1937 Buick Model 48: RESTORATION HAS BEGUN! (Photo)

[Bloo]

On one 37 320 I saw, someone converted the well for the Delco choke into a stove for the Carter. It consisted of a tube simply dropped down in the well through a non-sealing cover, intended to let just a little fresh air in. I don't know how well that worked, but it seemed reasonable. It looked like it belonged there.

[Gary W]

That's what I was thinking of doing.  I wonder if anyone has tried or done it this way?

 Remove the divorced automatic Delco choke unit, fabricate a blanking plate and tap a hole to attach the Carter choke.

So... that choke unit pulls in hot exhaust fumes to make it work?

[Bloo]

No, it needs a heater to heat clean air for it. Exhaust will screw it up.

 

The 320 I saw with the Delco unit removed had a "well" underneath, separate from the exhaust, but hanging down in it to get hot. Have you ever seen the well for a well choke on a 60s Chrysler product? It looked like that.

 

They had closed off the top (almost) to make a little oven out of that space, and the tube to the carb just sucked out of there. IIRC the fitting at the carb end supported the tube. Was it enough hot air? I'm not sure. It was completely non-invasive, and at first glance it looked factory. It is the first thing I would try.

Edited November 5, 2018 by Bloo (see edit history)

[dibarlaw]

Gary:

 Sorry about your BD-1 1937 Marvel carb issues . So far mine still works fine. At over $650 to rebuild it I need to get as many miles as possible out of it. It will be good to see what the change will be in your car with the Carter. Mine sill has a bit of vapor lock coming over the Catoctin mountain near Fredrick MD.2 weeks ago from the Rockville show. But we had put over 120 miles by that time and had to do an ethanol fill up. 

 I had changed the oil last year after the 2500 mile trip to Wisconsin since we had a dead #8 cylinder for over 200 miles. Small piece of the piston top hammered the plug gap shut.

I replaced the plug and there has been no further issue. Even though the oil had some dilution it was not black. I changed that oil last week and it still looked good after about 600 miles driven this year.

[Gary W]

Hi Larry!

That photo you posted.....  what is it that we are looking at?

I can't make it out

Thanks for alll your support throughout this build!...  I really appreciate all your help!

Gary

[1937-44]

3 hours ago, Gary W said:

***  But the question....  How do I make the "stove pipe"(?), Hot air pipe (?), Hot air feed(?).....to work the automatic choke?

It looks like a vacuum setup, but where does it pull the hot air in from?

Hi Gary,

 Don't know how much help I can be, but years ago they used to make kits to adapt newer carburetors to work on our Buicks. The kit had a metal box of sorts, heat tube, and an adapter for an air horn. The box bolted to the exhaust manifold capturing clean hot air and the tube conveyed it to the choke.

 I've scrapped a couple cars that had the setup on the exhaust manifold. If it would help you. I'll donate the used box (last two pictures) to the cause.

 

Carl

[MCHinson]

Gary, 

There are apparently a few different styles of conversions made. My 1938 Model 61 had a later carburetor on it when I bought it. That car simply had the tube (which was covered in asbestos like insulation covering) routed down to the exhaust manifold near the carburetor. The tube stuck into a small meal nipple attached to the top of a "C" shaped piece of metal that simply wrapped around the exhaust manifold. This photo is not terribly clear but I think you might be able to make it out. I might be able to find it in my spare parts if you don't come up with something in better shape. I think that as long as you find a way to connect the choke to a tube that terminates somewhere near the exhaust manifold, it will work fine. With today's modern fuels, you could probably find that unless your car is outside in freezing temperatures for a lengthy period of time, you probably could do without the choke working anyway.

[Daves1940Buick56S]

Gary:

 

I just wet downstairs and took this. I have a Stromberg AAV-26. I used 3/16" ID copper tubing and coiled the tubing inside the appx 1" ID stove tube that fits nicely into the scalloped area that originally anchored  the choke stove for the AAV-2. I had to use the 3/16" tubing as making the 1/4" id copper tubing curve that sharply was a bit difficult. The lower end of the coil down at the bottom of the stove tube is just open. So the vacuum from the carb draws air in thru the copper tube which is warmed, hopefully, in the coil area inside the stove tube. A bit hokey but it works.

