Hans1965 Posted January 17, 2019 Share Posted January 17, 2019 Dear all, I am in the stage of acquiring a wonderful 1948 Buick Super Convertible in maroon from Ohio and need a bit of advice. - While the top frame has been restored the top itself is missing. What's the best source to buy one? Is it better to let a specialist install it? - I am not sure if the top frame is complete. I think the third bow above the rear window is missing. Does anybody has pictures of how the frame should look like for comparison reasons? Highly appreciated!!!!! - The car has no main door windows, not even the frames. Are they unique to the convertible and therefore impossible to find? Any idea what I could take as substituent. Have no interchange parts book. Thank you! - Unfortunately the hydrolectric mechanism is toast. Is it easy to convert to mechanical windows/seat ? Where to get parts? - The rear bench is from a sedan and just laying in the back. Will it fit to the convertible size wise? Does anyone has a clue? Thanks so much!!!! Best, Hans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted January 18, 2019 Share Posted January 18, 2019 Hello I had a 47 Super and now a 49 .The side window frames will fit from 1942 to 48 Super or Roadmaster or 1942 to 47 Cadillac or Oldsmobile 98 if they can be found quite often they are damaged from rust .Hydroectric system can be rebuild,parts are available from Bobs or Cars also Check Hemmings for top Specialists. Included some pictures of my 49 top to give you some idea of how they look. Good luck on your Buick.Gary 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1965 Posted January 19, 2019 Author Share Posted January 19, 2019 Gary, that's great advice, thank you very much. The seller of the car dropped out of the sale 4 h ago after we had a deal already. Quite disappointing. Just a car.... but I was so excited already. Again thanks for posting the pictures and giving me some ideas. Highly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 (edited) Sedan rear seat will not fit into a convertible due to convertible's narrower space for the top mechanism. Door side windows and rear quarter windows are convertible-only. But I guess it doesn't matter since the seller ended the sale. Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Leonard, Texas Edited January 19, 2019 by Pete Phillips (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Sorry to hear of the end of sale, in case it may resume I enclosed more pictures,this is a 49 but would be similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1965 Posted January 19, 2019 Author Share Posted January 19, 2019 Gary, what a fantastic color combination on your '49, wow! The interior color is perfect contrast to the body color. Very impressive car! Congratulations. So jealous!!!! 👍 The experience of yesterday was in fact a very disappointing one. No chance that this deal materializes again. We had an excellent conversation and a deal already, I received the bank details etc. but when I had asked the seller, in fact just a middle man in that deal, if the top frame is really complete (the car has no canvas just the top frame) I received a photo, everything looked good and I was happy and prepared for the payment. 1 hour later I got another email stating "XX & I have decided to pass on selling at this time." That was it. Replaced the name by xx, does not matter. After thinking over this deal for a few days that was really hitting me hard. Still no clue what I had done to the couple. I think when you cannot inspect a car yourself, one or the other question should be okay. Especially when it comes to missing parts that are exclusive to the model. Sleped pretty bad last night. Not because of not getting the car, at the end it is just a bloody car, but I feel badly treated. That is something I am obviously not too happy with. Enough venting. Sooner or later I will find "my" convertible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Thanks for the compliment on the 49 , that is the original color of the car when new Sunmist gray metallic with the red interior.Currenly redoing the top frame chrome and preping it for paint,a beige color to match top material.Top is tan with red accents on trim edge . Sorry to hear of your experience on the 48 ,I had a similar experience,agreeing on price,giving seller a deposit,but then someone offered more money then he backed out,did get the deposit back though. If you are still looking,try to find the most complete and original car you can afford,body parts are hard to find .some being only for a given model or year .Good luck on your quest.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunateson Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 (edited) On 1/18/2019 at 6:53 PM, Pete Phillips said: Sedan rear seat will not fit into a convertible due to convertible's narrower space for the top mechanism. Door side windows and rear quarter windows are convertible-only. But I guess it doesn't matter since the seller ended the sale. Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Leonard, Texas I'm parting out a '47 sedan and thought I'd save the side window mechanisms and the back seat springs in case my convert needs them. Couldn't the seat frames be narrowed to fit the convertible and why won't the window mechanisms work other than the retainer for the glass might be a little short? Edited January 29, 2019 by Fortunateson (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Convertible have a chrome plated frame around side windows and are of a different shape than the sedanette. A rear seat frame can be made up for the convertible check some of the vendors in Hemmings,I know springs for a Model A Ford cost around 400$ for one set. Hope this helps ,Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunateson Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 (edited) Thanks for the seat tip. Regarding the window mechanisms it would not be the window frame but just the winding part . If my power window mechanisms are shot then "owner assist" may be in the offing. Edited January 30, 2019 by Fortunateson (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 The rear quarter windows on a convertible actually pivot from the leading edge of the frame a bolt goes through the frame to the body acting as a hinge.window frames do interchange bearings 1942 to 48 Buick Super and Roadmaster but won’t be easy to find.The rubber seal the touch’s the door frame is actually vertical when rear windows are down will try to take better pictures if I get to car later. I don’t know if you could have rear seats frame cut down, I could measure and photo mine if that helps.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 This is a 1949 but similar to a 48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 ...whereas the rear quarter windows in a coupe or Sedanet go down straight, without pivoting. Therefore, the window regulators are totally different and do not interchange between a coupe and a convertible. Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 Leonard, TX 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GasWorksGarage Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Hello, Has anyone ever removed the front window regulators on a 48 Super convertible before? Thanks in advance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 I have in a 49 that’s similar,if you have a shop manual it shows it quite well.The hydroelectric cylinder can be removed from window track and the spring and cylinder assembly unbolted from door frame. I removed the wing window assembly on mine first ,get something to catch the fluid that will run out when the hose is disconnected,Good idea to change the hoses too while apart,the wire attached to the cylinder controls the relay ,Please text me for on questions hope I can help.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunateson Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 Thanks for all the tips guys. I really appreciate it. Well no senses removing the window mechanisms for th convertible but I may do so anyway for backup for my Sedanette. A few other bits for "just in case" as well. Maybe this week I'll get the time to visit the storage facility. I just hate tossing good parts that I know someone, somewhere could use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 On 2/1/2019 at 10:53 AM, GasWorksGarage said: Hello, Has anyone ever removed the front window regulators on a 48 Super convertible before? Thanks in advance. Yes. You have questions I assume? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 Beautiful car. Looks like mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 On checking in Bobs catalog,they do have 1942 48 Door window frames wb 428 $ 175.00 pr and 1942 48 qwf 428 $ 175.00 pr .This was catalog no 62 .you may want to contact them .Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GasWorksGarage Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 On 2/2/2019 at 4:36 PM, jackofalltrades70 said: Yes. You have questions I assume? I do, I don't think ours came with factory electric windows. Someone before me added them to the front windows. They are not hydro. they have just the standard power window motor. I just cant get the old motor out or the regulator. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Hello all 48 Buick convertible were factory equipped with power front windows power seat and top with the hydroelectric system.as it has been changed could you post some pictures of it? Thanks ,Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunateson Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 This research is getting interesting..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GasWorksGarage Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 sorry for the delay I finally got it out. see attached pictures. The car is a 6 volt system these motors are 12 volt. I am thinking that's the problem. any insight? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1965 Posted February 8, 2019 Author Share Posted February 8, 2019 Would you guys mind to start a new threat for your topic? All the time I see this I get reminded of my super bad experience trying to buy a 48 convertible. 😭😭😭😭😭 Thanks a lot! Hans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Test to see if it works with a 12 volt to check if it works,Parts showed look like Bosch electric as they have part numbers on them should be able to get motors,and if 6 volt motor is available, but not likely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdmn852 Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Another option may be to buy power windows setup street rods use to power there windows.To go back to original setup probably be a lot of hard to find parts that were discarded when they changed it over . Maybe check out some street rod forums for information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 I will check. I may have an extra set of hydraulic window regulators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 My 1947 Super Convertible has hand crank regulators in the front door. Bolt right in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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