Rusty Heaps Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) I guess I need to start a new thread for my project. Some of you may have taken a look at my start over in the intro section. So here we go. I purchased this car as a basket case approximately 9 years ago. I’ve been playing with other projects ahead of it. Well, time starts to tell on untouched projects, so I decided that I better pay attention before it’s too late. Recently I pulled the mouse nest interior and stripped the seats, pulled the windshield gasket and trim, no windshield in the car, and have sanded and painted the inside of the shell of the car, the floors, under side of roof, and quarters. Also repainted the dashboard and sanded,repaired, and repainted the trunk compartment. I’m using old election signs for door, quarter, kick panels, and parcel tray panels , they work great for cardboards, just buy the metal tack strips. This isn’t going to be a show car, just a driver. Also purchased some light gray vinyl and medium gray fabric for the panels and hopefully the seats I recently purchased the windshield and gasket, and am busy buying parts. I’m looking for a new gas tank and have to get measurements for the filler neck offset. Here are some pics. I hope you’ve had your tetanus shot! Edited May 18, 2020 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 18, 2020 Author Share Posted May 18, 2020 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 18, 2020 Author Share Posted May 18, 2020 And more 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 18, 2020 Author Share Posted May 18, 2020 And..painted trunk, and got all windows functional again! Wohoo! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 18, 2020 Author Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) The body only has a rattle can paint job that I applied a few years ago to save the car. But if it had an engine and brakes, I’d drive it as is. Add windshield of course. If I had known back in he ‘80s, my first car probably would not have been a ‘55 Chevy, it would have been a ‘51 or ‘52 Buick! Edited May 18, 2020 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history) 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Nice, hope it's on the road soon where a Buick belongs! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 It’s a rough old cob, but I would have hated to see it parted out. It’s a fairly uncommon car. I hope to make some significant progress quickly. Unfortunately I’ve done a little math, and it won’t be cheap, even as a driver. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Rusty, I am sure you know your car came with a 263, which debuted in 1950. You MAY NOT realize a 248 can be used in place of a 263. From 1948_1950. Same size, same bolt patterns. May be easier to find. I am betting there is a good 263 within 500 miles of you, though. Just keep looking. There is one in Sioux City, Iowa area for free. I think. Ben 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 21, 2020 Author Share Posted May 21, 2020 Thanks Ben for the bit of engine swap info. It’s good to know that I have more options. I hope that I can find one on a budget. Unfortunately a few years ago I didn’t have sufficient funds to purchase a rough and cheap ‘53 Special 2dr sedan that ran and drove but otherwise wasn’t much better than mine. ‘I would not have felt guilty for pulling the drivetrain from that car and letting a hot rodder have it being that it is a much more common vehicle. Never the money when I need it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2carb40 Posted May 21, 2020 Share Posted May 21, 2020 Hey If you want a little wider source for a used seat I have a 1955 Cent and the front seat was shredded toast! A local guy put new seats in his 1951 Spec and had pulled a really nice reupolstered original seat. I measured the width, gave him the 50.00 he was asking and bolted it in my 55 Cent. Point is if you research abit alot of gm stuff is more modular than is documented. After you buy and read the book Ill be happy to answer more what fits what as I have studyed that info, wait, what were we talkn bout? Heehee 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 The weather cooperated with us today so we had a great time picking through a local junkyard. I found some small odds and ends that we’re on my list. How is it that no matter how many tools you bring, you never have that one tool to get a part you have on your wishlist? Let me see if I can post some pics. