Smartin Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 Most of you already knew my reasoning for selling the 58 Roadmaster, so this is no surprise. So here it is! I have lots of work to do; but for now, I am going to make sure the car is roadworthy and mechanically sound. The brakes are shaky at best. I found out this morning that the booster won't hold vacuum, and neither will the vacuum holding tank. That would explain why I have to stand on the brakes to get it to slow down. It is rusty...very rusty. Thankfully, the real rust has been focused in only the rockers and front fender rear corners. The rest of the car appears to be very solid...possibly some door rot, but not much.The top isn't in too bad of shape, but it is shrinking, and I really like a white top...so as soon as I can feel safe about driving it to the upholstery shop, it's getting a new top.Interior is in serviceable condition, with only the seat bottoms on the front two seats being torn at the seams.The engine runs great after a little tuning this morning. I do have the dreaded plug rust-out under the intake manifold that causes a huge exhaust leak. The transmission works great. The power difference between this and the 58 is pretty amazing. It feels like this car has much more pulling power.It needs paint, but that will wait until I start messing with rust work.I didn't have much time to get photos, but my fiancee took these yesterday before we parked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 It's going to be a great looking piece. Not that it doesn't look good now, but with the things you will do to it, well, it will be a very neat piece. Love the lines, looking forward to seeing a few more pictures. A side view, and a 3/4 shot looking from the rear too. Wishing you well,Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 Very nice Adam! Your description had me ready to see something horrible looking! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shorttimer Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I was sorry to see this one go, but I am glad to see it arrived safe and sound. The documentation and ownership story make it a unique car and I know it could not have found a better home or be in more capable hands. You have accomplished more with it in the last 24 hours than I was able to in the last 12 months. It is good to hear it is running strong and I hope the remaining gremlins are readily resolved. I am sure many of us here are looking forward to reading about your progress with the car over the coming months and years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 James, I am really glad we could work out this deal. And you mentioned the paperwork...it is nearly mind-blowing how well documented this car is. Every receipt from when it was bought at the dealer new was saved. The time was taken to organize and create a binder that shows each of those receipts and bits of history up to the current situation. Totally cool!!I worked on it for about a half hour this morning, and found out that the carb needed a quickie idle mix adjustment, and a idle speed tweak. Yesterday, within 10 minutes of me driving it home, I had it on jack stands and all the wheels off for a new set of tires. I bought a cheapie set from Dobbs and installed them so I can drive the car...the old ones were pretty scary.The front drums feel a bit warped, but I am going to work on the power brake issue before I mess with the drums. I adjusted the brake shoes while I had the tires off yesterday, and also bled the brakes.Photos will have to wait until at least tomorrow when I can do something in the daylight. I've been too busy this weekend to spend any real time with it.Wow...I have my very own 60 Electra225 convertible!!! Too cool!!!:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 I can hear your jealous neighbors now... ( woman) Look, Adam got another new car!... ( Man) I wonder what it is?... (Woman) What the F is wrong with you, of course it's another freaking Buick!!! I must have missed a lot around here. I didn't know you were contemplating selling the 58. I thought you were happy with it after fixing the tranny? None-the-less, Very nice purchase. 60 Buicks are so great looking!!! Good luck with this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share Posted October 6, 2014 I was happy with the transmission, but part of the drive to get it fixed was so I could sell it with a transmission that wasn't toast. Also, I wasn't particularly vocal about selling it either. I just kind of tossed it on ebay and let the auction run out. Reserve was not met online (surprise!) and I sold it privately to a collector in IA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 The '60 Buick 401's are real good performers. I had a six year old black Invicta when I was 17 and have put about 12,000 on my white Electra. Just be careful about getting a little nutsy with them. Like when your first born is standing in front of you with a camera: Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfa Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Congrats on the new acquisition. It looks nice in the photos. I am really looking forward to reading of your exploits with the car. As I mentioned on your other thread, I used to own a 60 Electra flat-top for about 15 years and really loved it, although it had to go because it took up too much room and too much fuel (at UK prices).I even did a rebuild on the 401 and now have a lot of respect for that engine. Mine suffered a build up of carbon in the inlet ports which nearly blocked on of them and also a lot of wear on the camshaft, which i replaced. It went very well too.Good luck with yours.Adam.