dei
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Posts posted by dei
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With the Forum being shut down, a little late getting back but thanks John and others for your prayers and best wishes.
Dad is actually in a good frame of mind knowing he isn't the burden he was for my mom. The care and concern for his quality of life is amazing and being only 10 years old, the facility has the latest for patients and families.
I know this thread is supposed to be about my Buick's but going to break the rules this once and post a picture of where it all began for me with antique cars and owning my first car (58 Buick).
Shoot! Won't up load even with resizing ..........
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With my friend's mom and my dad not doing so well and discussing our Buick's, kicked around the idea of either looking at his to get back on the road or possibly selling his. Decided with things in play now to shelve things for awhile.
My Dad was moved into Hospice Friday and while relieving Mom of the 24 hr duties needed, it has been busy with family coming to see him.....
I went up today at what turned out to be a quiet period for him and after an hour he said he was OK and I should go and enjoy the fine weather which is very unusual for this time of year.
Because of our mutual joy of cars took him at his word and went over to the Special.
Decided to fire her up and with a few cranks to get gas up to the carb off she went!
As usual lot's of plays in motion but will deal with things as they come.
Sure was comforting to be assured the battery was up and running nice.
Went home after things warmed up and opened up the garage door. I have a flat head motor on a stand for my 52 F-1 sitting in front of my Limited and decided to put a bar on the crank to see if it would still turn.
Fortunately it is fine so pulled the plugs and dumped some trany fluid in just to be safe.
With Mom, house and issues.... dealing one day at a time for now.
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Hey Jim,
Well, with both our parents in not good condition we have decided to table discussion and plans on the Buick for now.
There is a remote possibility his brother might have an interest in it and would be willing for my familiarity and assistance with the car to be on the road but again, lot's going on in both our families so...
Thanks for everyone's input as to value.
It helped not only me but sharing this post with my friend and his family has enlighten all involved. No one was thinking gold mine but we all realise reality is best served openly and honestly.
Should something happen in the future might possibly start a thread on it in Me and My Buick section but for now is on the back burner.
Told him when I do go out, pull the pulls and soak my Roadmaster engine would take the time to do his also.
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12 hours ago, CarFreak said:
And Peter, if you really are a sucker for an Orphan, this is a show you've got to visit one time or another.
http://wardsauto.com/technology/17th-annual-ypsilanti-orphan-car-show#slide-0-field_images-851061
Nice video, especially having the shot of the early morning Park video of my 1928 Whippet on the trailer at Registration. The two Monarchs behind me are my friend's which at least one comes to this show annually.
It does capture the general casual mood of this non judged and informative show.
Proceeds from this show go to support what was the last Hudson Dealership known as Ypsilanti Heritage Automotive Museum.
Go for it Peter, you and the car will become hits of any show and have some great fun!
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Thanks Ben on both issues.
Dad fortunately has broken nothing or cut but he is dealing with side effects (weakness right now) from stage 4 bladder cancer. Hospice has a Home Team and are coming this week to help and offer assistance for Mom too. They are still in the home I was raised in....
My friend's mother is the same age as my Dad but dealing with diabetes health issues too so hence our common discussions about family and cars.
Appreciate the advice on the values.
There is no current urgency to make any hard decision now but like stated, t'would be better to be cleaned up a bit and out on the road than hiding away.
The engine being locked up is concerning and would need to be addressed before any commitment on the needed other things like brakes, tuneup, tires etc.
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Thanks Lance.
Wish I'd had more time to look underneath too and verify. Yes the chrome has some pitting but without cleaning that up some can't say it at least would be driver quality or not.
The only thing I can say is that it never sat in a field so presume what you see topside is what looks bottom side at this time.
The figures you are suggesting is kinda what I felt might apply and appreciate the advice.
Might get back when things settle down at home....
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Thanks Lance.
Wish I'd had more time to look underneath too and verify. Yes the chrome has some pitting but without cleaning that up some can't say it at least would be driver quality or not.
