1953mack

How fussy are you? - You could strip and install new DI-NOC film on the tailgate top trim piece completely. DI-NOC, a 3M trademarked product, was used on Buicks for many years, first in 1953, on the Roadmaster's lower instrument and front door trim panels. A detailer or detail shop that knows how to install the latest automotive vinyl wraps might be someone to contact; - Find an experienced artist or one who does pin striping to faux-paint the wood-grained look to just the damaged areas; or - Go to Wally World and find some cheapo shelf-liner stickum paper, prep the trim piece, install the paper, spray a clear coat over it and stand back and admire it. You might have to settle for a complimentary lighter or darker wood-grained color. 3M advertises wood-grained films here . . . https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-DI-NOC-Architectural-Finishes-Wood-Grain-WG-846-1220-mm-x-50-m/?N=5002385+3293032942&rt=rud or here . . . https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/architectural-design-us/dinoc-finishes/ Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

It's not a Canadian vs. a U.S. Buick issue . . . it's an early-1955 Buick with the honeycomb-style core vs. a later-1955 Buick radiator with the serpentine-fin style. Hard to understand why one of the two styles wouldn't work if both were in good condition. A BPSB addresses why some owners complained about engine overheating that had nothing to do with the radiator. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

You ordered them but didn't number them as #9. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

More information would be helpful before I submit my opinions as to why you’re having problems putting the parts back together like they were before the ‘Lark was disassembled down to the bare body tub sitting on the frame. Answers would be appreciated. (1) Were all the gaps, hood alignment and hood operation (raising and lowering) satisfactory (not perfect) to you before the car was disassembled? (2) Why and when was the metal added to the back edges of the hood, before or after disassembly? (3) What changed after your two old-timers added sheet metal to the back edges of the hood, marked the hinge locations with 1/8” pilot holes and when reassembling, the pilot holes don’t line up? (4) Your pictures show that the rocker panels might have been replaced. Is this a correct assumption? (5) Did the two old-timers now trying to reassemble the parts strip the car apart or are we talking about two different guys? (6) What was used to prep the top and underside of the hood (± 40 square feet) for the new paint? Was it sandblasted? Thanks. ▲ This is a Buick factory photo. Notice the gaps and alignment. ▲ This is not a Buick factory photo. ▲ Neither is this one. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 “500 Miles West of Flint”

Forget about my previous comment on false economics if you decide to build a SKYMASTER. Something to think about: none of the OE 12-piece 1953 Buick Skylark-only sweep spear trim will work as-is on your 4" longer wheelbase Super with two additional door handles. All your trim (16 pieces?) would have to be custom made. OE 1953 Skylark trim is solid 1/8" thick and the finish is polished stainless steel . . . not chrome-plated like some Buick experts claim. In addition, the trim is not flat. All pieces are peaked down the middle anywhere from .02 to .03 inches (1/32"?) when I measured mine with digital calipers. Widths vary from 7/8"-wide on the front and rear fenders and taper-up to 1 7/8"-wide on the curved pieces just fore and aft of the rear wheels. Threaded studs on the backside are 1/4" in diameter x 3/4" in length. I can provide more dimensions and end details should you decide to custom make something similar. Go for it! Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

I sent your rebuilder some info last night but I thought I would post it here since I don't have any info for comparison. Maybe someone else on this Forum can help out. - The parts books show that all 1948-1952 Roadmaster Dynaflow transmissions use the same secondary pump. You are thinking different. - The box is printed with the correct Group 4.110 and Part Number 1341725 for a 1948-1952 Roadmaster 70-series Dynaflow secondary pump. - The parts books show that the 1949 Super 50-series and all 1950-1952 Special 40- and Super 50-series Dynaflow transmissions use a different numbered secondary pump, Part Number 1341727. You might have a part for the smaller-series Dynaflow's. You need to compare the number of vanes between the OE smaller and larger series. Did someone do a switcheroo of parts using the same box? Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

Don't worry about not being correct. Wow the crowds. With today's BCA judges, they continue to hand-out gold trophies based on the most non-authentic and most overly-restored Buicks in the 400-point competition Classes. Can I convince you to open up the four wheel-well openings and adding a set of wires to your Estate Wagon? Be the first to build a 1952 SKYMASTER PROTOTYPE, retaining the longer 125.5" wheel-base, straight-eight engine and side-opening hood but deleting your front-fender portholes. If you would consider going with the 1953 solid stainless steel sweep spear trim, let me know. The above rendering was posted on this Forum in 2017. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

