TG57Roadmaster

Joel, That beauty is a 1928 Hudson Roadster, and the hood ornament/radiator cap is correct. It rides on a 118" wheelbase, has a 288.5 cu.in. six-cylinder engine and cost $1295.00 new. A rumbleseat made it a 2-4 passenger car, and with the windshield folded down looks quite racy. You can see the pride of ownership by your family member, and lots of folks are going to enjoy the picture. You should be able to find some existing examples in the Hudson Essex Terraplane (HET) Club. What a car! Tom Gibson

This one's for Bessie, It's from the '40 Buick Salesman's Facts Book. Shows the tire sizes, and manufacturers as U.S. Royal, Firestone, and Goodyear. Given that WW's were optional, what was the $152 in "equip. & access." spent on? Radio, under-dash heater, underseat heater, outside rear view mirror, vaccuum booster for windshield wipers and minor accessories, all cost extra. How cool to have the original invoice! Just the facts, Ma'am, Sergeant Friday (aka Tom Gibson)

Dear unclefogey, A thousand pardons for my confusion re the <span style="font-weight: bold">10 milk cans</span> . In my haste to scan the image, I didn't even bother to read the text for the '41 Special Business Coupe. I've re-scanned it for my original reply, which is above. It's not just any ol' postcard image...it's straight from the 10"x14" 1941 Buick Brochure. As Specials were "priced just above the low-priced three", the ad agency boys had to milk every opportunity for sales (a baaad pun). That the text for this beautiful, yet affordable car reached all the way into the Heartland speaks volumes on Buick's unique place in the industry. Farmers could own Buicks, and so could captains of industry, royalty, movie stars and other assorted rich folks. Witness the interior of the '41 Limited Formal Sedan, from the huge 14"x16" Limited Prestige Brochure. Why bother toting the cans to and fro' the milkhouse, waiting for the Milkman, when you could get 3 or 4 <span style="font-weight: bold">cows</span> in back and go right to town? Cut out the middle man. But then there's that pesky spring issue again. Admittedly, I howled when I finally "got it", the 10 can thing, on arriving home after dinner at a friend's tonight (we were <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> drinking milk). Thanks for sharing your memories of those bygone days. Glad you "Got Milk", Tom Gibson

My source shows the range of motor numbers for the 1940 Series 40 as: 43786214 to 44074857. Your motor number 44016174 falls within that range. Tom Gibson

I think your jack is a <span style="font-weight: bold">Blackhawk</span> from the late-'30's. If you can find anyone who has "MoToR" magazines from that era, the Milwaukee-based company may be the answer, since they routinely advertised, usually at the very front of the magazine. By the late-'40's, their jacks had taken on a more streamlined look. If it is a Blackhawk, you've got one awesome floor jack, but then, you already know that. <span style="font-weight: bold">Hein-Werner</span> out of Waukesha, WI, is a very distant second choice. Here's a side-by-side comparo of the two, from "Motor Service", a monthly book targeted at jobbers. Blackhawks had open front wheels and rectangular lift pads. Our Blackhawk is like the one here, and it, too needs overhauling. Tom Gibson

Uncle Fogey, What's with the TEN GALLON MILK CANS? It's a bit early in the day, but I'll have what you're having! Here's a little period nugget I found while looking for something else. From top to bottom are; LaSalle, Terraplane, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Dodge...all '34's, all sporting blackwalls. Tom Gibson

Here's a 3/4 side view of the '31 Model 86 "discovered" yesterday. Signing off from Planet Mongo, Tom Gibson

I feel like I'm lost in some parallel universe, 'cause yesterday my buddy Dave & I found a 1931 Buick Model 86. The one (above) on ebay restored in the '70's that ended tonight did not make its reserve ($25,101.00), though it was bid up to $25,100.00. The one (below) needs <span style="font-weight: bold">everything</span> , but it's rather complete, and runs. Just not very far. Body # 3218. The price this one's going for (Enquiring minds want to know), a mere $7000. That one on ebay sure was a purty car, but why do I feel the sudden urge to go on a fishing expedition? Tom Gibson

pakkrat & Pontiac 59 really make sense, especially when you look at the stuff at the latter's link. The 13mm China wrench analogy is right on target, and credit should be given when it's due. The folks that make something great from virtually nothing invest just as much sweat and dollar equity as the ones craving that (oh-so-essential, the world will stop spinning tomorrow if I don't get it) ACME Car Club Grand National Imperial Poobah Award. You can't deny it, they usually <span style="font-weight: bold">drive</span> their cars, rather than having their people deliver them in 18 wheeled climate-controlled conveyances, Sikorsky Helicopters or by way of Cleopatra's Barge. The flip side to rodding is the off-with-your-head attitude of the nouveau riche who've just paid a King's Ransom at auction for, say, Boyd's Chezoom. I read in the National Enquirer that it's carried everywhere on the backs of 20 or more serfs; never touches ground. But if they still insist on being the ultimate used car Czars, and <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> want see a return on their "investment", I highly recommend the 1897 Faberge Imperial Coronation Egg. Lost in the Twilight Zone, Tom Gibson

