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

[dei]

Hey Keith,

Not sure when you and the McLaughlin Club toured to visit here you were able to get out to the Village part or not? 

I know I went around with the group (and you of course) in the Museum and somewhere I have video of the whole group heading out to your next destination. If I find it, will have to get my son to help with posting it on YouTube..... then post it here since it is about Buick's. (especially yours )

 

Meantime, here is a larger shot of the Tecumseh, Ontario Train Station taken off the Main Line into Windsor, Ontario and part of our 25 local historic buildings Village.

 

Wish we could afford more track but our CN Caboose is an added benefit. 

 

Not unlike old cars, everything needs maintenance....

 

[Buicknutty]

 I don't believe that we did, the weather was very unsettled and we were hiding from the rain a fair bit.

 Love to see that video too!

 Keith

[dei]

Moving along some,

I was rained out today and decided to go out to the Club and finish the inside window cleaning of the Train Station. They gave me the keys and entered the baggage room on the other end and saw the display of the hand cart Dad actually rebuilt himself. He actually replaced all the wood and painted it at home in his garage some time ago.

 

Still had to go into the passenger side and felt his presence....

 

I then went over to the General Store I had a hand in and cleaned the outside windows between rain drops. This old store was moved brick by brick from it's original location, rebuilt as once was and has it's original beautiful counters which somehow never were destroyed or removed. It even has the mail slots that severed the area, with it's pot bellied wood stove for heating.

 

 

Moving along more...

I have talked to my mechanic who is a car guy (owns a 70's Camero - but don't hold that against him ) who is willing to come over to my garage next weekend and see if we can get the Special over to his shop the following weekend and complete the brake restoration using his lift and tools. 

(He understands the need to get this done!)

 

[dei]

Taking a break from the required business paperwork on this second wet day and thought I'd post a link to a video of our Club for you to get a flavour of what goes on today. Hope you enjoy.

https://youtu.be/iA-t4rIotyE?t=14

 

Will look for that video soon Keith.

 

Work will press on tomorrow with clearing skies but still planning on getting my mechanic over to the Special this weekend.

[dei]

With this past week of steady rain, grass too wet to cut and the pending visit / assessment Saturday from my mechanic of finishing the brakes on the Special, took a couple of hours to clear things around the car in anticipation of getting her back on her wheels for a move to his shop.

I wasn't there too long when I noticed a few small things on the floor from the open area of my rafters.

Suspected something got in and sure enough started hearing sounds from the area that has

flooring. Right away recognised it as baby raccoons!  NOT GOOD!!

With the top down on the Special and the Overland being an open touring, checked to make sure the upholstery was in tack first. Phew! All good. NOW..... need to get them out and pronto! 

Decided to turn on the radio (loud) and fired up the car. Then I grabbed one of my 8 foot poles and started banging the ceiling. There was lots more cries from the babies and movement and then I heard the hissing and growling from what I presumed to be the mother! 

Knowing full well a wild life mother with babies can be dangerous, blocked the side door open and fully opened the double garage door for a hasty retreat when needed! 

It took some time to convince them that the eviction notice was going to be enforced and with all that has been going on, I was p'dd and determined! 

Being careful to not be under the edge of the flooring (and stay within the open doorway) I continued with banging on the ceiling and anything else that would disturb them. Sure enough, I look at the far side and see the mother climbing down the ropes I had hanging on the wall and artfully catch the shelving nearby. Right behind her were two babies, moving quickly (not quite so artfully) and watched as they all disappeared in the very back corner. I kept up hitting things until I didn't hear any cries and went out back to see them scurry across the yard climbing one of the big trees and going across the neighbours fences which clearly acted as a highway for the buggers.

 

Seems they had broken a hole in the screening that I use to vent the garage this time of year due to the change in temps with the attempt to keep the sweating down.

Mission: close that hole and fast! 

With the Hardware Store close by, left the radio on and the car running and closed all doors. Maybe carbon monoxide fumes would help keep them out till I returned?

