Pilgrim65 Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Hi guys very excited as my 53 Buick special convertible is finally commencing its long journey to me tomorrow from New York to Southampton Uk then reshipped to me in Cyprus . Bought about 2/3 months from gateway in Chicago went to have a few small repairs , but on collection my friend noticed a ding noise turned out to be throw bearing on clutch. Decided to have complete clutch changed , but had to wait for parts. Finally ready 10days ago . transported to New Jersey sails tomorrow! Still going to take about 6weeks to reach me . Have built a car port to keep it out of the sun and heat 44 here last , cooler in September be just right for a cruise. will post pictures when it finally arrives. have a great week end in your buicks I'll be joining you soon. cheers pilgrim 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 3, 2016 Author Share Posted July 3, 2016 Cheers guys clock ticking down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 6, 2016 Author Share Posted July 6, 2016 Thanks Mr Earl , I'm sure I will need your advice when car eventually arrives as I notice your the Buick knowledge specialist. Friend has purchased a Buick shop manual for the car and put in trunk together with items required for next service so hopefully will continue the care she's had to date. regards pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Share Posted July 8, 2016 2nd stage completed car lands in Southampton UK today , unloading and pick up transport to Enfielld shortly for shipment to me ! clock ticking down. New carport ready 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Share Posted July 8, 2016 Anyone wondering why I'm excited , take a look , best present I've ever had , nearly 70 worked all my life , thought I deserved it. cheers pilgrim https://shar.es/1jNpUS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 VERY NICE!!! You found a good looking car! I hope it gives you many years of service! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 9, 2016 Author Share Posted July 9, 2016 Cheers John local classic car club has tour planned for end of August , hoping to give her a run out , if she arrives in time pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 If not then, I'm certain there will be other opportunities. I'm also certain it will be a show stopper where ever you take it. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 9, 2016 Author Share Posted July 9, 2016 Hi John thanks joined the Cyprus classic car club in anticipation and went to last rally , they lent me a 60s jeep , (rough ride) as you say mine should get some attention as not many American cars here , few mustangs , nice red/ white 56 bel air sedan , sexy black 70s corvette and a pink Cadillac with huge fins ( not my thing , prefer less ostentatious lines of late 40s to mid 50) mercs are the most popular here. will post photos of next meet. cheers pilgrim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 Hell, I'm getting exited just waiting on you to get it. It really is a beaut! Nice "carport", the red '53 will look classically stunning backed up into it! Pilgrim, I can change this thread title into one that will fit better of your telling about your Buick on down the road after it is delivered if you would like,. Something along the lines of "A '53 Special Convertible in Cyprus" has a nice ring to it Just let me know 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 11, 2016 Author Share Posted July 11, 2016 Thanks Mr Earl sounds a great title for when it arrives , two legs to complete , being unloaded from container in Southampton UK today then transporter to Enfield UK to be containerised again , then shipped to Famagusta Cyprus about 5/6 weeks total they reckon. I Look at the link every couple of days can't believe it's mine and I'll be cruising in September ! you guys will be the first to know , the day I drive out of docks. cheers pilgrim 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 19, 2016 Author Share Posted July 19, 2016 Hi developments today , car arrived Southampton Uk last week , I ve returned today from Cyprus .to Southampton where I live in Uk ,intended going to docks to see car before picked for transit to Enfield , but missed it ,picked up this morning! Close encounter! however excited as going to Enfield Thursday and will see car for first time!! Will post my first photos cheers 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 (edited) Hi guys well I made it , with limited help from sat nav that took me the slowest route. car was parked outside shippers building when I arrived , looked fantastic! had a couple pictures taken and now when I look at the photos 3 things come to mind lucky Bugger ! To own such a car cat that got the cream! Happy me For 60 plus years old , the car has lasted a whole lot better than me ! Sadly only a brief meeting have to wait another month before it arrives in Cyprus ,hopefully commencing voyage next week. cheers pilgrim Edited July 21, 2016 by Pilgrim65 (see edit history) 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 That will be something on the roads of Cyprus! Congrats and HAVE FUN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share Posted July 21, 2016 Thanks guys , can't wait till first drive cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buicknutty Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 Looks great! