ME & MY === 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick and……..

[dei]

It started to come back to me backing out of the garage in a tight situation with only one side mirror. (Especially with camera in hand)

https://youtu.be/gxQaWv74afQ

 

Edited May 22, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

QUE THE MUSIC (On The Road Again by Willie Nelson)

https://youtu.be/sAdKwO_9kPc

 

 

[dei]

When I mentioned Home in the last video, I must explain.

That is where I grew up and was living when I bought the Special in the summer of '72.

I went inside to get mom to come and see I had the car back on the road again. She hasn't seen it for a long time and said she didn't remember it being so long.

 

With tomorrow being our Holiday and a weekly car show at a local restaurant/pub, will be checking the fluids again, picking up my wife and driving the Special to her first car show in a looong time. 

 

Just before we do though, will be stopping here again with the top down and recreate this picture from 1984.

 

The car looks about the same(?) but not sure the occupants will!? 

[dei]

Trust all my Canadian Buick owners had a wonderful Holiday today, I know I did.

 

After going to the garage, checked the fluids on the Special and proceeded to the gas station to top off the tank with some high-test and a little gas stable.

Let the Sea Trials begin.

Then I went home (my home) and picked up the wife to go for dinner at a place that holds a weekly car show.

 

I'm in my glory with having my wife with me, having the car out for the first time in 12 years and..... watched as it drew a bit of a crowd & lots of questions most of the evening. 

I must mention, If you look in the back row on the right, my buddy drove his '66 Continental that he sooo generously offered to me various times when the Special was out of commission. Thanks Joe!

 

Being this is a weekly local event and most car guys know each other, kind of expected the obvious question, "When did you get this?" 

Well, I was taken aback when I heard my wife answer one fellow "that her husband bought it when he was in High School." First time I think she was actually enjoying telling the story as she said the car was quite the hit on the ride home! 

 

Look at all those Mopar's and Chev's with their hoods up. Bring your Buick to these shows and see what happens......

 

As stated, a good day and luckily she (the car) got a 90% grade on this run as I have what I believe one plug or wire that seems to be dropping or weak but she fires right up, idles nice and once moving down the road levels out nicely. 

 

After the $135.00 50/50 number was drawn we cruised on home with no difficulties. 

After dropping my wife off I then headed back to the garage to put the car away and decided, as it was not out of the way, to capture a shot of the car at my old High School which I not only drove her to at that time but brought her back to my 10 year reunion.

Sadly, just recently I saw the then Vice Principal had passed away who had to call over the public address system, "Would the owner of a red convertible please come to the Principles Office!"

With over 1,200 students then, parking was limited and guess I had parked in his spot!

Was a good excuse to skip French class that day. (no offence to those of French heritage Mon amie)

 

A VERY Fulfilling Day!     

Edited May 23, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

With being rained out yesterday afternoon I ended up at the Special to check on the grounds first (all good when light rain) and started wiping down the dash and thought, how would that polish do on the horn ring?

One thing led to another and two and a half hours later I had most of the chrome and the white paint looking presentable.

The sagging dash pad aside, looks better than it did.

 

Notice the Wonder Bar Radio?

The original Sonamatic quit a long time ago and I took this out of my Roadmaster as it worked. 

Now it has quit and suspect both problems are the vibrators in them as there is power but no sound. 

Should pick up a few electronic aftermarket ones and replace it this winter.

 

Then decided to wax out the front end.

 

Weather this week will keep her in the garage and work this weekend will stop attending a show 30 miles from here but there are others down the road. 

Edited May 25, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[pacerman]

On 5/22/2017 at 8:00 PM, dei said:

Trust all my Canadian Buick owners had a wonderful Holiday today, I know I did.

 

After going to the garage, checked the fluids on the Special and proceeded to the gas station to top off the tank with some high-test and a little gas stable.

Let the Sea Trials begin.

Then I went home (my home) and picked up the wife to go for dinner at a place that holds a weekly car show.