 

The dark looking tape on the copper tube is actually F4 tape, just on temporarily until I can get some of the woven-type inulated cover.

 

Cheers, Dave

[39BuickEight]

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2018 at 2:55 PM, Gary W said:

Wednesday October 31, 2018:  Measuring for the Robe Rail:

 

I want to show you what photos I have from the disassembly, and the trouble locating the outer mounting holes:

 

This photo shows the outer passenger side attachment, but without perspective, It's hard to see where it actually goes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

I'm sure when you took this photo it was to document the robe rail.  Ha!  I do the same thing all the time looking for stuff.

[pont35cpe]

Gary, I`ve put a dual carb set-up on my `36 Buick (`41 248 engine) had to have the manifold milled flat(where the carbs mount)because the engine in the `36 is level and the `41 is tilted. I decided to not use the primary/secondary WCDs with progressive linkage. I`m using two front WCD carbs with parallel linkage, both carbs have chokes. What I did on my auto choke, something most people are probably not aware of, is I used a Holley electric choke, fits perfectly, but works backwards from the stock auto-choke. I took the element (bi-metal coil) out flipped it over, bingo, works perfect. I put one on each carb. I think you`ll find, that the hole where your original starter switch mounts, is restricted and may not pull enough vacuum to operate the wipers. Your car is going to run so much better with the WCD. Also, congrats on an excellent build.. Tom

[Gary W]

Sunday November 11, 2018:   The  Marvel  -  To  -  Carter  Carburetor  Swap:  (Part One)

First:  To the VETS:  THANK YOU all for your service and sacrifice.  I admire what you do for us everyday.

 

 

Today I finished the conversion from the original Marvel BD to my NOS Carter 608S.

It really is not a big job to make the conversion, and after finishing, the difference in the idle and overall performance is noticeable.

 

Here's what I did:

 

The old, original, tired Marvel Carburetor.  This was leaking gasoline into the engine.  It always needed three or four "pumps" of the accelerator to start.

 

 

 

Marvel gone and all its attachments are just hanging free.

 

 

The NOS Carter 608S.  Not bolted in yet, but in position so I can start making some preliminary measurements.

 

 

I went to Home Depot and got some stock.  Aluminum bar is  1 1/2" X 1/8".  The Steel stock is 3"  X  3/16".

 

 

Using the carburetor, I measured from the center of the throttle plate to the link mounting hole.  Being this carburetor works opposite from the Marvel. I had to make a new throttle linkage.

I measured the 2 3/4", added a little for waste and made the cut.  

 

 

Again, I used the carburetor to mark where the holes go.  Then I attached washers and outlined them as a guide for the trimming.

 

 

I used a basic shape that "Car Geek" showed me on page 8 back on April 8, 2017:

For the automatic choke unit blanking plate, I simply traced the back of the unit onto the steel as a template.

 

 

 

I attached the plate with a paper gasket under it.  Nothing is painted yet, I wanted to be sure everything worked as it should.

At this point, the "divorced" automatic choke unit is gone, replaced with a steel blanking plate.

The vacuum start switch is gone

I moved the wiper attachment back to where the vacuum start switch used to be

 

 

And the modified throttle linkage after trimming and smoothing on the kids belt sander. 

I had to also trim down the screws and nuts so they cleared that large screw back there.

Next was to bend a new throttle rod, which you see above just beginning to get bent.  I used 1/4" Stainless Steel rod.  It had to be heated to make the bends.

You can see the 1/4" brass ferrule.  It prevents the washer from making the turn and sliding down the throttle rod and by it's shape keeps everything nicely centered there.

 

 

Part two next:

 

 

[Gary W]

Sunday November 11, 2018:   The  Marvel  -  To  -  Carter  Carburetor  Swap:  (Part Two)

 

Finishing the throttle rod and the new gas line:

 

First I used an old brass rod to make a template for the new throttle rod.  

After I was satisfied, I heated and bent the stainless rod into a geometric "Z" pattern that fits nicely under the manifolds  and looks nice and neat under there.

