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Carl, I have not had one off my cars for a 'looong' time but looking through the manual, remember seeing the resistance spring, the rotating contact points and the (rusty) condition it was in, so maybe some cleaning and checking to see if it is not damaged might be an option 1st. Not sure why, being it is a shop doing restoration work, they did not do this but believe there is some kind of time-line involved for the show at Eyes On Designs in Michigan. I'm waiting for him to come back from a car show today (didn't take the Buick) to discuss it further. For now all they did was pull the bulb to keep from wearing down the battery. Thanks again.

Thanks Carl, I looked at that site and it sure looks like what is needed but will take it as you have warned as to exact fit....appreciate the help. The problem with the current switch is that there is constant power to the dome light so somewhere the contact has deteriorated or bent? They have checked all the door wiring and the switches too so it comes from the switch. A new or good used one would be the best solution.

Can anyone suggest a source for a headlight switch (new or used in working condition) for a 1958 Buick? I believe the 57's are the same. I'm trying to help out a fellow Buick owner for this car. Appreciate any help.

Can't wait for Part 2! (not to nit pick, 58's had all coil springs.... otherwise nice job!)

PM Sent

Hi Bill (and fellow Overland owner), Can't help on the weight number but have you tried the Willys Overland Knight Registry forum? (WOKR) You might have some luck there. Any pictures? We all like pictures, restored or not.

My son's Lesabre...... He had been on the Expressway three hours earlier, was on his way to a friend's birthday party later that day when the girl friend states she had forgotten something, turned a corner to go back and totally looses all steering......... Car is now scrap (bad day for the Buick) but at least I'm not going to two funerals.......

Hey all, Just to clarify, the restoration cost was what was hinted at having been spent and it is not going to be for sale or staying around here for me to drool over too much longer. The owner already has a vast private collection of cars which I found out also includes a 1958 Buick Special convertible but is about two hours away from me so I was glad to happen upon it. He holds a charity car event and hope to participate this year. If that happens will post some shots which will include the totally finished Caballero at it's new home.

Driving home from work in an area that I'm not normally in, come around the corner and....... just had to stop. I found out it is a fresh restoration and other than the wire wheels and the colour of the upholstery, the rest is restored to original needing the door panels and a few minor things to complete. Wish it were mine but that 100,000 dollar cost (if I had it) would go a long way to finish my current collection. It was a nice way to end my day.

Thanks for the link Roberta! I need to make it up there soon and see it. Maybe some day........ my convert could be there beside it .....

SOMETHING TO CHECK OUT QUICK. LET US KNOW WHAT YOU FIND ABOUT THAT CLUNK. BE SAFE.

Hey Rusty, I wasn't trying to make a comparison of the cars regarding quality but only the similarities of construction being sub frame and rust, that's all I meant when adding that. It also isn't about the money involved here really as it wouldn't matter what the bargain or if it were a vehicle of a different make. It's about a failure of this kind at highway speeds and the worst case situation that could have happened. My wish from the start was only to point out that condition means everything for safe driving especially with this 1995 Buick LeSabre. It scared the hell out of me to think I could have lost my son and his girlfriend had this happened on that expressway.......

HEY MUD........ DON'T DRIVE IT TOO FAR ANY MORE PLEASE! This just happened to my son's 1995 Buick LeSabre on Saturday! He and his girlfriend were on their way to getting on the Expressway and forgot something at home, turned around and the steering was totally lost. He hit the bakes and hit the curb but no one was hurt. Can you imagine if that had happened on the expressway at 60MPH????? This thing supposedly passed a Safety Check when he bought it 9 months ago.....

Thanks Rusty for your thoughts. To answer your question, yes this car was purchased (privately) with both a Safety Check (required by the Ministry) and an e-test. Additionally, it was from my retired ex-mechanic of 20 years who stated that it was used by his wife to take their grandchildren around the city and felt it was a reliable vehicle. He did NOT do the Safety and in fact sent it to a GM Dealership initially and they called him to say they would not complete it. He then sent it to someone else (found out after the fact) who completed it and this is where I start to have the concern. This was all my son's dealing who is not a teenager and I didn't see the car before he bought it but appreciate your comment saying you would not have passed it upon inspection. Yes it is a high mileage vehicle and winter does take a toll but that degree of rust does not happen in one winter or in about 9 months of a complete inspection in my opinion. Trying to get over the emotional aspect here, yes, the initial cost was minimal for the car at $800.00 plus taxes and transfer costs but........ Hell, I bought a '63 Dodge (uni-body car) back in '74 for 50 bucks as a winter beater, repaired the rear quarters and replaced one rocker panel before Safety Checks were mandatory but took the time to see how bad the rust was on the whole car before proceeding, had two years of driving it and sold it to another fellow who we looked it over together, things were fine and he drove it another three years while in University. In the case of my Dodge (without Safety Checks back then) regardless of the cost, it was my choice and responsibility to take the chance that the body was in shape to safely go on the highway. With regard to my son's car, placing the trust in 'the system' providing the knowledge the vehicle was sufficiently safe to be on the road given what did happen (and not what could possibly have happened) I have to come to terms with yet. Yes the Safety's are only good for 30 days legally but I would caution anyone buying a 15 year old plus car today, you need to really be really thorough and diligent on the condition before trusting your life in it.

