TG57Roadmaster

January 14, 2007

This may help all you Wildcatters...

TG

January 13, 2007

An old lady friend of mine told me that she'd had to go pick up her 2 grandkids from school the other day in her S-10 Chevy truck. On the way home, one of 'em said, "Granny, put my window down, it's hot in here", to which she replied, "Roll it down yourself if you're so warm."

The boy looked around on the door, then quizzically back at her, and asked, "Where's the button?"

Laughing, she replied, "See that handle with the circle and a knob on it? It's call a window crank."

TG <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

January 13, 2007

The first car I got to drive was a '62 Mercury Monterey 2-door sedan. Since I was just nine, mom would sit between the door and with me behind the wheel, she'd let me steer and use the accelerator.

Never the brakes. We lived on a dirt road, so the only danger was winding up in a ditch.

First car, though not street legal was a '65 Opel Rekord 2-door wagon I'd bought (age 14, for $35) with paper route money. It had a 4-on-the-tree, so I'd scoot up and down the fields, learning how to shift, raising clouds of dust. My mom got quite a few nasty phone calls from ladies on my route; the dust was messing with their clotheslines!

TG

January 13, 2007

I tend to go in for really big cars (like Roadmasters), or really small ones (my Dauphine project car) but without a doubt, my baby is the Roadmistress, a Model 73 Riviera Sedan. She's still a work in progress, half original, half maintained. By maintained I mean new interior, re-chromed rear bumper, and the expected tires, hoses, belts, etc.

Driving a car that when introduced was Buick's Flagship (next up the GM food chain was Caddy's Series 62), I'm proud of its near-luxury position in the industry. Heck, they even touted it in their brochures. Then in March, 1957, the Roadmaster 75 debuted, stealing the 73's claim as the "Master Worth in the Fine Car Field".

At some point you have, as have I, had to explain many times to neophytes that, yes, Buicks are big cars, but some Buicks are bigger than other Buicks. Typically, their eyes glaze over and they turn away muttering, "That guy's lost his pocket protector, Mommer'n'em's fi'ty-four Spacial was huge ."

Since acquiring this Dresden Blue & Dover White beauty, we've been all over the Eastern U.S. (on bias-ply tires) and she's logged thousands of miles and hundreds of photo ops. That's one reason I don't do caravanning too well, 'cause if there's a shot to be had, I turn around and take it. Experience taught me that it might not be there the next time I pass by. This is one of my all-time favorites that had to be taken; it's unaltered in any way, no PhotoShop, no nothin', just the way I saw it that sunny summer day. You can read the details in the Photo Galley Link above.

I think I'll get some business card pix of it, so the next time one of those tire-kicking conversations occurs,

I'll just reach into my pocket, hold out my hand, and say, "My car..."

Happily humbled,

TG

Photo in attachment taken by John Norton, at AACA SE Division National Spring Meet, Roanoke, VA, 2005

January 13, 2007

Back in 1986 I lived in NYC, and in the summer we'd tour L.I. and elsewhere to escape the city's heat. One of our treks was to Centerville, L.I., to William K. Vanderbilt's "Eagle's Nest", at the time (and still) a House Museum. Imagine my surprize to find this 1937 Chrysler Imperial Custom Town Car, languishing outdoors in the courtyard of the Estate. Even then, it was looking fairly tattered, and the metal cover over the chauffeur's compartment looked odd, as if a later addition. Still, even in my 29-year-old eyes, it was a very impressive and important automobile.

I'd read that it was built by LeBaron for Mrs. Walter P. Chrysler, and recall seeing or reading about it a few years ago. If memory serves, it had been restored, and the metal cover replaced with a proper canvas or naugahyde collapsible cover. Was the tacked-on roof metal original to the car, removable for the change of season?

So, my query is this, where's the car now? Hopefully in a better place than sitting outside, suffering the indignities of the Long Island elements.

Curious in Carolina,

TG

January 13, 2007

Ed

Here's proof that even some Classics (those recognized by the CCCA) wore blackwalls. This 1941 Lincoln Custom, 7-pasenger Sedan, 138" WB is owned by a friend in Tennessee. It's completely original, bought from the estate of one of the Singer sewing machine heirs; low mileage, and if memory serves, the tires are original, too.

TG

January 13, 2007

Here's the second page of the NYC to Chicago trip...Please realize that these publications were, shall we say, slanted towards sales.

Take heed from all that's been suggested...the most important thing, a fully-charged

fire-extiguisher!

