was $15) and writing $20 bucks! I likely paid what was written as they are perfect. Shoot, the re-pop emblems alone are about $80 bucks each today! Next......

Go for it for sure! So, you are in College right? and going to a University in September. That is what my (then) young son did as he was well.... smart but "young". He loved the College and here they have The Ford Centre For Excellence. With being in Windsor Ontario (the late Automotive Capital of Canada) the programs are geared for main streaming into the work force. Three years there, he did very well and was accepted into the U. Sadly they only accepted credit for one year of his three years at the College but.... starting into his second semester of his second year an assignment comes up on motion design. We bought him a new latest lap top for that Xmas and one day he comes home and says, I presented this to the class (as required) showing this animated folding ladder and the then Prof had to say to the class at the end of the presentation the what you have just seen was not required of you at this point in your education. Mark is a grad of the College and has had cad design which you will get in the second semester of your third year. Very good Mark! That alone was a great recognition for his having straightened up and brought some confidence to his future education. Then, before graduating, the head of the department approached him and suggested he continue with his Masters. He thought about that for a few days and when he went back thinking he would say, Thank you, but I'm prepared to graduate and go to work, before he can speak in that meeting, the Prof offers him a paid tuition and a paid position on his personal project team with a two year commitment. Mark asked for a day to think about the offer and we never pushed him but that was almost two years ago now. At the end of August he will 'Finally' be done (as he puts it) and has a potential job (won't say because he doesn't want "me" to jinx it - me, his biggest supporter ). Ben, we really don't know each other than what I see and read here. I do however want to say, having read what you post here, that to me you are a determined young man, have goals and recognise you are smart like my son. Yes there are trials in life as you have posted but that will make you stronger from what I hear through your postings. Hell, even at my age I learned from watching my dad dealing with cancer / life (if you will). When the nurses came into his room and asked how are you doing? He would answer by raising both arms and saying, "I'm doing just wonderful" and believe me he meant it! Guess what I'm trying to say is, keep faithful to yourself, wish you well in school and hope one day we can meet (even though we are almost on opposite shores). All the best, Doug

Hi Gary, Would that have been in Erieau by chance? I believe that is the Bay in the background right? or the other side outside Rondeau Park? The '39 looks GREAT! It didn't happen to come from Windsor in it's history did it? If so, I know one of her previous owners.

Sounds promising for you Ben to me. With my son who is soon finishing his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the U of W who has done some interesting work with engines and fuel design plus cooperated with other Masters students these last four years or so, amazes me the knowledge and equipment available to students once they network themselves. His Adviser (Prof) and the U have always been able to let him access whatever he needed when presenting it. Like some advise that was given, just ensure the facts you present are understandable to the presiding Judge. He might know the Law but technical stuff.... ever see a judge with grease under his fingernails? I've done some work for them and Lawyers and if it don't run when you turn the key? Not very nice people. Hoping nothing but the best outcome for you.

I like that! However, If I was to do that it would be something like D&C58...... (not really preferable?) ha ha ha.

Thank you. For me it has been a life long passion and with certain events this past year, decided I was missing that feeling of cruising again so.... at the sacrifice of a few things, just made the effort to be "On The Road Again" (think Willie Nelson song here ). I must state that being around this group of Buick owners, reading their stories and learning from their experiences has been a big part for me too! They are a very knowledgeable and supportive gang and that has helped me. Glad you are moving along on your Super! Take it one step at a time and next you will know, you will be Cruising one night and say, Isn't this Magnificent? !!!

And.... Canadian side again looking at the GM Headquarters.

Two new shots in one night. On the Canadian side of the Detroit River looking south west at the Ambassador Bridge.