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Like Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Excellent purchase, Adam, and congratulations! I join the others here in looking forward to your updates as this car is transformed by the "Smartin Touch". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Adam, nice car!!!!! '60's were Buicks first sculptors................a work of art! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan at larescorp Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 Very cool! Congratulations on the purchase. Are we going to get the Smartin treatment before and after photos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted October 6, 2014 Share Posted October 6, 2014 On a '60, you need to step back and look at the car from the side. Follow the major sculpted lines with your eyes and just wonder how in hell did all those angles come together so well.Then go up to the front fender and look just under the edge of the main fender line. I have never had a fender off my car but I am pretty sure you can see a seam where two fender pieces are joined. There was a lot of work that went into building those cars in both the body and chassis. And it shows in how tight and solid these cars are.We drive my car with all four windows down often and there is never a problem carrying on a normal conversation at speed.The only caution I would suggest would be to check the chamfer on all the wheel bolt holes. In the 12 years I have owned my car that has been the only real concern I have had. The wheels weren't designed with Bobo the mechanic and his 175 PSI impact wrench. I replaced two of mine.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 4 bufords Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 On a '60, you need to step back and look at the car from the side. Follow the major sculpted lines with your eyes and just wonder how in hell did all those angles come together so well.Then go up to the front fender and look just under the edge of the main fender line. I have never had a fender off my car but I am pretty sure you can see a seam where two fender pieces are joined. There was a lot of work that went into building those cars in both the body and chassis. And it shows in how tight and solid these cars are.We drive my car with all four windows down often and there is never a problem carrying on a normal conversation at speed.The only caution I would suggest would be to check the chamfer on all the wheel bolt holes. In the 12 years I have owned my car that has been the only real concern I have had. The wheels weren't designed with Bobo the mechanic and his 175 PSI impact wrench. I replaced two of mine.Bernieadam,is that 57 buick in the driveway in the first picture parked next to the 60>.don aka 4 bufords Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 Yes Sir, Don! It is our very own Lancemb's 57 Roadmaster 75...here for some much needed paint and brightwork this Winter. That will be my project before the B-60. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 A few pics from the garage tonight...it's hard to get photos during the day when you leave in the morning in the dark, and come home in the dark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan at larescorp Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Excuse me while I clean the drool off of my keyboard.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I would have loved to witness those body panels being stamped out back then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 Excuse me while I clean the drool off of my keyboard....Exactly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 I found out that the radio works tonight...and listened to a bit of the Cardinals victory to go on to the NLCS on it I intended to pull the booster tonight, but I kept finding little things to mess with and adjust. The right door sags, and stuck out a bit when it was closed...so I adjusted the striker on the door jamb to pull the door in a bit more when it was latched. It takes an extra little oomph to get it closed now, but the door gap is right again.I put the top down tonight...goes down great! Up, not so much. Motor needs to be bled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 60electra225 Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I just hope the rust in the rockers is not too bad as they are quite complicated to get right. There is a form of double skin like a vent that is meant to allow hot air to escape from the engine bay, but in reality, it becomes a water trap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 10, 2014 Author Share Posted October 10, 2014 I removed the booster and master cylinder tonight, and disassembled both pieces, cleaned, and reassembled. Installed again, and bled brakes. Proceeded to nearly drive through the garage wall! Bled a second time for nearly a pint per wheel, and I finally have brakes.The carburetor is really acting up, and leaking fuel into the venturis, causing a very rich condition...also the rear throttle plates are sticking open just a touch...enough to make the engine race unless I manually close them.This weekend, I plan to pull the carb and go through it to make sure there aren't any particles blocking needles or whatnot. I am also going to remove the intake manifold to replace the rusted out exhaust plug on the bottom side. After that, maybe next weekend I will take it to get a new top. My upholstery guy is waiting on me to make it