buick5563 Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 Oh yeah,AND after looking at the Middleton site, their grand opening is Saturday.I could conceivably make it and find out my lineage.Just sayin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted September 3, 2011 Author Share Posted September 3, 2011 Hadn't planned on completely pulling the wagon's rear end, but the pinion bearing WAS making the sound, not the axle shaft that was obviously messed up. Got the brakes adjusted and was able to pick up Woody from school. So I took almost two weeks longer than planned...I had to rebuild a stinkin' diff. Also, this should go in it's own thread but the brakes which I adjusted to the Shop Manual specs (14 clicks) the pedal went down farther than I was comfortable with. Willie had me take it down to more to around 8-9 and it stops great now. FYI.Now I just need to give it a better tune up. The carb was adjusted WAY rich and I haven't messed with plugs, rotors or anything running-wise.After that, it will be back to the convertible. Now what in the Hell was I doing on that car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 Nice puddle of tranny fluid or somebody has blood in their urine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted September 6, 2011 Author Share Posted September 6, 2011 Nice puddle of tranny fluid or somebody has blood in their urine...Interesting analogy. Mary said buying a car off of eBay is like getting a pound puppy. They look nice and can end up being a good family member, but you can't know what their history is and why they were offloaded. The wagon hasn't bitten me (yet) but it may have been beaten and really needs love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 My 55 wagon is now named Demon B1T€H.It's gonna bite you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted September 8, 2011 Share Posted September 8, 2011 I don't know about that, to Willie, the cup is half empty, to Mike the cup is half full. To me the engineer, the cup is twice as big as it needs to be I think it just needs a little TLC.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 Before this thing falls completely off the first page...I took my inner fenders and other under hood sheet metal to the powdercoater.That is really the only update on the convertible.Now back to the wagon. I drove it up to the North Texas chapter's fall show and blew three quarts of oil out. Not out of the engine, mind you, under the car and onto my wife's car who was playing the role of the chase car. It was about 200 miles each way so three quarts is a bit much. I also came up with a big list of other pesky items to do (like make the horn work...and the gas gauge, etc.).Got out to the garage today and started taking the engine apart.I knew that the oil pan was leaking and I suspected that the valley cover was clogged up, thus pressurizing the system. The valve cover gaskets were leaking too. It doesn't appear that the heads are leaking, but when I took the timing cover off I discovered that the chain was WAYYYYY stretched. Like at least a link too long, maybe more. Holy crap, no wonder I couldn't get this thing tuned properly. Ya know, If Old Tank tells you something you need to listen. Don't start with the carb, start with the ignition. The brakes still don't stop comfortably. I may have to actually rebuild the MC instead of trusting that it was actually rebuilt. Don't you love ebay cars? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 What would she say if it came up missing for a couple of days and reappeared with a nicely detailed green engine. It may get that yet, my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Mike,Your getting further along with both of the babies! glad that you are getting the motor problem finally out of the way on the wagon. You'll feel much better after the motor is done and laid to rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Mike, sorry to hear you've had all this trouble. Daily drivers can be a real chore. If you have not yet pulled that timing chain off, is there a chance of posting a picture or two showing how yo determined the chain was stretched? I'm not doubting you at all, just interested in how you made that determination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share Posted November 8, 2011 I really had no idea that the chain was stretched. Remember, I thought this engine was rebuilt. It runs VERY strong, it just leaked a lot. So I just started taking pieces off of the engine that looked oily . This is what I found inside the timing chain. If it was less stretched, I wouldn't have noticed (possibly). The picture was hard to take but you should be able to smell what I'm stepping in.Also note that I am merely applying pressure on one side of the chain (more slop on this side) with my ring finger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Cpmpare to the parts you saved from the CVT engine...maybe you can determine if original GM parts or replacement.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share Posted November 8, 2011 They are definitely replacements. However, they are much more heavy duty (appearing) than the ones I pulled from the convertible. Everything lines up the same. Now I am second guessing myself. I recall these being much tighter than 1/2" movement between sprockets. I have a chain coming. These sprockets do appear to be reasonably new so I will wait. I also have green paint on the way. So much for funky rat rod. Great, another restored Buick . I need to put buckets in this one just to postpone the inevitable restoration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealthbob Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Those "Might as wells" are a very strong force to be reckoned with eh?I started with the notion that I was going to just fix'er up a bit and drive her for a while...well after a ceased engine I ended up down to the frame.Here is a part of my Blog where it started for me...Might as well.... - Blogs - 1954 Buick Highway....Tearing in... - Blogs - 1954 Buick Highway...Start driving it quick...or else you will be down to another bare frame again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) From post #128:My best advice to you would be to take no advice from me Then from #454:Start driving it quick...or else you will be down to another bare frame again Edited November 