Tom_Tams

Thanks for the information, all of it. Thanks again,

Does anyone know what the part numbers are for the 2 propeller shaft seals for a'39 series 40? I managed to get the bearing, seals etc. out in one piece but the seals are hard and leaking. I tried to find the numbers with no success. I measured the dimensions with a set of calipers, but no joy there either. any help will be appreciated.

I tried that, he's out of stock but thanks for your reply.

Does anyone know where to get a '39 series 40 torque ball seal revulcanized? I took my rear end out for an overdue overhaul and noticed that the torque ball seal had become contaminated with oil and grease (bad seals) and was disintegrating.

My '39 Special is a nice running car, but when I shut it down after a run on the highway in warm weather, the coolant temperature rises and I lose coolant out the overflow. The cooling system is unpressurized and I have been told that if I convert it to a pressurized system, the problem will go away. Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) doing this?

I have a set of Trippe Speed Light driving lights that I trying to get working. One of the pair has a burned out bulb. The bulb is marked as a Trippe T-4S. 32M.S.C.P. at 5.6 volts.. I'm assuming that it's 32 candle power at 5.6 volts or close to 30 watts. I've tried to cross reference the bulb with no success, I would greatly appreciate any help.

Hello Rick, I realize I'm replying to a post that several months old but I thought I would try any way. I'm restoring a "62 Skylark convertible (it's going slowly) and I'm looking for a set of the rear seat courtesy lights, the ones that fit in the rear arm rests. Regards, Tom Tams BCA#43614

I agree that if non detergent oil has been used; to stick with that; if the engine has bee rebuilt, however, then a detergent oil could be safely used provided that the oil is changed often (1000 mi)The filter on the prewar engines was only a partial flow, I can't see how that could be changed, but if anyone knows how to plumb up a full flow system; I would like very much to share that knowlege so that I could change my '39 over.

The change over is not difficult; if you have a 5 terminal regulator and wish to change it over to a three terminal regulator and keep your throttle start circuit intact with all the same level of protection do the following: tape the wire that went to the ignition terminal, connect the wire that went to the ground terminal to the generator terminal, connect the remaining three wires to the same respective terminals as they were before. The start solenoid relay will now ground through the armature of the generator, when the generator output reaces 6 volts there will be no difference of potential on either side of the relay coil, hence no current flow. This is the same circuit as used in 1939.

One of my lenses is in rather poor shape and I'm concerned it may break when least expected. Tom Tams

I've been informed that non EP rated gear oil is required to be used in older transmissions and differentials. Where are these available?

Mark, Thanks, I'll give it a try

I pulled my transmission apart and discovered that the mainshaft spline was badly worn. Does anyone know where I could get another shaft? According to one machinist I spoke with, it can't be repaired, the metal is too hard. Tom

Stan, Thanks for the part numbers, I haven't been able to find a set of 3.9's although I would really like to, they're somewhat sought after and hard to find. I got the gears from Buick Farm, the tooth ratio was 49:11 which doesn't match anything that I have listed in my manuals. The part #'s are Pinion: 1323807, Ring : 1320946. It would be interesting to find out what these gears actually fit. Tom

Hi Derek, Thanks for your reply, that's kind of what i thought, except for the wheels and lug bolt pattern everything seems to be pretty close. If the carrier and pinion are the same it will fit. The ratio given was 4.4:1 which is a difference of 1%, not a big deal. I'm in Duncan on Vancouver Island just north of Victoria. Tom

I'm trying to rebuild the differential on my "39 Special. The car is a Canadian built model with a standard rear end ratio of 4.44:1. Is this the same as the Flint built cars? I can get a NOS ring and pinion set from the Buick Farm but I don't know if it will fit. Tom

Hi Howard, My car is Canadian so I don't know how much help the numbers will be. The handle in question has 2 numbers on it; one is the patent number and one that looks like it might be a part number. The number is: T-19699. Tom

I bought a trunk handle to fit my '39 Special. The shaft measures approx 1.125" longer than the shaft on my '39 handle. Does anyone know what years it might fit? My guess is '41

Hi According to the installation manual for the '39 Sonomatic radio, it will fit all series. The '39 radio is a one-of and is the only one that will fit a '39 properly which is why they are hard to find and so expensive when you do. Regards, Tom

Hello Dave, Thanks for your reply; I've tried to contact Skip by phone and email but have had no success. I'll try a good old fashioned letter. Thanks again.

I just recently acquired a Sonomatic Radio for a '39 Buick. The radio works but the knobs are missing and the push buttons are in bad shape. Is there anyone that makes or has reproduction parts?

I'm trying to reinstall the original reflector and bulb type headlights on my series 40 sedan. I have the reflectors and buckets. I think there should be something to hold the lenses in place besides the chrome trim ring. Is there anyone that can help me out?

Thanks, you're absolutely right the surfaces have to be clean. I read the manual again and it said that the seal was impregnated with a lubricant that was long lasting and required no further attention. The stuff that I scooped out looked a lot like pinion dope. I must confess that I am totally ignorant in this regard.

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Does anyone know a method of removing the glass from the frame of a vent window in a pre war Buick? I really don't want to break the glass.