The only thing I can say is that it never sat in a field so presume what you see topside is what looks bottom side at this time.
The figures you are suggesting is kinda what I felt might apply and appreciate the advice.
Might get back when things settle down at home....
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Where to start...
A fellow Buick owner / friend's mom is the same age as my Dad and with the seven degrees of separation thing in play, found out she was in the same hospital when Dad was in Emerg this past week. We have not spoken for awhile and after sharing our concerns over our parents the conversation eventually turned to our Buick's. His 1957 Buick Super has been off the road for many years and not being a hands on guy figured it just might never be back on the road. As it turned out I wanted to go out to the storage where both cars are and take some pictures of my other '58 Buick I have not talked much about here. He asked if I would take some pictures too and after the 45 mile trip out planning on spending an hour (or two) I get a call about 1/2 an hour there to say my Dad had fallen at home and could I help. Fortunately my son was close and managed this situation and with no major injuries I hastily none the less shot what I could after having wiped the car down.
She was a only a dream when I bought it and storage was cheap but know with the other projects on the go might have to consider what to do in the future.
Sadly I discovered the engine would not turn by pressure on the fan belt but.... like the Special, hope with some soaking I can free it up and get it running again....
My friend's Super has been here longer and it would not turn over either....
What is it with Nail Heads when they sit?
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OK Guys,
Made the 45 mile one way trip and have the following shots of the car as it sits today.
Wished I could have taken more time for under carriage shots but 10 minutes in, had a call about my dad having fallen so was rushed.
This I was aware of and unfortunately didn't take a picture of the back seat but can say it is nice with no tears or worn material. The door panels are in good condition on all four doors and believe they are original.
Hard to read (in a rush).
So,
While seeing there are some window issues and after trying to turn the motor over by putting pressure on the fan belts and NOT getting any movement what you see is IMHO a solid vehicle that with some work (short of a rebuild on the nailhead which I think might free up with some soaking like my Special) could be brought back to life. To me that makes it a project but one with serious potential knowing the mileage is only the first time around at 74,000 miles.
It would have been nice to wipe her down and show any paint/body issues but saw nothing that would be a problem.
Trusting this helps for you to advise me and thanks in advance.
Doug
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Like you I too grew up (as a young teen) in the back seat (of my now) 1920 Overland touring. We travelled over a lot of Southern Ontario back roads around the same times as you did and the current modern cars didn't require seat belts then. I know today everyone is fixed with safety mindedness (and that's a good thing) and to put seat belts in a car that has seats bottoms which come up easily one could hide them when parked and on display but.... design attachment engineering must come into play as stated earlier to be indeed a safety feature.
"If" I was to consider this for my car, I might go to the nearest University and consult with their Engineering Department to see what might be a good setup.
Having a son doing his Masters in Mechanical field, you would be surprised at the knowledge and willingness to look at a new challenge.
Still planning on using back roads I know are less travelled but understand totally your concerns for passengers.
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Thriller,
That was feeble attempt at humour with that very statement.
Knowing for fact my friends '57 actually was driven into that very spot so many years ago does not ensure it is able to run without some serious attention to the expected usual needed things.
One of the first things I will be doing is see if the engine will roll a bit and is not locked up. The experience with my own nailhead in the Special is still fresh on my mind. I would have bet some hard cash I could have turned the key on, hit the starter and she would have fired up!
Sure would have lost that bet and learned nothing is always as stated..... will see tomorrow.
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12 hours ago, PWB said:
Man, that car looks like it has good bones. She's screaming for salvation.
If you mean my Roadmaster, I could use the old selling quote,"Ran when parked".
Have a guy dogging me for a long time to get it but when it comes down to the wire no talk of a serious offer....
My visit on the '57 will take place tomorrow so should have pics up by the evening.
It has warmed up into the 40's this weekend so spending some time won't be rushed to get back in my truck to get warm! Temps in the teens are NOT a fun time in an unheated garage....
