Glassesguy

Serial # would indicate 1929. Small series numbers start at 2225361. Larger 2 wheelbases start at 2240300. 1930 larger series start at 2439593 and 2489593. Looks like a good project for the right person.

Agree with Dale and Brian. Neat piece.

Dave: I assume this a factory photo shoot done at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. I've only seen these in black and white. We visited there last Fall and are going back again this year. Beautiful spot.

Nice interior,Keith. The trans mounted litter basket looks identical to the one my parents had in their 66 Wildcat. It is indeed amazing at the number of colors that were available in the floor mats.

Pete: Definitely 80 or 90 series. 28-41 parts book lists Gr.11.925 4091396 1936-1940 90 series and 1938 80 series. 4091395 fits 39 series 80 only. Don't know what the difference is; but, I seem to recall the one in a 39 90 series I owned years ago had a less rectangular shape. Maybe a couple of guys here on the forum who own an 80 or 90 series can compare this picture to the one in their car. It would seem logical the pictured lens is for a 39 80 series as this is what Dave owned. Ann Bell is listing one on her site as fitting an 80 series. It looks identical to yours. Hope this is of some help.

Rich: Already have my reservations at the Country Inn. I know there will be others from our chapter planning to go. Have your chapter store up some of this cold air to offset some of the August heat.

I agree with Allan and Grant. Consider Barney's suggestion if the canister on Ebay does not match yours. I've never seen a copy of the installation instructions ; but I'll bet those numbers refer to illustrations contained therein. That canister requires a bracket and strap to install. I acquired one of these canisters years ago, but with no bracket.

First 4 stands for Series 40. Series 40 and 50 used the same block, so the number on the side of the engine shows into what series that specific engine was eventually placed. Postwar engines placed the series number as a suffix with a slight space after the main number. I have a 1947 engine with a space and the numeral 5 as a suffix so I know the engine originally came from a Series 50 Super.

1938 engine numbers started at 3396937. 1939 engine numbers started at 3572652.

Paul: I also echo Tom's observation in post #52 regarding the front engine mounting bosses cast into the crankcase of both engines. That was a characteristic of 1948 and later blocks. As the original engines wore out or needed replacing, a later engine could be installed by bolting the original front engine support to the replacement block. I enjoy your posts.

Paul: 1941 engines started with Engine number 4074859. 1942 Engine numbers started at 4457941. 1946 Engine numbers started at 40558037 and continued through 1947. 1948 Engine numbers started at 4999881. 1949 Engine numbers started at 5220972. Double check the numbers stamped on your block(s). Hope this helps.

Guys: Dave Corbin and Terry Dunham wrote a great article on this subject. Go to 1937and1938buicks.com. Click "The Torque Tube" on the left hand side. A listing of all issues will appear. Scroll to Volume XX, Issue 6 which is the July-August 2002 pp13-19. The table you are looking for is there. Dave and Terry are sorely missed by all who knew them.

The by pass hose, clamps, and thermostat housing would be painted engine color as well. Try to envision what might have been attached to the engine before it was painted as an assembly. There have been pictures posted in old Bugles and here on line over the years of engines in test stands or on the assembly line. A picky detailing idea to keep in mind is that, after assembling the various engine covers on to the block itself, take a small brush and paint the bolt heads and exposed edges of the gaskets as these parts would have been in place when the engine assembly was painted. An exception, of course, might be if an engine had to have some rework done at the factory before being placed in a chassis. They didn't all come out perfect.

Guys: Per Buick Product Service Bulletin 2.436 and Special Service Letter #236 dated February 1958 entitled "Noise and Vibration Complaints". The change was made in reaction to fan noise complaints. The 5 blade 20" fan on A/C cars was changed to a 20" 4 blade fan. Non A/C cars originally had a 20" 4 blade fan. This was changed to a 4 blade 18 1/2" one. "Since the 12 degree advance distributor allows the engine to run slightly cooler than first jobs, it is possible to omit one blade from the air conditioner fan and reduce the diameter of the standard fan" per the Service Bulletin. This change was for Dynaflow equipped cars only. Synchromesh cars kept the 5 degree distributor. The Bulletins also cautioned that if the new fans were used with the 5 degree distributor, overheating may be experienced. No recall was made on this. This change was to be made only if there was a customer complaint. The change was made in production cars in late January while the new fans etc. were to be released for service in March. No mention made of changing the vacuum advance. There's the info right from the factory.

Dave & Grant: 1928-41 Parts Book list Group # 9.650 Part # 1321434 Conversion Package, Radio (For use in installing 1941 radios in 1940 cars. Cost was 50 cents. Nothing else listed regarding what components were part of the package.

AWESOME!!!

My 28-41 Chassis Parts Book indicates the numbering for this ID plate is for a 1931 Series 80 or 90. 132" is the maximum wheelbase offered that year. Look for welds to indicate a stretched chassis. I go with Mark as well regarding the spring shackles. Neat find.

I do what Barney does. My understanding is that it is the rust inhibitors than can break down over time.

My error. Cadillac Lasalle Club names them Authenticity Manuals. Pricey, but very nicely done.

Rather than Reference Guides, let's call them Restoration Guides as have some of the other clubs such as Cadillac Several years ago there was talk of the BCA doing this for the various years; but nothing came of it. Bill Anderson's Guide is great. Hope something can get started as we're gradually losing some of older experts on the various years.

My youngest son got me the 3rd Edition of David Buick's Marvelous Motor Car by Lawrence Gustin to update my 2nd Edition. Great Read!

1928 Model 27 5 pass. 4 door sedan. Production 40,272.

Rob: It may be wishful thinking, but do I detect an emblem at the rear of the side trim on the fender? Specials had no Series name there but Centurys did. As you stated it is hard to tell from the grainy photo. Perhaps it was not worthwhile to tool up stainless window trim for the Model 68 sedans for 1958. Only two were produced per BCA Model Year listing. Thanks for posting that link.

The manual override valve was used for jacking up the car for tire changing or for negotiating a high curb or steep driveway. When the valve was pulled, the air exhausting out of all 4 airbags was cut off thus inflating the bags and causing the car to rise. The bumper jack could be used normally then to continue to raise the side of the car needed to change the wheel and tire assembly. When the tire change was completed, the valve was pushed back in to cause the air to be slowly exhausted to bring the car back to normal height. The car was never to be driven with the valve pulled and the bags inflated to their full height. Compensation for a load was controlled mechanically by the leveling/height control valves.

Doug; Found it. PM me with your email or address.