I'm thinking that you're going about it backwards trying to determine a dimension that is not critical. If you are planning on duplicating the slope of the two rear corner posts as on an OE Model 59 or 79 wagon, the angle of slope plus the dimension of where those posts intersect at the height and horizontal distance forward from the top and back edge of the rear tail light trim would be the only two dimensions that would be critical in my estimation. The overall length from the pin in the antenna to the rear edge of the roof would be what it winds up to be. Just going off a picture on the internet, I came up with a ± 30° angle that slopes forward from true vertical for the slope of the posts. The exact angle along with the second dimension, tailgate and gravel pan-width dimensions would have to be verified off a 1950-1953 Buick Estate Wagon. There are a couple of Wagons in Minnesota that are listed in the current BCA Membership Roster; you might want to hook up and get to know one of the Owners. IMO it's a tough conversion to complete just using two cars with the same wheelbase . . . let alone having to stretch the top and rear windows to compensate for the 4"-difference in the two wheelbases. False economics? Good luck. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

It would be interesting to know what the judges gigged you for when they came up with 399/400 points. All your other posted pictures tell a different story. Did the BCA judges question or ask you for proof (Buick documentation) on why you finished the two items as shown in the above picture? (1) Why is your frame stencil-painted White upside down and it shows that the frame was intended for a 1954 SPECIAL 46C Convertible and not for a Model 100 1954 SKYLARK Convertible? (2) Why is the underside of the body tub painted to match the topside of the tub? Before you painted the underside Malibu Blue, were you aware that 1954 Buicks left the assembly plant with a red-oxide primer coat? Would you call painting it body-color authentic? Thanks. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

The Red paint used for 1953 and 1954 emblems was most likely Matador Red, a standard paint color choice for both years. I suspected something was going haywire toward the end of September when the site showed that Jan didn't check in since June, didn't return PMs and one couldn't sign up as a newbie. You wonder if the "big boys" had anything to do with shutting him down. I often questioned whether he was ever granted a license or permission to duplicate that stuff. Jan had a lot of hours and dollars putting that together and reproducing all the salesman's facts books, showroom albums, brochures, etc. that he advertised on eBay. Then again, it might be for other personal reasons. Hope for the best and just my opinion here. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

You might have if you recall reading the articles in the shiny-paper collector-car magazines on the one-off 1953 Buick Skylark Hardtop that rolled off the assembly line as a 1953 Buick Roadmaster 76R two-door hardtop and was later customized by Buick to test the concept of marketing a 1953 Buick Skylark Hardtop. The following link shows three of the four components that made up a complete installation: (1) the photo eye mounted on top of the instrument panel in front of the driver; (2) a "black-box" power unit amplifier that was mounted on the topside of the left-front inner-fender, and (3) an electrical relay located nearby. The fourth component was a foot switch that over-rode the automatic headlight controller. Check out the 5th and 7th pictures here: https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0109-77220/ Here are two more pics of another installation, this one on a 1953 Buick Skylark 76X convertible, that was advertised for sale on this BCA Forum years ago. Who knows, it might still be for sale. Note the relay below the "black box" that is mounted on the firewall this time, near the removable inspection panel above the steering column. Yea, it would be tight trying to work in this area. The location of the photo eye was moved on the "improved" Guide-Matic installation to the center of the instrument panel. The photo eye now had an added switch for drivers to adjust when the headlights dimmed. The possibility of knowing and ordering one of these un-announced accessories on a 1953-195? Buick was probably greater if you bought your Buick from a multi-marque Dealership (like BOP or Buick-Chevrolet) where the Autronic-Eye was an available option on their other marque(s). One question remains: why would you want to spend the money and install an Autronic-Eye or Guide-Matic on your Buick when you know there were problems with them plus the fact of trying to find someone in the know on how to repair them? Just my two cents worth. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

No dents on the only one I have for the passenger side . . . in its original box . . . never been on a car. Check out the part numbers. First $250 includes shipping to any of the 48 states. Add for all other addresses. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

Here's a drawing that Buick never provided to 1953-1954 Buick Owners with power brakes . . . Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

You tell us. Order half what you need from Bob's and the other half from CARS and report back to us with what you found out. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

One month later and you have a second shot at buying it for $92K. https://www.ebay.com/itm/223709618466?_trksid=p11021.c100851.m5053&_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20170803121420%26meid%3D6537bcc1f0ef4cdf920bab145d0d6313%26pid%3D100851%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26b%3D1%26sd%3D362783327832%26itm%3D223709618466%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D11021&ul_noapp=true Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

♦ The parking brake lever assembly under the instrument panel is the same for all 1953 Buick Super 50-series and Roadmaster 70-series models. (edit: The Skylark is a Roadmaster 76X Model.) ♦ The parking brake cable length is the same for all 1953 Buicks EXCEPT for the 4"-longer (125.5"-wheelbase) Super 52 and Roadmaster 72R four-door sedans. ♦ The rear brake cable length (from the right-rear wheel to the left-rear wheel) is the same for all 1953 Buick Super 50-series and Roadmaster 70-series models. ♦ There are numerous earlier 121.5"-long wheelbase Buicks that use the same parking brake lever assemblies and cables. Let me know if you need additional interchange year/model info. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