 

I'm in my glory with having my wife with me, having the car out for the first time in 12 years and..... watched as it drew a bit of a crowd & lots of questions most of the evening. 

I must mention, If you look in the back row on the right, my buddy drove his '66 Continental that he sooo generously offered to me various times when the Special was out of commission. Thanks Joe!

 

Being this is a weekly local event and most car guys know each other, kind of expected the obvious question, "When did you get this?" 

Well, I was taken aback when I heard my wife answer one fellow "that her husband bought it when he was in High School." First time I think she was actually enjoying telling the story as she said the car was quite the hit on the ride home! 

 

Look at all those Mopar's and Chev's with their hoods up. Bring your Buick to these shows and see what happens......

 

As stated, a good day and luckily she (the car) got a 90% grade on this run as I have what I believe one plug or wire that seems to be dropping or weak but she fires right up, idles nice and once moving down the road levels out nicely. 

 

After the $135.00 50/50 number was drawn we cruised on home with no difficulties. 

After dropping my wife off I then headed back to the garage to put the car away and decided, as it was not out of the way, to capture a shot of the car at my old High School which I not only drove her to at that time but brought her back to my 10 year reunion.

Sadly, just recently I saw the then Vice Principal had passed away who had to call over the public address system, "Would the owner of a red convertible please come to the Principles Office!"

With over 1,200 students then, parking was limited and guess I had parked in his spot!

Was a good excuse to skip French class that day. (no offence to those of French heritage Mon amie)

 

A VERY Fulfilling Day!     

You parked next to an AMC Pacer too.  That helped to draw a crowd.   LOL (I'm an AMC fan). 

[dei]

2 hours ago, pacerman said:

You parked next to an AMC Pacer too.  That helped to draw a crowd.   LOL (I'm an AMC fan). 

 

Glad you have a favourite too.

I'm not all that familiar with Pacers but know this particular one is about as loaded as they come. It has a V8 and guess it really moves! It is owned by one of our local TV Anchors Jim Crichton. He also owns a '64 Chrysler convertible and attends the local cruise-ins after his broadcasts.

[dei]

Last minute decision but topped off the fluids and drove the 15 miles to a small Car Show.

 

 

Just like a baby bird, trying the distance a bit at a time till the wings are strong!

 

As Dad would say, Staying till the last dog was hung. (what ever that means).

[dei]

Last minute decision but went to a fun raising Car Show after lunch.

 

It was not a big show but local and close so why not. You can see I was # 205 at around 12:30 and watched the sky as the forecast was for thundershowers after 4pm.

 

This being my 3rd car event, answered many questions about the car and having been out of the local car scene for quite awhile, have surprised the local car owners with her.

I hope to put her through as many miles and tests as I can in hopes of possibly driving her to the National.  

The check list is growing but so far, nothing major......

[dei]

Yee Haa!

Just received my confirmation for this years National and....

Call it fate? My number is 2'58'. 

 

Thanks Roy!

[dei]

This might be a little spookie as I had to go back to work after supper and saw this.

[JohnD1956]

Looks like you are good to go. See ya in Wisconsin. 

[dei]

Yes everything looks good on paper. 

Just need go go over everything on the car with a fine toothed comb before venturing out but signs are pointing in a good direction.

With that rainbow last night, the registration number having 58 in it and receiving it exactly two months to the date we laid Dad to rest, starting to think there is something to the stars aligning thing? 

 

Realistically though, the mechanical is of concern some. I'm going to have to get her back on the hoist as the brake pedal is lower than it was and when applying the brakes hard, she is pulling to the right but able to compensate due to the power steering. Will check for the obvious first like a leaking wheel cylinder or hose connection (even though new), then check adjustment and drum condition. 

Then I need to pull the plugs as she seems to be dropping one. It could be a wire too but have a new set in the trunk. With the high mileage it might be a fowled plug due to some blow by....

 

I'd still not like to have to walk back from as far as she will take me. (say from Milwaukee?) 

[JohnD1956]

Figure on it breaking down and plan how you'd address that.  Then when it doesn't , it will be a wonderful trip. 

