buick4547

As I'm sure you know, the tail lights on my '39 Buick and other 30's and 40's Buick are not very noticeable and the brake lights aren't exactly over powering. I'm always a little nervous about folks following me and not paying attention to those relatively small taillites low on the rear fenders. I've thought about adding, as a temporary arrangement, tail/brake lights in the rear window of my car to guard against rear end collisions - much like modern cars have. I would do it in some temporary fashion so I could remove them when showing the car. I'm really not sure where to acquire such an arrangement, especially a 6 volt system. Has anyone here done this kind of thing, and if so, I'd be interested in what they did. I'm thinking some kind of trailer light to be used for this purpose. Any ideas? Thanks, Jim

I know I'm way late, but I could really use one of those for my '39. The green lens is gone - don't know where it went. Am I too late?

Thanks Jake, I'll take your advice and socialize a lot. By the way, I attended Iowa State and am a Cyclone fan, (everyone needs a cross to bear), so I know the area a little too. Hope to see you there.

Sure does help! Thanks all for your help! I'm really looking forward to the meet. Jim Cushman

Okay, one more clarification please. By registering in advance I think you mean that I need to get my registration form sent in soon - like now. I think I get that and will do that. But is it also imperative that I am there on Tuesday, July 27 between 4:00 and 8:00 PM which is when registration opens, or can I show up on Wednesday to register? What are the problems with showing up after Tuesday, i.e.: the next day?

I want to thank everone for responding to my questions. Your responses are really helpful. I gather fron the responses that registering early is the most important item to take care of. I'm sending in my registration form I received with The Bugle today. I guess that is what you meanby registering early -right?. I'm going to do the "Archival Judged" thing, but I'm not so sure I'm ready for judging. I'd like to get the flavor of a national first. Thanks again to everyone for being so helpful! Jim

Although I have been the proud owner of a 1939 Buick Model 48 for over 30 years, and a BCA memeber for 20, I plan on attending my first National this July in Ames. Because I'm new to the national I have a few questions. 1. I notice that registration opens on Tuesday, July 27th. I assume that a person can register at any time after that, in my case on Wednesday because that is the earliest that I can get there. Is this correct, and how late can I register, and still be part of the show? 2. This may be a silly question, but I've never shyed away from asking those kind: If you enter your car into one of the judged or display only categories is it "tied up", (that is can't be used), only on Friday, the day of judging, or are you expected to have it parked in the display area most of the week? I told you it might be a silly question. 3. My car is basically an original car and not restored, with the exception of making the car safe and road worthy; new brakes, shocks, battery, front end work, etc. However the paint, engine and interior are original and sound but with minar flaws, bumps and bruises that come with 70 years of use. I am trying to decide whether to enter the car in the class entitled "Archival Judged" or simply "Display only". I'm thinking "Archival", just for the fun of seeing how it is judged. What are the pros and cons between the two classes? 4. Finally, I see a "Driven Class" listed on the application form to be judged on Saturday, July 31, but I don't see this class listed on the upper portion of the form with the other classes. Why not? Thanks for putting up with a newby to the Nationals. And thanks for any answers you might provide to my questions.

Thanks, Dizzy. I'll try HUNLEY.

I am considering the purchase of new running board rubber for my 1939 Buick Model 48, 2-door. I can purchase it from Bob's Automobilia . I have two questions: 1. Have you purchased runningboard matting from Bob's, and if so, what was your reaction to the quality of the product? Is the product true to the original? Is the pattern the same and is it formed to original specs? 2. What is the best way to remove the old matting and what are the critical steps to consider when installing the new rubber? Thanks for your help.

I live in Omaha, but I am a native Iowan as well as an Iowa State Cyclone fan so I know a little something about the Iowa State Center area. This area is made to order for the National. There are tons of hard surface parking area due to the close proximity of Jack Trice Football Stadium and Hilton Coliseum Basketball Arena. It is all "right" there. In addition, there are large expanses of grassey areas as a part of the center. The Reimer Gardens are right there as well, and are gorgeous. The Butterfly Exhibit is just amazing. It is a huge butterfly house with many butterflies flying everywhere. They check you as you leave the house to insure you don't have exotic butterflies stuck on your clothes, and you may well have them. Really neat. I'm excited about this choice. I think Buick visitors will be too.

I too attended many a meeting and Thursday morning coffees with Ralph here in Omaha. A real gentleman who will be missed. My '39 Model 48 two door runs well due to parts and invaluable advise provided by Ralph. He was always there to help! A "Special", "Super" guy who was a "Roadmaster" of all things Buick. I really miss him.

I'm looking for a universal Cowl Mount radio antennae for my '39 Buick. This antennae mounts on the side of the cowl attched with two mountings. Where can I get one?