Terry Wiegand

And if you can find some AC 77L plugs you solve several problems in one plug. You will have a hotter plug PLUS the Long reach characteristic and your engine should run happier with this crap that tries to pass for fuel these days. I am running these plugs in the '20 and '22 and really haven't had any issues with the plugs. Now the fuel, that is another story. I went to an ignition seminar at the AACA Spring Meet in Lincoln, Nebraska last summer and the guy talked about indexing the plugs in the engine for better, more complete combustion in the cylinder. When I put the new plug wiring on the '20 I am going to do that with the plugs and see if there is a noticeable difference. Will let you know on here. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Glenn, I have ONE extra more than I was needing. Give me a call or email and we can get together. I want to talk with you about a 1918 E-45 here in my area that is for sale also. Terry Wiegand terrywiegand@prodigy.net Phone/Fax - (620) 665-7672

A quick update to this since the original posting. Through Dean Tryon's newsletter I was able to not only find the clips that I was needing but a complete belly pan for the 40-Series (6-cylinder models) D models Buicks. The Pre-War Buick enthusiasts are an absolutely wonderful bunch of guys to know, share information with, and get some much needed help and parts when it is needed. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Go to the Restoration Supply website. They should have the proper gauge of wire in the covering color that you will want to match. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

This is going to be a dumb question on here, but, WHY is 2017 in the title. The last time I looked it was still November of 2015. Our Buick / Cadillac / GMC dealership here in Doo Dah has a small handful of 2016 on their lot. Are 2017 models being sold already? Terry Wiegand Doo Dah America

Lamar, it looked exactly like that. Getting the sign out of the frame was the easiest part of the whole deal. It was early Fall when we did that project. We had to wait till the beans were in to get it. I'm told that a person's life flashes before their eyes right before they die - that bean field and that old Buick sign will be there for me when it's my time. We had more fun than any 10 people could have ever had doing that, but, we all agreed 'we ain't doin' it again' That sign was the one used for the 100th Anniversary sign that we had in Flint in 2003. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

The weather here in south central Kansas has put a stop to my outdoor painting for the season I am afraid, so, it is move inside and work on inside window trim and catch up on the reading. I will answer the questions the best I can. Bubba, yes, there were two of the 20 inch, round signs on each of the Buick and Chevrolet neon signs. They were back to back (readable from each side) and mounted toward the back end of the main body of the sign. In the case of my round Buick sign, the main body of the sign had just the word SERVICE on it with the neon tubing running around the perimeter of the sign body. Several years ago on my way home from Hershey I stopped in Canal Winchester, Ohio (Columbus area) and visited with Bob McDorman at McDorman Chevrolet. He had one of the largest and best GM advertising sign collections in the world at the time and he let me look at the books that were available to the dealers to order outdoor signage from. The Buick Service sign like what was on the front of the dealership here in Hutchinson was priced at $49.50 and dated to 1935. The Chevrolet sign was also priced at $49.50 and dated to 1936. McDorman recently passed and he had disposed of a lot of his collection before he died. I am not joking when I say that a person could have spent several days at his place just looking over the collection. He had a ton of money in the signs and they were all in almost excellent condition. It was eye candy overload for the serious automobile enthusiast. Now, Lamar, yes, my Sales & Service sign is the same double faced one as yours. I have forgotten the dimensions but it is good sized and the lettering on both sides is in reflectorized paint. There is a small code symbol down in the one bottom corner on my sign that I believe is for 1946. The lettering style is very period for that time frame. I suppose you guys are just dyin' to hear the story - so here it is. I went to work for John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa at the Research and Engineering Center in June of 1975. I was living with my Aunt and Uncle and enjoying a very well paying job and just having a blast in general. One of the guys I worked with had just bought a new Harley from the dealer in Mason City. He was going up on a Saturday to see about something and asked me if I wanted to go with him. I'm in I told him and off we went. There is a small farm town by the name of Nora Springs about 7 miles out of Mason on state highway 18. On the north side of the road about 4 miles out of Mason City there was this farmstead that had this old Buick Sales and Service sign on the edge of this bean field about 100 yards from the homestead driveway. I thought that that old sign sure would be nice to have on my dad's shop wall since he had the '16 in there. I went back up a few weeks later by myself to try and find out what I could about the sign. I spoke with the farmer and asked if the sign was his and if it was for sale. He told me that the Buick dealership in Mason City had changed ownership several years back and that the previous owner never came out to get the sign so he figured it was his now. He told me that several people had stopped and asked about the sign and his answer was always no, it was not for sale. I asked him if he would take my name and phone number and if he ever changed his mind to get in contact with me. I was walking back to my truck and he called me back. "you really want that sign don't you", he asked. Yes, I'd like to have it for my dad and his old Buick. He told me that he would not sell it to me, but he would give it to me under one condition - I had to remove it from his field. I got real interested in a hurry. I told him I was in - I could get it out of there in a hurry. The catch was he wanted the sign post AND the three foot cube of concrete gone from his field. He told me that he had a tractor with an end loader that I could use in getting it out of there. I talked three of the guys that I was working with into helping with this job. It took us two Saturdays and several cases of beer to get the sign post and concrete block out of the field. I still have the 10 pound sledge hammer that I bought to break up the concrete with and my buddies told me that they would never help me do anything like that again - EVER. We all had fun doing that and we talked about that for years to come. The upright part of the sign post was three inch pipe and the pipe that ran around the outside of the sign holding the clamps was 2 inch pipe. You can see where the clamps were in the photo. I think about that every time I look at that sign hanging there in my shop. That sign will go with the cars when I'm gone, but until then I will always have the memories of those two Saturdays and my friends helping me. To me this is what makes this hobby so much fun - the friendships. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Years ago my Dad used a product called Rust-Master in everything that had a radiator and cooling system. It was a cooling system rust inhibitor, water pump lubricant, anti-foamant, and mineral neutralizer. He got started on it through his John Deere tractors that had a thermo-syphon cooling system. He used this stuff for years and never had any problems with anything. I have looked for the product at every auto parts retailer for several years now with no luck. I will assume that it is no longer being produced. It was a great product and it worked. Has anyone else out there ever heard of or used this stuff? Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Ben, you can get one of those at your local Wal-Mart store in the Sporting Goods Department. I think they are called a Mag-Lite. I'm sorry, I just couldn't hold myself back on that one - Come up to Chickasha next March and I'll show you the one I got for my '16. Terry Wiegand Doo Dah America