Again, using the gas pedal to check the extremes of movement, I marked where it had to be cut and threaded for the attachment to the accelerator linkage on the firewall.

You can see the rod just loose above.

 

 

The stainless is pretty hard, but with some oil, it tapped.

 

 

Then the adjustment part.

 

 

And back to the car to adjust, install and cotter.

Then I attached the return spring in a manner where it pulls back and keeps the throttle rod at a nice level position.

 

 

On to the gas line.  It is 5/16" Stainless tubing.  First slip on the nipple.

 

 

Line it up flush in the correct hole.

 

 

John bought over his flaring stuff and taught me how to use it.

Lock it in the correct hole...

 

 

Then slowly turn in on the wedge and it creates a nice flare.

 

 

First bend and flare done.  I followed the original bends up the block and over the engine behind the water pump.

But after that, every bend was done the same way:

Attach the tube to the fuel pump, mark the next bend with a sharpie right in the car.

Remove the tube, make the bend, check the angle....  mark the next one.

Tedious, but the job came out nice and neat.

 

 

So, at the end of part two, I have the throttle linkage all fabricated and hooked up.

The new gas line and vacuum advance line rerouted and installed.

And the wires from the vacuum start switch fit right onto the new carburetor without any modification.

 

Next....  Part three   the choke heat stove

 

 

 

 

Edited November 15, 2018 by Gary W (see edit history)

[Gary W]

Sunday November 11, 2018:   The  Marvel  -  To  -  Carter  Carburetor  Swap:  (Part Three)

The choke heat pipe

 

This was the last thing to do to get the new carburetor installed and functioning.

Luckily, Carl sent me his heater, and it worked out perfectly!

 

 

From the last page.  Here is the part I bolted to the manifold.  The "U" bolt comes in from the back to hold it tight.

 

 

Using an old piece of tubing, I made a rough template to follow.

 

 

Carl's piece bolted in nice and tight, and the new copper tube exiting the hole and running up to the carburetor.

 

 

This was actually a very easy tube to make. 

Again, flared it and attached it to the carburetor.

I'm still waiting for the "asbestos" wrap to come in to finish it nice, but that's all it needs.

 

 

Here's the overview of the completed conversion.

I am going to paint some things now that I know it all works in there fine.

 

 

So, I had to take her out and feel the difference.

First....  after sitting for 5 days, I didn't pump at all.  Simply turned on the key, stepped on the accelerator pedal and "boom" she fired right off!

I ran her for a good 10 miles, and when I came back, the choke was fully open and that copper tube was too hot to touch!

 

There is a noticeable difference in the idle.  So much smoother and slower.

The car has a little more pep.

The accelerator pedal is nice and smooth.  All the new linkages removed all the slop from the old ones.

 

 

 

 

B E F O R E   A N D    A F T E R:

 

 

B E F O R E

 

 

 

A F T E R 

 

Have a great night!

Gary

 

[Buicknutty]

 Looks very nice, great looking work!

Keith

[Gary W]

Wednesday November 14, 2018:  Front Door Armrests

 

These installed nice and easy.  LeBaron recovered them for me, and sent very large  #14 X  2 1/2" screws to attach them to the door.

 

I first rolled down the window.  Then, you can easily feel the depression in the door panel and if you look down the inside of the door, it is easy to poke the awl through the fabric and watch it line up with the holes in the door.

 

 

Remove the bottom trim piece.

 

 

Again, run the large screws in at an uphill angle WHILE watching through the top of the door to align everything.  

At this point, run the windows up and down to be sure the screws do not interfere with the glass or mechanism.

If there is trouble, you can trim the screws to clear.

 

 

Reattach the trim piece

 

and just like that, the door is finally finished.

 

 

So, that was an easy and fun project today.  

 

But there's more...........

 

 

 

Edited November 15, 2018 by Gary W (see edit history)

[Gary W]

Wednesday November 14, 2018:  Finishing up the carburetor swap

 

You know how whenever you make a change, it can sometimes start a cascade of new issues to tackle?

Nothing huge, but because the new Carter carburetor is different, there are a couple issues that I had to finalize today:

 

This is the carburetor side of the engine just after I finished making the heat stove pipe to feed the automatic choke.