roadworthy so I can drive it to his place 50 miles away.Oh, and I will give it a good wash and take some good photos this weekend! It is really disgusting from the transport truck...and all the oils splattering on the paint from the other cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 11, 2014 Author Share Posted October 11, 2014 OK...I removed the carb and intake today. After taking the carb apart, I found out the floats were in completely wrong and doing nearly opposite of what they should be doing. After that was fixed, I looked at the intake...assuming I had a giant hole in the exhaust plug underneath. NOPE...solid as a rock...no cracks anywhere. I did find that the carb gasket was leaking exhaust out of the crossover, though. Ok, I thought I had found the leak I was hearing. I put it all back together and still had a leak!! It was actually coming from the top front corner of the left exhaust manifold. I took out a ratchet and got a half turn out of it...and suddenly I had no exhaust leak.Next project - making the car run right. I was still having a problem with the rear throttle plates sticking open, so I hosed the linkage down with lube...seems to have fixed that. It smells like I am running lean, like there is a vacuum leak somewhere, but cannot locate it. I did find out that the vacuum advance can will not hold vacuum. I have a new one on order along with a set of plug wires. I am also going to replace the points with a Crane XR-i points conversion kit. It fits in the stock distributor and hooks right up to the coil. Can't tell it's there, and I have had great luck with them.One little thing at a time...the list is growing, though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 11, 2014 Author Share Posted October 11, 2014 ...for fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 Love the 60 drop top dropped!!! And bucket seats too, way cool!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmsue Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 Beautiful car. I love the body lines and the details.thanks for posting the pictures.Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 11, 2014 Author Share Posted October 11, 2014 More photos after a hose-down and final tune...I finally got the car to run like it should. More on that later. I'll post a video as soon as it's done processing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 11, 2014 Author Share Posted October 11, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 12, 2014 Author Share Posted October 12, 2014 Parking brake is fixed....driving it to a wedding today. Wish us luck!:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted October 12, 2014 Share Posted October 12, 2014 White just looks so right on these winged convertibles,59's/60's!!! Congrats on the great find Adam!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted October 12, 2014 Share Posted October 12, 2014 look forward to the new avatar, but that 58 fin is going to be hard to top!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 We took it out for its maiden voyage this afternoon/evening to a friend's wedding. Not even a hiccup! It does feel like the front drums will need some help...possibly relined. I'll have to pull them and check.The speedometer doesn't work at all, though. I may have to table most of the tinkering projects until I can get Lance's car completed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machine Gun Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 That's an incredibly beautiful car you have there. I'm enjoying your progress reports. It seems like you have a long way to go to make it just right, but it's certainly going to be worth the effort. Good luck with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 What a great looking Buick. Looks like she is running very nicely! Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 I had bought a new master cylinder from Rock Auto last week during my brakes thrash, and it came today. I went ahead and installed it. The brakes do feel better, but maybe it's just because it's in my head. I made the final adjustment on the parking brake and we are good to go!New top this weekend... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 Making hard stops, I feel the drums pulsing pretty badly. Dislike!We took it out on a drive this afternoon into IL and cruised a bit. We toured the Southern IL University Edwardsville campus and hit up Bobby's Frozen Custard before we headed back. Great day for a drive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 Too bad you didn't add those photos to the Autumn Buicks thread. The car looks GREAT!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfa Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 It does indeed. Seeing all the pics makes me wish I had not parted with my 60 Flattop. I do miss that car.Adam.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 OK Buick people: The car in in the hands of the upholsterer for a couple months. Free rent I took it to him to have the top replaced, and casually talked about doing the seats. He said he had some time over the Winter to get it done, and we agreed on that. Today, he called me back with a formal estimate and said he could get working on it in about 3 weeks, and it will take about 3 weeks to complete. So, We are just going to let him go at it.New top and boot, front seats, rear seats, carpet, center console, drivers arm rest...can't wait!!!At least my car won't be around for a while so I can concentrate on Lance's 57. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now