Jump to content

What are YOU driving to Flint?


Centurion

Recommended Posts

Guest Shaffer

If I keep having transmission problems with my Chrylser- which I spent $900.00 to get rebuilt a few months ago- I am going to trade it in on another Buick. This is my first and last Chrysler!! frown.gif Actually my second, as my first car was a 1973 Plymouth Valiant sedan wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Before this thread slips into oblivion on page 2 of the forum, I want to thank members of the Buicktown Chapter for jumping in here with timely comments. You've added to our understanding about the upcoming meet, and your enthusiasm for hosting us in Flint is obvious. Thank you for your hard work and great communication.

I hope you all caught the significance of AK Buickman's post. In case you did not notice where he lives, it's Eagle River, Alaska. AK intends to drive his very fine, original '55 Roadmaster from the interior of Alaska to Seattle to Flint and home again. It's great to know that there are people willing to embark upon this kind of driving adventure in a 48-year old Buick!

I look forward to seeing all of your Buicks in Flint. Ted Nagel, I have never seen the '65 Wildcat Deluxe bucket seat option "in the flesh", so I'm intensely curious to see your car.

The straight-8 era Buicks are such a proud and important part of Buick's heritage that I applaud those who keep these Buicks on the road. Bill Stoneberg, I will be thrilled to see that '47 Super that cruised all the way from Texas. What a great sight it would be to see that car fresh off the Interstate with the bugs still stuck on the grille and hood! As so many have said, "Old Buicks were built to be driven."

I know that there are still a few who post on this forum that are likely to drive to Flint, and I will enjoy hearing your story if you're inclined to share it with us. Thanks to all who have told us about your cars and your preparations for the Buick Centennial.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At this point if I go alone or with one of my older sons, 7 & 9, I'll be taking my 64 Riv. If it becomes a family project I'll have to take my 69 Electra or trailer the Riv. Trailering may be preferable so the wife isn't stranded at the hotel with a baby, a toddler, and the older boys.

Larry

64 Riviera

64 Electra convertible

69 Electra

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Will likely be driving something by Avis or Hertz

Getting a Buick from Australia is hard - too big to take as luggage in Boeing 747

However if any one wants a Buick driven from "anywhere" to Flint to "anywhere" (one way or return) would be interested. Plenty of guys from Australia & New Zealand will be there without Buicks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm eager to share with you all about a telephone call I received last night from another BCA member living some distance from me in Washington state. He inquired about our caravan plans, and expressed interest in joining us for the drive to Flint. This fellow owns a beautiful, stock 1940 Century convertible sedan with dual sidemounts, finished in maroon with a "sand"-colored Hartz top. He says that he and his wife have driven this car 4,500 miles within the last year, and he feels entirely comfortable driving at highway speeds. He will be joining other drivers of pre-WWII straight-8 era Buicks on our caravan, and among those expressing interest at this time are the drivers of a 1931 Series 90, 1937 Roadmaster 81F Formal Sedan (with divider window), and a freshly-restored 1938 Special coupe, now owned by the grandson of its original owner.

One individual from our chapter is firmly committed to driving his beautiful original 1947 Special sedan. While the Supers and Roadmasters were more expensive and more popular, I am always impressed with the elegant appearance of this black Special. He will be towing a vintage tent trailer and finding campgrounds located near our motels along the way.

Speaking of trailers, one of our members is busy preparing his stunning '57 Century Caballero Estate Wagon for the trip, and he will be towing his beautiful 1959-vintage Airstream trailer. How's that for the ultimate in road-going nostalgia? The aluminum skin of the Airstream is freshly polished, and you won't be able to miss this combo rolling along the highway on its way to Flint. He'll be joined by at least a couple of other '57's, including a red and black Century convertible and a knock-out Roadmaster convertible nearing completion of a painstaking restoration.

Here's a sampling of a few of the other cars that will be joining us: There will be a '58 Limited 4-door Riviera from Oregon that is absolutely dazzling. '55 Buicks? We've got them; at present count, we'll have a fine Special 2-door Riviera, two Roadmaster 76R 2-door Rivieras, and a Super convertible. These will look great rolling down the Interstate with the '53 Special and '54 Super 2-door Rivieras.

There will be a number of '59 models, and we've got some pretty committed drivers of '61 - '65 Invictas, Wildcats and Rivieras. One of the nicest cars will be a Diplomat Blue '63 Electra 225 6-window sedan with white roof and one of the cleanest interiors and engine compartments you will ever see. This guy builds Boeing jetliners, and he's obviously learned a great deal about attention to detail.

