Model56s Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Thanks Dan. Now, I have to get committed and get started! The last thing I have to do before that is test and connect the underseat heater core. Thanks again Dan,Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 What nice detailing! This is one fantastic job! Sure hope to see it in person one day.Thanks for keeping your thread active Dan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick man Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) Hmm... I wonder what new cars smelled like, before there was plastic?Probably envision something like Bake-lite in a wool suit! Great intensive step by step project diary on a very very admirable 49er. I could be wrong but the paint looks like base coat / clear ? Edited September 28, 2013 by buick man (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 ...I could be wrong but the paint looks like base coat / clear ?Yes, sir. Base/clear.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 More progress observed today.The front grill and upper bar are installed; all the stainless trim is installed on both sides; and while I was taking pictures, they were installing the rear bumper. The exhaust is also completely installed.You will also notice in the pictures that accompany this post that the radio has been installed. I listened to it and it sounds just perfect. A nod and tip of the hat to Alan Kris who advertises radio restorations in The Bugle.Tomorrow - the engine starts at 10:00. I remember well the day I took this car out for it's last drive before I parked it and summoned up the resolve to start the restoration. I might be a little misty-eyed tomorrow when her heart starts beating again.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I will do what I did when WWII ended, BEAT ON SOME POTS AND PANS, at 10:00. Well, something like that, hehehe.Wishing you the best. Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted September 30, 2013 Author Share Posted September 30, 2013 ...Sure hope to see it in person one day.If you will be in Portland next year at the Nationals, we'll see you there.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 May the "Start Up Gods" be with you tomorrow, Dan!We'll all be waiting eagerly to here of the outcome!Awesome job on your stewardship of this beautiful car!mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mstanleyfl Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 Suggest you do a You Tube type video for both yourself and us. If you don't know how try to find a younger person to help. You may be glad you have it in years to come.Beautiful car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 2, 2013 Author Share Posted October 2, 2013 (edited) Engine start up. Well, not actually the first time because I realized there would be testing in the process, but this is the first time I saw the engine run since I parked the car and started the restoration about 7 years ago.<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YvLQ0TpSZR8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Also, two door panels have been installed as well as the glove box and door.And the best news is that the car will be completed and back in my possession to drive and enjoy by October 17th.Dan Edited October 2, 2013 by 49_buick_super spelling and content (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Sweet!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 If you will be in Portland next year at the Nationals, we'll see you there.DanThis is my plan... The reservations have been made... Can't wait to see this beauty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Model56s Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 (edited) Congratulations Dan! The engine sounded perfect and the car is essentially new again - it looks like just a few things are left to do.Geoff Edited October 2, 2013 by Model56s (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 5, 2013 Author Share Posted October 5, 2013 Closing in on the finish.It's looking like the full car again. The front grill and bumper are completely installed. The rear bumper is installed. The doors and windows are complete with panels and operating controls. The rear seat arm rests have been installed and I was told the back seat would be in before the end of work today. Also, the steering wheel has been repaired of one major separation and an number of small crazes, painted and installed. Trunk lid and hood go on at the first of next week. Road testing follows. Those of you who have been separated from a car for years during a restoration know how the excitement is building. You have the car, you work on it, you can see it, you can touch it BUT you can't drive it. That all ends soon. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. My flash didn't work properly for some reason today.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted October 5, 2013 Share Posted October 5, 2013 You gotta be getting downright giddy, Dan!All the best on the final details and shakedown cruise.Kudos to the shop that is busting its butt to finish the car for you....As you know progress doesn't always proceed like this at some places!mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 5, 2013 Author Share Posted October 5, 2013 Kudos to the shop that is busting its butt to finish the car for you....As you know progress doesn't always proceed like this at some places!mikeThanks, Mike.The car went into the shop on August 2 last year and they estimated it would be finished by February or March. I told them I wasn't in any hurry so my accommodation has added about 7 months to the time estimate. Things come up during these restorations that cause delays. Chasing parts when things go wrong is one thing I can think of that adds time. Overall, I'm very pleased with the work and the amount of time it has taken to finish.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ole buick Posted October 5, 2013 Share Posted October 5, 2013 I just saw this thread today. Early when you said you were spending your kids inheritance I laughed. Now I say congratulations on the decision. What an automobile that you guys have built. I wish I could see it in person. This is one of those instances that pictures do not do it justice.You made another comment was about keeping it clean, shop dust on the frame made you think about how hard it will be to maintain the "like new" condition. Don't try, treat it like a new car and she will give you great joy. I hope that you do not make her a trailer Queen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted October 5, 2013 Share Posted October 5, 2013 treat it like a new carBest advice ever for any newly restored car's owner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 5, 2013 Author Share Posted October 5, 2013 ...I hope that you do not make her a trailer Queen.Upon that you may rely. I don't own a trailer. I may rent one to trailer her to Portland next year but otherwise, she's a driver. As a matter of fact, she's going to do the entire Route 66 trip from Chicago to Los Angeles sometime in '14 or '15. But that's for another thread when it happens.