The decision is yours,

And happy motoring,

TG

January 13, 2007

What's the fuss, you'll be driving a straight-8 Buick. All kinds of things can happen to you on such a trip, but when will you ever have another opportunity to see America (and share it with folks who'll be thrilled to see you driving, cross country) in your old car? Since you've studied the map re grades, elevations and mountain ranges you'll cross, plan accordingly. The above replies have given you all the best recommendations, but from my own experience, how cool does your radiator run? We know it looks cool, but does it overheat in Kentucky pulling up steep grades?

After some years of worry & frequent over-heating, I had my radiator re-cored from standard to a three baffle system. Since then, my '57 runs cooler than a cucumber; but again, what heights will you be reaching if you take I-90 much of the way? What is the Bitterroot Range like? You do need to plan that, should a breakdown occur, what have you allotted for downtime. As for spares, listen to your friends that know you, your car, and your mechanical ability. Do you have AAA Plus, the Lord's Gift to travellers? It'll provide you with many free items: 100 mile tow; unlock your car when you left the keys in it in your rush to eat at that neat '50's Diner; 3 gallons of gas, and a host of other services.

A basic toolbox wouldn't hurt, either...but with all that stuff, where will you put your luggage?

You can't control bugs, rock chips or tire punctures, so fashion a tasteful brassiere for your (car's) front end. As for stupid, inattentive motorists? If you're that worried about fate, I suggest you never leave your house again, trailer or no trailer! You'll be driving a two-ton Buick and your (imaginary) foes will likely be in Camrys and Cavaliers. In case of a fender bender: I'll lay odds right now; Big ol' Buick, 10; Li'l crapbox, zilch.

The attached is from "Buick Magazine", March-April, 1957...the next page will follow.

TG

January 12, 2007

Greetings,

Back in about 1986 I lived in NYC, and in the summer we'd tour Long Island and elsewhere to escape the city's heat. One of our treks was to Centerville, L.I., to William. K. Vanderbilt's "Eagle's Nest", at the time (and still) a House Museum. Imagine my surprize to find this 1937 Chrysler Imperial Town Car, languishing outdoors in the courtyard of the Estate. Even then, it was looking fairly tattered, and the metal cover over for the chauffeur's compartment looked odd, as if a later addition. Still, a very impressive, and important automobile.

I'd read it was custom-built by LeBaron for Mrs. Walter P. Chrysler, and recall seeing or reading about it a few years ago. By then, thankfully, it had been restored, and the metal cover replaced with a canvas or naugahyde collapsible cover. Was that metal roof original to the car, removable for the change of seasons?

So, where is the Imperial now? No doubt in a better place than sitting outdoors, suffering the indignities of the Long Island elements.

Curious in Carolina,

TG

January 12, 2007

Looks like Paul & Robert win the Kewpie Doll Prize,

The Skylark looks to be 2-piece, but brochure art can be deceiving. The '65 Jetstar I, the poor man's Starfire, has trim above the bumper & below the trunklid, but it looks to be concave. I bet it's the "finisher" between the upper & lower.

TG

January 12, 2007

Maybe from a '65 Skylark? How's about measuring LOA and the length of the outer "wings"? I can go from the widths of fullsize vs. intermediates from my 65-66 Automotive News Almanac, which provides widths of all cars for that year.

TG

January 12, 2007

Let's get back on track, sorry for my diversion. Tho' I do think Buicks Gone Global would be a pretty cool thread..."Here's my Riviera on the Riviera", "My LeSabre at the Leaning Tower of Pisa", or "My Apollo on the Moon"...

While you ponder your next road trip, pick the appropriate caption for the attached:

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Buick.";

"And just who's the Black Sheep in the family?";

Glinda, the Good Witch of the North to Dorothy (Toto, too), "Are you a Good witch or a Bad witch?"

Feel free to supply your own. Same cars, same day, not from the Land of Oz, but the Charlotte AutoFair Car Corral.

TG

January 12, 2007

Brian,

I was beginning to think the thread was going to die a slow, painful Howard Hughes-style death. Kudos for coming to the rescue. When I worked for Anderson County a few years ago, one of my more joyous duties was to coordinate a couple of WW II layovers at the airport. The first was a B-17 and Heinkel He-111, the latter having been Generalissimo Franco's personal transport plane. Though built in 1947 for the Spanish Air Force and,

as the world's last airworthy He-111, had recently been painted for Luftwaffe service.

Larger

To me, it's one of the most fleet (for a tail-gragger) of all twin-engine bombers of the entire war.

