twosfamily

Hello, I am a newbie in the world of the pre-War Buicks. I know little about the available options of the various models. I have a rear window shade that rolls up and down that is mounted on the rear window sill of my 1937 Special. The car has been sitting in a barn since 1954. Could this be a factory option or just an add-on someone installed over the years? Thank you for your input!

The cars are both 4 doors. It is interesting that there are that many variances. Thanks for the information! I wonder what the actual differences are? Thanks again Dave and Carl!

I have not seen the two styles side by side. But, from all the times I remember seeing the cars it seems the only possible difference would be the rear quarters. From the photos I have seen they appear to be the same. The reason I ask is that I am looking for the rear drivers side quarter trim on my 1937 Series 40 trunkback. I have located one online on a slantback but the lady does not know if they are the same. I do not want to spend the money if it isn't going to work. I also do not want to risk losing out on it if it will work. Please help! Thanks again!

Hello! I think I have an easy question here. Is the side molding that runs from the hood, down both doors and ends on the rear quarter panel the same on the Special Series 40 Trunkback and the Special Series 40 Slantback? Thanks for your time!

Greetings! My subject title probably makes my ignorance of the Pre-War Buicks obvious. I recently purchased a property in Northern Vermont. In one of the bays of an "outbuilding" sits what I know is a 1937 Buick 4 door Slantback. But that is where my knowledge ends. Now I am on a fact finding mission! It has the straight eight and the fender mounted spares. Does this sound correct? Were the fender mounted spares available on all the Buick models in 1937? Does anyone know of a source for production numbers? Where can I find some detailed pictures of one of these models? I have never restored an automobile from this era, most have been in the 1960's. But I just love the body lines on this car, from front to rear! Thank you for your time! Regards, Todd

Absolutely! I have another question regarding detailing the engine bay and frame. Are the suspension components and misc. items like the horn, steering box, etc. originally black or are there other colors for bare metal or cast items and the like? Are there any reference materials available to help in the detailing process? Thanks again for all the guidance!

Dear Dave: Thanks for the confirmation of the frame number with the body tag. There is no doubt the number on the engine code is 5. I currently have the car completely stripped to bare metal (body and frame), frame off. I wasn't going to go so far with the restoration but I can not help it. The car is so interesting. The other odd thing about the engine is that the cylinder head is 34" but it is painted the turqoise or aqua color. I thought the original color for a 1940 Buick Century 320 engine should be the grey color? The paint on the engine seems to be original. I know someone could have simply painted the engine or the engine could be from another year. But, that number stamping thing has me stumped. Unless, like you mentioned, it may have been stamped wrong. Also, the car has the dual side mount spare tires. Was this ever offered on the Century model 61? Thanks again for all your help! Regards, Todd

Dear Dave, Thanks for the information. I checked the frame number. It is: 33663921. The motor number is: 54535457. This seems to indicate that the engine was replaced? What information does the frame number provide? I really need some sheet metal for the car. Any suggestions on where I may find some? Thanks again for your help! Regards, Todd

Greetings! I am new to this forum and please forgive my ignorance regarding Pre-War automobiles in general and the current Century I am restoring to be specific. This is my first effort restoring a car of this vintage. I want to keep it as original as possible. As far as I can tell, it is all original. But I could use help decoding the numbers and in the detailing the cars frame, chassis, interior and engine bay. Here are the numbers on the body tag: 1940 Model 61, Style No. 40-4619, Body No. L 794, Trim No. 809, Paint No. 541. The serial number on the engine block is: 54535457. Any help in decoding these numbers would be greatly appreciated. Are there any sources for parts? I could use two front doors, trunk lid and the drivers side floor. I could use all the rubber seals/gaskets and numerous smaller parts. Also, if anyone has suggestions as to any books or websites on detailing the car from front to back would be greatly appreciated, too. Thanks again for your time! Regards, Todd