Raise your hand if you drove at least one old Buick this weekend

[Buicknutty]

Neat, Derek. It still is one of the most popular honeymoon spots.

We made it home safety and the car ran great on the whole trip. We drove nearly 300 miles over the course of the weekend, and got about 16 mpg, Imperial, which is about 18 or so to the US gallon, which I think is decent. The driving was a mix of highway, with quite a bit of heavy traffic at times. 

Keith

[Matt Harwood]

Took the '41 Limited on its first long(ish) journey on Saturday the 30th, a CCCA tour to the Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio, then a few side trips. About 50 people met at our shop to start, and even though it was gray and cold there were still quite a few old cars. After coffee and pastries, we headed east on country roads with modest (35-55 MPH) speeds so the older cars wouldn't have any troubles. The big Limited just purred along without any effort and holy cow, this sucker is STRONG. On hills where my '29 Cadillac would lose 10 MPH, this Buick (with 5 people aboard, plus our gear) was actually able to accelerate with ease. With most of the rattles abated, the exhaust nice and quiet, the carburetors tuned, and fresh bushings in the shifter linkage, it was just a joy to drive. Temperatures held steady at 160 degrees no matter how hard we were running, oil pressure was above 50 PSI at speed, the brakes are remarkably powerful, and it never stuttered for a moment. Many admirers of the big Buick at the Packard Museum, and when parked next to a '41 Packard 160 sedan, you could see just how much lower and sleeker the Buick really is, despite its immense size.

 

Halfway through the trip, we stopped to put gas in it, since the fuel gauge still isn't working, and I was pleasantly surprised that it only took 6 gallons--suggesting as much as 12 or 13 MPG, which is about 50% better than I expected. Nice!

 

The drive home was also uneventful, and since we were driving alone, I felt comfortable pushing it up to 55-60 MPH, where it happily cruised in near silence except for some leaky weather-stripping on the passenger's vent window, which was annoying. There was a Cleveland Indians game on the radio, and even when it started raining, the big brute never missed a beat. And holy cow, even the vacuum wipers work!

 

The big limo took us about 145 miles in total comfort. My wife rode in back with the boys and is now 100% on board with keeping the car, should I decide we need a high-speed tour car. A flawless performance and a good prognosticator for our upcoming 300-mile trip to Allentown in July.

 

Everyone meets at Harwood Motors showroom for coffee and donuts.

 

Some of the other cars joining us on the tour. Gray skies kept many away.

 

 

 

 

Everyone seemed pretty comfortable in the big Limited. The ultimate road-trip car?

 

Packards and non-Packards alike at the Packard Museum in Warren, OH

 

Long-haul gang at the last stop at the world's largest Amish horse & buggy

 

Edited May 1, 2016 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[michaelmis]

On 4/16/2016 at 6:32 AM, 50jetback said:

Had the annual West Australian Buick Club Autumn run this past weekend. Just over 800kms ( 500 miles ) over the 3 day run. Took the club to some of my old stamping grounds, visited a farmer who restores veteran motorcycles and has turned his hand to casting small parts in a home foundry. Also visited the farm of an 88 year old local in Wubin who has been collecting " treasure " his entire life.

This link will take you to some photos of the run

 http://www.westernbuicks.org/Events/Autumn%20Run%20Dandaragan%202016/Events%20Dandaragan%20Run%202016.htm  

 

Apologies to Stuart. New Link for the photos of the run above. Changes to the website thanks. WesterBuicks

http://www.westernbuicks.org/dandaragan-april-2016/

 

Edited May 6, 2016 by michaelmis (see edit history)

[Buicknutty]

 Yesterday, Sat., we had the Electra out on another tour, this one a garage tour and drove it about 150+ miles through some very scenic countryside east of the city. The plan was to drive the '41 Roadmaster, as the Electra had a long tour the weekend before, but a leaky fuel line fitting put it out of action at the last minute.