Grabbed some industrial metal wired screening and a box of moth balls as suggested by the clerk. Once returned and while fixing the hole with the wire screen, suddenly it is quiet inside the garage. The Buick quit running! 

I checked the clear fuel filter I have in line to the carb and sure enough it is dry. Knowing the gas gauge isn't reading right I go back and tap on the gas tank. Sounded like echoes in the Grand Canyon. It would appear that I had ran all 20 gallons of gas through her this past year on the jack stands! (Hoping that will help the torque tube seal some?)

With the hole fixed (closed) I grab my 5 gallon can and came back to start filling that large tank. Decided to see "if" by chance the pump would primp things so.... touched the starter, watched and after some bit of cranking, Off She Went!  

T'was a good ending to a frustrating start.

 

And so it goes....

[JohnD1956]

LOL... raccoons.  Nothing like Carbon Monoxide to enforce an eviction!

[Buicknutty]

They're cute, but rather pesky. But that doesn't do them justice if they get into your upholstery or similar!
 Most of us have had our own struggles with the critters.

Keith

[dei]

10 hours ago, JohnD1956 said:

LOL... raccoons.  Nothing like Carbon Monoxide to enforce an eviction!

John,

While I wanted so much to have this happen, later I thought, what if they were over come by the fumes and they didn't make it out? 

I have dealt with dead squirrels and small things elsewhere and the smell is.... something you never forget and takes too long to get rid of!

In reality, it is good the car quit when it did ! 

[dei]

8 hours ago, Buicknutty said:

They're cute, but rather pesky. But that doesn't do them justice if they get into your upholstery or similar!

 

Had a neighbour that was an animal rescuer and helped racoon's that lost their mother to forces of modern society. I appreciate that effort and indeed visited the large cage often they set up and when very young, they were gentle and quite pet like. Unfortunately when they reached a certain age, even being handled by a loving human attendant, their natural instinct kicked in and were not the loving cute things as babies.

With the Overland having it's original leather upholstery still figured (actually panicked) about mom using the stuffing as a nest for her babies.

Such was not the case so crisis averted! 

[dei]

FINALLY! 

I have officially book the brake work and tail pipe replacement on the Special for next Saturday! Yea! 

I have this week to gather up things, repack the front bearings and put on the tires so I can drop her down for the first time in a loooong while.

I did dig into my storage shed for the tires. That was a job in itself as they were at the back and things just get thrown on and in front.....

 

Decided to give them a quick scrubbing for now.

 

Planning on dropping her off Friday late, then the owner and I will spend the day Saturday till I can drive her home. Will do a final detailing on the tires (and rims) after that.

[Buicknutty]

Nice to hear of your progress!

Keith

[dei]

Thanks Keith!

Really need to make this commitment now (or is it I should be committed? ) but thinking the time for a bucket list is now!

I told Dad once as he was struggling along with his Whippet then at almost a 20 year project that he had better think about finishing it before he turned 80 and enjoy driving it some.

At 80 we have to write our drivers licenses and said to him it would be a shame if he never got to enjoy those drives. He took it to heart and did indeed have many years driving and going to shows, some with my help trailering her.

 

Figured I had better smarten up and listen to some of my own advice! 

Weather I get it to the point I'm confident enough to drive the Special to the National those 5 hours across Michigan, taking the ferry ride and then back this year or not, that's OK either way. We have the time booked off but need to ensure trouble on the road doesn't take away from the good time I hope my wife will have. (Happy wife, happy life right?)

Moving forward is the key now, it's time.

 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

I stole a small bit of time trying to catch up on lawn cutting today at the garage after sharpening the blades of my equipment. Amazing how quickly damp grass will take an edge off them!

Went at two tires cleaning them and then gathered some parts, tagging them to ensure they go to the correct wheels Saturday. 

 

I need to check the date code on them for safety naturally but by eyesight only, don't see anything alarming but...