Bubba and Mr. Earl, since we're talking about signs I thought you might like seeing the sister sign to the round Buick sign and a couple of other interesting signs. There is a whale of a tale about the Sales & Service sign that involves several cases of beer and a farm field on the outskirts of Mason City, Iowa. Every word of it is the absolute truth now. About the two round porcelain signs. They were produced by Walker and Company of Detroit. They were both originally on Neon signs and there were two of each of them on the sign along with the neon tubing. The Chevrolet sign came from the old dealership in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I personally took it off the remains of the original sign. The opposite side had been hit with something and suffered a severe bend that rendered it almost worthless. The Buick sign came off the sign that hung above the service entrance to Stuart Conklin Buick in Hutchinson, Kansas. I bought the one side from Mr. Conklin in 1986 before they moved to their new dealership on the east side of town. I tried to buy them both but he would only let me have the one side. The original sign dates from the early to middle 1930's when neon lighting was starting to be used. Our area of the country was very lean on electrified outdoor advertising because of sometimes harsh weather conditions. I have really never done too much to either of the round signs toward cleaning them up or polishing them. I guess I should - they would look like new then. Several years ago there was a guy here at the shop who was bound and determined to take all of the signs with him. He offered a horrendous amount of cash for them and I just smiled at him and said thanks but not thanks. I have to smile every time I think about the story behind the Sales & Service sign. Thought you guys might like to see them. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Jim, that is the way to go if you decided to make a new tube. You are right, the stainless will polish up very nicely. It sounded to me like he wanted to keep and use the original tube. In going that route one is limited to what you can do and what will work well. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Midman, that word 'weld' on that thin of wall tubing scares the begeezus out of me. You might try taking it to your local radiator shop and ask if they can 'solder' your pin holes for you. I have three of these old Buicks with the same type of water return tube on top of the block. I literally cut the center section out of two them and turned a solid piece of brass to the correct taper after the piece was gun drilled. I then had an old time pipeline welder silver solder the joints and a couple of pin holes for me. I then used a belt sander to finess the joints ready for plating. A lot of work, but, the result was beautiful. Just remember, the word is solder and not weld. You want to keep the heat as absolutely low as possible or you will have a mess on your hands. Been there and done that and know what works. After the plating was done I got a quart of Red Kote Fuel Tank Sealer from Restoration Supply and coated the inside of the tube and let it dry for about 10 days before putting it into service. Works beautifully. Anti-Freeze and cooling system temperatures will not affect the coating in any way. If you have questions please feel free to call me. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas Phone/Fax - (620) 665-7672

I am going to make this request in the Pre-War area first and might have to end up in the Buy / Sell area. I am looking for 4 of these Belly Pan fasteners for my '16 D-45. They are Part # 30545 and the illustrated parts catalog identifies them as a Mud Pan Fastener. If our early Buick friend, Tom Black, is listening in here, maybe he can help me out. I know at one time he had the market cornered on all of the loose early Buick parts that were known and available. So, Tom, if you can help me out here the '16 sure would appreciate it. ANYONE ELSE please feel free to chime in here if you can possibly help also. Thank you very much, Terry Wiegand Phone / Fax - (620) 665-7672 eMail - terrywiegand@prodigy.net