Although it works flawlessly, I wasn't too keen on the appearance.  I just like when things are tight.

So, I took it all off, flipped the metal part on the manifold so the hole was facing front, not to the back and bent a new copper tube.

 

 

OK..  to me it just looks so much better this way.  I'm still waiting for the "asbestos" wrap to come in to finish it all.

NOW...  here's the cascade of events today..

I want to finish by installing the air cleaner.  BUT, the diameter of the air cleaner and the top of the Carter are exactly the same!

My air cleaner used to fit over the Marvel, but this Carter has a wider throat up there and the air cleaner basically just "sits" on top.

 

 

Using a 1" wide by 1/16" thick aluminum bar, I wrapped it around a Rustoleum spray can to form the basic shape.

I cut the inclines to fit under the air cleaner and drilled a 1/4" hole to accept the screw.

 

 

After smoothing it down on the belt sander, my homemade clamp was ready to go......

 

Which immediately illuminated the next issue...  This Carter sits higher!

So, the hood wouldn't close with everything installed!

 

 

The Carter is sitting on the same stack of gaskets that the Marvel sat on.

I e-mailed Jon, and he told me the Carter only needs two gaskets. So, I figured I can easily find a half an inch by removing the large stack under there.

 

Remove the air cleaner, fuel line, the heat line and the three 1/2" nuts, raise the Carter just enough to remove the stack, place only two gaskets and drop it down...........

 

 

Which of course means I need some thick washers now, as the mounting studs stick up "higher"

And two of the washers had to be custom made by clipping one side to fit within the parameters of the casting.

 

 

Now we're cooking!  

But of course, the fuel line and the heat line had to be "reworked" to fit.  Amazing how only a half an inch changes the geometry of everything.

 

 

Here's my clamp, finally installed under the air cleaner.

 

 

And now, I think I can finally say the Marvel to Carter transition is complete!

 

I'll try to get to the painting this weekend.  

 

Gary

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gary W]

Wednesday November 14, 2018:  Some Before and After Engine Photos:

 

Before I finish tonight, I want to share some before and after photos of the left side of the engine.

These photos are exactly two years apart.

 

 

BEFORE:  11/14/2016

 

 

AFTER:  11/14/2018

 

 

 

BEFORE:  11/14/2016

 

 

AFTER:  11/14/2018

 

 

 

BEFORE:  11/14/2016

 

 

AFTER:  11/14/2018

 

 

 

Love the transition and the final product.

You forget what you started with after a couple years.  Fun to revisit it and realize how much work is involved.

 

Have a great night!

Gary

[GARY F]

Did that half inch let you close the hood?

[Gary W]

YES!!!  Forgot that part!  All good now.

[Bloo]

Do I see a hood prop in those photos? If so, where did you get it and how does it mount?

[Gary W]

I'm using the  same hood prop that was on the car when I bought it.  All I did was tighten it up and slid a heavier neoprene tube over the ends that support the hood.

It's attached to the radiator support rods.  I honestly think it's a generic hood prop.  And although that Buick hood is heavy, the prop holds it up without a problem.  I was actually thinking of stealing the idea and by using small channel steel fabricating my own version that holds the hood up a little higher and would be more heavy duty.

 

January 11, 2017:  I took this photo when I removed the hood so I had an idea of the angle of the cross over strut.  But the photo captured the hood prop.

 

 

I think its just this product.  It has threaded hooks that hold it to the radiator support rods.

 

 

This version has "u" bolts that hold it steady.  But this is what's on it.

Mine has the longer arms installed to reach the Buick hood.

 

 

Gary

Edited November 16, 2018 by Gary W (see edit history)

[Spinneyhill]

May I show a non-Buick here? It is an 8, though... Gary, if you don't like it, say so and it will disappear!

 

It is a blasted nuisance working on this car if you have to go to one side then the other than back again. Only one side can be open at a time - it lies right across the other side, essentially horizontal. Timber props, just slip into the radiator stays. The weight of the bonnet holds them in place. Cheap cheap. There is a slot in the inner end for the stay to fit in and a block stop on the outer end. They just tuck away in the trunk on the back if they need to go on holiday with the car.