I have no problem leaving it here and know you are right about all cars have 'rust' issues. Even the '67 Mustang I had back in the day had a bit of rust going on there too but not anywhere as bad as this car does. Of course it does not help that I live is salt central but still, thinking that something should be done about the place certifying this car in the first place. Sadly those certificates state that they are only good for 30 days. This would be a whole different situation if that had happen on the expressway at 60mph!

OK, so rattled I guess that I posted on the AACA General Forum. I meant to post in the BUICK General section. Any chance the Moderator could move this for me? Thanks

This Saturday I receive a call from my son saying his car is DONE! Calm down please and tell me what happened, thinking he might be overreacting. He and his friend left their home for an evening out, forgot something and tried to go back before they were intending to get onto the Expressway. While making his turn still on residential streets, he looses all steering, hits the brakes and slides into the curb! Fortunately no one was hurt but shook up. The car is this one that he bought used last summer with high mileage but with full mechanical inspections as required by our Provincial Regulations for registration, plating and insurance laws. Notice how the front looks a bit higher? Looking underneath this is what we found. IT STILL MAKES ME SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED HAD THEY MADE IT ONTO THAT EXPRESSWAY!

Thanks John. As I have been letting Mom read the postings to Dad, will pass on your birthday wishes. Will sure hope there is time to have a few experiences with the other Limited.... That would be just spectacular!

Yes sir we sure did. Thanks.

Thank you Ben. The cars are great things for sure but family means everything right?

Thanks Pat and you can be sure I do!

Today was a fun day as we celebrated Dad's 90th Birthday! The weather was a bit cool and windy for this time of year but managed a walk out back after a few pictures around the Whippet which I brought home and he saw the old Limited and the state she is in. It wasn't too big a surprise as I have talked about what is going on but as expected, once he took it all in, many stories and experiences he had came flooding back. (most of these I have heard more than once before but it was his day and let him go the distance respectfully ) Really a sentimental moment to find us together not only at the beginning of this cars adventures for me but now at the ending too. Soooo lucky to still have him with us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD.

Today was a SPECIAL DAY ! It was Dad's 90th Birthday and while it was just him, mom, my wife & I for a BBQ dinner, my sister, her daughter and her friend drove up from Gatlinburg, Tn just in time for cake and ice cream. I wish I had more time to have dealt with the carb problem but managed to bring the Whippet home on the trailer, give her a good washing and put a few balloons on before it was time to go and bring them over here. I know he did not know what to expect and think he was pleased. I even persuaded him to get into an old overcoat and a cap which has an actual 1928 dated chauffeur's pin on it. It may not show in the picture but Mom is making an effort as she is dealing with several health issues with the most disturbing to her being told not to drive for now till all testing is complete...... This is the guy who put 28 years effort in getting the car from this, TO THIS, I'm damn proud and lucky to have him around still! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD and thanks for everything!

ROB, totally agree with everything you have said and doing the marking / labeling process as I go on the keeper stuff. It is kinda' bitter sweet for now knowing that when this is finally finished I can concentrate on either the Special or the twin sister Limited next. Both have their financial issues in order to get on the road so will have to determine which is the more affordable before proceeding. Progress however on the dismantling has slowed to a snail's pace as the 'life roller coaster' is at maximum right now and trying to hang on:(. Not only is this the start of my busy season but I have been dealing with Mom not being able to drive due to recent health issues and me driving her to umpteen Doctor's appointments...... On the bright side, tomorrow Dad will be celebrating his 90th Birthday! Planning on having them over for the late afternoon and BBQ which they enjoy. One of my sister's is coming up from Gatlinburg with her daughter and her friend (who has never been outside the US or seen what the Great Lakes are like) so should be a nice couple of days for all. Not sure I want Dad to see the Limited but..... if you think I have posted sentimental pics and stories here, I know he will top me there! Definitely nothing wrong with his mind at his age, just the physical that's slowly failing. There is another issue I have to deal with too but will post pics when I catch something.....:eek:

Due to cleaning up decided to swing by and take the hood and some loose metal to the scraper....... Talk about a slow process!