[old-tank]

You worry too much.

[95Cardinal]

Doug,

Congratulations on the Special's successful return to the road!

 

[dei]

Thank you Sir.

July is looming fast! Would have been better to have done this last year but such is life.

Have not seen the progress on yours. Would imagine if it is on the road you would have posted or are you going to surprise us at the National?

[95Cardinal]

On 5/31/2017 at 7:26 AM, dei said:

Thank you Sir.

July is looming fast! Would have been better to have done this last year but such is life.

Have not seen the progress on yours. Would imagine if it is on the road you would have posted or are you going to surprise us at the National?

Now THAT"S funny!

 

No, the car won't be at the National meet, but I will!

I'm looking for a few parts and reference photos for re-assembly.

I am still hopeful I will have the wagon ready for 2018 Nationals, but progress has been slow.

I work on vehicle selection for the EyesOn Design show, so most of my time in the first half of the year has been consumed by car show duties and family commitments.

After Father's Day, I should be able to get back to the Caballero.

 

See you in Wisconsin!

[dei]

3 hours ago, 95Cardinal said:

No, the car won't be at the National meet, but I will!

 

95Cardinal,

"If" I get the Special there please look me up and if not with the car, I (my wife and I) will be there with our tags on so hope we can meet. 

 

I attended the Eyes ON Design show a few years ago (2014) with a fellow car collector and enjoyed the whole show, setting and review exceptionally! A very worthwhile event on the shores of Lake St. Clair for anyone that can attend.

 

This Caballero was another Canadian owner Steve Plunkett who had the car transported there after a restoration and which only had 3 miles on it! He won a ribbon and went through the review.

 

One can actually see a few antique cars in the parking lot across from the Ford Estate which is almost a small show bonus in itself. 

 

Should I feel confident enough with the Special, would be a great drive along the Lakeshore Drive with the top down!

[dei]

After more lawn cutting and getting just about caught up, pulled the Special out to clean up the top on her this afternoon. I was worried after having it down for so long and finding some spotting (on a white top no less) what I was going to use to clean it.

 

Found a two step cleaner and re-coat package that seemed to do the trick. The top is only 32 years old! 

 

Next will be the mandatory white wall cleaning and then out for a short cruise downtown. 

 

 

[jackofalltrades70]

Looks great!  Glad you are out enjoying as you work on her!

[dei]

Did the white walls at home, had dinner, talked with a few neighbours out walking about and wondered, "What is it?"  Youngn's? LOL 

 

Went the back way around the neighbourhood and saw a red & white '58 Ford Fairlane sitting in a driveway that I have never seen before so had to stop and investigate. 

Seems the car was her Dad's who had passed away three years ago and had been stored in her garage all this time. She is getting it looked at to be road worthy and plated but not sure if she is going to keep it or sell. Nicely restored 2 door post car with V8 (312?) stick on the floor and she started it right up there in the driveway for me. She was as interested in the Special as I was her Ford and hopefully she will keep her car and enjoy the ride too! 

 

[dei]

Last minute decision to go to the Monday night Cruise-In so with the gas gauge not reading  (stuck at 1/4 tank) drove over to the gas station and filled up with high test again to the tune of $20.00.

Since it has been awhile driving realised the odometer quit working at 49,000 something but the trip odometer still works as does the speedometer. How accurate they are? Will see when I check against my GPS one day. Should be interesting....

 Rad is up, oil was not down enough to add any, trany fluid reads normal when hot and in drive so good to go once again.  

This time I left the top up as it has been a bit cool today and I'm just getting over a cold.

 

Interesting observation, with about twice as many cars there tonight as last week, maybe where I parked or with the top up changed the looks of the car, but she did not draw near the interest as that first night. 

It's still good though as so far she operates like I expect it to and have plans to attend my Car Club's Spring Show this coming Sunday which is about a 50 mile round trip.

 

My friend with the '66 Continental decided to drive his '55 Cadillac tonight and thought I'd share.