Had to drive my son out to get his Mustang for his summer cruising. It was his second time in the Special and had to laugh when we started out. He asked if the door was completely shut? With him not being familiar with the car, I said that the rattles and chirps you are hearing is normal so don't worry about the door. His response was because there are no seat belts he was a bit concerned if the door suddenly opened he would roll out! I had to stop and think about that for a minute and said to him, With all the advertising / selling of vehicles having safety features in your time, how do you think your mother and me survived in these cars without seat belts? Thankfully having the GPS on I was able to show him we were in fact not going 70 MPH! At the storage place. On our way home. Clocked another 60 miles on the trip odometer.

After I have sorted out a few issues needing attention (like possibly a new battery which needs to be on the charger about every three or four days between drives) and keeping an eye on the tires, I'd have to say it would be the Limited. While the car I have is not my original Limited, if you see pictures of them, they are identical in every aspect. So, with that car being on the road someday I can say I have both my first car and my second cars still. The fact they are both '58 Buick's is kind of special (no pun intended ) too. And once I get the Roadmaster convert on the road, have imagined the day when my boys and their girls and me and my wife drive up to a show or event together with all three. That thought helps keep me going some. Still going to be baby step though. After all, it only took twelve years to get the Special going again.

Yes it sure does Lance! Every day I drive her it not only gives me confidence in the dependability but "takes me back". I never dreamt in my wildest dreams 45 years ago imagined I'd be retracing the county roads in her but also with one of my sons who also has kept his first car!

Thanks Derek! Twas one of those nights that just happened and the car ran GREAT!

Drove the Special out to the Marina I used to keep my boat at (before I sold it) as there was a large gathering of family and friends for fireworks tonight. Later, drove on Down Town to capture these shots. Looking at the Ambassador Bridge. General Motors Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.

Playing piano in public is NOT my forte either! In my case TOTAL CHOKE and fail..... However, love the ivories when alone and quiet.

Parked on the waterfront in Windsor, Ontario, Canada looking across the Detroit River at the General Motors Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.

Today I had a chance meeting with a fellow who has a boat at a Marina I used to keep my boat at and said they were having a party there tonight so went home for dinner and asked my wife if she would like to attend. She thought about it over dinner and decided that she would stay home and if I wanted to, go ahead. Well.... That was all the excuse I needed to go and get the Special out for a run! Sadly the Marina business is NOT what it was before 911. With 110 slips and being on an International Waterway, boating is not what it used to be due to security issues etc. but... It was a bit breezy and they were going to light fireworks for the kids so after asking to move the cars (for safety reasons) decided to drive on Down Town. I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada which is right across the Detroit River from.... Detroit, Michigan. Was lucky to capture this shot tonight of the Ambassador Bridge. The drive along the river towards Down Town has a couple of parking areas and pulled in for this shot. This year the re-construction around here is exceptional this year and when making it Down Town cheated by parking (briefly ) in a handicap spot to get this shot. That is the GM Headquarters directly across from us. Then.... On our side is the Chrysler Head Quarters. It is the grey / silver building. Cruising on home with many thumbs up and "Cool Car" comments (how old are those guys ), parked her under the canopy for the night as my son wants to get his Mustang out of storage tomorrow and told him he will just have to ride out there in the Special!

But with all the drivers you have at home isn't it a thrill when you show up at a meet all together?

Good luck sir! Pulling for you, hope things work out.

John, I hit the 'Like' button with hesitation as I really don't like the situation but... understand, more than like, what happens like this today. Maybe we should have an "I understand" or "I get it button"? ha ha I remember back in the late 70's having my '58 Buick's, going to the parts counters and them telling me I needed a part number for cross reference because their system didn't show that far back! This was pre-computer days and had to go to MANY Swap Meets to gather / stock up on parts for my needs without being down till the issue was fixed. Then the internet came along and WOW! However, still had to deal with the younger help who always entered 1968 because they didn't believe what they had heard...... The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Sweet! Again, I guess you do get around! He is very popular among the car circle here, especially doing feature cars here and there. I really like his Starfire too!

With snail mail being what it is coming to Canada, have not seen one just yet. That's why I have email for the Bugle, much faster than waiting for the hard copy.