48Super

I recently made the valve spring and seal modifications recommended by Bill Jasper in the February issue of the Buick BUGLE and the results were great,the smoking problem with my '48 56C has beeen eliminated. My engine had been rebuilt 12 years ago and has smoked when first started up ever since. Installing a second rebuilt head with all new valve guides etc. still did not cure the problem. Using the method outlined in the BUGLE, you sustitute single valve springs for the original dual spring set up which allows seals to be installed on the valve guides. The new valve springs and seals fit perfectly and the job is not that difficult if you have the right tools. I made a very simple spring compressor tool which used a bolt at one end that threaded into the rocker arm support block mounting holes and I can supply a picture or sketch to anyone interested in performing this repair on their own car. The valve springs are NAPA #212-1084 (they fit 1959-1962 Chevy 235 6 cyl) and the seals are NAPA #216-1206 (they fit Chevy big block engines). It took about 4 hours to do the job and the engine runs great and the smoke cloud at startup is gone. This is just another example of the value of belonging to a BCA. I probably would never have learned about this repair otherwise. Its great when "old time" knowledge get passed along. I hope this can be of help to other Buick owners.

I believe that electrical connector you need is available new but I cannot find the exact source. I was able to purchase a replacement back about 10 years ago when I broke mine. You may have to do a bit of internet searching to find it. I think it would be best to avoid a used part because it is likely to be as brittle as your original one. Dropping the pan and replacing the connector is messy but not terribly difficult. Take your time and you'll be OK.

Just a note of caution: Be VERY gentle when you squeeze the tabs on the switch housing. The plastic will probably be brittle from the heat and exposure to transmission fluid for all those years. I broke one of these on my '64 Riviera and it was hard to find a replacement (expensive too!). If you are careful, you should be able to remove the switch without any problems. Good Luck

Don, I have a 1948 Super Convertible so think I can give you some good advice. First, the jack just lays loose in the trunk. I keep mine in the area under the convertible top well. The trunk material is only used on the bottom surfaces of the trunk and the board over the spare. The side trim and trim for the rear of the top well is made from painted door panel cardboard;lots of upholstery places sell it. The correct color is kind of a grey/brown (taupe). The edges of the trim cardboard are finished with a sewn on edging. I hope the picture will give you an idea of what it should look like.

Buick first offered hydraulically operated windows (front only) and seat in 1946. The system was virtually unchanged through 1948. There are a number of sources for replacement cylinders and rebuilt pumps for these cars.

Check out this car on Ebay. For sale is '48 Super Sedan with a turbocharged straight 8. Looks to be a professional installation which was done some time back. Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buick-Bui...589528138QQrdZ1 Has anyone ever seen a similiar installation?

I'm interested in finding any factory pictures of the engine or engine compartments of 1948 Buicks (possibly assembly line photos). There are some little details I want to see such as the correct oil filter decal placement, heater hose appearance and ignition wire markings. I've never seen a picture taken when these cars were new but I thought someone may have just what I'm looking for. Thanks!

Hi Guys, I've been visiting this site for quite a while and finally decided I should join so I could take advantage of all the knowledge that is out there. My question is about the correct decals and their location on the oil filter for a '48 Super. The shop manual shows a rectangular decal located on the upper portion of the housing. Is there also supposed to be an "AC" decal (yellow&black) located on the cover? Many years ago, I remember seeing an all original '48 Roadmaster and I thought it only had the single decal (I believe it was white). The only decal I have found that resembles the one I remember is orange in color and is for a P127 element (hydraulic lifters). The cars which did not have hydraulic lifters supposedly had a C115 element. Does anyone know if the correct decal is available? I'd really appreciate hearing from someone with an original car who can clear this up for me. I've attached a picture of the car as I thought you might enjoy seeing it. Thanks!