 

[Gary W]

That's ingenious! Simple but elegant solution ... doesn't get better!

 

Gorgeous car!  Dodge?  Welcome anytime here.

 

Thank you...  appreciate your advice throughout this build.

 

Gary

[1937-44]

 Another inexpensive hood prop is easily made from an old shovel handle or whatever you have handy. Has many other convenient uses like thumping on tires, getting someone's attention or ........   Well you get the idea. 

 Here are a couple pictures of what I use. I just cut out a notch from an old shovel handle and put it on the hood support rods.

[Gary W]

Saturday November 24, 2018:  Installation of the Robe Rails  (Part One of Two)

 

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and had enough to eat.  I know I did!

It's kind of gray, cold and yucky out today, so after setting up the tree and the outdoor lights, I decided to finally tackle the robe rails.

Sincere thanks for the measurements that were sent in...  they helped very much.

 

I started with simple push pins to help locate the hidden holes under the fabric and padding.

Then I used heavier gauge sewing needles and tapped them in to be sure I found some wood under there.

 

 

The sewing needles made a small hole, and I used that to then drive finishing nails to finally confirm that there is a mounting place there.

 

 

Using the robe rail mount, I finalized the measurements to be sure the holes all lined up right.

 

 

My holes are two inches down from the upper bend in the seat metal, not the upper trim welt.

 

 

Then I tried as best I can to get the two sides equally spaced off the middle of the seats.

Once I was satisfied that all the measurements were correct,

 

 

I pulled each finishing nail and immediately marked the spot with a dot of chalk so I can see it through the mounting bracket.

 

 

Here are the measurements I'm going with on the inner aspect of the seats.

 

 

LeBaron made these robe rails up for me.  They come with the special loop installed at the ends.

I started on the side closest to the center and ran the screw through the loop.

 

 

Found each hole and tightened it up.

So far so good......

 

 

 

Part two next....

[Gary W]

Saturday November 24, 2018:  Installation of the Robe Rails  (Part Two of Two)

 

 

After installing both inner mounting brackets, it's starting to finally look finished.  

This was going much better than I anticipated!  

 

But alas.......  even this seemingly small interior project would not go without a speed bump!

 

 

I got the outer side ready for the install.  Using a leftover brass wood screw (I need to run to Home Depot for the correct oval heads) I again ran the screw through the robe rail loop.

 

When I tried to install it, the robe rail is THREE INCHES too small!  It doesn't reach the chalk marks, not even close.

 

 

So, I went back and looked at my notes.  The robe rails I removed were 23 inches measured from loop to loop.

These new robe rails just barely make 20 inches.  

RATS!

 

 

So, another call to LBB to have new ones made the proper length.

But, I did want to get finished so what I did as a temporary measure was

 

 

Used some green Christmas hanging wire to basically extend the loop 1 1/2" around the mounting screw.

I had to do both sides, of course.

But, this allowed me to at least get the mounts installed and tap the holes.

 

 

So, they're in, but will be changed out whenever I get the new ones.

 

 

Enjoy your weekend out there!!

 

Gary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 27, 2018 by Gary W (see edit history)

[Gary W]

On 10/3/2018 at 7:49 AM, rodneybeauchamp said:

Can you assist in explaining how the heater is plumbed. I found in the first pages pictures showing the routing of the two heater hoses but could not find any on/off valve or tap. 

How  is the heat turned on or off apart from the two flaps on the heater box.

 

On 10/3/2018 at 8:52 AM, dibarlaw said:

Rodney:

 My heater is the same as Gary's. There was no shut off. Just the flaps /doors on the front to control the heat and the motor/fan switch. In the summer it will still put out heat. When summer driving I would disconnect the heater hose and install a pipe plug in the fittings. One could also employ a shut off tap on the feed hose.

 

On 10/3/2018 at 10:31 AM, DonMicheletti said:

My 2 '38's have a water adjustable shutoff valve at the thermostat neck. I always wndered if that is original.

Does anyone know what the installation manual says?

 

I found this 1937 "Buick Delivered Prices" 

 

See the prices of the Heaters on the right side.

 It seems for a mere 75 cents, you could have a water circulation shut-off valve installed with that new heater!

