lancemb Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 Well I accidentally was hooked into buying another Buick, by way of coming across one of my dream Buicks. Being so original, and only 30 minutes from my house, I really had no choice. The top color is even the same as my other 57! Not only that but it also has the original optional blue paint in the sweepspear, same as my other one! It was meant to be at my home! The car has about 62k miles, which appear to be original. Despite not having undercoated (which is the first I've seen around here, although the car originated out west and lived in Texas much of its early life), there is not a single spot of rust through anywhere on the body or underneath. The car wears its original paint, except for the lower passenger door, although its not in the greatest shape. It is running and driveable, although there are a host of small things that I will give attention to as soon as I can, but I need to finish some things on the 4 door hdtp first. Most of the chrome is at or near perfect. The interior is original except for the carpet, and is in exceptional condition except for some cracking in the seats (especially front). I did NOT think I'd get the chance to own one of these any time soon, let alone one I can actually drive. I can't wait to go cruising with the top down!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Well, GOOD FOR YOU, Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 What a lucky guy you are! That a Super looking Roadmaster! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Awesome awesome awesome!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 HEAVEN!!!! Beautiful. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caballero2 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Oh! What a pair to draw to.... Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel88 Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Fabulous car and I have to admit to being jealous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 what a fantastic pair!! Way to go!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted June 1, 2015 Author Share Posted June 1, 2015 Thanks folks! Trust me I feel very lucky to have had a chance to buy this car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TG57Roadmaster Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 Wow! A dream come true for you, and hope for the rest of us that our dream cars are out there, too. The Fates must have intervened with the color, and now you have bookends! TG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1957buickjim Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 Lance!!! in the words of Harry Carey. "Holy Cow"!! What luck! What a great looking ride, and unbelievable that they are a matching pair! What's the probability of that? Looking forward to seeing you at Nationals on Friday. Have a safe journey and see you then! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therios Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Lance,Congratulations! What a great find! Ike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted June 11, 2015 Author Share Posted June 11, 2015 Lance!!! in the words of Harry Carey. "Holy Cow"!! What luck! What a great looking ride, and unbelievable that they are a matching pair! What's the probability of that? Looking forward to seeing you at Nationals on Friday. Have a safe journey and see you then!Thank you Jim! Unfortunately a last minute change in a business trip and my inability to get some brake work done on Big Blue will prevent me from coming down to the show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coupekid Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 nice,, ..how much was the seller asking for this grand beauty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick man Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 We are happy for you. You have a really good calibrator and survivor for the rest of the Buick gang to refer to as what is rich and proper, so please resist the temptation in repeating what you did on the other bookend Buick. Just clean it up really good on the inside and out and drive it. Preserve it - Leave the patina even if don't like patina, as the classic character will grow on you as well as it's overall value. It can only be original once ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted June 22, 2015 Author Share Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) Buick Man, if you are referring to the fact that I painted the other 57, please note that it had already been painted in the past and was flaking off and rusting. This one has been quite poorly repainted on the lower door and has damage in several large areas on the paint. Thus, I will consider trying to touch those spots up if I can do it with original type of paint. However, just leaving the damaged areas is neglect, not preservation in my opinion. The engine has almost no paint left on it and appears mostly bare metal, so I will certainly be painting it. I believe leaving the bare metal to rust is neglect and not preservation. The interior will be kept mostly as-is for the most part. The leather is cracked but complete. I will try to repair where the seam is coming apart and repair where the dash vinyl is peeling up. The carpet had been replaced with loop style so I may replace it with cut style closer to original at some point. The top has no tears but staining so I may try to redye it or something but don't anticipate replacing it anytime soon. I fact, it may even be the original top as it is actual cloth and not vinyl as most new replacements are I've seen. Most of the chrome is very nice so I'll only replace a few pieces that are damaged. A very finely kept original I agree should be kept as such, but damage or heavy deterioration is not "patina" or "originality" in my opinion. I know some have different views on this, but I don't romanticize on a deteriorated classic, but rather on how it was designed to be enjoyed! Edited June 22, 2015 by lancemb (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 17, 2015 Author Share Posted August 17, 2015 Got the engine out! Wow that was a chore and thank the lord I was able to summon help or I don't think it would have gotten out any time soon. Now it goes into hibernation for a couple months for rejuvenation! It has almost no paint but plenty of grease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Desert Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) Looks great! What is the black pipe running vertically up the right rear of the engine? Mine is missing this. Edited August 18, 2015 by High Desert (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Desert Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Hmmm, my manual shows it attaches to the port at the top of the valley pan. Crankcase ventilation pipe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caballero2 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 That is right, often referred as a road draft tube.