Amazingly, all four have held pressure around 28 psi so at least the rims seem to be OK.

 

Starting to get pumped again! 

[Buicknutty]

Looks nice, Doug!

Keith

[dei]

Typical day of a Buick owner?

 

Some people have offices with great window views. Sometimes I have great views but without having to look through windows.

Yes that is Detroit, Michigan on the horizon and the Ren Cen aka GM Headquarters towering above the rest.

 

This view however is not without some effort.

Need to climb one flight of vertical ladder and haul equipment up about a dozen or so times.... 

 

Then I have to set up what has been hauled up.

 

With the weather in my favour this week and knowing I have to be back tomorrow, called a day an hour early as Friday is looming quickly. 

 

Focused on organising the various brake parts I have apart and.... could not find the wheel cylinder bolts and the flex / steel line bracket for the left front anywhere! 

I had taken it off in the effort to clean up the frame and underside of the fender.

 

Fussed around looking till I got the call from home my dinner was waiting and while driving there thought, I have the Limited parts car behind the garage. What are the odds that I could get that bracket, bolt and clip off after sitting outside all those years?  

Went out after grabbing the PB Blaster and gave things a good shot and went in for dinner.

 

Never imagined things would work out!  Even found the flex line to be supple enough to bend without any effort. Not sure they could or should be saved but remember having put new ball joints and tie rod ends plus alignment on her and then parked it inside while driving the Special before setting her fate to the back yard.

 

Now, here is a case that I should be telling my wife, See, if I had listened to you and gotten rid of this supposed junk, just where would I be? NOT!  (but you guys get the point )

 

Went back and wire wheeled the old parts and while waiting for paint to dry grabbed the Turtle Wax and a clean rag. Went at the hood where there were a few raccoon tracks (which I didn't hear while there) and finally had to call it a night.

 

Tomorrow might be earlier (depending on the phone calls) but planning on maybe getting the fronts back together and the wheels on....

 

No effort, no gain!

 

 

 

 

[dei]

Another small gain tonight.

Went to the box with the front brake parts and could find everything except one set of outer wheel bearings w/race, the washer, nut and dust cap! 

Decided to get the right front drum and tire on and assemble the brake linings on the left front backing plate.

 

As it was a long day, finishing at 11 pm and an early start tomorrow morning, kinda hoping it will rain as predicted so I can rob those parts off my other car temporarily and complete the rears tomorrow night after dinner.

 

She is going to the shop Friday afternoon one way or another! 

Edited May 11, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Have put the phone to voice mail! 

Managed to stop quick at the License Bureau (an old term here) and renewed the plate, then grabbed the wheel bearing parts from my other car and heading over to the Special....

 

"Film at 11" as they say. 

Edited May 11, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Missed the 11 o'clock report but...

It is 12:45 am and obviously cleaned up and looking forward to hitting the pillow.

However, happy to report, "Houston, we have touchdown!!!" 

 

That last set (right rear) fought me every inch for some reason but things are together in order to transport it to the shop late tomorrow.

Having put in 20 hrs today (work and hobby?), I'M BEAT! 

 

 

[dei]

It's Friday and love it when a plan come together! 

I borrowed another "Car Guy's" dolly and with little effort used a come-a-long and loaded her up.

 

Fired her up and left it in neutral figuring the trany would be like coasting down the road.... I only had to go 3 miles to the shop so..... 

 

Had the shop guys help unload and tomorrow morning sharp at 7 am going in and help get her fixed up for the road.

 

It's sad in some ways to say this but this is the first time out of the garage since 2006! 

 

However, can't wait to recreate this picture again after some 33 years.

 

To be continued.

 

[jackofalltrades70]

Very nice!  Proud of you!  Keep after it!

[dei]

Went to "The Garage" about 7:15 am to find the owner Glen already there working on his Camaro changing out plugs on his recent new Stroker engine.

Dove in on the Special and changed out the right rear wheel cylinder I had left to do and then went at the flex hose on the torque tube. 