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49_buick_super Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 Stunning car! Waiting patiently with the rest for your photos. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 23, 2016 Author Share Posted July 23, 2016 Cheers Guys , trouble is my parents and teachers were right ,I'm not very patient ! pilgrim 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 27, 2016 Author Share Posted July 27, 2016 Hi Guys , very pleased car starts the last stage tomorrow from Uk to Cyprus, but not such a Bon voyage today, annoyed and disappointed have found out car was damaged during transit from states . Apparently there is a tear in the roof right across back where it meets the body, awaiting photos . hopefully will sort when it arrives next month. cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 Sorry to hear ! here's hoping that's the only damage and the shippers insurance will cover it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Share Posted July 28, 2016 Cheers Mr Earl dosnt look like a patching job , probably needs new cover. trying to convince insurers . also any members with idea of repair cost would be appreciated cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted July 29, 2016 Author Share Posted July 29, 2016 Hi Guys was down earlier, happier today as made progress, shippers seem to be accepting liability and had great after sales service from Gateway , chap who sold me car obtained details of original roof suppliers company in New England and they also provide great service and will supply any replacement part to Buick original spec. Therefore feeling positive that I'll have her sorted in due course. have a great week end with your buicks. cheers pilgrim 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted July 30, 2016 Share Posted July 30, 2016 Great news pilgrim! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted August 3, 2016 Author Share Posted August 3, 2016 Cheers Mr Earl. last leg commences! Received good news today car has left Uk on its last leg to Cyprus ETA. 22nd or 23rd , really looking forward to giving her some TLC and my first drive! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted August 19, 2016 Author Share Posted August 19, 2016 Hi guys , excited boat arrives Monday ,should be unloaded by Wednesday ,arrangements made, friend from classic car club and his mechanic coming with me, hopefully just a battery boost will be needed. Then my first drive some 25miles ! to home, Fingers crossed. Also been invited to attend concours event on 3rd September , car is not concours but pretty good so won't be out of place. life with my Buick starts. have a good week end cheers pilgrim 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buicknutty Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 I'll waiting to hear from you! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_B Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 Pilgrim, You are lookin' good behind the wheel of that beauty! That 53 is going to look great with Cypress as the backdrop for future photos. Damn shame about the top, but it is fixable. I'm excited in anticipation of it's arrival too. Best, Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 Cheers Guys appreciated although Im excited ,I m also nervous, today feels a bit like my stag night before going to tie up with a new lady! Tomorrow or next day. pilgrim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted August 26, 2016 Author Share Posted August 26, 2016 Hi guys , expected to have posted photos of car in Cyprus by now , but this week been a tale of the good the bad and ugly car arrived in Famagusta on Tuesday , went to pick up Wednesday with friend from classic car club and required docs that should have allowed me to drive away and then register within 30days. I went to see it in warehouse it looked great and started and ticked over quietly amazingly GOOD , however immediately disappointed as customs wouldn't release car as they had calculated I have been Cyprus for over six months by 10 days and differed rule applies , I must register and pay import duty before car released BAD, thinking not a great problem should be done by Thursday commence process with shipping agent . With classic cars duty should paid on original cost of car in sterling so provided proof of this to agent for presentation to customs , however whether or mistake or not aware classic car process failed to present to customs consequently they didn't treat as classic car came up with a very UGLY $11000 duty payable! Shocked and not satisfied with this result have enlisted help of president of classic club who has meeting with head of customs on Monday. Stressful week end. So pretty gutted at present . Fingers crossed for positive outcome and back on track for my Buick life next week. enjoy the week end and your