And just to whet your appetite, lying in repose across from Mr. Henry was "The '49", a 68K mile original Roadmaster, layed up since 1964, too. The '49's a work in progress, soon to debut at a car show near you (if you live in the southeast). The story of how we acquired them (and more) will be told another day. Follow <span style="font-weight: bold">every</span> lead, no matter how obscure it may seem at the time! Tom Gibson

I forgot to mention that, as many are aware, the tailfin on the '48 Cadillac came about by a pre-Pearl Harbor visit by Harley Earl and some staffers to see the new (and top-secret) Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Its twin-boom engine cowls and rudders set the tone for GM's first postwar Caddy redesign. The Connie possesses similar design elements clearly seen in the Caddy's rear fender and, of course, the famous fins. When I told my dad (now deceased) about the shoot, he told me that the Constellation was the first plane he ever thought that <span style="font-weight: bold">looked</span> like it could fly; it's a beautiful bird, no doubt. The '47 Roadmaster is a 75K mile original, unrestored example that looks as good today as it did then; you may have seen it at the many shows it regularly attends, in the HPOF class, natch! This is how "Mr. Henry" (in homage to its owner) looked when we discovered it in 1989, after 25 years of peaceful slumber. Tom Gibson

Greetings, transportation lovers, Larger Do you have a fetching photo of old planes and cars? Or ships and cars? Trains and cars? Many in the hobby appreciate all modes of transport, kind of a cross-over aspect that's often overlooked. Let's lift off on a new thread, starting with this shot of a 1946 Lockheed Constellation, a '47 Roadmaster and '48 Fleetwood. About 12 years ago, I was on the phone to my buddy Dave, who owns these cars but stores them here, and caught the last moments of a TV news piece saying that the MATS Connie would be laying over in Greenville, SC for a couple of days. I called the downtown airport the next morning, asking if I could bring a couple of old cars for a photo op. Given permission from the tower, my expatriate Finnish pilot (and car-loving) friend Leo drove the '48, and I the '47, to the shoot. To my amazement, they let us pull right up on the tarmac to the Connie so I could get the shot(s). Even in a post 9/11 world this can still be done, if you ask real nice. So ladies and gentleman, start your engines, we're cleared for take-off! TG

One definition of the word forum is, "a public meeting place for open discussion", which these certainly are. When I found the '37 Buick 80C above, out of the 1155 made, there were 15 known examples listed in the BCA Roster. That's a survival rate of 1.3%, not bad when you consider how rare the cars were when new. Let's say there a few still hidden from view and the rate jumps to 1.5%, if we're lucky. That '37 needed to be restored, not rodded, and the only reason the latter occurred was so a smarmy "Classic Car Dealer" could turn a quick buck. With a finite number of old cars to spread around the growing number of folks who want to get into the "hobby", can't you understand just a little why it's so important to save the unmolested examples as they are, blemishes and all? The clubs have begun to recognize this, and there are places, even divisions in the clubs for them. They're only original once, and to me, when restored or rodded, take on the look of a tarted-up streetwalker. I applaud the clubs' foresight and dedication to what for many is the only practical way to be involved in this love affair for the automobile. "Live and let live", absolutely. But don't think for a minute that the BUICK PEOPLE are the only ones being critical. It's your pile of money, spend it (or not) any way you wish. Just remember that the next time you see an ad in Hemmings or the local for sale rag that reads, "1937 Buick (or Packard or Ford or...) for sale, chassis and running gear only", that's one more consigned to history, lost forever. Think of the film, "It's A Wonderful Life", when at the end, after hearing a bell ring on the Christmas tree, Jimmy Stewart's daughter says, "Daddy, teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!" Sadly, the ka-chings we're hearing lately are pointed in the other direction; the only things going Heavenward are the prices. Caveat emptor, Tom Gibson

If you decide to go with blackwalls, there a two correct factory colors for Carlsbad Black bodies. The Buick Master Parts Book lists these wheel colors: Carlsbad Black (DULUX # 94-20300) with Silver Stripe (DULUX # 289-4202) (Opt.) Dante Red (DULUX # 82-20383) with Silver Stripe (DULUX # 289-4202) It's a hard call to make; I can't recall ever seeing Dante Red wheels & silver stripe with blackwalls. The red wheels really dress up a black Buick with whitewalls. The black wheels & silver stripe would look good with whitewalls and blackwalls. So now there are four choices (sorry). As for powder coating, isn't the standard procedure for painting wheels just to add hardener to the paint during the mixing process? Your wheels should shine like your paint. Radials will totally change the look of your car. I've taken my bias-plied Buick all over the country, on all types of roads & highways (contruction zones included) without any problems. The debate rages, but I don't see the need for radials, period. In 30K plus miles since I've had her, I'm now on my second set of Coker Classic whitewalls. They don't yellow if you clean 'em properly and often. Here's a '41, Bandelier Blue with red wheels and WW's, but it's a 328Kb file and will blow up well. Print out a good size copy on bright white paper and black out the red (leaving the white, reflective area) to see the black wheel WW version. You already know what your black wheel BW combo looks like. In my humble opinion, your car would look swell with blackwalls. I agree with the others on that point. It would almost be refreshing, and your car would stand out from all others...dressed up with the silver stripe, hubcaps and trim rings. Tom Gibson