8, 2011 by buick5563 Added smilie so Bob wouldn't take it the wrong way (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealthbob Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Damm...these forums have good memory eh?heheheYou too Mike ...n'uff said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 This forum is my favorite spot, every night! Nice pictures, good stories, great information and good laughs. Thanks:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 9, 2011 Author Share Posted November 9, 2011 You got it, Matt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I really had no idea that the chain was stretched. Remember, I thought this engine was rebuilt. It runs VERY strong, it just leaked a lot. So I just started taking pieces off of the engine that looked oily . This is what I found inside the timing chain. If it was less stretched, I wouldn't have noticed (possibly). The picture was hard to take but you should be able to smell what I'm stepping in.Also note that I am merely applying pressure on one side of the chain (more slop on this side) with my ring finger.Thanks for the picture Mike. I would be interesting to see what the new chain looks like installed. Right now I'm trying to remember if I ever changed the chain on my 56 back in 1986 or so, when I had the timing chain cover off. I know I did not replace the gears but just can't recall if I changed the chain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 This forum is my favorite spot, every night! Nice pictures, good stories, great information and good laughs. Thanks:)I can't agree more Matt.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Hopefully one of these days, I'll get the chance to meet some of you fine people at a meet or maybe @ Hershey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 You'll have two chances next year Matt. NC and Troy NY for the NorthEast Regional in August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 Here is a classic example of Bob's "might as wells".Power steering reservoir was leaking as was the high pressure hose. Can't have that, can we?OK, just gonna clean it up.Dang, it looks so good, I want to use it on the convertible.Also, why does the iphone always turn the pic sideways? Lastly, I passed 20k views just before Adam passes 60k... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 So are the letters supposed to be painted white, or is that some Texas embellishment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 I doubt they are supposed to be white, since it wouldn't add value (when originally built). I had a paint pen and figured I'd see what it looked like. I couldn't believe how nice it turned out. I did a similar thing a long time ago on my spark plug covers where the firing order was stamped.'member too, the wagon will never be judged, so copy me at your own risk! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Ah, I forgot this was for the wagon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 The wagon really should get its own thread, but then I'd never catch you Plus, it is still a 55 and half the time it's just people talking about beer. Hmmm, it's pretty much why I love the BCA. Hang with friends, talk trash, and kick tires occasionally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Sounds like you in a nutshell..I want to be just like Mike when I grow up!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 I did a similar thing a long time ago on my spark plug covers where the firing order was stamped.Didn't help did it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted November 15, 2011 Author Share Posted November 15, 2011 Didn't help did it...Yeeouch!!!What did Bob say about memory?That is funny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Mike,how you makin' out with your cars? Haven't heard any more about the wagon in awhile. Any more advancements on the convertible? Just checkin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted December 3, 2011 Author Share Posted December 3, 2011 Just got all of the engine parts back on the wagon. Hopefully I have solved the major leaks. The green engine will make Mr. Earl happy (instead of the Chevy orange).It is nice to not need perfection when working on a "driver". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 (edited) "do nothing but repairs on this car. A Mexican blanket is all I am allowed to do for upholstery. No engine removal for green paint. No sticking better chrome pieces on. Nothing. I have been given a two year "drive only" requirement on this car."In the words of a great American folk hero, "Shime, Shime, Shime". Gee honey, ya can't just change the oil without painting the engine and it may as well be the correct shade of bluey-green. Mexican blanket... hah! Bet there's an order working its way through SMS right now, for a certain "rich Nylon and supple Cordaveen"Men! They're all alike. Edited December 3, 2011 by Rob McDonald forgot blanky (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Good one, Rob. LMAO. Looking good, Mike. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted December 3, 2011 Author Share Posted December 3, 2011 Rob, THAT is funny!Now we have all been busted for stuff we said months ago .Do I need to take a pic of the Mexican blanket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 The guy in the middle looks familiar... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Thanks for takin care of that red Mike. Now, for the money, with a few hog nose rings I bet you could make these fit. Vintage Car Seat Covers 1955-1958 Buick-Chrysler-DeSoto-Dodge-Olds-Plymouth | eBay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted December 25, 2011 Author Share Posted December 25, 2011 (edited) Another happy year with the projects.Merry Christmas from the Middletons. (2011)(note Mexican blanket on front seat!) Edited December 25, 2011 by buick5563 Added blanky (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted December 25, 2011 Share Posted December 25, 2011 Merry Christmas Mike! Nice photo shoot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 25, 2011 Share Posted December 25, 2011 Hey, Mike, nice use of the Wagon. My car has new interior and STILL makes use of a Mexican blanke:):)t. Merry Christmas Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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