Tragically, a year later it crashed on approach to a mid-western airfield for a scheduled appearance,

killing the 2 volunteer pilots with a total loss of the plane. I treasure the pix I took of it.

Larger

Here's Daves '47 71 between the two on the tarmac; its Seine Blue color changes a lot depending

on the light. I love your '59 Electra roofline shot and remember replying to threads on it when

I first jumped on the Forums...you have a rare large Jap tin car like it, right?

TG

January 11, 2007

Thanks for the good words guys,

Wasn't "Superfly" the flic in which one of the girls had to drink Drano straight, without so much as a chaser, in the backseat of that Eldo? Or am I mixing my Blaxploitation Movie memories?

Sorry you have to save the sunroof for Spring, but it's cold in the Carolinas, too. As for the attached, all I can say is, "Pardon me Miss, but your brights are on".

Brrrrrrrr!

TG

January 11, 2007

Naaah, no mud-slinging from me; besides, you'll need that plow to scoop away the dauber's mess. Your beer analogy was spot on, but don't forget that baby comes in handy when you're snowed-in, trapped in your ice-fishing shack. That's when Eino says to Toivo, "I go store, get beer, take da Buick, eh?". The Finns in the U.P. are a people of few words (and fewer prepositions), and Eino & Toivo are the most famous Youpers of all.

My attachment doesn't belong here, except that I need it for my signature. It's the Roadmistress, my '57 Model 73 before her facelift. She didn't get the Full-Tilt, Joan Rivers Miracle-Makeover, just back to red wheels, new interior and a rechromed rear bumper. Taken at an AACA Hornets Nest Region Victory Tour to Wilmington, NC. She's too fine to be named Duke or The Roadmaster. As for the backdrop, the developer must have run out of Druids to populate his planned sub-division, 'cause there was nary a home or mud hut in sight; just a road to nowhere.

Thanks for the pix; you did your duty to rescue that sedan from obscurity!

January 11, 2007

It doesn't get any more generic than this, from the 1951 "Motor's Handbook", 28th Edition, unless you draw it yourself.

TG

January 11, 2007

You're welcome Randy,

Your best bet would be to go to the AACA Library Page (above, at "Resources"), print and fill out and fax the Request Form, and let their fingers do the walking. The cost of a late '30's MoToR Magazine can be prohibitive (especially the big Annual Number issue), but if you attach a photo of your jack, they should be able to narrow the field. All MoToR issues have an Advertiser's Index in the back, and Blackhawk will definitely be there. They might even have a Blackhawk catalog/brochure.

That's probably the most cost-effective way to proceed.

TG

January 11, 2007

America's favorite Gasser in 1938 Sedan form...for the Smart Crowd. And just what words did Hubby utter to the Missus when he pulled up in his smart new wee Willys?

"Hey, it's prettier than a Crosley!"; Her reply;

"Honey, I sent you to the store for milk, and you come back with a breadbox!"

Where's Henny Youngman when you need him?

But seriously folks, pages 3-4 are missing from my 1938, 8.5"x11", 16-page Prestige (?) color brochure, likely swiped by some snarky teen back in the '50's. I'll wager that's the full-color Coupe illustration.

Bet it's a beauty!

January 11, 2007

Since '37-'38 Willys were virtually identical, this Coupe, from the 1938 Willys brochure answers your question. As stated above, the '39's took on forward-thrusting grille and squared-top headlight treatments; think Sharknose Graham in 5/6th scale. As for the fender-mounted parking lights? Maybe Willys accessories, Western Auto or Warshawsky's.

Regards,

Tom Gibson

January 10, 2007

Thanks Judy,

And keep up the great work; the efforts of Webpage Managers and Newsletter Editors have to rank among the most thankless in the Universe. Their rewards are the occasional Thank You's, a few comforting pats on the back, and the best of all, knowing they've done their job well.

Tom Gibson

AACA Hornets Nest Region

January 10, 2007

Tom,

I really appreciate your kind words, but I'm not fishing for huzzahs with my post-adolescent (and overtly amateurish) "doodles". It's mostly a response to a few replies read lately that go, "Waaa, waaa, waaa, the Forum's gone stale, always the same few posters, blah, blah, blah". Well, I haven't been on this thing since the day Al Gore invented these Internets, but here's a thought...POST something! Nobody's gonna bite you. They are Commmon Threads, aren't they? Remember what it was like when all your buds coveted that brand new Mach I and all you could think of was the rusting '58 Edsel Citation in Uncle Henry's garage?

You are not alone.