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Love those side mounts!
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Thanks gentlemen for your thoughts on this car especially with the limited info so far. I have made notes what to photo graph and have arranged a time for next Saturday that is convenient for the building owner.
I really need to curb my desire to take on another project (it is a disease) and concentrate on what I have......
It's not a great picture at all of the '57 but is in in front of my Roadmaster. (Might have to be a contortionist to get some decent pics....)
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Actually went to both Owosso and Durand after an early morning Model Train Swap meet east of Flint all in one day. Next time will not try to cram quite so much in and take the steam train ride.
Still, a very nice effort to preserve this once grand way of life.
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12 hours ago, Bhigdog said:
Knowing these cars I'm going to guess that the rockers, inner and outer, are rusted along with the rear 1/4's ahead of the wheel and the front fender bottoms behind the wheel. Likely the floor also will need some rust repair.
I will pay attention to this when I go for current pictures soon. Thanks.
Doug
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11 hours ago, Pete Phillips said:
I can't even tell from the photo whether it is a 2-door hardtop or a four-door hardtop. That does make some difference in the car's eventual value, the 2-door being sportier, more desirable, and a bit harder to find than the 4-door.
Guess my impulse to help got ahead of me. It is a 4 door hardtop Super.
I called it a project car because it will take some effort to get running and not try to over sell something that I know will have some cost to be on the road again. I can state that it is complete with all trim but know condition will be the big factor.
If I can arrange time Sunday will get current pictures to better show what she is.
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I admit Ed that it is a bit premature at this time and hope to post current pictures after this weekend. His situation has changed and trying to offer some help if I can.
While it is a 'project car' for sure, not one requiring rust out body repair and paint job as it was running when it went in some 28 years ago, so not holding anyone to hard numbers. I also will be paying attention (photograph) the pot metal bright work condition as I know from experience what good pieces can cost or how expensive to have redone.
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As heading says, wondering what this 1957 Buick Super would be worth to offer without insulting him.
The picture is not that good and it has been off the road for a long time.
I know all the major mechanical things like carb rebuild, fuel pump, brakes, tires, exhaust?, points, plugs etc, etc. would have to be done just to get it running and that is if it hasn't locked up from sitting all these years but still, anyone care to guess? The upholstery is original and remember the drivers side was thin and ripped but stuffing was not torn out. The car had been repainted in the original colour before he bought it so not sure what is underneath but at the time of the picture, didn't show any issues. It might have seen one winter use.
I chummed with him back when it was on the road and know what he paid for it then but... being an accomplished professionally trained pianist (but kindly) barely knows what end of a screwdriver to use which once things became too much to pay to have things done, into storage it went in front of one of my 58 projects. That is good dry well kept storage so as it went in, other than dust, is how it stayed.
I'm going to go there soon to take pictures of mine for insurance purposes and will take more of his since it is right there.
Thanks for all comments.
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9 hours ago, kgreen said:
Dang, that Buick hood has some strength!
And love that bumper with it's
lights!
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So, let me set the scene for this story.
Growing up with family having cottages on the north Shore of Lake Erie outside of Leamington, Ontario where the H.J. Heinz company existed since the late 1800's decided to take a summer job in that area. Dad having given me his 1958 Buick Limited the winter before, it had that summer blown a hydraulic power steering line. I brought it to UAP and they said it would be ready on Friday.
With work ending a 4 and them closing at 5 it was tight but figured I could make it and have my car up and running for the weekend. Dad let me use his 1964 Olds Dynamic 88 which had a posi-traction rear end and it was a peppy car compared to my dynaflow transmission in the Limited.
Here is where the memorable part starts.
Keep in mind I'm 16, I race to get to UAP and before I can get out of the car I see a guy inside locking the front door!
With paper and cash in hand and me pleading through the glass to let me in, No deal, No way! 