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 (edited) For some reason I’m only allowed one pic at a time. ??! What a waste of a convertible! Edited May 24, 2020 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 (edited) 1952 Special 4dr minus back half. There is also a ‘53 Special convertible in the weeds. Hence the earlier pic of the cowl tag. Edited August 4, 2021 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted June 17, 2020 Author Share Posted June 17, 2020 An update on my Baby Buick. I just finished sanding and painting the undercarriage and installed a new fuel tank. Just got new vent and quarter window replacement glass, the doors will have to wait, hopefully I can get the glass installed by the weekend. Bob’s sent new master cylinder and wheel cylinders, along with the hood release cables and glove box. Now I guess I need to start bending some brake lines, fuel line, purchase some shoes and see which drums are salvageable. Oh and I have possibly found an engine. How difficult is it to mate an automatic transmission engine to a manual transmission? I hope to give you a pleasant update soon. I would have accomplished more, but I just got my ‘50 Chevrolet Fleetline 4 door on the road, she hadn’t been on the road since 1965. Also my ‘46 Chevrolet Fleetmaster coupe is another ongoing project I’m hoping to put on the road this summer. Many irons in the fire. Now for a couple of pics . 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelfish Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 On 5/18/2020 at 2:08 PM, Rusty Heaps said: ...But if it had an engine and brakes, I’d drive it as is... Quote of the decade. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 4, 2020 Author Share Posted July 4, 2020 I made another trip to the junkyard and managed to scavenge a rear brake drum and some small parts from the light green car in the earlier photo. I installed the quarter windows and one vent window. Darn the luck, one quarter window developed a crack , possibly from being in a bind in the frame. Hopefully it won’t run completely across the glass any time soon. Thankfully it is just going to be a driver, not a show car. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 12, 2020 Author Share Posted July 12, 2020 Unfortunately I had to make another trip to the junkyard for the other three drums. Apparently whoever owned my project car drove it into the ground. The three drums on it were gouged beyond belief. Also when I pulled the front drums, there was absolutely no brake hardware behind them. As luck would have it, the green four door yielded up the needed parts. It appears that the owner had done the 2 1/4” drum and shoe upgrade for the front hubs!!!! Oh, happy day. Also the shoes have not much wear, I believe I will use them.Not much else to report on the baby Buick as I spent much of my time with my ‘46 Chevrolet Fleetmaster coupe. It’s close to being back on the road after decades of down time. I’m having to make shift lever modifications to pass around the rear header on the 235. I did manage to drive it 20’ forwards before my lead foot bent the shift lever that was interferenced with the brake lever. Back to the drawing board. Now for some pics of yesterday. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted July 12, 2020 Share Posted July 12, 2020 Excellent find and progress! love what you’re doing! keep it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 16, 2020 Author Share Posted July 16, 2020 I managed to get all the brakes done for the 4 wheels, now I definitely need to run new hard lines. I’ve looked, but couldn’t find the forward parking brake cables, who has them? I’ll probably head back to the junkyard soon to retrieve the front bumper from the 4 door. Anyone need any Buick parts while I’m there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 21 hours ago, Rusty Heaps said: I managed to get all the brakes done for the 4 wheels, now I definitely need to run new hard lines. I’ve looked, but couldn’t find the forward parking brake cables, who has them? I’ll probably head back to the junkyard soon to retrieve the front bumper from the 4 door. Anyone need any Buick parts while I’m there? Do they have any 57s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 18, 2020 Author Share Posted July 18, 2020 I don’t recall seeing any. I know there’s a ‘55 Special, and a ‘58, I believe it’s a Super. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 Unfortunately I don’t have much in the way of an update, except to say that I haven’t had any luck in finding an engine reasonably close to Knoxville. I’m in contact with an individual who has a ‘53 Special basket case, but haven’t been able to get a commitment from him. I’m told the car runs, but no brakes, I’m waiting for video showing the car running so I will know if it’s worth the drive to retrieve it. Wish me luck! Or point me to someone else who is more committed to selling an running engine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 On 9/24/2020 at 9:59 AM, Rusty Heaps said: Unfortunately I don’t have much in the way of an update, except to say that I haven’t had any luck in finding an engine reasonably close to Knoxville. I’m in contact with an individual who has a ‘53 Special basket case, but haven’t been able to get a commitment from him. I’m told the car runs, but no brakes, I’m waiting for video showing the car running so I will know if it’s worth the drive to retrieve it. Wish me luck! Or point me to someone else who is more committed to selling an running engine. Here's a motor for you, only a couple hours away. In a FB group. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted October 22, 2020 Share Posted October 22, 2020 It's really sad to see all these abandoned cars , if I could I would like to buy them all and restore them completely. Well done for the great job you do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted October 22, 2020 Author Share Posted October 22, 2020 Update. I now only need to find a driver, either with a full size truck and car hauling trailer or a rollback, to transport me to North Carolina to retrieve the car. I’m an underworked painter, so I have to go inexpensive route and can’t afford professional hauling service. I’m talking to a local guy now. If anyone has suggestions, I will greatly appreciate the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted October 22, 2020 Author Share Posted October 22, 2020 Thanks lamcemb, but My car has the standard transmission. Also, the basket case car I found is about half the price of that engine. I do appreciate your help, though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted November 15, 2020 Author Share Posted November 15, 2020 Good news! Brought a ‘53 Special 2dr sedan home from North Carolina. It’s a basket case, but has the engine, transmission, and front seat I need for the ‘52. Quite an experience retrieving the car with no brakes, wouldn’t start, and sitting on the side of a ridge. Let’s just say that if the front seat didn’t already need reupholstering, it would now ! Hopefully things will go smoother with the heart transplant for the ‘52. Then to sell the ‘53. Perhaps a hotrod or gasser! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted November 15, 2020 Author Share Posted November 15, 2020 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted November 15, 2020 Author Share Posted November 15, 2020 Rough, but salvageable as a hotrod 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 I’ve not been able to convince myself to pull parts from the ‘53 for the ‘52. I have found parts for the ‘53 instead. Perhaps I will consider hotrodding the ‘52 instead. Now for some pics 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted April 18, 2021 Author Share Posted April 18, 2021 I hate to say that I haven’t made much progress on the ‘52. On the other hand, I have made some progress on my ‘53 “parts car “. I may have to go on the hunt for another engine! Anyone else ever had the problem of being unwilling to part out a parts car? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron65 Posted April 18, 2021 Share Posted April 18, 2021 You've gone a long way toward making that '53 look like a complete car again...I'd have a hard time parting it out, too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 7, 2021 Author Share Posted May 7, 2021 I got back to working on my ‘52. I have too many irons in the fire. I pulled the fenders to get ready to pull the engine. While I was at it I went ahead and pulled the front clip off of the ‘55 Chevrolet. Now I can get two cars ready for heart transplants. I’d like to clean up the firewall and repaint it before installing an engine. What is good for dissolving undercoating? Now for some pics 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted May 7, 2021 Author Share Posted May 7, 2021 I sure would like to have a good door! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 20, 2021 Author Share Posted July 20, 2021 (edited) It’s been a while since I posted any progress reports. I have been busy working on my house, new roof, deck, 200A service panel, HVAC, and exterior paint job. Now time to get busy on the interior. But I have taken some time off of the house and put the effort into the ‘ 52 Special and the ‘55 BelAir. We just pulled both engines today! Major progress. Now I can turn my attention to detail work on the front end of the chassis. Had to beat the crank out of the old waterlogged block to get the clutch assembly and bell house. Now for some pics. Edited July 21, 2021 by Rusty Heaps (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 Moving forward is worth a like. The straight 8 though, sheesh! Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 21, 2021 Author Share Posted July 21, 2021 Anyone need a boat anchor!? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dei Posted July 21, 2021 Share Posted July 21, 2021 13 hours ago, Rusty Heaps said: Anyone need a boat anchor!? Been there, done that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted August 4, 2021 Author Share Posted August 4, 2021 On 7/21/2021 at 9:38 AM, dei said: Been there, done that... That’s enough to make a grown man 😢! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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