Mark Shaw

Check your PM.

Yeah, keep your foot out of it! Buicks are heavy cars and will get much better mileage if you don't jack rabbit the starts. Your mileage should improve 10% or more if you don't try to keep up with the rice burners when the light turns green.

This is about as close as you can get: http://www.bobsautomobilia.com/2007catalog.pdf It's a good start anyway....

(Bump to top) Anybody got these?

I agree with Gil's policy of running the routes etc. after I have plotted them on my Microsoft "Streets & Trips" software. On a recent BCA PreWar AfterTour we had to completely change the routes due to construction on the roads our tour leader had planned. We did it in less than 30 minutes with this software. Since we didn't have time to run the route, he checked the now route via aerial photos on Google Earth to make sure all the roads were paved by looking for a center line. By the way; The "Streets & Trips" program provides online updates on construction detours, and the latest version of the software includes a GPS option so you can drive and plot your route at the same time.

Derek, I actually prefer the double ended ones. You can use a screw driver through the hole provided so they take up less room in the tool box.

Grant, I recently had the misfortune to have my ignition coil come loose. It slid down into the clamp, shorted out, and fried my ignition switch contacts. When I pulled the ignition switch I found no less than four wires connected to the (very crowded) hot side of my ignition switch. One was for the acessory heater and another was for the aftermarket turn signals. The alarming part of this is that all these wires were on the hot side of the switch within 1/8" of the steering column. I fixed the ignition switch (a marvelously simple and reparable device) and moved the hot side of the switch to the other side. Now there is only one wire on the steering column side where it cannot short out as easily.

It looks like Dandy Dave has got you covered on this question. Make sure the dipper trays are full of oil when you install the oil pan. You should always have oil going through the sight glass while running. If you do not see oil flowing when you first start the engine, you may need to prime the oil pump.

The participants:

Keith, OK, I didn't see it because I am not into having my cars judged.... I see it now....; so is it really worth the cost of a set of bias ply tires for a few extra points in judging the car?

Derek, Why do you want bias ply tires? Check this out: http://www.widewhitewalltires.com/2008Catalog/WebCatalog1_hi.pdf

Junkyscott, You can make a new float with three wine corks, a belt sander or grinder and a small bottle of Krazy Glue (it is not affected by modern gasolines). Just make flats on opposite sides of the corks and glue them together. Then shape the cork like the original to fit in the float bowl. You can also use the Krazy glue to coat the new float if you like.

Model 31 Buicks are great tour cars with plenty of power and they relatively easy to maintain. This is an early one with gas lights and brass fittings. Feel free to contact me if you need some additional mechanical info on this car.

Reed, What series?

Chuck, Perhaps you should re-read the first paragraph in my last post. There is no arguement here... I think I will just stick to the other forums and let you guys remain within the world of the CCCA.

You might try posting this on the Buick Buy/Sell forum.

Thanks Brian, Everyone had a great time.... I think it was a 1940 Limited....wasn't it?

If you have original engine mounts, I would check to see if they are too hard or compressed. They may not be absorbing vibration...

With regard to painting antique cars, I used Interlux Brightside Polyurethane on my 13 Buick. It comes in Dark Blue #4316 that replicates the original Blue/Black color offered in 1913. It looks very original on both the wood and metal parts of the car. Since the car has a wood body, I used paint made for wood boats. Modern automotive paints are just too inflexible for a wood bodied car. It is a one step paint that smooths out nicely so touch-ups can easily be applied with a brush. It was only $30 per quart too.

I have a complete engine from a 1931 50 series, but your friend needs a conrod with the correct diameter babbitt to match the bearing journal. Has he measured it?

Cardinal, Yes, you can hang a gravity tank. Just make sure it is vented. I suggest you check the main jet and readjust it to provide enough gas for high speed operation. Two weeks ago, my son asked for help in adjusting his 29 Buick carb. I removed the carb. from the car, removed the three bottom screws that attach the float bowl to the venturi and removed & cleaned all three jets. The longer jets are idle and accellerator pump jets that are not adjustable, but they do require the correct setting for the big air control knob. (The spring inside the knob should have a fat spot in the middle). Start with the big knob even with the end of the stop tang and adjust it in and out until the engine idles smoothly in between. Only the shorter larger diameter high speed jet is adjustable via a needle valve under the venturi. (The needle adjustment knob is the disc with holes in it). Make sure the needle is straight and the leather seal is in place before assembly. It should be about three turns out to test run. Adjust it out until it runs at high speed without backfire. It will take several tries to get it right.

Mike, There are two 23 roadsters in my area. Get out your BCA roster and call Dave Ebert Sr or Jack Gerstkemper in SW Washington State. Jack is currently at the Aussie BCA Nationals, so you might want to wait a week or so...

Hey Cardinal, My older cars have spring loaded toggle switches mounted next to the brake rod. A little U clamp mounted on the rod trips the toggle when the brake rod moves. It is very simple and parts can be had at Radio Shack and your local hardware store. However, the brake switch you seek can also be had at www.restorationstuff.com page 4 of their pdf catalog. Good luck,

Here is an updated photo of my 24 Truck at the 2007 BCA National Meet with a new top. My previous post in this thread included a photo from 2003 when I picked it up in Des Moines.

Early 20s Winton?