Guest Kejsaren Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 It´s cool Dave interesting .i dont have the body parts book yet .when i get it here i ´m gonna look at it myselfi have some other issues to look atheheAbout the "Roady" i think Adams progress is over now:DBuick : Roadmaster 75 in Buick | eBay MotorsGood luck with your sale Adamgo ahead and continue to struggle with the Limited and show some results :D:DJanne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 24, 2012 Author Share Posted December 24, 2012 I'm gauging interest with the ebay auction. Not necessarily letting it go yet. The reserve probably won't be met Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted December 24, 2012 Share Posted December 24, 2012 It would really be handy to keep that one or another one around while you assemble the Limited just to see how things go back together.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 24, 2012 Author Share Posted December 24, 2012 I've thought about that...and will be doing a major photo session with it soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kejsaren Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 I've thought about that...and will be doing a major photo session with it soon.yeaaaa do that!!then you can send me a big zip file with pictures to me (Trough "sprend" or "sendit"):o:o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 I will do that as soon as I recover from my knee surgery yesterday:p It should be quick, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I will do that as soon as I recover from my knee surgery yesterday:p It should be quick, though. ??????? Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 I had surgery to repair a torn meniscus. It ended up being the sheathing around the area that was bad. I'm walking around on it, but very gingerly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Good luck and a fast recovery, Adam. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 ^^^^ AND he is the young guy around here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kejsaren Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 ^^^^ AND he is the young guy around here :D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted February 6, 2013 Author Share Posted February 6, 2013 I've made the decision that the Roadmaster will not be sold. I tentatively had a sale pending, but a recent turn of events has ended it. I will move forward with detailing this car soon. I may wait until after Easter to do the engine compartment, since I want to take it to the Easter show...I don't think I can get it done before then. Maybe a good buff job on the paint to bring out the shine again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 Good decision Adam! I was worried you was gonna sell it! It's a nice lookin' car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 Good decision Adam! I was worried you was gonna sell it! It's a nice lookin' car. Agree, Matt. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 AdamDid you ever get the transmission issues sorted? Either way let me know where to send the Flightpitch manual.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted February 19, 2013 Author Share Posted February 19, 2013 First order of business was to get the dash lights to work. The courtesy lights all worked with some bulb replacement, but all of the gauge and accessory bulbs were inop. It felt to me like the headlight switch was bad. So, off came the top of the dashboard! While I have it off, I might as well give it a good scrub.This should give me plenty of working room to get the headlight switch out...So, I discovered that the rheostat on the switch was badly corroded. I proceeded to take it apart, only to find out that it had several tiny springs and parts that were retained by the metal plate that was screwed to the side. After 10 minutes of crawling on the floor, I found all the bits. Thankfully, I had just swept the floor.All of the contact points were cleaned and the switch reassembled...it took a few tries to get the lid back on without the springs exploding apart like it did when I removed it. Oy.Initial test revealed the switch cleaning did nothing. After further review, I found out that one of the contact points on the switch was not connecting properly. (thermo circuit breaker) ....I popped it back into place without having to remove the switch again, which is a pain in itself. Ok, now all of the dash lights work...they a bit on the dull side, though. At least I can see how fast I'm going at night, now.All 4 original T3 headlights are in the car. Of course, one of the low beams decided to die on me shortly after I bought it. I replaced it today...polished up the chrome surrounds on that side, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Adam,Looks nice! Glad you are making progress with tidying up this nice lookin' machine. BTW how's the other car coming along? Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted February 19, 2013 Author Share Posted February 19, 2013 BTW how's the other car coming along? Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 ADAM, I've dangled this question in several threads, with no bites. What type of carpet do you think is installed in '57 Roadmasters and '58 Roadmaster 75s and Limiteds? It's a very soft cut pile, quite long, and it doesn't have the sparkle that nylon fibres do. I've called it Teddy Bear Fur but so far no one has picked up on that and said, "Aha, I know what that is!"My '78 Cordoba had carpet something like this but the pile was even longer. You could really bury your toes in it. That and the lovely, soft metallic green Corinthian leather seats were the nicest things about an otherwise forgettable car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 ADAM, I've dangled this question in several threads, with no bites. What type of carpet do you think is installed in '57 Roadmasters and '58 Roadmaster 75s and Limiteds? It's a very soft cut pile, quite long, and it doesn't have the sparkle that nylon fibres do. I've called it Teddy Bear Fur but so far no one has picked up on that and said, "Aha, I know what that is!"My '78 Cordoba had carpet something like this but the pile was even longer. You could really bury your toes in it. That and the lovely, soft metallic green Corinthian leather seats were the nicest things about an otherwise forgettable car.All I know is that it's cut pile...I'm assuming it's just a soft nylon fiber, but I'm no expert. SMS was able to provide the correct blue carpet for my Limited. It was expensive, but it was perfect. The carpet in the Roadmaster is nice, but not perfect. It could use a quick dye job. I don't want to replace it for fear of losing the great fit of that original carpet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARY F Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 what product would you use to dye the carpet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Gary, I haven't done it myself, but I've heard that the SEM spray dye works well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARY F Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 when i get to it i would like to dye the carpet on the bottom of my door panels on my 63 GP thats why i asked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 (edited) Time to fix the dash pad!I am going to have a friend of mine rebuild the foam behind the vinyl on the pad. He is the same one who did the door panels on the Limited.It took about 20 minutes to get the pad out, since pretty much everything it touches has to come off first.After a good scrub, I slowly started to peel off the vinyl. It came off surprisingly easy. Really just came off without any fight. Edited March 1, 2013 by Smartin (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 careful boss, that's how the Limited project started...LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 3, 2013 Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 hah! Not a chance, JD The Limited was too far gone for me to just fix a few things and drive. If I could've, I would've. At least on the Roadmaster, I don't have to brush off the foam material from my back when I get out of the car...or pray the emergency brake would stop the car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 3, 2013 Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 Ok, dash pad is off to Mr. Upholster to have the padding rebuilt. Meanwhile, I have redyed the top of the dash pad and repainted the trim pieces that frame it. I feel like I did a bunch more work than that, but now that I look back at it...that's all I have done:rolleyes: The pad should be finished before the Easter show on March 31. I guess I need to redye the small padded bits on the glove box and the face of the dash, too. "While I'm at it...." Redye the carpet black, paint the package shelf...Doesn't look like the paint will get buffed before the show, though. I'll have to save that fun little project for later, along with the engine compartment and chassis detail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Adam,It all starts with "I'm just gonna fix this one thing......." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 With me, it's "I'm just gonna fix this one thing...tomorrow."Carpe Mañana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 25, 2013 Author Share Posted March 25, 2013 While I wait for the dash pad to get finished up, I pulled the carb off to ream it out. Good thing I did, because it was rough.It's still not pretty, but the idle is better. #5 cylinder has a burned exhaust valve, so the idle isn't perfect, but it is tolerable for now until I pull the heads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 ADAM, how refreshing to see an engine compartment in its natural state. When's the hobby going to catch up with lazy guys like me, who realize the "patina" under the hood is just as important? Mind you, yours is a bit too clean. Mmm, I can practically smell the hot oil... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 29, 2013 Author Share Posted March 29, 2013 The dash pad is home, but not installed. I still have to redye it. Getting close to the Easter show!! Must work tomorrow to finish up.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 Major overheating issue. I am pretty sure the radiator is caked with crap. I worked for 2 hours today trying to flush it out...hopefully I got enough to be able to drive it 30 miles without having it get too hot tomorrow. As soon as it comes home after the show, I'm tearing the entire engine compartment down. I installed new hoses, cap, and thermostat on it this afternoon. Advanced the timing a few degrees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 Adam, I of the opinion any auto over 30 years deserves a new radiator, at least a recore. First thing I did on mine. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted March 31, 2013 Author Share Posted March 31, 2013 I just hope it makes it through tomorrow...then I can dump $500 into the radiator. And another $300 in the heater core. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 So I made a test run yesterday morning before the show, and of course it boiled over. I was going to do whatever I had to do to make it to the show, though. I went to Walmart (the only thing open at 7am on Easter Sunday) and bought some muriatic acid. I got home and removed the radiator in record time. There was only a few ounces of blood sacrificed to the knuckle gods.50/50 mix of water/acid was added to the radiator. (this was after I shook many small pellets of rust and scale out of the top tank) I let it sit for 15 minutes...then shook the $#it out of it again. 15 more minutes...more agitating. After a few rounds of that, I dumped it and flushed for about 30 minutes while I continued to shake particles out of the top and bottom tanks. This thing was CLOGGED. When it overheated the second time, I put my hand on the radiator, and it was ice cold. DUHAfter I reassembled, it was topped off again. Added some water wetter for fun. I crossed my fingers and got on the highway, since I had zero time to make any test runs. The gauge stayed at 1/3 the entire trip, until I got off the highway and stuck in show traffic. It crept up to just over half way, and stayed there.I made it home just fine as well, but as soon as I pulled into the garage it started puking again. It was a reaaaaally long day. I didn't get home until 11pm, after my fiancee's family Easter dinner. They all loved the car, though I also had a crowd of people most of the time at the show...it was neat to have a car again!The hood is up, ready for major surgery. The engine will be taken down to the short block and heads will be rebuilt. Radiator and heater core rebuilt. Everything detailed like it should be. I'm also going to fix the speedo cable that is causing it to read too high...and the damn speed minder to buzz at all speeds above 40 mph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 Oh great Buick Gods.........Please guide our Adam as he ventures, once again into the realm of restoration of another fine vehicle. Smite him when he wants to disassemble more than he can put back together in 1 months time. Cater to his wants and needs, but also remind him of the times of driving and enjoying as well as quality garage time. Oh great Buick Gods..............Just kiddin' :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 I just have to remember that if I ever want to do another frame-off restoration, I need SPACE, TIME, and MONEY before I ever start. I had none of those when I dove into the Limited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 I just have to remember that if I ever want to do another frame-off restoration, I need SPACE, TIME, and MONEY before I ever start. I had none of those when I dove into the Limited.Time and money are inversely related. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 That's the nice thing about my thermostat controlled electric fan, when I shut the engine off the fan runs until temp is lowered thus saving the over heating problem. Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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