First year for Buick's alligator-style opening hood. All ±487,000 1953 Buick Specials, Supers and Roadmasters used the same hood springs: Group 8.013, Part #1161630. They are not listed as Interchangeable with any other year or marque. Why re-invent the wheel? Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

1953 Buicks used screws for both the Body by Fisher Number Plate (located on top of the cowl, passenger side of the engine compartment) and the Car Serial Number tag that was located on either the driver's door latch-jamb or forward of the stainless steel door-sill trim near the A-pillar. 1954 Buick's used rivets on both items. (EDIT: The 1954 Buick Body by Fisher Number Plate remained on top of the cowl similar to the 1953 but the Car Serial Number tag was relocated to the A-pillar below the driver's-door top hinge.) Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

The results of the RM/Sotheby’s Fall Auction in Auburn, Indiana, reported that the subject 1954 Skylark sold for $67,100 “inclusive of applicable buyer’s fees.” FWIW. A repaint and a correct standard Trim package would easily put the total cost in the six-figure bracket. A $100 reproduction Body by Fisher Number Plate with correct TRIM and PAINT code numbers would not devalue any Skylark. There are weirdo stories out there where you read about owners painting their cars to match their wife’s underwear or the color of her favorite dress. This not-even-close to a Casino Beige Skylark, painted a peachy-tan, might be one of those cars. 1954 SKYLARK PAINT COLORS ♦ In the early 1990’s, the ’53-’54 BUICK SKYLARK CLUB published a list of 83 1954 Skylark owner’s names of which 71 (8% of all 1954 Buick Skylarks built) reported their exterior paint color. Out of the standard 19 color choices 1954 Skylark customers had to choose from, 15 colors were represented on the list. Starting with the most common, here were the results: 13 Arctic White 12 Malibu Blue + 2 reported as only “Blue” 11 Carlsbad Black 9 Lido Green + 1 reported as “light Green” and 2 as “Green” 5 Titian Red + 1 reported as “Maroon” 4 Condor Yellow 3 Gulf Turquoise (not available until March) 1 each: Gull Grey (see fourth post above this one), Jordan Grey, Tunis Blue, Cavalier Blue, Ranier Blue, Baffin Green, Willow Green, Matador Red 0 Casino Beige, Marlin Blue*, Ocean Mist Green*, Aztec Green* (* = discontinued in March) ♦ imotors’ Malibu Blue Skylark was not included in the above list. ♦ The 1954 GM Motorama's 1954 Skylark (#1 built ?) and the last 1954 Skylark built (#836), both painted Condor Yellow, were not included in the above list. ♦ IMO, If you multiply the above quantities by 12, that just might be a close representation to what the actual Skylark production-run colors and quantities were for all 836 Skylarks . . . at least for the top six most common colors. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 “500 Miles West of Flint”

A Master Parts Book says that one #10-32 x 7/16" round slotted-head bolt holds each of the two map lights to the instrument panel's control plate. A light and a mirror reflecting what's behind the instrument panel should give you a better idea where this plate and bolt is. Good luck. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

The auction docket for this Skylark never mentions that the 'Lark is painted Casino Beige. IMO, the pictures do not show a true representation of Casino Beige paint on this non-original repainted Skylark. The incorrect matching instrument panel and steering wheel along with the questionable upholstery colors don’t help with the style points either. The color appears to have more of a peachy-tan look although it could be due to camera/lighting/copying/computer issues. 1954 Buick Casino Beige was one of the least common of the 19 standard paint choices that were available on a 1954 Buick Skylark at one time or another during the 1954 production run. There could have been a good reason why: only four standard interior upholstery-color choices were available for 1954 Skylark customers . . . all Red, light/dark Green, light/dark Blue and Cream/Black. An all-Red would have been the no-brainer logical choice. Not everyone likes Red. A more subtle look with the correct Casino Beige paint formula could be achieved with an all-Red TRIM #65 interior, Black convertible top and Black brake drums and inner wheel-well panels. Check out another Casino Beige repaint job toward the bottom of this recent Thread that looks to be closer to the real McCoy: https://forums.aaca.org/topic/322466-2019-mason-dixon-aaca-museum-show-june-22-2019/ Al Malachowski BCA #8965 “500 Miles West of Flint”

Welcome aboard. Your wagon will definitely draw the crowds more-so than the two-door coupes or four-door sedans. I saw your other Thread looking for wheel suggestions. Ran across this wagon with Michigan license plates a couple of weeks ago at the 2019 Minnesota Street Rod Association's BACK TO THE FIFTIES car show that drew an announced-11,345 registrations 1964 and older and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUSTANGS allowed. What do you think? Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

FWIW. It looks like a "36" to me (for 1936?) and not "GO" . . . the font fits the era too. Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"

Not mine. Serial Number on frame looks like 1607981 and falls within the range for 1926 Buicks. https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/pts/d/forest-lake-buick-frame-with-wooden/6924498476.html Al Malachowski BCA #8965 "500 Miles West of Flint"