Before we even tried to turn the fitting noticed it was broken!~

Guess this was what made me loose the brakes way back then? 

More likely it was the years of not flushing the wheel cylinders out all those years too making them seize and requiring more pedal pressure....

 

While up in the air, looked for major leaks at the torque tube seal. Typically like all Buick's, was wet like a car with high mileage might be but nothing dripping as it sat there.

I'd like to believe all that oil / trany fluid is part of what has kept her as rust free as it is all these years.

 

We went at adjusting the brakes to what seemed just letting the wheels turn free but with a slight drag and then bled the system with his pressurised tank system. Glen was trained by his dad at the age of 9 and knew he had an old adaptor which would fit my master cylinder.

 

After getting a bit of soft pedal decided tackled the tail pipe which I had found in the rafters while up on the hoist. How I ever thought I would get this in place while on jack stands and on my back on the floor is way beyond me! 

As it was, had to disconnect the shock, lowering the axle just enough to get that clearance! 

Was no surprise the spare tire well is needing some attention.

 

1st attempt at making sure things were operating as should be.

 

A little adjustment here, more bleeding there and......

I drove it home! 

My wife happened to be working on the front gardens when I pulled up and said, "Wow, looking good!" 

 

Called my son to come and follow me back to the storage garage and......

the car started to cut out, then go, then stall out under way. 

Was able to start it and nurse it back but looking at the clear fuel filter, might have crap in the tank that was loosened up by the trying out of the brakes shaking things up so, figure I will have to drop the tank, clean it out and replace the fuel filter at the very least.

 

While sitting outside I asked him to bring his wife out to see the car.

They were married last September and I had wanted to have the car ready for their wedding.

 

Life has a way of working out in unexplained ways as it turned out their day rained for most of it and getting in and out of a two door car (top up) in a wedding dress would have been.... a real pain so, did the next best thing. He has never driven this car and would really like to but that is coming soon!

 

Fortunately she starts up enough to move and drove it to her spot.

 

So.... I have poured a bit out of my new "Bucket List" and need to tweak things yet, but you can't fully believe what this day means to me! 

 

[JohnD1956]

Congratulations!  Hope you'll join us in :raise your hand thread

[Beemon]

Nice one Doug! Try checking/replacing your ballast resistor for the ignition system. If it's original, and after sitting, the resistor spring may just be corroded and causing ignition issues. Other things to check, distributor wire of course...if you're getting fuel, then it's gotta be ignition. It doesn't hurt to put a pressure gauge on the fuel line, either, though.

[dei]

Thanks Beeman and all you others for posting the "like's".

 

Being Mother's Day I have to spend time at home getting things ready for the kids and my mother coming over for supper but believe me, will take your advice and be back at the car very soon! 

 

I might have written this story before but...... 

A long time ago my wife and I drove the Special to a restaurant on Mother's Day. It was a busy place and had to park close to the busy road where it obviously would be seen but safe none the less. 

While eating I happened to notice a man going around to different tables after a short conversation. Eventually he came to our table and asked, "Do you own the red Buick outside". I started to panic thinking something had happened! 

Then he says to me, "Well, I used to own that car".

My wife rolled her eyes as we started to discuss his ownership. 

 

The man I bought her from (the car that is - ) was an Insurance guy in a town close by and he told me he had a customer that could not afford to pay the insurance bill so paid it off by turning over the ownership of the Special. I never had a name till this fellow came to our table.

 

His story was that he had moved from here to Calgary, Alberta for a job driving a Volkswagen Beetle and while there for a few years the engine broke down. Apparently back then, VW parts were not that plentiful out West and he needed a vehicle. Came upon the Special which I confirmed with some of the memorabilia in the glove box and trunk from different Calgary business. He said that work eventually had slowed down there and he came back to Ontario but the car was overheating and with no job to come back to and facing the possibility of a new rad, reluctantly had to turn the car over.  

He then asked, "Do you want to sell her?" 