 

It is a local car purchased used (back in the day) by an alignment shop owner, sold to his daughter till Joe bought it 10 years or so ago. Other than a repaint and the usual mechanical work it is all original equipped too including a nice interior.

Another nice highway car!

[dei]

No current pictures today. 

 

Just stopped by the Special and resisted taking her out to a Wednesday night Cruise-in as the usual suspects will be at the Car Show this Sunday and want to not spoil the day.....

I did clean up the rest of the 160 square grill pieces I missed doing and boy, do my fingers hurt! 

(old pic)

[dei]

So, it is Friday night and after a "stressful week", needed a Buick fix! 

Decided to load the necessary car show needs in the trunk for this Sunday and thought, Let's bring the car home and convince the wife to go for a Friday night cruise downtown.

Pulled it into the other driveway before heading home for a picture.

 

I was just about home and turned the corner when I heard something start rattling in the back on the drivers side.

Backed into the driveway and pulled the hubcap from the left rear wheel and find this laying under the cap.

Seems one of the three brake drum bolts snapped a head but what has me wondering, how did it loosen up and rattle in the hub cap?

Put the wheel wrench to the bolts and managed to tighten one of them but otherwise nothing seemed loose.

 

Cleaned up the cap and convinced my wife to go for a ride.

 

Waiting for the short video to upload but suffice it to say Friday nights are not the same as they used to be..... the Downtown crowd does not get busy (as my son told me) till about 10:30 or so.... 

Man have I gotten old. 

 

Meanwhile, the car performed like a trouper and even had a little fun with what looked to be a middle aged couple in a 2000 something Mustang.

 

Parked her at home for the night and will change her out for the work truck in the morning.

 

[dei]

Well,

finally uploaded the short Friday night video. Nothing exciting and only on the way home but....

First time we have done this together in this car in about 15 years.

Kinda recapturing our dating days (in my mind).

 

 

[Dale's Buick]

I got such a grin enjoying that drive along with you guys!  She's beautiful!

Dale in Kentucky

[dei]

After work yesterday I just had to get the car and tool around a bit. 

I have been suspecting the speedometer is off so grabbed the Garmin and tested it out.

No pictures but sure enough, it is reading faster than actual speed by about 7 miles an hour when showing 55 miles per hour.

That's good in a way as I won't be getting a speeding ticket but.... today's young drivers have no patience or respect for slow old cars and so far have been lucky NOT to have anyone pull a fast turn in front of me or passing with little room creating an panic move on my part.

 

Will pay attention to the trip odometer next and see how accurate it is doing as I'd like to continue recording just what mileage I will be putting on her.

 

Being off the road for so long it is almost like getting a new (used) car and learning how it acts and  performs. 

Going out soon to drop the top and double check the fluids before heading out for the day at our Club's semi annual car show. Should be a fun day! 

 

[dei]

Hi all,

Today was HOT! 94 degrees F and the car never went to what I would consider overheating at any time. 

The trip out was without incident after meeting up with two other cars and while looking for shade to park in, found a spot close to the beer garden and that was good enough (to keep an eye on the car naturally....). 

 

I used to sit on the Car Show Committee with 12 other Members / Volunteers and our best show spread out on the 100+ acres of historic local buildings and natural woods was about 750 registered cars. Today's show (possibly due to the heat) was only about 250... 

However, there were some interesting originally equipped cars which were there for the first time.

 

A beautiful Buick GS.

 

A 1919 Buick who actually drove the back roads some 40 miles away to be here.

Great family adventure and experience.

 

We had our fair share of street rods naturally but this 1909 EMF came from London, Ontario trailered of course) but was the oldest Antique at the show.

 

Then while waiting for the 50/50 draw what do we see, Two Lincolns driving near the pass and review area.

One was this 1925 Lincoln.

 

And the other a 1927, 7 passenger Lincoln.

I was so fascinated listening to the young fellow who was driving it and telling us that he really wasn't a "car guy" but had learned about how to set the spark, the gas, hit the floor starter after turning on the key and resetting things after it stared that I didn't take a shot of the whole car....

