Guest Corkcab Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Hi FolksHope somebody can help. We have a 1923 4 cyclinder Buick that we are planning on restoring. For a start we could do with a full timber kit, roof irons & a front pillar. We are not sure what model the car is so I'll try to send some pics.Any help would be appreciatedThanksCorkcab Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Hello and welcome to the forum. I hope you consider joining the BCA if you are not yet a member.I am afraid you will not find a wood kit for this car, or any Buick. However, from what I can see, the wood should be good enough to use to make replacement wood.John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Hi JohnNo not a member yet but I wouldnt mind joining. Thanks for the reply, we though that we might be able to replace the timber as its bad or missing in parts including one door.Can you tell me what model it is as we dont have any documentation.We are also missing all roof irons & one windshield arm. Could also do with complete interiorThanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Welcome to the forum I note you are in Ireland and the steering wheel is on the right side . The body may or may not be the same as in USABCA link as in my signature below Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 You might find a tag on the firewall. In the US this is on the right side when sitting i nthe car facing front. However, you may have a Canadian built McLaughlin Buick which has some variances to a Buick of the same year. It also seems that there may be solid metal at the back of the front seat which is a little strange, so this may be some special bodied car (or possibly home made). More pictures might show that better.There should also be a Vehicle ID Number on a small plate on the frame rail near the fron wheel. Again on the same side as noted above, but with RH drive, it may be different.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 That should be a model 35 - four cylinder four door touring. In that era, if it was a McLaughlin Buick, that ought to show on the radiator emblem. It should be a 109" wheelbase.Good luck with the car - it is definitely neat and I imagine it would be fairly unique across the pond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Just curious: is the sheet metal shrouding on this engine normal for '23 Buicks? If so, it would probably be transitioning from the earlier open valve train - which gives me such a kick to watch - and the sealed, more durable valve cover that came a bit later, I guess. Interesting that the engine side cover also wraps around the ends. Looks like it would all have to come off, for any servicing. Bit of a pain but it must have kept the insides cleaner than when everything was open to view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 A couple of other strange things:! - Door handle locations. To me, they are a bit lower than I would expect.2 - Does the cowl not seem a bit longer?I hope we get someone with a '23 on this so they can tell this owner for sure what he has. I am thinking either a recognized coach builder, or a one off built. The rasiator tag could have been swapped fro the McLaughlin one, or the steering wheeel changed with this work. Either way, this was need to be researched. Hope we hear more. I would search real hard for a spot where an established coach building left a tag. Is there any was to track the old Registry as I believe England has all the owners documented for a particular plate. JohnJohn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Hi FolksThanks for replies. I have a few more pics . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Corkcab,I suggest we move this inquiry to the Pre-War Buick section. I hope I can get the moderator to do it. There are likely more pre-War owners that can help you there.As to these latest photos, is that possibly some sort of ID tag on the left end of the instrument panel?This may have been an individual import and conversion. THe headlights look like they may be Buick, while any custom body made in the UK would most likely have English lights (most likely Lucas). I see there is a hole for cowl lights . Do you have them?It would be good to get photos of the rear seat area after the stuff inside is moved.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Brian Heil is the expert on 23 four cylinder Buicks... I expect he will chime in shortly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_Heil Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 First, my thanks to Mark Shaw for sharing this with me as I do not go out the General Forum that often.Agree with John that this should move to the Pre War Forum for more input.My first comment on 4 cylinder Buicks is very few parts from the entire 4 cylinder line of Buicks fit or interchange with the 6 cylinder Buick line. So as you look for/find parts, be careful, they often do not interchange.Nothing wrong with a 4 cylinder Buick, just geared a little lower. The 4 is actually ahead of the 6 in 1923 in terms of design advancements (removeable head being one). Remember the person who bought a 4 new could have bought ~two model T's for the same $$. The person buying the 6 Buick could have bought ~3 Model T's for the same money. With export, this was most likely even higher because I believe they were making Fords in Europe by then cheaply but all Buicks came from Flint, Michigan and all McLaughlin Buicks from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.There is a good chance this could be a McLaughlin (Canandian) export Buick. The fire wall tag is the clue and they exported a great number of 4 cylinder cars.Agree with the comments on joining the BCA. You might just be surpised who lives by you and is a member.My other thought is what are your 'hard spots' as in, what are the major items you need to address? Perhaps the wood? Engine running? Missing major components? List those here AND in the Buick Bugle (for free) when you join.And ask away. Lots of combined knowledge here to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Hi Brian and everybody who replied,Thanks for your help. The car is stored in a garage about 20 miles away from where I am so I'll go and check on the items raised.We are in Ireland and not many Buicks around here. Engine is running so all we need are body parts All we have is what in the pictures so we need left hanf side windscreen pillar, full roof irons and cover. Full interior, we were hoping to get full timber kit but I'm told that this is not available. There no floor in the back so should this timber. We are short 2 back doors, hinges & locks we could possibly make these if we knew size & shape. Clasps for holding bonnet.that will do for moment lol.I must see how to joinRegards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Try this site to join the BCA... Buick Club of America - BCA - WelcomeAnd welcome to the group... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 If it is a McLaughlin Buick, I have some data compiled by a dear departed friend on chassis numbers and such for the Canadian built cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Hi FolksJoined up last night looking forward to be part of a great group of peopleThanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I got somebody to take a few pics so Ive attached some. Ill go and get some more info tomorrow.Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Badge isnt that clearI think what it says isModel 25 35 REO7596Engine No 1056434Does it make sense Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Hi BrianI took some more pics over last weekend , but not sure if I should post them here or should I wait until I'm moved to pre war section.In the meantime there is a badge on the dash which says "Howard Motors Co Ltd Motor Car Dist, Adelaide St, Brisbane & on housing behind engine block is, what we think, is 157 300-1 Ive joined club so I expect that I'll be hearing from committee in the coming weeks.RegardsNoel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Hi Thriller,It looks like car was sold in Brisbane by Howard Motors and it made it way back to USA. There is a number stamped on housing behind engine block, I think its157 300-1Does that make senseRegards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 (edited) Some of our Australian forum members may be able to shed some light. Do I understand thisa car is now in the US? Correction - was in the US. How long ago?John Edited May 29, 2013 by jscheib error xorrected (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROD W Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Well it looks like it,s a Mclaughlin Buick, sold new in Brisbane Australia. Adelaide St, is one of the main inner city streets. A number of car dealerships were located in Adelaide St. in the 1920-30, Possibly with a locally manufactured body, and then shipped to Ireland. Interesting history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 The car was bought in USA a few ago and is now in Ireland. It has done some traveling I think, made in Canada, sold in Australia, back to USA and now in Ireland. (Most of it anyway.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_Heil Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Good comment on the body works in Australia, this could be a coach built car on a McLaughlin 4 chassis (but being a 4 has me questioning that). McLaughlin (and Buick) did ship lots 'cowl chassis' (chassis, engine, running gear, w/cowl, hood and radiator). Australia still has lots of content laws on manufacturing and I'm no expert on them now or back in the 20's. But there is a chance this body was built by a coach builder in Australia (?) (Holden?). There were comments above about some of the body items looking different. Knowing what 'REO' means on the plate would be a big clue. I know Buicks had body information stamped (burned?) into the floor/sills. Anything there on this car or is the wood long gone?Was Howard a Distirbutor only or a Coachworks also? I would think a coachworks would leave a tag too, so I may be all wet here.A Google search says Holden was fitting bodies to imported chassis from 1914 to 1930's, but again, I think any coachworks would leave their tag (after all, you 'paid for it' as they say).I'm way out of my league on this one (and out on a limb), my apologies to our friends Down Under by my guessing, please help mates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 (cant make this pic bigger for some reason)This badge is on the firewall (inside in engine area) Sign on left "General Motors" etc is on firewall (I think that what its called in USA) on left side "Howard Motors Brisbane" on on left side of this picSo would I be correct in thinking that some or all of the car was manufactured in Canada, exported to Australia & sold by "Howard Motors" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Just a few more picsThis is Howard Motors This is where badge is Rear of car we have no floor What should it be covered with ?Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbbuick22 Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Corkcab,I may have a complete windshield for this car. Will check this weekend. JB22-5-55 Sport Touring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 I cannot answer for sure, but I do know, the '32 cars had a combination of sheet metal and wood, both runningside to side. I hope soeone can answer for sure on the '23s.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Here are some pictures from 1923 4 cyl.model windshild and a rear door measurment.Corkcab:s car is 1923 model 35 (touring).Leif in Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted May 29, 2013 Share Posted May 29, 2013 Well, I am a bit embarrassed. It looks like the door handles are a bit lower for these cars. Now I have to keep my eyes open to see how many years they were this way. Lief, I am sure you will be of great help to Corkcab.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) Just wonder if the window stanchion are the right ones on your car.Picture here,I have 2 of those and 2 rear doors,need a lot of work, and hinges,I also have 2 steering wheels,bakelit or wood.Leif in Sweden. Edited May 31, 2013 by Leif Holmberg (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Here are more pictures.Leif in Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unimogjohn Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Yes, it is a McLaughlin Buick made in Canada. Most parts interchange with the USA made Buicks of that model. However, some unique McLaughin trim was used, and prior year parts from the USA were used. For an example, in 23 most McLaughlins came with a spare tire carrier that was cast rather than stamped as was used on USA cars. McLaughlin used wooden dashes and door sills, exposed irons for the top, exposed wooden, not metal bows and upgraded trim in the interior. McLaughlin became GM of Canada in 1923, up until that time they produced McLaughlin Buicks under license.On your engine and on the data plate their will be an engine number. If it starts with XCP (sometimes the X is struck over the C) then the engine was manufactured in Walkerville, Canada, which was their engine plant. X means the car was for export and not subject to Canada use tax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 John.Just wonder if the 4 cyl.models top iron side parts had exposed wood, and if there was door sills on thier 4 cyl.models,your 6 cyl.model are much more luxery than all the 4 cyl.model I have seen.Leif in Sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unimogjohn Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Here are a couple of pics of the rear floor area of the 23 McLaughlin 45 that I had just purchased. The wood is floor for the most part, but there was a sheet metal tray under the seat area that could hold some items. There are metal braces that support the door structure. I don't think that yours you be any different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbbuick22 Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Corkcab, I found a complete windshield, it is missing the most of the lower frame, and the top of the posts are different than the pics Lief posted, where the top fastens. The posts were plated at one time Model39?? send a PM and I can send you a pic. JB22-6-55 Sport Touring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbbuick22 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Corkcab, There are some differences with the dimensions Lief posted, but looks the same. The bottom is 3 3/4", between the pivots 11", upper frame 27 3/4x 10 3/4", height 26 3/4". The mounting holes in the body are 32 1/2" JB22-6-55 Sport Touring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 This`s how it looks in my US parts book and I think Canadian looks the same.Leif in Sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Corkcab Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Hi LeifThanks for pictures, door meausrements are a great help. We are also looking for roof irons/frame so wondering if car in picture is restored or are parts available.RegardsNoel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted June 8, 2013 Share Posted June 8, 2013 The really bad 1923 Buick was sold to a man that had another 1923 Buick he was restoring,I sold that car in 1980s.I have some other parts as you can see in the pictures ,and some other parts in my shed too.If you need anything else you have to ask,no body parts other than the rear doors. leife.holmberg@telia.com Leif in Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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