1918 E-45 Buick For Sale in Hutchinson, Kansas. This is a two owner automobile that has been in the same family for 97 years. The present owner's Great Uncle bought the car new. I was asked to help get the car back in running condition after having set for 5+ years. The complete fuel system has been gone through. Linings, Incorporated in Ravenna, Ohio cleaned and coated the gasoline tank. John Wolf and Company of Willoughby, Ohio rebuilt the vacuum tank, and Classic Carburetors of Phoenix restored the brass-bodied Marvel Carburetor. There is no body filler anywhere on the car. No rust anywhere and all of the sheet metal is very straight. No evidence of any body damage ever. The wooden spoke wheels are solid and tight and all wheels run true. The car was repainted and a new top put on it in the early 1980's. The present owner stored the car with anti-freeze in the cooling system. The electrical system needed a different 'mailbox' coil to get it back in operable condition. The present owner had the car stored in a machine shed on their farm and it was brought into town in late March and sent through the local detail shop to get it cleaned up and able to be worked on. You have all of the good points on this old Buick listed here and to present an accurate picture to a prospective buyer, it needs to be brought out that the engine has been stuck for several months. The people at the detail facility were explicitly told to keep any moisture away from the engine area and they did not do this. This did not become known until middle September. The cylinders have been given repeated doses of Marvel Mystery Oil without success in freeing the engine yet. For no longer than the engine has been stuck I am reasonably confident that it will break free. It is just going to take patience and perseverance and some time. I am putting this on the forum for Bob Cole of Hutchinson as they want to sell the car. He can be reached at (620) 259-7303 For all technical questions anyone can get in touch with me at (620) 665-7672 and ask for Terry Wiegand. This is truly unfortunate what happened with the engine. We just did not catch it in time or this would have never gotten this far. This old Buick will make someone a really nice driving fun car to own. For the few months that this car sat in my shop it was really neat that there was a 1916, 1918, 1920, and 1922 all lined up setting beside each other. That just doesn't happen very often. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas Phone/Fax - (620) 665-7672 eMail - terrywiegand@prodigy.net

Brian, thank you for the explanation as to what is going on with the printer. Might it be possible that when the printer finishes his work and the magazines are ready to go to the mail, they could notify whomever posts it online to do so right then? It would seem that all bases would be covered that way. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

One quick question for whoever is in charge of the Bugle being posted online - why is it that folks are on the forum here talking about their printed copy that they have received in the mail before the Bugle has been posted online through the BCA website? It would 'almost' seem logical to have the online posting in place BEFORE the printed copies go into the mail. This doesn't do the members half way around the world chasing parts any chance at the classified ads before they get the hard copy in their hands. This is supposed to be one of the benefits of this modern technological age we live in today. Is / was someone asleep at the switch here? Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

And it sounds like Bernie has some colorful stories that he could tell. I, also like your way with the words. However, you can't pee on my wood wheels. Your post is very thought provoking. But, you know what is so very sad about this situation?, we all know that the management of the BCA reads these threads and snicker up their sleeves at us 'old timers' and our love for the old vehicles, but they are just plain too stupid to get it. Larry is absolutely right on, if you ain't growing you are dying. There are things that could be done to encourage growth in this organization and make it fun along the way, but, they will not get off their ego trips and pushing their agenda. This is just how it is people. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

MrNova, our 1916 turned 100 years old sometime early this summer (car was built very early in model production year) and has been in my family for starting on 53 years. It sorta appears that I and several other early Buick owners do not fit the general line of thinking that you have formed about us. A few weeks back one of the current BOD members personally called me to talk about the survey that I filled out and sent to the club office. In the course of the conversation he told me that it was really clear that I am passionate about early Buicks. The only thing that was in his end of the discussion that made any sense. And while I am at it here, please be careful about making any left-handed comments about 'old' Buick owners being up in years. Joe Taubitz is the only 'Old Guy" that I know on here and I'm just not quite ready to wear that title yet. I'm gettin' there, Joe! Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas aka Doo Dah

And Brian, if just 10 of those 148 came to a national meet it would be fantastic! That would represent over 1,000 years of Buick history right before peoples' eyes. Think of the stories the owners could tell. But, there are those on the BOD who could care less about this aspect of Buick history. That is really sad. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Dale in Indy, what is this scallop thing that you and Lamar talk about ever so often? I haven't got a clue what you are talking about. I don't think my old Buicks have them - or do they and I just don't know it? Please keep in mind that I am just a lowly skilled metalworking tradesman / toolmaker. I am a firm believer in education and I am scared to death about being ignorant of something that I should know about. Education wipes out ignorance in a heartbeat. So, educate me here. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas aka Doo Dah