They drove both vehicles from about 60 miles away together and were about to leave for home.

Beautiful cars and happy to see the expression on the young fellows face!

 

Sadly after they draw the 50/50 just about everyone leaves and because it was early the three of us decided to do a side trip to a Music Festival on the way home which was having a car show too.

 

So, if I am to believe my trip odometer today was 65 miles round trip and again, with temps in the mid to upper 90's the car managed to operate with in acceptable performance.

Checked the fuel filter though and think a new one might be in order????

Edited June 12, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[D Yaros]

Was your first stop/show at the CTMHV?  It looks like the grounds there?

[dei]

Yes sir it indeed is! 

Don't tell me you've been here? or... have you seen it on line?

 

Not a great shot but this is the main entrance to our 100 acre site and 25,000 sq ft Museum Building. (day of the car show)

 

For those interested: http://www.ctmhv.com

[dei]

Cleaning up the Special some to take our good friends (she was my wife's Maid of Honour 37 years ago ) to a weekend Art Show / Open House event on Saturday.

During the conversation about times etc, the question came up about having another Buick as it has been a long relationship.

As I have posted in this thread, I explained to them that I have "4" '58s of which three will eventually be on the road.

 

Thinking now, after the National, need to (after fixing whatever happens on the trip) should concentrate on my Limited.

She will be another survivor of sorts with a repaint some time before I bought it, showing only 57,000 miles on the odometer but with repaired/painted front fenders and rebuilt motor.

 

Maybe over this winter? 

 

 

Edited June 16, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

It's Saturday June 17, 2017.

Had made arrangements with our long time friends to drive out to an Art Show / Open House today.

Since our friends have not seen the car for about 15 years, just had to take a keeper shot for them.

 

Let me back up for a minute and explain that because we all have a lifetime friendship together and have shared the full spectrum of dating, marriages, children, boating together and travelling, lately I have always asked them when we are planning something, if they would like to go on an adventure?

This event was indeed a small adventure as it was about 20 miles away but the weather was perfect and nice and warm. Cruising on the 4 lane road and knowing my speedometer was showing about 10 miles per hour more than we were actually going, doesn't Bev comment how nice the car feels at 60 miles per hour. She just loved the red drum speedometer!

Over the obvious wind noise I explained that we were only going 50 but yes it does feel great. 

 

Not long after I feel a bit of loss of power and think to myself, Oh OH!

Not too far up the road is a light and not wanting to pull off to the side of this four lane busy road I decide to make a right onto a secondary road and check under the hood. 

As I proceeded through my turn the engine stalls so managed to coast to the next driveway and come to a stop with decent brakes so know my vacuum tank is doing it's job. 

I immediately looked at the clear fuel filter and know it has to be changed out for a new one!

No pictures but our friends were calm as still water figuring I had things under control. 

Two quick release clamps, new filter, hit the starter and we were back in action! PHEW! 

 

WILL HAVE TO GET THAT TANK OFF AND CLEANED OUT BEFORE COMMITTING TO BROOKFIELD (just lucky so far....)

 

On to the Show.

How does one make a grand entrance? 

Why, drive up in a red 1958 Buick Convertible amongst about 20 Corvettes that's how! 

Sure turned some heads!

Had to park along the back fence but no problem with that. (Didn't have to hear anyone telling me to be careful when opening my doors and not ding their paint.....)

 

Now, don't get me wrong, there are a few Corvettes I truly fancy (at least they are in the GM Family - ha ha) and I really liked this one.

Just not sure I can squeeze my somewhat tired 6' 4" body in and out of it????

 

I knew that the Artist's wife had a Metropolitan convertible but didn't realise it was for sale.

I told her, being a stick shift that I would love to have it and tow her behind my 1951 Nash Canadian Statesman.

At a show I would say that the mother is towing her child along.