After owning it for about 10 years or so at that time and explaining that I was an antique car guy, I wasn't thinking about that but... please stay in touch, you never know. That seemed to disappoint him but we shook hands and we said goodbye.

I happened to look out the windows seeing him looking her over for some time but when we were ready to go, he had left. 

Unfortunately we never made contact but not sure he wanted to see "his car" again.

It would have been great to see if he had pictures......

 

(About the time of our Mothers Day experience)

 

Edited May 14, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Trust everyone had a good Mothers Day! 

 

I fired up the BBQ to do steaks and sausages while my wife put chicken thighs in the oven. My boys and mom came over (their girls had to work). Mom (soon to be 90 in December) drove here in her Chevy Venture van and while a small gathering, a meaningful one enjoying the sunshine and warm temps.

 

Around 1, getting a few last minute things, I stopped by the Special to check on the fuel filter inlet size and taking a look around for any signs of leaks or loose wires etc, what do I see sitting down on the front splash pan?

It is the supposedly missing flex hose frame bracket! 

I'm going to bag and tag it to have for when I get to the Roadmaster (some day.......) 

[JohnD1956]

Why not just install it on there loosely now. Takes one minute and will be found when needed later. 

[dei]

That would be a good thing to do John  however, it is about logistics right now.

I have the Roadmaster stored 40 miles away where I keep the Cougar for the winters so at the very least, I will tag it and bring it with me, then put in in the trunk along with a few other Roadmaster specific parts I have at home now. 

Getting the Cougar out for the summer might be delayed a bit this year with concentrating on the Special but my son will be wanting his Mustang out at some point and will need a ride out there so figure I could do the deed then. 

Appreciate the thoughts as always.

 

[dei]

Managed to end up at the Special tonight and started looking at things.

I need to definitely change out the fuel filter! 

I took it off and pointed it down to see if gas was coming out at all going to the carb and that was good and it was the colour of gasoline. However, turned it the other way and..... YIKES, it was pretty dirty, not chunky or pieces but not the colour of gasoline. 

No wonder the engine would die, stall and start after a few cranks of the starter, the fuel filter was getting plugged!

Off to my parts store tomorrow to get a few new filters and clear ones will be the choice helping to keep an eye on things. Naturally I will attempt to carefully pull the drain plug on the gas tank and drain, then try and flush with more fuel (for now) but.....

Can anyone suggest a good supplier to obtain a  carburetor rebuild kit for my Carter two barrel.

I ask here only because some of you have done them yourselves and.... there is no ID tag on mine. Figure I might as well get one now in case some crap has got past the filter.

 

 

[dei]

Bought several fuel filters to replace the partially plugged one on the car. At 4 bucks each not a permanent fix yet but need to move her around some and after hitting the starter a bit off she went! 

Have a full days work today and packing the cooler with water as it is supposed to hit the mid 80's. Can't be in the garage but with our Holiday weekend coming (Canadian long weekend) plan on taking some time then.

T'would be nice to be cruising with the wife as today is our 37th Anniversary and will celebrate it then as she had taken an extra day off work for a looong weekend so will see.

One small step at a time. (That's how I got here. )

 

By the way, not the first time on a car dolly.....

 

[dei]

Ended the day at the Special garage as I had to cut the lawn there. 

Could not resist starting her up, backing her out and thought, I'd better raise the top since it is so warm today and letting it sit in the sun will allow the material to stretch before trying to clamp it down.

That did not take too long at 88 degrees.

 

Then I just had to grab the chrome polish and go at the rear bumper and tail light towers.

 

[95Cardinal]

ooooohhhhh; shiny!

Looking good, Doug.

[dei]

Thanks 95 Cardinal! 

I'm not kidding myself (or anyone else for that matter) pictures do hide some sins but standing back, gives one a flavour of what they were when new. 

I consider my car a 20 footer (?), looks better 20 ft or more away and a driver considering it was repainted before I bought it back in 1972. I have only done the basic necessary mechanical things needed all these 45 years of owning her. 