Mr. Nova asks if there is a disconnect between the BCA management and the general membership. YOU CAN BET YOUR BIPPY THERE IS! Logic and just plain old common sense will tell the average person that if there wasn't, we wouldn't be having these discussions. Not one elected BOD member outside of Mr. Stoneberg (and he doesn't count because he was not elected to the board) has came on this thread and offered any explanation about anything. I think most folks would look at the president as the president and not a board member. I find this fact to be decidedly disturbing in a social organization such as this one is. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Mr. Stoneberg, I did go back and read the minutes again about the 100 year old recognition award proposal. I'm sorry, but I did not find anything in there that pertained to judging of these vehicles or judging administration. However, what I did read was that John De Fiore stated that the award would be given to a 100 year old vehicle regardless of what class it was entered in. Brian Heil used the words that I wish I had thought of to use and they are - you people on the Board of Directors talk out of both sides of your mouth at the same time and they are not always - I had better stop there. In your opinion, myself and the fellow out in Pennsylvania (guy that sold his Reatta) are people that you have a very strong dislike for. It should start to become obvious to you and the others on the BOD that a lot of folks are sick and tired of being treated the way they are. This club should be based on fun, friendships, and enjoying Buick vehicles of ALL vintage. You mentioned that Larry Schramm and myself were giving rides at Springfield. We sure did and had a ton of fun doing it. I didn't see anyone giving rides in a 1955 Buick though. I'm just trying to find your point in your posting. There are some that will say that this is not the place to air the dirty laundry. I would normally agree with that thought, but, you folks on the BOD have your own private forum that the membership cannot view. So, where else do we go to voice concerns about the mis-management of this organization? It is way past the time that you BCA management people get off your ego trips and get back to running a club that is inclusive of ALL Buick interests. I will give you a perfect example of what I am talking about. At the Springfield Meet Awards Banquet all of the BOD members were huddled together at several tables and God forbid they mingle with the members. That sends a pretty strong message in my opinion. Mr. Stoneberg, I know exactly where you stand on the award proposal. You do not have to say one more word about it. We all know. This whole thing is just downright sad. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

I like Ben jumpin' in here with his zingers. I'm starting to think that he's about the only sane one of us on here sometimes. I can sleep better tonight knowing that Lamar supports the idea of recognition of 100 year old vehicles at a national meet. We are on solid ground now folks. Willis, you need to try out a line of thinking that goes something like this - "If it ain't broke, don't go tryin' to fix it". I worked for a guy in the aircraft business that I think you might be related to. He was one of these people that is referred to as a 'Type A Personality'. Things would be going along just fine and he couldn't stand that and leave things alone. I'll just say this and leave it at that - I could not and would not work for or around you with the mindset that you project. Let's get back to talking about old Buicks - that's a lot more funner! Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas

Willis, I am not picking on you personally here, but, don't you think that you are over thinking things just a wee bit? For cryin' out loud - how hard is it to put all of the registered vehicles at a meet in chronological order from the oldest to the newest on a show field. We're not re-inventing the wheel here. In my humble opinion you are trying so blasted hard to create a problem where there is no problem. The real problem here is that guys like yourself DO NOT want to listen to what people are trying to say to you. You're making it hard and that my friend is what takes the fun out of this whole mess. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY from the management of this group wants to listen to what the membership wants. It's gonna be their way or no way at all come hell or high water. Please listen to me here - you and a lot of others are making things a whole lot harder than they need to be. If you are offended by what I have said to you here, remember this - I AM AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OFFENDER!! Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas p.s. - Please spell my last name correctly. It is WIEGAND. I do get offended about that.

Brian, no, I did not see that. I evidently did not get to everything that was posted. Willis Bell claims that it is difficult to get the vehicles parked on the show field. The meet chairman has a map of the show field, folks come to the registration desk to pick up their packet, they are given a map that identifies where their vehicle sets down, they put their vehicle in the slotted allocated for them and that is the end of the process. How in the world is that difficult? All this talk about how difficult things are is pure unadulterated garbage. I just told you how to do it in one sentence and I am just a lowly toolmaker. Oh! I forgot! There are those who have an agenda to maintain that somehow makes them out to be the all-knowing important ones. You are right Ben, this organization will drive a drunk to sobriety. MrNova, you are going to have to explain how bringing a 100 year old vehicle might 'put off' an owner of a 90 year old vehicle. I'm in the same company as Larry Schramm - we will have another 100 year old vehicle in 2020 and another one in 2022. I don't know about you guys out there, but the thought of owning three automobiles that represent 300 years worth of history is way cool in my book. Terry Wiegand South Hutchinson, Kansas