buicks. cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 Wow and I thought I was ripped off by the Washington Department of Licensing when applying for lost title, registration and licensing. I hope your case is resolved soon! '41, '53 and '56 are my three favorite pre-60s Buick years (I am a bit biased, my grandfather owned and drove all three). A shame they're giving you a run around for $11,000, that's ridiculous! Maybe there's a lawyer in your car club, too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted August 26, 2016 Author Share Posted August 26, 2016 Cheers Beemon, will post outcome. my preference on Buick years ,love the rounded lines of late 40s and early 50s , but developing my Buick knowledge via this excellent forum I read a post about a 1960 Electra 225 loved it, not as much as my 53 though! cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 WHAT? 11,000 US dollars?!!! Sorry to hear you're having to deal with all this customs crap, sure hope the classic car club president can negotiate a reasonable resolution. Gotta be taking all the fun out of it, but hang in there, you'll be cruising soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Good Luck! I hope this works out to what you expected! Looks like a beautiful place to drive and enjoy your Buick Convertible. Hope we get to see lots of pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted September 1, 2016 Author Share Posted September 1, 2016 Hi guys car finally here , classic car club sorted problem , but still paid $3000 ouch! also had my first drive , being a novice Buick driver , had a few problems firstly expected car to start on turn of key ,didn't know you just touch throttle! Secondly trouble finding 2nd gear ! And worst of all coping at a junction with a gradient that slopes back. When I leant to drive I was taught to hold car on hand brake and then let clutch out till it bites , works fine , but in my Buick handbrake is a peddle! Problem for me had to get traffic to back up before I cracked it , not sure if correct but I put brake on and don't pull release leaver until I'm moving forward. Any advice appreciated. That was first drive but also had first breakdown , when we picked up car we noticed plenty of gas showing in tank, thought nice of last owner, so went off today to have mandatory car roadworthy check and looked at dial plenty of gas showing, ran out of fuel on motorway! Gauge not working! Have the concours event this week end will post photos attached a few photos , car in warehouse when we finally were allowed to take out , other guy friend from car club. also car coming home! voyage over so will end post when car road legal ,sorting now, should have number plate next week cheers pilgrim 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retirednow Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Great looking car! Best of luck to you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 If you end this one, please start another. Pictures around Cyprus would be awesome. Buick is beautiful. I owned a '53 Special Hardtop in the Early 60s. Great car. SAME COLOR. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted September 2, 2016 Author Share Posted September 2, 2016 Retired now and Ben , cheers guys Ben , with you love the colour , just brings a smile to my face every time I look at her , going to call her Ruby. you were a lucky man to drive such a car in the sixties , I had a hillman minx in drab green! cheers pilgrim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 On 9/1/2016 at 11:30 AM, Pilgrim65 said: When I leant to drive I was taught to hold car on hand brake and then let clutch out till it bites , works fine , but in my Buick handbrake is a peddle! Problem for me had to get traffic to back up before I cracked it , not sure if correct but I put brake on and don't pull release leaver until I'm moving forward. Any advice appreciated. Well Pligrim, you scored one BEAUTIFUL BUICK!!! I am envious!!! Convertible AND a stick shift!!! It just does not get any better than that. Regarding starting on a hill, that parking brake trick is convenient,, but it is a trap. Just find a back road with a small gradient and learn how to feather the gas with your heel on the brake. From what I remember, it does not take much to start a Buick on a hill. What I used to do was to let the clutch out a little till you heard the engine rpm slow down, then quickly take foot off the brake and give it a little gas while letting the clutch out. The clutch engaging provided the same benefit of the parking brake and once this technique is perfected it become second nature. Just always be certain to always use the parking brake, each and every time you park that girl. Never forget that step no matter how pressed you are for time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted September 2, 2016 Author Share Posted September 2, 2016 John , Thanks for advice will practising next week , let you know progress cheers pilgrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 She's a beauty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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