 One gentleman we visited had an interesting collection of quite old cars. Two pre 1910 Caddillacs, one original, and not running, the other, an '06 currently under restoration. Plus a Maxwell, a Brush, too many Ford T's to count, and my favourite, a 1911 Buick Model 32. A small 2 seat roadster, which was in running and driving condition, with current Ontario license plates afixed to it. Also a bit of army stuff, a few radial aircraft engines, and some very old stationary engines.

 I took quite few pictures, plus a video of the '11 Buick running, which are still on my camera, and I will post later.

 We also visited a shop which converts car engines, usually LS1 or2 Corvette engines for aircraft use, then to another gentleman that has a collection of Edsels, and a few other Fords too.

 Keith

[60FlatTop]

Yesterday I took my Brand X car to the RROC Tech Session at Doug Seibert's Garage in Rochester, New York. A beautiful sunny day and lots of talk about the intricacies of oil changes, brakes, and general car ownership.

 

Today we went to the little town over in the next county for lunch in the '60 Electra. It was an interesting anniversary of sorts. In May of 1966 I was a month away from graduating High School and I bought this '60 Invicta flattop.

 

60 years later to the month I'm still in the same type of car. My kids say they will never call me a throw back. I haven't moved ahead enough to qualify!

Bernie

Edited May 8, 2016 by 60FlatTop (see edit history)

[Mudbone]

Picked up my son with the 55 Century 4dht. Went out for supper and then ice cream after. First chance I have had to test the new fuel tank and electric fuel pump. Mud

[JohnD1956]

approximately 70 miles yesterday in the 72.  To my son's in-laws boat club on the Great Sacandaga Lake for Mother's Day Buffet, then a side trip to the casino ( shhh, don't let em know I left with quite a bit of their money)   then returned home.   Pulled into this Public boat ramp to scope it out for some fall pictures.  Not quite full spring time there yet.  But still a beautiful spot!

 

 

[Buicknutty]

Here are a few pictures that I took during our first stop on Sat's tour.

The army truck pictured is one of 6 built by Chysler in 1969 for testing by the Canadian Army. It was not put into production due to some rather odd service issues, like to repair the brakes one needs to remove the engine first! It was designed to be completely amphibious as well.

The trail bike is driven by the front wheel, as well as the rear one, so you could call it All Wheel Drive.

Keith

 

 

 

 

[JohnD1956]

Great time, and neat pictures.  I love this one the most!

 

[Buicknutty]

Thanks, John. I like that one too. It looks like it could of been taken 100 years ago, instead of three days, except for the colour photography. The person in the background is a metal statue of a gunfighter, I've posted a picture of him here.

Keith

[Buicknutty]

Ok, I hope you guys don't think that I'm just trying to fill up this thread, but I decided to turn those two pictures to B&W, and post them. I could of done some other stuff to artificially age them, but I like to make vintage images look as good as possible. This is what I used to do for a living not so long ago.

Keith

 

 

[JohnD1956]

Took the Electra to the first Hemmings Cruise in of 2016 tonight.  Little over 100 miles round trip, and the Queen was awarded the "Favorite GM" trophy.  Naturally I grin from ear to ear when thinking between 2015 and now, all three of my cars have won separate awards at these cruise in's.  In fact, the ride over and back is award enough.  But it is just a little more pleasurable when the vehicle is given this recognition.  

[nick8086]

I got to park next to one at a car show today... He is a great guy.. I will post for him

 Raise your hand if you drove at least one old Buick this weekend...

 

 

Edited May 15, 2016 by nick8086 (see edit history)

[Buicknutty]

I had the '41 Roadmaster out Fri evening for a 20 mile or so drive after some carb adjustments. It was running very nicely (again).

Keith

[JohnD1956]

Attended the open car show at Saratoga yesterday. Parked with my good friends Pete and Vince Riggi and Dick and Barb Andrews.  It's a short ride, probably no more than 20 miles round trip.  In preparation for this event I decided to replace my torn blanket on the front seat.  We had bought a new mattress pad for the bed but did not like it so it became my new front seat cover.  In the process of installation I discovered three broken springs in my seat back, which had made it very uncomfortable for long drives.  I managed to use some zip ties and patch the broken springs, and it's almost like new.  But looks like I may just invest in a re upholstery job in the near future. 