 

It makes you realize what 75 cents meant back then.  My car has the heater, but the owner opted not to go the extra for the valve.

 

Actually, when you study the difference in price from the Special to the Century,  there is only, on average, a $216.00 difference for a huge upgrade.

Longer wheelbase, larger engine, more horsepower, upgraded interior.... But $216.00 in 1937 was probably 6-weeks pay!  (Maybe  2-months?)

 

Just thought it was interesting.........

Gary

Edited December 6, 2018 by Gary W
I did the math to average out the prices from Century to Special for each model. (see edit history)

[1937-44]

 The Century also had a different differential with heavier axles, wider brake shoes and drums, heavier duty transmission, larger radiator, and 15 instead of 16 inch wheels (although the cost of the wheels probably didn't change much). 

[Randiego]

Gary,

Seems that it is the "hurry up and wait" game regarding getting the proper parts and materials in the restoration game.   I have been waiting for over two and a half months to get my radiator for my 36 Pontiac. We are down to two or three manufacturers of radiators here stateside.  All the new radiators are aluminum/plastic throw away models.  Made in China, Mexico or ? ?    

 

My local radiator guy said that he could get the core in a week.  Well, seems that the old guys that use to build the "honeycomb" cores are few and far in between. And to top it all off, the Pontiac radiators (and who knows which others) have a 45 degree bevel at the top of the core.  My original radiator is a two row.  The straight eight's all had three rows.  I am having one made for my fellow Pontiac member back in Minnesota.  His is an 8.

His local source wanted $4,800.00 for a radiator.  And my friend had the old radiator!  I told him to send it to me here in San Diego.  My guy is building two of them for $900.00.  That is $450.00 each ! !   New 3 row cores and  the tanks and support housings and fittings installed !   But they will not be the "honeycomb" style.  These new guys do not have the experience to do that type of core.  I am sure that you all have a source for good radiator work back East. 

 

The reason for my reply;   My Plymouth and Pontiac both have the water shut off VALVE (copper tipped bolt that turns & seats in a conical  seat) that is basically a fitting that screws into the top of the head or, in some cases, the block.  The seat in the housing and bolt on both of my cars are corroded beyond repair.  Fashioning a  new one on my lathe is not an easy proposition.  The bolt is not a problem but fabricating a new fitting (with the copper internal conical seat) that screws into the block is out of my wheelhouse.  I have been looking around and have not found one yet.  Seems that all the manufacturers used this shut off valve.  So...........the company that made them for all the manufacturers back then is probably gone.  Does any of you Buick guys have a source for this shut off valve?  It probably is the same for all the 30's cars.  Your help with this quest will be appreciated.

 

Randy L

 

 

 

Your      

[Spinneyhill]

15 minutes ago, Randiego said:

Does any of you Buick guys have a source for this shut off valve? 

Pictures usually help......

[Gary W]

Hi Randy:

Not necessarily in this order, but you can check:

 

Restoration Supply Co.   www.restorationstuff.com

McMaster Carr

Bob's Automobilia

Supply House.com    Great selection of needle valves

Advanced Auto Parts    (Carquest manual shut off valve. part #84703)

Auto Zone

O'Reillly Auto parts

 

Hope it helps!!!

 

PS:  I do not have the heater shut off valve installed, which means water circulates through the heater core all year long.

 

I used Cap-A-Radiator in New York to do my recore.  I'm very happy with their work.

 

 

Gary

 

Edited December 7, 2018 by Gary W (see edit history)

[MCHinson]

You should be able to find those valves at a local auto parts store.

 

I think this is the one that I bought for my 1937 Century.

 

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-manual-shut-off-valve-84703/15490005-P?searchTerm=heater+shut+off+valve

[DonMicheletti]

My heater valve was leaky. The replacements I found didnt look right because they were plated. I ended up repairing what was on my car, it looked original.

The repair was a PITA. Lots of machined parts.

