Not exactly a 1931 Barnfind

[tigersdad]

I've been hearing about a 1931 Buick convertible that has been in a body shop for years and most recently came across someone who told me where they thought it might be,  So, cleaned up Eleanor, my 1932 Buick 8-86 (original owners name who owned the car until 1995) and drove over to find this mystery car. Well, low and behold, there it was.  Evidently, this car came in boxes, had been passed around and now has been worked on periodically over the course of several years as a lot of parts were missing, no templates, etc......Question:  Is this a 90 Series Convertible?  Is there a good resource for the gentleman working on the car to go to for parts that he may need and/or templates?  He did not know of the AACA and I told him I would post.  Thanks for the help!

 

Jay

Novato, CA

1932 Buick 8-86 Victoria Travelers Coupe + Others 

Edited January 26, 2016 by tigersdad (see edit history)

[Pete Phillips]

The 90-series will have a 132 inch wheelbase for 1931. If there is no data plate on the firewall, then you will have to measure the wheelbase to determine which series it is. Tell the owner he needs to join the BCA, not the AACA. I think we in the BCA have more resources and parts sources for his car than the AACA might, but of course, I am a bit biased in that regard!

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338

[nzcarnerd]

Looks similar to this one   -   https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/CA0815-219854/0/1931-Buick-96C-Convertible-Coupe/  - and this country club coupe with similar styling but a fixed top   -  http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1931-buick-96-country-club-coupe-the-eight-as-buick-built-it/#comment-232220   - see my comment at the end of that one re the top irons.

 

I did also notice that the roadster and convertible coupes have their golf bag doors opening in the opposite direction.

 

According to information I have Buick did not do a convertible coupe in the 118" wheelbase 60 series but did do a 50 series model 56C which is a much smaller car - 114" wheelbase.  There is a picture of one in 70 Years of Buick and I notice that the car there has its golf bag door opening the other way, the same as the big series roadsters.

 

All this is to say this looks to be a 90 but wheelbase measuring is needed.  The 90 is a big car and is on 6.50 x 19 tyres, the 50 uses 5.25 x 18s and is much smaller.

Edited January 27, 2016 by nzcarnerd (see edit history)

[midman]

Easiest way to tell is check the fuel gauge. If it is marked for I believe 24 gallons it's a big series (80-90), marked to 16 gallons it is a 50 or 60 series. That is assuming of course it is an original gauge.

To be positive you would have to measure the wheelbase as Pete mentions.

[tigersdad]

Thanks for your help guys. I'll check out the fuel gauge and measure the wheelbase. Finding the tag will be helpful.

Jay

Novato, CA

[Steve Moskowitz]

Pete, he should join both clubs!  Actually, AACA houses one of the largest Buick literature collections in the world.  The Buick Heritage Alliance probably has the best Buick pre-war collection in the world and they graciously have those in our facility.

[tigersdad]

Steve -

 

Well put!  I didn't want to say anything when I saw the post.  Thanks!  

 

Jay

[nzcarnerd]

Something I meant to mention earlier, Tigersdad, is that as you went there in your 1932 80 series, this car would look to be similar in bulk, just a little longer in the wheelbase.  If it had been a series 50 I think you would have noticed that it was quite a bit smaller than your own car.

[tigersdad]

NZ,

My car is massive! Not a small car for a two door. The coupe is smaller than my car. As you can tell from the pictures, it was covered in plastic. I'll be going back to check it out after I return from holiday.