JD, More like "Holy carp", as it sure looks like a bottom-feeder to me! I'm surprized the owner doesn't have a bumper sticker saying, "Officer, STOP THIS CAR, & bring the K-9 Squad!" Tom Gibson

Zowie Stuart, You really know how to get us going! A great photo; I wonder if there are any company shots in Flint or Detroit. I'll do my darndest to find out, as I have to go up there soon. Are Barnet Glass Aerotypes similar to our Goodyear Balloon tyres (the spelling's for you) of the era? It's most refreshing to discover something new, and proves that at times one must go to the ends of the Earth in that quest. Thanks VERY much for sharing it with us. Tom Gibson

So YOU were the one who showed David Buick how to put porcelain on cast iron bathtubs. One of life's great mysteries solved. Betcha never saw a prettier '50 Buick grille than this one, either. Tom Gibson

I think all the forums are a GREAT way to express the many facets of the hobby. It's like shopping around at a swap meet; you wouldn't go to Hershey or the other large shows, stop at one or two vendors, then gripe 'cause you didn't find the widget you're looking for, would you? Shop around, spend some time, share your experience/knowledge/expertise. Of special interest personally are the challenging What Is It's?; Help me ID this car. I don't think we realize how important it is for folks, especially novices, to find out that Granny's sitting in a (fill in the year, make, model) car. At least they want to know, which is more than can be said for most. Is it better for guesstimates or vague reminiscences to replace the truth? It's like when you're watching a great old B&W movie, and the villain's '41 Limited goes over the cliff, bursting into flames. The trouble is, they usually cut to a clapped-out Chevy (or worse, a scale model) to blow up. That kind of thing drives me NUTS, and noticing those little differences is what sets separates the men from the boys, the women from the girls. 99.5% of viewers go, What a cool crash! It's MADDENING, but that's a whole thread in itself! Boring? Never. In need of improvements? Hopefully always. Respectfully, Tom Gibson

Last but not least, here's one of the fine autos routinely found at Charlotte AutoFair. I can't recall, but it was either a Model 58 (119" WB) or 68 (128" WB), with an old repaint, and original, very presentable interior. It showed up several years ago, had fairly low mileage, and the price was around $20K. The cars are out there folks. Happy hunting! Tom Gibson

Here's the color interior shot from the same brochure. TG

It took awhile to realize I had these, but here's the '34 Model 41 as shown in the brochure heralding its initial release. The '35's were virtually the same, and both of these years are among my all-time favorites. The artistic license not withstanding, there's a timeless beauty in all the series that's unbeatable. Tom Gibson

You folks Down Under are lucky indeed to have such beauties; the black roadster in the old ad speaks a thousand words. It's almost worth a trip to other side of the planet just to see one. What never ceases to amaze is the effusive drivel that goes hand-in-hand with "Classic Car Dealer's" attempts to foist "One-Off Custom Ownership Opportunities" on an unsuspecting public. Okay, I'm guilty (here) of a bit o' drivel, but compare the right 3/4 rear shot of the Red Car to the beauty of line on the real '34 Roadster posted above. The "Masterfully-Executed All-Steel Bodywork" doesn't even fit around the doors, looking increasingly lousier as you go back. Honestly, the toolbox I made (and still have) in 8th grade shop class exhibits better attention to detail. And once you've parted with your $58,900, the Red Car can only be shown in the BCA Modified Division. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but since it doesn't have the requisite 350 small-block & Mustang front end, even the Rod Crowd would turn their noses up. Doubtless the "Midwestern Packard Man" needed to recoup some of his losses; he shoulda thrown the wads of cash at a car with a Cormorant. A pig in a poke is, and always will be, a pig in a poke. Tom Gibson

If it had some holes in it, I'd say it was one of those deer whistle alarms to alert the hapless critters of their impending demise. They'd still probably just stand there in the middle of the road, like Bambi frozen in the brights. As to three of 'em??? Even Dagmar was well-equipped with just two, the way the Good Lord intended! Tom Gibson

Greetings Buick Fans, Do you have a shot of a Buick that has been modified beyond belief? C'mon, I know you do; I wanted to use another word that starts with b & ends in d (think: illegitimate), but I didn't want to get edited out from the git-go. All it takes is a cobbled-up Caballero, a raunchy Riviera, a ludicrous LeSabre...now you're getting the hang of it. Let's start the (fire)ball rolling with this gem, found at a popular tourist trap in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. And let's hope David Dunbar Buick will stop spinning in his grave and forgive such transgressions. Have fun, Tom Gibson

And finally, as the autumn leaves begin to fall, our gal, mohair sweaters and saddle shoes packed, heads back to campus. Whose heart and fraternity pin will she capture this semester? Tom Gibson