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 DON, yup, it's the crankcase breather pipe. Not an essential piece to keep the car running but it does keep the engine compartment less oily. LANCE, let me add my Attaboy to the chorus. You picked up a real winner here - or rather, it sounds like it picked you. I note that you've left the Dynaflow in the car. Boy, those top bell housing bolts must have been a bear to access and will likely present a real challenge when it comes time to put the engine back in. You're right about engine removal being a two-person job, although maybe a little less so when you're not manoeuvring the transmission, too. What's your plan for the engine? Just a cosmetic freshening-up or are you going to open 'er up and see where that leads you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 LANCE, let me add my Attaboy to the chorus. You picked up a real winner here - or rather, it sounds like it picked you. I note that you've left the Dynaflow in the car. Boy, those top bell housing bolts must have been a bear to access and will likely present a real challenge when it comes time to put the engine back in. You're right about engine removal being a two-person job, although maybe a little less so when you're not manoeuvring the transmission, too.What's your plan for the engine? Just a cosmetic freshening-up or are you going to open 'er up and see where that leads you?Thanks Rob! I feel very fortunate to have found this car. See what happens when you are away for awhile? The bell housing bolts were actually easy providing you have a crazy long extension, which my assistant did. I think it was about 3 feet. Otherwise it would be damn near impossible perhaps.The car only has 62k miles so I am going to leave the engine intact, unless I see something suspicious when I remove the oil pan or top covers.I will also replace basically every consumable component on the engine when I put it back together so I minimize issues down the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Hint: Reversable ratcheting box end wrench from the engine compartment side! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Desert Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) Lance, You really have a beautiful set of Roadmasters. I showed my wife the photos from this thread, and she commented, "Wow! That is a pretty car! I love the blue color." I've been trying to get her excited about my 76C ever since I brought it out to NM, and she doesn't seem to care either way, but your car gets the "Wow!" comment. Maybe she doesn't see the $ signs in front of yours like mine has. Post lots of photos of your work. I'm using the info to document what mine should look like. Edited August 18, 2015 by High Desert (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Lance's car is a beauty, but so is yours. If the wife is concerned about $$ in front of the car, make sure to show her pictures of the ones going thru the auctions. She will be much more interested when she sees the $$$ after the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 Lance,You really have a beautiful set of Roadmasters. I showed my wife the photos from this thread, and she commented, "Wow! That is a pretty car! I love the blue color."I've been trying to get her excited about my 76C ever since I brought it out to NM, and she doesn't seem to care either way, but your car gets the "Wow!" comment. Maybe she doesn't see the $ signs in front of yours like mine has.Post lots of photos of your work. I'm using the info to document what mine should look like.Thanks a lot! I will try to document this over the next couple months. Your car is actually in similar condition it seems with the exception of the engine troubles. It looks every bit as solid and original though, and you didn't have to go buy it to boot! Remind your wife of that perhaps and the fact that every $ you put into this car is worth it.If there is any thing you need me to help with providing pics or information along the way just ask.Do you have a top boot, btw? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Desert Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Do you have a top boot, btw? If you are talking about the cover that snaps over the retracted convertible top, yes I have the original. It is tattered, but good enough to act as a representation of original for recreation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 26, 2015 Author Share Posted August 26, 2015 After an initial degreasing I found that the left exhaust manifold was cracked. Unable to get a nice one for a reasonable price quickly, I took it to a local place to have it welded since it is in otherwise nice shape and the crack is not all the way around the pipe.One of my mounts was also completely separated so I sent them in to Steele to be revulcanized. There are some supposed new aftermarket ones on Ebay but they look crusty and figured if I can get fresh vulcanized rubber this would be better than 50 year old dried out rubber, especially since it will be cheaper and the seller won't budge on price. This will bee the last thing I need before putting engine back in so I can afford to wait a few weeks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 Finally got to do some fun stuff! Reassembly has begun and man do I love that fresh Buick green! I can hardly believe it is the same engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Looking Great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It wasn't long ago that I was at the same stage. I can practically smell the fresh paint still. I guess you must have already peeked inside - did the bottom and top ends look okay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 It wasn't long ago that I was at the same stage. I can practically smell the fresh paint still. I guess you must have already peeked inside - did the bottom and top ends look okay?Yes indeed I took a peek, but didn't take anything apart inside. Looked pretty normal to me with no sludge up top or bits of anything. Some sludge in pan but that's to be expected at this age! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 One exhaust manifold installed! This is the one that was cracked; I had it welded locally. I even reused the original french locks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Desert Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It looks beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 As an aside, Lance, can you expand a little on that cool ride toy car behind the engine? Just looks interesting. I never saw one like that before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 It looks beautiful!Thanks! I think a nice engine is a work of art. I'd look at this more than any painting I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 As an aside, Lance, can you expand a little on that cool ride toy car behind the engine? Just looks interesting. I never saw one like that before.Yes! This is my daughter's car. It is a Chinese battery-powered plug-in car whose styling is an obvious ripoff of an early 50's Cadillac. Therefore I put a real Cadillac emblem on the hood that I just happened to have and got her a Cadillac key chain. It can be driver operated or with a remote control, which is pretty helpful sometimes when I don't trust her erratic driving on the way to the park! It works great though and was not super pricey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Mind posting a picture or two? Also, I love the way the manifold is shaped in the rear two cylinders, so as to make room to access the starter I believe. The Starter is a tight fit on the 56 with Dual exhaust. Should there be a heat shield for those two spark plugs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Also, I love the way the manifold is shaped in the rear two cylinders, so as to make room to access the starter I believe. The Starter is a tight fit on the 56 with Dual exhaust. Should there be a heat shield for those two spark plugs?Yes it is a cool looking manifold but unfortunately the same design makes it susceptible to cracking. And yes you are correct on the heat shield! I had to do some touch up on it and will put it on along with the other side by this weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted September 3, 2015 Author Share Posted September 3, 2015 (edited) Mind posting a picture or two?Here is my boy enjoying his first ride in his sister's "Cadillac". I think he wants to inherit it soon. Edited September 3, 2015 by lancemb (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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