Memories of my dad's 54's

[seyman]

Ancient memories - Dad had two 1954 Buicks in the early 60's (my first drivers). One was I believe a Century, had the circular speedometer set-up we're all familiar with, with a needle indicator. Think the other one was a Super, had a long, horizontal speedometer set-up. What is that arraingement called, and is my memory correct?

[Fr. Buick]

Yes, you are correct. The same round spedo was used in Specials and Centuries in '54 and '55, and even into '56, I believe. The bigger cars had the more fancy "Red Liner" that also had a "Speed Minder" buzzer that could be set to go off at a given speed. It was a rectangular shape with a rotating drum that spun beind the face, giving the illusion of a red line moving along the faster you go like, a sideways thermometer.

I like the simpler round spedo better - a more symetrical dash.

Happy wrenching,

Doug Cook

[Guest scott mich bca # 6619]

The 1954 & 1955 Special & Century had the round speedometer as stock.

The Red line speedometer (ribbon) was standard on the Super & Roadmaster,

but was also an option on the Special & Century.

1956 did only had the red line one. I believe that the speed minder (buzzer)

was first offered on 1957 models.

I have a 1959 Olds with the redline speedometer, however the ribbon changes

color corresponding to the speed. 0-30mph is green, 30-60 is orange, and

over 60 is Red. This was accomplished by painting the drum 3 colors, as it

spun.

Scott Mich BCA # 6619, OCA # 3947