Like it or not, ebay didn't become the raging success it has with Listings like, "Gota peece o'crap 4U". So say something; take a few minutes to Show and/or Tell about that incredibly rare, priceless Widget you got. For two bucks ('cause they didn't know what they had), but we all know it's worth two grand. Isn't this whole hobby just a big ol' grown-up version of what we all did in the 2nd grade?

And once you've posted that work, tell your wives, your friends, the elevator operator, and all those aliens who've abducted you! (Just spare us the grisly details of the latter, huh?).

Set the Transporter Coordinates, Mr. Scott; One to beam up,

Tom Gibson

January 10, 2007

Yeah, but I don't know where it came from; all her life, all my mom could draw were little stick kitties, hanging from a clothesline by their tails! There are other survivors, but I always liked this one, coffee stains and all.

TG

January 10, 2007

C'mon, I know you did it, we all did it. While you were supposed to be memorizing the multiplication tables, pondering Einstein's Theory of Relativity, or cramming Shakespeare, you were drawing cars, weren't you? And just how many trips to Detention or the Pincipal's office did you rack up? "Excuse me teach', 'E=mc what' ?"

While the bullies were busy dunking pudgy Priscilla's pigtails in inkwells, you were feverishly finishing up a sketch of the Latest Hot Car you'd seen or dreamed about. I'd bet money on it. As for poor little preyed-upon Priscilla; boy, revenge never looked so sweet. She's all growed up now & you can find her modeling the new Buicks over at "Girls On Buicks 2", page 3, at the BCA General Forum. A Veritable Vision in Gold Lame. (That's Lam- may , I don't know how to make this thing speak French, yet).

OK, these mini-Monets were done way after my own kidhood, never won me a Scholarship to the Art College of Design, nor led to the Vice-Presidency of GM Design, but I've shown you mine...wanna show us yours? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Tom Gibson

January 10, 2007

To Packin31, Tom,

Thanks for noticing! We are a crazy lot of pack rats, aren't we? As a self-described Generalist, I don't have the Library at Alexandria or the clairvoyance of the Great Carnak , but just enough of both to be slightly dangerous. What's the point of having an archive if you can't/won't/don't share it? The key, for me at least, is to be absolutely certain about the information you disseminate on your subject. 'Cause once folks see it on TV, in print, in cyberspace or even at the beach in the form of skywriting, sudddenly that kernel of knowledge becomes the Holy Gospel. And they take it with 'em to the grave.

No one person knows, or has everything; Google (tho' a great tool) doesn't = Salvation, and anyone who thinks otherwise likely has a famous bridge for sale. Nothing will ever replace cracking open a book (except the English coffee table variety), poring over microfilm, what have you, in the quest for answers. I hope they're still teaching basic research skills these days, otherwise our future generations will be blithering idiots, incapable of an original thought. Don't even get me started on Spellcheck! Jeez, even the Oracle at Delphi couldn't save the Ancient Greeks from the barbarians at the gate.

On the bright side, when the Global Magnetic Anomaly occurs, those of us with books, who know how to use them, well, we're gonna rule the world. Now there's a scary idea!

Lookin' for my slide rule,

Tom Gibson

If there was one book that started it all for me, it's attached, published in '76. That, and a handful of "Special Interest Autos" purchased with paper route money in the early '70's. This one's been rebound at least three times. Chris, a friend in Atlanta, has every SIA from job one...wish I'd been so focused. Talk about treasure!

(A handy thread is "The Buick Owner's 'Bookshelf'", in the BCA General Forum, spawned by a Packard thread).

January 10, 2007

And yet another from the same '40 Olds piece, but with an eight.

TG

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TG57Roadmaster

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Posts posted by TG57Roadmaster

65 wildcat 2dr coupe 46200 spec's

Yes, I guess I am really getting old

What Was Your First Car?

My "Big Ol' Buick"

Where's Mrs. W.P.C's 1937 Imperial LeBaron Town Car?

Tire time 40 Special

Poll: Drive or Haul

Poll: Drive or Haul

Where's Mrs. WPC's '37 Imperial?

1960-Something GM Trunk Or Hood Edge Molding, Maybey?

1960-Something GM Trunk Or Hood Edge Molding, Maybey?

Bowdlerized Buicks

Airplanes & Buicks & Caddys, Oh My!

This One's For The Big Kids

Bowdlerized Buicks

Looking for antique car frame/suspension photos

Name this jack, win a prize

Willys??

Willys??

This One's For The Big Kids

This One's For The Big Kids

This One's For The Big Kids

This One's For The Big Kids

Looking for antique car frame/suspension photos

Looking for antique car frame/suspension photos

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