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted October 5, 2013 Share Posted October 5, 2013 (edited) DAN, here's a cross-border challenge for you - I'll try to drive my patched-up '57 the 1500 kilometres from Edmonton to Portland, if you drive your good-as-new '49 the 1500 miles from somewhere in Arizona. If I end up flying down, you can go ahead and bring a trailer. Deal? Edited October 5, 2013 by Rob McDonald (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 DAN, here's a cross-border challenge for you - I'll try to drive my patched-up '57 the 1500 kilometres from Edmonton to Portland, if you drive your good-as-new '49 the 1500 miles from somewhere in Arizona. If I end up flying down, you can go ahead and bring a trailer. Deal?Rob,Lemmee see here. You want a challenge wherein you drive from Edmonton through blazing temperatures in the Canadian summer during July of, oh, about 70F to arrive in Portland where the average temperature in July is a scorching 80F and I get to drive a bit farther, starting in south central Arizona and cross the cool, frosty deserts of Arizona and Nevada in the summer where the temperature is a tepid 110F on an average day - in a '49 Buick with no air conditioning... I'm gonna need to mull this over a while. DanThat thing about 4/40 air conditioning only holds true in the more temperate states and provinces. Here, it is deemed 4/40-110 (4 windows down at 40 mph and the temp is still 110.) And the same at 4/50-110, 4/60-110, etc. A linear progression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 I thought everyone always said you don't feel the Arizona heat cause it's a "dry" heat... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) I thought everyone always said you don't feel the Arizona heat cause it's a "dry" heat...The exact quote is, "But it's a dry heat." Nothing ever mentioned about not feeling it.If you want a sampling at home, set your oven to "Bake" at 400 degrees and when it gets to temperature, open the door and put your face in the center of the open door about 6 inches back. There you go. Phoenix in July. :cool: Just like being here except no sunburn and none of the bad drivers.Dan Edited October 6, 2013 by 49_buick_super (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 drive from Edmonton through blazing temperatures in the Canadian summer during July of, oh, about 70FI probably shouldn't mention that my Roadmaster has factory air. I pulled it out of a parts car that originated in Oklahoma. Why I'm bothering with the extra complexity and weight, in a locale that rarely suffers from temperatures above 30C (86F), is an unfolding mystery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 Delivered the license plate to the shop today. This gal's almost ready to hit the road.The hood and trunk lid are installed; the steering wheel is completely reassembled and installed; the rear seat and package shelf are installed as well as the seat belts for the back seat and the doors are now complete. The last pictures were a bit dark so I've included more. I've chosen the Redi Rad to use for playing FM radio and music from an external source through the original Sonomatic. You can see the input line in the picture of the open glove box. Today, the hardware goes back on the trunk lid and the front seat goes back in. Looks like the trunk lining will be the final piece of the reassembly.DanPS: Rob - that air conditioned Roadmaster is a deal breaker, per the boss (my wife) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I am so excited for you. This looks like a wonderful job, and it will be fun to see it in the natural sunlight soon. Hope you post some before and after pics when it is outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick man Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Took a full family Christmas Vacation trip to spend christmas with my Mom's sister. Went from South Dakota to Wisconsin and back as little kids in that same back seat in 1959 in my Dad's 49 Roadmaster. The family fit 4 in the back and 3 in the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 (edited) Progress observed today.The trunk lid is on but we are waiting for the trunk handle to return from the platers. It was done separately from the bezel. The rear wheel skirts are installed and looking good. The front seat is installed along with seat belts and the sun visors. The only things left to go are weather stripping the doors and trunk, installing the trunk handle and installing the coat hanger hooks. And the YOM license plate is on and looking good. The "Super" and "Dynaflow" scripts go on after the final polishing buffing.Looking forward to taking her home next Thursday.Dan Edited October 11, 2013 by 49_buick_super added content (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted October 19, 2013 Author Share Posted October 19, 2013 Going home.There's more to the story but I'll save that for another post.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted October 19, 2013 Share Posted October 19, 2013 So excited for you! She's simply Buickful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Better than new!!! It's cool that the license plate even matches... Can't wait to hear the rest of the story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retirednow Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Beautiful!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Model56s Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Awesome! I too will be waiting for the rest of the story. I would have a very hard time staying out of that car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted November 2, 2013 Author Share Posted November 2, 2013 And now, the rest of the story.The next day...The torque converter seal started leaking, so back to the shop. This happened on 10/18. The car just returned to the shop yesterday from the transmission shop. There are a few other small issues I want them to fix, so it will be a little while longer until I have unfettered access to drive the car. C'est la vie.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonOf2Buicks Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 I hope they were able to get all the Issues fixed !! Still a gorgeous build !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest seaveykenneth Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Ialso. Have a 4 door 49 i just got an was wondering what your final price of full restoration if you would please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Ialso. Have a 4 door 49 i just got an was wondering what your final price of full restoration if you would please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shadetree77 Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 (edited) You could always PM him if you don't want to put your business out here in the public eye. I don't really want you to post the number here anyway, for two reasons. One, I might faint and break my laptop when my head hits it. Two, there's not enough room on here for all those zeroes and you might crash the forum. Lol, just kidding but seriously, she looks amazing. Hope you get your problems sorted out soon so you can drive her a bit before it gets too nasty outside. Or does it get too nasty in Arizona?? Edited November 5, 2013 by shadetree77 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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