It had rained about an hour before finishing work and as I backed out of their gravel driveway I go through a puddle of water. Once on the road my anger comes out and I hit the gas. Those bias ply tires started to squeal and all I see is a cloud of smoke growing as I take off to the stop light up the road! Then..... the next thing I see in the rear view mirror, just like a movie, is flashing lights coming out of that cloud of smoke and then hear the siren.
Now I'm stopped at the light in the left turn lane and when it goes green (with the flashing lights still going) I proceed on and stop after going around the corner. It was right in front of the H.J. Heinz Employee entrance and it was shift change! When the officer pulled up and looked at me the first words out of his mouth were, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DRIVING, A HOT ROD!" This was 1971 and being a small town was pretty sure I would be seeing this fellow a lot in the future of my driving life. It was no Sir, yes Sir, I'm sorry Sir and scared about the possible ticket I was going to get.
After getting my license and insurance and what seemed like an eternity he comes back and hands me my papers saying, "I'm going to give you a break this time young man because I see you have only had your license for three months and emphasised my assumption we would likely see each other again if I continued to drive like that!"
Oh Thank you Sir, again sorry Sir and now fully embarrassed by all the employees exiting Heinz I slowly went to the cottages and had a swim never saying anything to dad.
P.S. Never met that kind Officer again.
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With life issues having ramped up I missed the opportunity window of a January thaw and working in the garage.
However, one last minute call from my oldest son Friday provided a memorable experience on Saturday. While he might one day be the beneficiary of one of my Buick's, he is not quite hands on with them but that's OK too.
His hobby interests have been into audio and loves the tube type equipment sound plus vinyl records. Seems he had been looking for a rather rare type speaker set and managed to find them. His call was to ask if I might go with him on a road trip.
Needed to leave by 6 am as it meant we would travel the Ohio and Penn State Turnpikes just to get there.
Opportunities in life can be missed sometimes without thinking about them and having made many road trips with my Dad thought (as the kids today say) "just do it".
Funny how last minute things work out better than often long time planning. Somehow the stars aligned as the weather had a window with no snow and traffic was unusually low so it was a Good Day but long!
Our travels took us passed Hershey which my dad and I have attended twice so hence my willingness to help my son out and share.
I won't bore you with the details but share a few pictures since it was a great trip (and accomplishment).
After going through the fourth tunnel, it was a surprise not see any more snow!
First time in Philly and wished we could have spent time to explore but... next time?
Can say that my boy's Envoy stood out like a sore thumb with the amount of salt it had on it compared to everyone else!
As stated things went fine and round trip was 19 hours and 3/4 by the time we were home!!!
He was happy with his purchase and I think with our time together.
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2 hours ago, Larry Schramm said:
Looks like Lionel G scale on the top shelf?
My entry into this scale is late and somewhat on a learning curve so you my be entirely right Larry.
I do know the caboose seems a bit larger in proportion than most of the other cars I have so....
I have everything still in boxes other than what you see till...... my Special gets back on the road again first. (priorities)
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My first two cars were both 1958 Buick's and STILL have them.
The first was a Limited my Dad handed down to me.
My second was a flashy red Special convert.
Learned to drive standard shift on Dad's 1951 Nash. Still have it too.
With paper and cash in hand and me pleading through the glass to let me in, No deal, No way! 
ME & MY === 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick and……..
in Me and My Buick
Posted · Edited by dei (see edit history)
Thanks Caballero2.
I didn't mean to imply anything more than it didn't work at that time. Patience was mentioned at the top of all threads since coming back on line and...... it's working and mission accomplished.
This was Dad's first true antique car he purchased in 1967 in running condition as you see it - 1920 Overland which is now in my possession. It was Canada's Centennial year and they were dressed to attend a celebratory function with the car. Mom made her dress and Dad's jacket to play the part.
It was the start of many car shows and back then weekend trips with our local car club where the car found him.
Another of his project cars was my now 1928 Whippet which only took 28 years to get in running condition from this:
To this:
I thank him everyday for passing the love of cars on to me!