Parts Reference Guide

[MargaritavilleBuick]

Hey guys, is there a link in here somewhere to guide restorationists on part selection?  With various parts outlets and the nutty listings on eBay that are blatantly incorrect, I think it would very helpful to have a referencable database showing the correct parts used on a particular year.  Photos could be posted and vetted by members.  Case in point is my recent search for a Harrison heater for my 36 Buick.  There are a lot of Harrison heaters out there, but there is one particular style for the 1936 models.  It was a lucky tip from a member that got me on the right track; without that insight I would have spent a lot of money and then time restoring the wrong one.  Other challenges are radio components, interior parts, etc. 

 

just a thought.
 

 

[Bloo]

The best you can do is get a factory parts book, and educate yourself. The ebay listings are so full of spam it is almost impossible to search. Try putting "1936 Buick" in quotes, or using -fits (minus fits) in your search string. It might help a little.

Edited February 13, 2020 by Bloo (see edit history)

[NTX5467]

For some cars, parts of the OEM parts books are at www.wildaboutcarsonline.com  In order to get to those places, a donation to the website might be needed, but it's worth it for what all's in there . . . AND increasing.  The files they have are usually in sections of the full parts books, for easier downloads.

 

In some cases, the parts listings in www.rockauto.com go back many decades.  Only thing is that what's now sold by the normal vendors might not be an exact match for what was on the vehicles when they were built.  Still, though, there are some valuable OEM parts numbers and "buyer's guide" of vehicle years/models that the part fits.  Use that as a general guide that might not always be completely accurate, but you can get a good idea of what might be out there, in which brands, and at what prices (in the auto supply supply chain rather than the restoration parts supply chain).

 

There might be some Buick-specific websites, for particular model year ranges, too.

 

Hope this might help,

NTX5467

[1939_Buick]

17 hours ago, MargaritavilleBuick said:

Hey guys, is there a link in here somewhere to guide restorationists on part selection?  With various parts outlets and the nutty listings on eBay that are blatantly incorrect, I think it would very helpful to have a referencable database showing the correct parts used on a particular year.  Photos could be posted and vetted by members.  Case in point is my recent search for a Harrison heater for my 36 Buick.  There are a lot of Harrison heaters out there, but there is one particular style for the 1936 models.  It was a lucky tip from a member that got me on the right track; without that insight I would have spent a lot of money and then time restoring the wrong one.  Other challenges are radio components, interior parts, etc. 

 

just a thought.
 

 

Try these threads/links

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/124104-buick-books-etc/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/65689-the-buick-owners-bookshelf/

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/218241-found-cheap-master-parts-books-on-cd/

https://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/

 

Download the 1942 Buick shop manual. All of it section by section. The pdf link does not work.

http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/manuals/Buick/1942/Shop Manual/

It is very comprehensive and has information that can be used with all straight 8’s.

It has more information than was included in older “Shop Manuals” before 1942-41

 

For a parts book look for the 1928-41 Master Parts book. A few years after your car tends to be best as they list parts that failed early in service

 

The best source of pre war Buick parts is Dave Tacheny in Champlin, MN. He specializes in 1936-1941 Buick parts. He is old school:- no email. The best way to contact him is to call him between 4 and 7 pm Central at 763-427 3460. You can also write him a letter. His address is 11949 Oregon Ave N., Champlin, MN 55316. 

http://forums.aaca.org/topic/206688-dave-tachney/

Edited February 14, 2020 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)