[jscheib]

John,

 

Good to see the Buicks.  I had the show on my calendar but other commitments to me in another direction.  Glad you had a good day. 

 

John

[Thriller]

I didn't drive today, but went to the local annual swap meet. A fellow from North Dakota brought up a headlight lens for the '29 for me. I spent no other money, but there were two Buicks for sale - a 1972 Electra four door HT that is occupying too many cycles in my brain right now, and a '52 Canadian small series four door sedan. I believe it was called the Custom in Canada (equivalent of Special). I'd consider that one myself, then I could pass our '52 Roadmaster to another steward who might actually do something with it. 

 

Actually, thinking about it, I did drive the Rainier to that event. If I'd had the truck, the temptation would have been greater to bring home big stuff. I briefly considered one fellow had the turbo and assorted other plumbing together as a unit from a '78 Regal. 

 

[Larry Schramm]

I could not drive anything or go out too much as it SNOWED last night.  Could not even work outside because it was so cold outside. 

 

Here is a pictures of snow this morning on my wife's car.

 

 

[RivNut]

On 5/9/2016 at 6:37 PM, Buicknutty said:

Ok, I hope you guys don't think that I'm just trying to fill up this thread, but I decided to turn those two pictures to B&W, and post them. I could of done some other stuff to artificially age them, but I like to make vintage images look as good as possible. This is what I used to do for a living not so long ago.

Keith

 

 

Is this even more sacrilegious?

 

[Buicknutty]

Quite a realistic aging!

Keith

[Buicknutty]

 Tonight was the first cruise night in my area, so I took the Electra, and it garnered quite a bit of attention.

 Here's a couple of pictures.

 Keith

 

 

[Buicknutty]

 Took the '41 Roadmaster out to a cruise night tonight, and then a rear tire went down on me. So, I have a good spare, but the jack and tools were in another car. What's guy to do?

 Call his wife, of course. So my lovely lady brought the portable tire pump, and I filled it up, and got home without further incident.

 Still don't what's wrong, but I will investigate tomorrow.

 Keith

[JohnD1956]

What a great wife!

[Matt Harwood]

My wife knows that when I'm out in an old car by myself, she's on emergency stand-by! Fortunately, I've only needed her once in all these years. Let's hope it stays that way!

[JohnD1956]

My wife got me a AAA Premier Membership, and wishes me good luck.

[Larry Schramm]

I have a AAA premiere membership also.  Money well spent.

[Buicknutty]

I was at the McLaughlin Estate again, only this time in the Electra, so here's a picture of it in the front, plus two '37's and I as well.

Keith

 

 

Edited May 21, 2016 by Buicknutty (see edit history)

[JohnD1956]

Put a dozen miles on the 56 tonight.  Along the way I caught a work of art.

 

 

[Thriller]

I drove the Reatta most of the way home this afternoon. It completed its journey following a tow truck to the mechanic...after closing time...long weekend here so it won't be looked at before Tuesday. The way it behave and wouldn't restart while electrical seemed ok leads me to suspect timing chain. 

 

Sigh. 

 

 

[Buicknutty]

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Derek.

Keith

[Buicknutty]

I had the Electra out tonight to gas it up, as we are off on another tour tomorrow. I am leading a group of 10 cars or so on a very scenic drive through the rolling hills of the countryside East of Toronto. There are lots of lovely roads that are lightly travelled. Rough at times, but all paved.

Nad news is that I think that one of my beautiful wide whites on the '41 ir ruined. It has a small cut in the sidewall. I will get a professional opinion, but my experience tells me that damage like this is not repairable.

Keith

[JohnD1956]

Hope you can patch it together Keith.  If it's a rear tire, can you reinforce on the inside and then use a tube?  I still have three of the tubes I bought in 2003, on the 56.  My tire guy says, "drive em"..

[RivNut]

The tire flexes in the side wall.  Flexing will just exacerbate the situation.  Time to look for a replacement.  

