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with all that is going on with Buick remember things could be worse. Consider.... A week ago monday I bought a Chrysler 300M. When I got it home last thursday it was with the realizarion that it is no longer a Chrysler but a Fiat (Fix It Again Tony). Maybe it takes an oldtimer like myself to remember Fiats introduction to this country. What a disaster Fiat was back then and now they own Chrysler! Sad, so sad

I am trying to make a good speedomenter out of the stuff I have but failiing badly. Mostly in need of a good chrome bezel and also the odometer numbers in reasonable clean conditions but happy to buy the whole spedometer head. I know the 48 is black background but I can fix that easy. Thanks..... Paul

Definatly float stuck from most likely dirt in needle and seat. Fuel system surly must have it's share of crap floating around including the carb. You can rebuild the carb as it probably needs it after 20 years sitting but the sticking float problem may continue till all the tank and line crap passes through. An inline filter may help to. Good luck

I sold one 7 or 8 years ago that didnt have a bottom. Was paid $200 for it and the buyer was very happy to get it

No offence taken John D. Not at all. Can you picture a straight 8 engine laying in a front wheel drive sideways and hooked up to the transaxle? the car would have to be 8 feet wide to accomodate it.... lets give a thanks to 63 specialdix. He appears to be very familiar with the 3800 and knows how to keep one going.

I was being sarcastic JohnD. The straight 8 had it's place in history as a fine and strong engine. So has the nailhead, the wedge 400/455 the 3800 as examples. Unfortunately the long and good history for the 3800 has been comprimized with the last series and that plastic intake manifold. I buy and rebuild late model wrecks for extra income and because of what I have seen with the recent 3800 I tend to shy away from cars with this engine. It is a shame. I well remember how great the 3800 used to be.

JOHND1956 has your probable answer. The 3800 is not as wonderful an engine it sometimes pretends to be. If the exaust is blowing steam, it smells like antifreeze you have a common problem to this engine. The intake manifold gasket let go. Pull off the intake and replace it. If you continue to run the engine it will seize up. The problem has nothing to do with the cars poor maintenance. Simply poor engineering on GMs part. They should have stuck with the straight eight huh?

Interesting car for sure. Stains on interior look to be mold tho. It may be very difficult to get that moldy smell out of it..... Think of all the money one could make with it doing weddings ETC.

a pair is on ebay right now but the auction ends later on today (sunday). Listed under "1948 buick" or type in the auction number 110338640625 I hope you see this in time Paul

Pat.... If you are all set with Lee I could also use some Trim. I am restoring a 47 Convertible model 76C. Need the chrome pieces that are on the door top. One is "U" shaped the other being about an inch wide. I already have the stainless piece that goes there. Paul

Bobs Automobilia in Calif has a general purpose clip that worked well for me on my 47 Buick trim. You have to cut the clip down to exact size but they do work excelent. I cut them close and did final fitting using the bench grinder and then slid them onto the trim piece

my appolagies Buick Bonery. I thought you were looking for window assemblies and interior parts. I would never jump ahead of anyone in a thread. Paul, if you wish to sell some trim after Buick Bonery is all set, get back to me.

I saw that rusty 47 convertible a couple year sago in central Massachusetts. It has since seen the inside of a crusher and has by now probably come back as a Hyunde. Hey Paul.... If your interested in selling a few pieces of trom from that 48 Convertible let me know pirate3200@aol.com

A very difficult parts car to find. Not sure there is a 47 or 48 convertible parts car in existance. I have looked for a few years and only found one that was so far rusted that it was close to simply being a part of the ground is sat on. There are parts around tho and with a diligent search you will probably come up with everything you need. Good luck in your search.

I have installed a lot of timing chains in my life and Buicks "count the teeth" is the most confusing. I recently did the 11 tooth thingie and the engine runs fine. So you have faith in your work and have at it.

I should be understood that an engine that had been in use back in 1952 has used a non detergant oil and since the engine has a non detergant life it is best you continue using the same type oil unless you do a complete clean out during a rebuild. To use a detergant now will lift the sludge and damage all your moving parts in the engine

Sometimes , if it has been years since the engine was apart a sludge will build up on the lower sides of the lifters that makes it difficult to simply lift them out. You may have to spray lots of lacquer thinner or similar stuff on lower part of lifter and continue working the lifter out and back in to get the sludge off enought to get the lifter out. 16 lifter that need this done can be time consuming. I have put lacquer thinner in an oil spray gun

Hi Chris....it is in the post office mail. Glad I could help

I got a couple extra sets. Chrome is "driver" quality but cables are good. $25 including shipping ok for a pair?

Bobs in California. Nice people there and they will work with you and make sure you get the right parts.

I always forget to bring a camara.

I live close by the car so I went to see it Saturday. It is a very well taken care of Reatta. New paint is good and other than the paint is is all origional and fairly decent. Brake booster dont work and the typical bad serpentine belt adjuster bearing is all that I could see needed to put this car back in motion. AC has been converted to 134a but needs a shot to make is good and cold again.

Yup, we need details. Exactly what is this car. A Roadmaster 4 door, 2 door, convertable?

Yup, we need details. Exactly what is this car. A Roadmaster 4 door, 2 door, convertable?

It all boils down to whether you want to activate the coil mechanically or electronically. As for me, I use points in a car that origionally came with points. Advantages are many. Electronic parts can't be tinkered to work again when they fail. Points can. gap them with a match book (close enough to work)clean them by sliding a dollar bill thru them (20 dollar bill if you want to impress the bystanders. You can even file the points to get them working again. It is nearly impossible for a set of points to leave one stranded. We can't say that about electronics. Properly installed points are good for about 12 thousand miles without service. Throw them out and gap in a new set, clean and grease the cam, check the cap with a dwell meter and the 15 minute job is all set for another 12 thousand miles.