Other than the left rear tail light tower (s/b right side), all the chrome and stainless is original to the car when I bought it. There is evidence it was touched (hit) on the drivers side door as you can see the change of colour on the door at certain angles and the stainless was scraped in the rear quarter. I have collected nice used stainless to replace those at some point and I do have a complete fully re-chromed rear bumper waiting to be put on including those rusted out lower bumper rails but I'm afraid once I do that, the new chrome won't have the same patina as what the original does and while looks great, would take away from the over all original look. (Guess it depends on exactly what one wants for the car.)

Then the obvious paint nicks and pitted other chrome will stand out even more and so on and so forth till.... where does one stop?

Does any car deserve more? You bet!

I just want to get back to enjoying the rides again and will find it interesting to stand back at a few shows and listen to the comments since she hasn't been seen on the road for quite a while.  

 

After all, my Cougar isn't even in the same class as the Special.

Edited May 20, 2017 by dei
wrong description (see edit history)

[dei]

After work today just had to go back to the garage.

Thinking I might go for a quick ride, it started to rain lightly so gabbed the metal polish and continued to work on the rear bumper.

If you notice, the left side of the top plate is not quite as shiny as the right side. That is because I didn't get that far before posting pics. (I was just too pumped  - still am)

 

I'm using this stuff recommended to me at my local auto supply store Parts Source.

It is pretty amazing stuff to me as it even brought up a shine to those rusted out lower bumper rails.

 

I brought down one of the driver side bumper ends I had chromed to compare.

 

I don't know, might just change out those lower rails and wait on the rest till my numbers come in tonight and do the whole car up!?  

Edited May 20, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[EmTee]

Wow -- that polish really does the trick!  It's great to see the ol' girl back on the road doing what she was designed to do. 

[dei]

It is Sunday and looks like a small break between rain fronts (typical long weekend weather ).

 

Have my Go Pro (new to me) and going to see if I can capture something worth posting. 

[dei]

Well, missed the window between weather fronts so decided it was a good time to drain out the little bit of gas in the tank by the drain hole located on the passenger side of the gas tank.

Gave it a liberal soaking of PB Blaster and with a bit of effort, it came loose. That is the best stuff!

 

Grabbed the tin foil pan I used to catch the old grease when I cleaned the front backing plates and frame to catch the gas, figured why not? Wasn't planning on using that gas again anyway.

 

The fuel in the can was what actually came out and while not dirty with particles or rust, had that smell of vanish to it so after it was completely drained, used a fresh 2 1/2 gallon can I had to put back in, let drain in the pan and repeated until that can was empty.

The process was also a good way to clean out that dirty pan!

 

Examined the drain plug and decided to wheel the threads and clean the inside end of the bit of rust (or accumulated old fuel) then replaced it in the tank careful to not over tighten it and strip the threads.  

 

Then had to go with my 5 gallon and my 2 1/2 gallon tanks to get fresh fuel to put back in.

On the way back the sun starts to pop out and looks like it was going to finally clear up. 

[Beemon]

Around here, gas is blue. How long had the gas been sitting for?

[dei]

So......

My dash cam (new to me) required a memory card which I then decided to use my digital camera. 

Please excuse the shaky work. this is new to me.....

MVI_1313.MOV

 

OK, try this.

https://youtu.be/mJbLLSc8hXg

 

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

[dei]

Sheeesh! That was not an easy process. 

20 minute upload and then has to download before able to open.

Help.

There must be an easier way? (what am I doing wrong?) 

I have more to show but.....

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

[dei]

1 hour ago, Beemon said:

Around here, gas is blue. How long had the gas been sitting for?

 

If one were to be perfectly honest.....

The car was on jack stands from 2006 till this month. 

I did add high-test fuel about a year ago with gas stable and ran the engine on and off for the year till she ran out in April. (the gas gauge doesn't work)

I will have to put some fresh fuel in that can and see if I get that blue colour you speak of.  

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