[Thriller]

That's a shame Keith. 

 

I moved we'd the pace car out of the garage to wash it...stupid wind and elm seeds...then put it back away. I was thinking of going to a cruise tonight but clouds have built up and we've had a tiring (but productive) day. 

 

The he local club heads to a diner for lunch tomorrow. Perhaps that will work out. 

 

[Buicknutty]

 We just got back from a nearly 200 mile drive through some great countryside. I took a few pictures, the one of the three cars, a '66 Caddy Fleetwood, a '41 Buick Special 4 door, dual carbs, plus a '75 Lesabre that is just on the edge of the frame. One of the places we stopped at were selling thatched huts, so we didn't leave the Great White North for the tropics!

 At the end of the tour we were quite close to our storage, so we went in and took the '56 out for a nice drive. It started up great, and took it for about a 15 mile drive, then put her back to bed for a few more weeks. We have a pre war tour to do at the end of June, then I will bring the '41 out to storage and bring the '56 home to drive for a while.

Keith

 

 

Edited May 25, 2016 by Buicknutty (see edit history)

[CBloomberg]

I took the 52 out to a local show Saturday. We stopped at Sonic for burgers on the way.

Mary went along and was patient with me for about 3 hours.  The car ran fine about 10 miles each way. 

Chuck

[JohnD1956]

Tonight's sunset while cruisin in the GS

 

[jvelde]

Left in the Buick on Thursday for Weatherford, Texas to meet up with a number of club members (7 vehicles) to caravan to the 63rd Annual Texas Tour.  This year the tour was in Abilene and surrounding areas with attendance of about 150 people and 65 vehicles from the 5 participating Texas clubs (4 AACA Regions/Chapters and 1 HCCA) . There were several tours, Friday to Dyess AFB that included lunch on the base and getting to see the B-1 bombers they have, as well as their collection of historic planes.  Saturday was a tour of the Buffalo Gap wind farm owned and operated by AES and lots of information about wind turbines and their operation and maintenance. Following the AES tour we went on to Fort Chadbourne for lunch and a tour of the museum and the remains of the Fort. Friday night there was a style show of antique clothing worn by tour participants and a buffet dinner.  Saturday evening was the awards banquet - the '39 Buick Special Business Coupe tied for First in Class with a '42 Lincoln Zephyr 3 Window Coupe.  We arrived home mid afternoon Sunday having put another 567 miles on the Buick and had a bunch of fun in the process.

 

[JohnD1956]

418 miles in the Electra today, to meet up with Keith Corby in Rochester NY.  I had a bunch of extra parts for the 69 Electra and , well, I though Keith would get more use from them than me, so they are now his.  Had a great ride out.  Estimated MPG is 17-18, w/out A/c running.

 

Had a few issues on the way back.  Rough ride over 70 MPH and the cruise control would not keep a steady speed.  Could not tell if it was ignition or tire balance, or poor condition of road surface.  In the end, I think its a little bit of all three.  Definitely have some leaky spark plug boots on the drivers side of the engine.  Those 7 mm wires just do not seem to last long.

 

Anyway, had a great lunch with Keith, my son J.R., his girlfriend Stephanie and Stephanie's dad, Tim.  And snapped a few photos. at the meeting of the Queens!

 

 

 

 

[Buicknutty]

Great shots, John. Thanks so much for all of the stuff! Much enjoyed the lunch with everyone too.

I had a good ride home, got about 17 MPG, US, used the A/C only for a while. Total mileage for the day was about 390. FYI, Canadian gallons are bigger than US, referred to as Imperial, that is when we used to use gallons, that is. Us old timers still like to use MPG, instead of the new system!

I had changed the rad to a fresh high density core the day before my trip to visit John, and it is cooling much better. I had put an under dash temp gauge to better monitor engine temps. I have a 185 themostat, and it settled in about that, no matter what speed, and whether or not the A/C was on.

Keith

 

Edited May 28, 2016 by Buicknutty (see edit history)