Guest CCB Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Hello, I am very excited about my new '39 46-S. Take a look at the pictures. The car appears to be an older restoration. Its a beautiful car. Of course there are some things I'm not happy about (it was converted to 12 volt), but in general I'm excited. My ultimate goal is to have it brought back to as original condition as possible. Its obvious that modifications were also done to the dashboard too. The original turn signal lever is gone and a replacement is mounted on the column. This is interesting in that the radio is Motorola and not Sonomatic, but it seems to be original. Any thoughts on that? There are no opera seats, that may be difficult to find. Can someone give me feedback on the ID plate? It appears to have been built at the Linden plant, but I'm not sure on the interpretation of the other numbers. I hope the plate is clear to read. Thanks for any help! -Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 (edited) Welcome to the world of '39 Buick's By the small wiper transmissions, its probably has the short chassis The side fender lights are uncommon, and desirable I will send a message to Sean1997. He can decode For pre war Buick parts contact DaveT by phone. Can be hard to contact, so keep trying http://forums.aaca.org/topic/206688-dave-tachney/ You can join the '39 Buick Team http://forums.aaca.org/topic/207201-39-buick-team-membership/ Some posts in the thread have linking problems due to the [new] software used Edited February 3, 2017 by 1939_Buick (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvelde Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Always good to have another '39 on the Forum, look forward to following your progress. There are lots of people here who will help you work through any problems you run into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Thanks for responding Folks! I'll join the '39 Buick Forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anzac Buick64 Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 (edited) Welcome to 39s The original turn signal switch from the factory was mounted on the gear shift lever. 39 was the first year Buicks had turn signals from the factory but they were rear signals only in the trunk mounted buick eight logo. The front fender mounted lights were originally an optional extra and were park lights only but are easy enough to make as yourf ront turn signals. Your are also absent the spark plug cover plate on the engine. If you post engine and chassis numbers here it will be possible to decode them a bit more. It looks a lovely first buick car. 39s are great pre war cars and there are lots of great and knowlegable people on the forum to help you navigate all the "one year only" and "first time in a buick" features in these cars. Welcome to the buick forums and enjoy the car. Cheers Andrew Anzac Buick64 Edited February 3, 2017 by Anzac Buick64 (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary W Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Congratulations and GOOD LUCK! She's a beauty! I recently acquired a '37 that I am restoring and learning. The members on this forum are a tremendous resource. Very helpful, knowledgeable and informative. Welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cxgvd Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Congratulations Colin. Looks like a very nice pre war Buick. Please begin by cleaning, reading, using the car and driving, lots of help here, you can learn as you go. Best of Luck, Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37buick Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 What a beauty ! What part of the country are you Colin ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Thanks everyone. The previous owner did indeed wire the front fender lights to be the directional. I'm in Alexandria Virginia, just outside of DC. The Buick came from NY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 (edited) That's a beautiful car! 39's are My favorite outside my 55's Edited February 3, 2017 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Great car! My radio was also a Motorola that I have yet to find any info about at all. If you need any pics, I have a ton posted in my ongoing restoration thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Excellent! I'll check out your pictures I'm sure they will be a big help for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean1997 Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 BUICK MOTOR DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FLINT, MICH. 1939 MOD. 46-S STYLE No 39-4427 BODY No L 870 TRIM No 700 PAINT No 532 MO. DAY YEAR BODY BY FISHER 1939 = 1939 model year MOD. 46S 46S = Buick model 46S = 2-door sport coupe with opera seats, 4-passenger STYLE No 39-4427 = Fisher body style number 39 = 1939 model year 4427 = Fisher body style number 4 = Buick 4 = Series 40 (Special) 27 = 2-door sport coupe with opera seats, 4-passenger BODY No L 870 L = body built at Linden, NJ 870 = 870th 4427 built at Linden, NJ Trim 700 = Tan Novelty Bedford Cord, available on models 41, 41A, 44, 46, 46S, 48, 48A Paint code 532 = solid Verdé Green 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Thank you very much Sean! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 I have noticed that my '39 Buick does not have the small oval shaped "Body by Fisher" emblem on the right front cowl area that I have seen on other cars. Were they not put on all models? Or maybe it was removed at some point? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 (edited) Should be there. Were on all models. Not 100% sure, but guess they were the same for several years, Ask Dave T, as post above The car is also missing a diagonal brace at the radiator to the side that goes under the hose (Has a cut out for the hose) Edited March 25, 2017 by 1939_Buick (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Really?!! I wonder why that would be gone? Hmm I don't like that it's missing things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Do you have a picture of the brace? I don't know where you mean under the hood. I'd like to see where exactly it was supposed to be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvelde Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Here is a photo of the right side brace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I see. Ok thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I'd like to get this car back to as original as possible so I appreciate any pictures to help me. I'm obviously new to this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 Bob's may have the "Body by Fisher" emblem Worth downloading the catalogue http://bobsautomobilia.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 Ok. Actually what's interesting is that there is a "Body by Fisher" metal emblem screwed into the passenger seat on the side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 Someone on EBay has that brace that's missing. Its listed as being from a '39 Buick Century, but maybe its the same dimensions as on a 46-S? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 2 minutes ago, CCB said: Ok. Actually what's interesting is that there is a "Body by Fisher" metal emblem screwed into the passenger seat on the side. Never seem that before. Cannot ever remember seeing one in that position on a '39 before. To me you have found the missing cowl emblem. Try Dave T for the brace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 Ha! Great!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 1 minute ago, CCB said: Someone on EBay has that brace that's missing. Its listed as being from a '39 Buick Century, but maybe its the same dimensions as on a 46-S? I do not have access to my parts books now but 90% chance are the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 I kind of thought that was the missing emblem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 I bought the correct air filter set up. I'll look into getting the spark plug cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 Is the black dashboard correct? Someone said it might have been painted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 Just now, CCB said: Is the black dashboard correct? Someone said it might have been painted. Dash should be (faux) woodgrain. It is hard to get the dash painted as woodgrain and look correct. Many '39's have painted dash If you send me a private message with your email I can send some images Download every thing about 1939 Buick from here http://oldcarmanualproject.com/ And the 1942 shop manual. Is in many parts, but very useful for all Buick Straight 8's http://oldcarmanualproject.com/searchresults.html?cx=partner-pub-1753017650679806%3Au585dq67tc4&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=1942+buick&sa=Search&siteurl=www.oldcarmanualproject.com%2F&ref=&ss=3227j1497351j10&siteurl=www.oldcarmanualproject.com%2F&ref=&ss=3228j1498532j10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 More unpleasant surprises with this Buick. I noticed on the dipstick that is says "1942-40-50" and so I looked at the number stamped on the engine towards the front end, and the number is 45825445. That's not the original engine is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 I think all 1939 Engines should start "43....", not "45," so you may have a 1942 engine in that car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Yeah I've thought that might be the case Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Its also got 15" wheels, not 16". I'm not even sure how that was possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CCB Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 This is obviously the first antique car I have bought. I bought it from a guy on EBay just from photos, not knowing anything about the way it should be. It had been with a mechanic for months getting it in driving condition. I finally got it back and I'm learning that there are so many things that are not correct about it, and it isn't working once again. I don't think its getting a spark this time. Whoever had it before me did so many Kluge things to it. It was converted to 12 volt and that was done improperly I think. This has been a very frustrating experience and I'm thinking of just getting rid of it at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 Hopefully you bought it right. Having a later engine really isn't a huge deal on these cars in terms of value. It sounds like a great learning experience if you want to dive into it. Makes it much easier to trouble shoot down the road when something happens when you already have gone through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean1997 Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 45825445 4582544 = sequential number, range for 1946 was 4,558,037 to 4,737,739 5 = Series 50/Super, I8 248 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 (edited) On 2/3/2017 at 1:39 AM, Anzac Buick64 said: Welcome to 39s The original turn signal switch from the factory was mounted on the gear shift lever. 39 was the first year Buicks had turn signals from the factory but they were rear signals only in the trunk mounted buick eight logo. The front fender mounted lights were originally an optional extra and were park lights only but are easy enough to make as yourf ront turn signals. Your are also absent the spark plug cover plate on the engine. If you post engine and chassis numbers here it will be possible to decode them a bit more. It looks a lovely first buick car. 39s are great pre war cars and there are lots of great and knowlegable people on the forum to help you navigate all the "one year only" and "first time in a buick" features in these cars. Welcome to the buick forums and enjoy the car. Cheers Andrew Anzac Buick64 Thought I read somewhere. Lights required by law on front fenders in states where bright light indicaters were used to warn oncoming drivers of high beams in use. Not as park lights? Maybe someone else knows source info? So, came on when one switched to high beams? Very lovely car! Even though not correct in some aspects, very lucky a car that nice was kept running by whatever means. Bringing back to original can be a curse or a blessing, which depends on the owners perception. I bought my 1939 from LA Craig list. It was not represented as a correct restoration only as refurbished and then sat for 35 years in a single garage size carport. Untold hrs of replacing deteriorated parts. Saving grace for me is CA car with minimal rust. I couldn't afford a concours restored example or an original with extremely low miles, so this was a welcome opportunity for my skill sets. Still hard to afford just in parts. In my opinion, you have to love em' to survive bringing one back to complete nice original, wether you do it with sweat equity or a very deep checkbook. Hopefully, your able to figure out a satisfactory outcome. The car looks as though it would appeal to a buyer generally on body condition alone. If you decide to go forward, you will prolly find the general consensus is to rely on Dave Tacheny as the main, if not only ,parts source. Best of luck! You found the best info source in these folks! Edited May 9, 2017 by Guest Dim bulb (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 10 hours ago, CCB said: Its also got 15" wheels, not 16". I'm not even sure how that was possible. Series 60 Centuries have 15" wheels. Possibly swapped due to tire availability. 16" not hard to get. Try Dave T 9 hours ago, CCB said: ....It had been with a mechanic for months getting it in driving condition. I finally got it back and I'm learning that there are so many things that are not correct about it, and it isn't working once again. I don't think its getting a spark this time. Whoever had it before me did so many Kluge things to it. It was converted to 12 volt and that was done improperly I think. This has been a very frustrating experience and I'm thinking of just getting rid of it at this point. Hang in there. You will have a fine car when sorted. Coupes are very desirable A 1946 engine is a better engine that '39. Oil pump is 20% bigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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