 

After some free lunch, live music under a tent and looking through the Gallery, our friend son and wife show with the two boys. They knew grandma and granddad were riding in an old car and asked if the could sit in the Special. They are good kids with great parents so.... 

Got a kick of them when one asked, how do you open the door mom?

 

The fuel filter did the trick (for now..) and the drive home was uneventful.

After dropping our friends off, Bev sent me this via email as we were heading home.

(can you believe my 5'0" wife is even sitting on a pillow? )

 

[dei]

A short post script to the day.

With the possibility of a few thunderstorms tonight decided to bring the Special back to her garage but with the frozen gas gauge, stopped for a top up first. 

Surprised it did not take more than it did and with the humid nicely cooling down temperature she just seemed to be begging for a cruise.

 

This summer seems to have many of our local city roads under construction including our waterfront so tripped on east to my car buddy's avoiding that stuff. 

Pulling up I see he has two of his cars out and the garage door open so just had to pull in!

All his cars are so much above the condition of mine I was surprised when he stated he would really rather have the Special than his '66 Continental.

 

Guess we both will have to just accept each others appreciation of the others cars for now?

 

Since the sun was going down, decided it was time to head for the garage.

Got the usual thumbs up and honks of horns till I stopped at a light and this newer big Lincoln (Towncar?) pulls beside me and puts the window down. I hear him ask if I would like to trade vehicles?

I started to laugh and said, "Please don't be offended but anyone can drive a new Lincoln Sir". 

He smiled and said, "You are a smart man" giving me the thumbs up.

 

Great day, great ending and my baby is safely in bed for the night.

[D Yaros]

On 6/12/2017 at 5:08 PM, dei said:

Yes sir it indeed is! 

Don't tell me you've been here? or... have you seen it on line?

 

Not a great shot but this is the main entrance to our 100 acre site and 25,000 sq ft Museum Building. (day of the car show)

 

For those interested: http://www.ctmhv.com

Let's just say "I get around" and do have connections.

 

Do take a look at this; particularly at the 1:19 - 1:23 point -

 

Edited June 18, 2017 by D Yaros (see edit history)

[dei]

I guess you do get around! 

 

Thanks for posting that video.

I knew Dave was about that day shooting video as he likes to do but hadn't seen what he had done yet. Will expect when he has more time, will catch me and the car and do a small piece on it this summer. 

He is a car guy too and does not produce these videos for money.

He owns a very nice 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire 2 door hardtop.

 

[D Yaros]

Know David Langford quite well.  We are close friends.

[dei]

Sweet!

Again, I guess you do get around! 

He is very popular among the car circle here, especially doing feature cars here and there. 

I really like his Starfire too! 

[dei]

Today I had a chance meeting with a fellow who has a boat at a Marina I used to keep my boat at and said they were having a party there tonight so went home for dinner and asked my wife if she would like to attend. She thought about it over dinner and decided that she would stay home and if I wanted to, go ahead. Well....

That was all the excuse I needed to go and get the Special out for a run! 

Sadly the Marina business is NOT what it was before 911. With 110 slips and being on an International Waterway, boating is not what it used to be due to security issues etc. but...

 

It was a bit breezy and they were going to light fireworks for the kids so after asking to move the cars (for safety reasons) decided to drive on Down Town.

I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada which is right across the Detroit River from.... Detroit, Michigan.

Was lucky to capture this shot tonight of the Ambassador Bridge.

 

The drive along the river towards Down Town has a couple of parking areas and pulled in for this shot.

 

This year the re-construction around here is exceptional this year and when making it Down Town cheated by parking (briefly ) in a handicap spot to get this shot.

That is the GM Headquarters directly across from us.

 

Then.... 

On our side is the Chrysler Head Quarters. It is the grey / silver building.

 

Cruising on home with many thumbs up and "Cool Car" comments (how old are those guys ), parked her under the canopy for the night as my son wants to get his Mustang out of storage tomorrow and told him he will just have to ride out there in the Special! 

[lancemb]

That has got to feel great getting back behind the wheel!  So which one is next?!