The photo is after repair and replacement

[Randiego]

Gents,

I have been away for a while and I want to thank you for all your responses.  I was trying to keep my valve "authentic" with the look.  I never thought that the local auto parts stores would have the valve as they were not used after the 50's.  Most of the items in the auto parts stores these days are Chinese junk.  The metal is far inferior to what we had available to us just a few short years ago.  I will check with Restoration Parts as it is 20 minutes from my location and a few others. I,  like Don M, want to keep the authentic look.  Plus the valve body of his looks to be bronze.  It just wouldn't do to put a cad plated housing with a "T" valve handle.  Those did not exist back in the day.  I will search in earnest and report back who has the correct valve.   Thank you all for your input.  

Randy

 

[Spinneyhill]

15 hours ago, Randiego said:

It just wouldn't do to put a cad plated housing with a "T" valve handle

1930 Dodge 8 has almost every nut, bolt and screw cad. plated. My radiator tap is plated with a "T" handle, although the handle is made from a thin piece folded into a U rather than just a flat piece of steel. You might not find much cadmium plated automotive stuff now; the chemicals and hence the waste are pretty toxic. I think it is mainly the aero industries that do cad. plating.

[27donb]

On 12/7/2018 at 10:35 AM, DonMicheletti said:

My heater valve was leaky. The replacements I found didnt look right because they were plated. I ended up repairing what was on my car, it looked original.

The repair was a PITA. Lots of machined parts.

The photo is after repair and replacement

 

Those are two different looking valves for sure. 

 

If a modern valve could be found that looked the same, or similar enough, it could be painted black to hide the modern finish. 

[bigmck]

All,

Gary's chronicled work has been very inspiring.  I was so impressed with the woodgrain results that I sought to replicate Gary's effort for my own '37 Special.  I investigated hand graining, di-noc, and hydrographics.  At the end of the day, I selected the hydro route for the combination of quality, durability and cost.   I'm very pleased.  Thanks for the inspiration, Gary!

Neill

[Gary W]

1 hour ago, bigmck said:

Thanks for the inspiration

 

 

 

Neill;

 

Your dash panel looks beautiful!  Be very proud of it!  You did a great job!

 

Thank you for the kind words........  That "inspiration" was one of the main reasons I started this thread.

Remember, I was a novice to these "big Buicks" two years ago.  I published this restoration journey, (the good, bad and ugly), for a couple reasons:

 

First:  Selfish reasons.  I needed help from the members here, and I knew it.  

Second:  Hopefully as a "guide" so others feel empowered to tackle some projects on their own cars, both big and small.  

Third:  That others will see my methods and chime in with either  "Oh...that's how you do that!"  or  "Don't do it that way!..  Do it like this..."

 

Judging from the many, many, many messages I've received throughout this restoration (both public and private), I feel like I've met these goals.

I will forever be indebted to the members here who have followed along and encouraged me every step of the way.  The talent here is just amazing.

 

 

Thank you for sharing your work, I truly appreciate you mentioning inspiration.  It means a lot.

 

Going forward, I would like to somehow make a "table of contents" or "glossary" of some sorts to help index the many subjects contained in the blog.

 

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

 

Gary

[Terry Wiegand]

Gary,

In the scheme of things here, how much longer do you think you have left to be totally done with this restoration?  You have done a wonderful job on this car and all of us watching this are anxiously awaiting the video of the first back on the road drive.

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 

Barbara and Terry Wiegand

South Hutchinson, Kansas

[Gary W]

Hi Terry!

 

At this point, I have these few things on my checklist to finish the restoration:

1. Interior:  I'm still waiting for the rear window shade to come back from LBB.  When I get that shade installed, the interior will finally be done.

2. Exterior:  She is going back to Bob's paint shop for a few touch-ups, final glaze and hand rub.  That will finish the exterior.

3. Mechanical:  I am bringing her to get the front end aligned in a couple of weeks.  Although she tracks really straight, I want to have it all checked under there.

                            I am going to set up the hand throttle as it was from the factory.  I found a cable that will work nicely with my dash knob.

                            At 300 miles, I am going to do another oil change and make any adjustments that are necessary. 

 

I think that 300 mile benchmark is my "finish line".

 

 

I actually have 170 miles on her now, slowly breaking her in and making little adjustments as I go along.  She rides beautifully.  

 

 

 

I love this car.

 

Gary