How to Identify 1958 Buick Carter 2 barrel

[dei]

I have a 1958 Buick Carter 2 barrel carb that while running well right now, want to have a rebuild kit to back me up as I start driving her again after many years of being off the road.

The problem is the last guy that did the rebuild, left the aluminium ID tag off and looking up parts suppliers, there seems to be about 6-7 different models of 2 barrels.

 

1- How critical is a kit to a rebuild if what I would need to do is just take it apart, clean out the passages and replace all the gaskets?

 

2- Is there any way to ID specifically what I have now as to the exact model if a specific kit is required?

 

Obviously I'm not a mechanic but willing to take my time and do this myself should it be necessary. (plus it is good to have a kit for backup to lessen down time)

 

Thanks for any and all help.

Doug

 

 

 

Edited May 16, 2017 by dei
added wording (see edit history)

[carbking]

Very difficult for this unit.

 

Older Carters are fairly easy to identify; as Carter knew the rebuilders were going to remove the tags (that way the rebuilders can "group" carbs, and an intelligent buyer won't know they were sold the wrong carb!) and stamped a "code" number on the underside of the cast iron throttle body. Unfortunately, the last list of these code numbers was published in 1955, so codes for 1956 and newer are not readily available. And while I am caretaker for the Carter prints, do not have the time to pull each print and place this information in our database.

 

IF the rebuilder left the original metering rods in the carburetor, and the carb still has the original choke cover (both of which, while not completely unique, are close to unique); one can probably get within 2 or 3 carbs (probably close enough for a kit) by comparing the metering rod and choke cover numbers to each WGD carb in the 8 inch thick Carter Master Parts book.

 

Other numbers on this model carb are meaningless.

 

Jon.

[dei]

Jon,

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

The rebuilder was a BCA member Al Weatherly (sp?) in Michigan but unfortunately I had heard he has passed away. I believe he only cleaned and reused my carb parts but... 

I gather you're suggesting I buy another rebuilt Identified carb rather than attempting to redo mine? 

Would you have a unit for my car that would bolt on?

Doug

Edited May 17, 2017 by dei (see edit history)

[carbking]

Doug - I was not suggesting any course of action, only explaining why identifying this model may be difficult.

 

If you call me with the metering rod number, I will see if that is sufficiently unique to figure out a kit.

 

Jon.

[Guest]

Let me know if you end up needing a core

[1957buickjim]

Doug,

 

They are pretty easy to rebuild. What is see is that you probably have the original carburetor on your car. There were some minor changes from 57 to 58, and when I get home from China, I can provide you a difference on them, I think.

 

Also, you can pick up a rebuild kit on ebay usally. NAPA may have them, but I have always got mine through the evil bay process. Just keep your eyes out for them. If you want, I also have a Carter manual on how to rebuild and reset you carburetor that you are more than welcome to have a copy of.

 

Hope to talk to you soon!

 

Take  care, Jim

[dei]

On 2017-5-20 at 11:19 AM, 2carb40 said:

Let me know if you end up needing a core

 

Hard to tell but does this carb have aluminium ID tag?

 

[dei]

9 hours ago, 1957buickjim said:

Doug,

 

They are pretty easy to rebuild. What is see is that you probably have the original carburetor on your car. There were some minor changes from 57 to 58, and when I get home from China, I can provide you a difference on them, I think.

 

Also, you can pick up a rebuild kit on ebay usally. NAPA may have them, but I have always got mine through the evil bay process. Just keep your eyes out for them. If you want, I also have a Carter manual on how to rebuild and reset you carburetor that you are more than welcome to have a copy of.

 

Hope to talk to you soon!

 

Take  care, Jim

 

Thanks for the offer Jim.

I'm in no hurry as things are operating OK for now but believe in a backup plan for down the road.

 

Maybe when you get back, by then I will be confident enough to drive over for another visit and let the Special marker her territory like all Buick's do.   

[Guest]

I did not look for the tag, but I can, as there are more must have parts here!

[Beemon]

Doug, if the jets and rods changed between 57, 58 and 59, it should be pretty easy to figure out. Buick is the only carburetor that has the starter switch, so that already cuts you out of the flock.

[Guest]

On 5/16/2017 at 7:32 AM, dei said:

I have a 1958 Buick Carter 2 barrel carb that while running well right now, want to have a rebuild kit to back me up as I start driving her again after many years of being off the road.

The problem is the last guy that did the rebuild, left the aluminium ID tag off and looking up parts suppliers, there seems to be about 6-7 different models of 2 barrels.

 

1- How critical is a kit to a rebuild if what I would need to do is just take it apart, clean out the passages and replace all the gaskets?

 

2- Is there any way to ID specifically what I have now as to the exact model if a specific kit is required?

 

Obviously I'm not a mechanic but willing to take my time and do this myself should it be necessary. (plus it is good to have a kit for backup to lessen down time)

 

Thanks for any and all help.

Doug

 

 

 

That looks a lot like the one I found 2day on a 58 Spec. Are you interested in carb or just what the tag #is?