One of our chapter members is a Flint native, and he will make the cross-country homecoming trek with the '70 GS 455 Stage-1 4-speed convertible that he bought new. He sold the car years ago, and was able to track it down more than a decade after he sold it. The car's restoration is nearly complete, and this will be its first long trip in many years.

Aside from all these great cars that will be driven to Flint, we'll be joined by individuals trailering Buicks of 1906 and 1907 vintage. The 1907 car is completely unrestored, but runs great. The owners of these two cars look forward to unloading them at our various stops along the way and driving them around a bit. I love seeing that brass "Buick" script emblazoned across the radiators of these early cars.

My point with all of this is to whet your appetites about the great automotive treasures that await us all in Flint, but also to say that there are likely to be others in your areas who are eager to make the drive to Flint. If you put the word out to others in your chapter and around your state, you may well be amazed at the response of other Buick drivers who are excited about taking their vintage Buicks out for the ultimate road trip.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This show sounds like it will be a once in a lifetime chance to see some fantastic Buicks on display. Getting there while driving your vintage Buick will be half the fun!

Is there anyone else out there planning to drive their Buick to this show? I'd like to hear about some more cars!

AK Buickman.....BCA #1955

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Brian,

I live relatively near you (Olympic Peninsula). I would love to drive to Flint this summer, but having tight funds and a young family may not allow for the trip. If I were able to make it, I would like to think that I would have the 401 rebuilt and back in my 1963 Riviera in time, but more likely I would take my 1984 Riviera.......because it has AIR CONDITIONING!!!! And also because it is already a reliable daily driver. I know many will be traveling without the luxury of A/C, but I have driven to Michigan in the summertime, and don't know if I would enjoy the trip without it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Michael,

I live along the Gulf Coast and usually put 3 -4K miles a year in my 1947 without A/C.

I plan on driving it to Michigan too at the end of July. It cant be worse then the 95 degrees / 95 % humidity like it is here at that time of year.

Dont let the lack of A/C stop you, come along and join the fun. If you grew up in the 40's - 60's most cars had no A/C and we survived just fine.

That said, I understand the young family and lack of funds dilemma.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am making plans to drive a 70 Estate Wagon on a family vacation to take us through Niagara Falls on the way to Flint (and other nearby areas to capture other family members' interest). I am coming from Central Maine and I am not sure exactly the route we will take I was originally thinking about Quebec, Montreal, Toronto on one leg of the route and PA and upstate NY for the other . It could be influenced by the formation of a caravan from the northeast. Is there such a thing happening? I would love to get together with others if possible. Please e-mail me at kprice@gwi.net if interested in hooking up. I would love to drive my 71 stage 1 convertible but not big enough for the family of five and camping gear! Just purchased the wagon, haven't even put a tank of gas through it yet however, based on the short driving I have done, the 70 455 seems to have all the umph the 71 stage one if not more - should be fun! I am starting my list of to dos: complete engine tune up, charge the A/C, powerwash and detail the engine compartment, do a mecahnical inspection (brakes, steering, trans cooler lines, replace trans fluid and filter), add rear air shocks, add a trailer hitch (for a bike rack and eventual pop up camper), get a roof storage carrier, add a radio/CD player and speakers, and possibly add some Buick or aftermarket rims. I am really looking forward to this event.

Kyle Price

Montville Maine

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Drivers seeking information regarding the Boston to Flint Caravan should contact Marc Brouillette of the Minuteman Chapter. Marc posted an update on this forum on October 15. The chapter's e-mail address is: MMCBCA2003@aol.com

Kyle, your '70 Estate Wagon sounds like a great car. Another of these will be traveling with us to Flint all the way from Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I decided to revive this topic yet again, and hope that some of our newer members to the discussion forum will see it and share with us their plans to drive to Flint.

I had noted in an earlier post that I was contacted by a gentleman in Washington state who wished to join our (Seattle) caravan with his 1940 Century 4-door convertible. He has called me since to say that he is definitely on board for the trip. In addition, I have been contacted within the last month alone by individuals wishing to join us with the following Buicks. These cars will be DRIVEN to Flint:

1936 Roadmaster 4-door convertible (Wisconsin car that will also participate in this summer's Great Race)

1939 Special convertible (Minnesota)

1957 Special convertible (British Columbia, Canada)

1960 LeSabre convertible (Washington)

1969 Electra 225 convertible (Minnesota)

As you can see, the interest in the drive to Flint continues to grow as the time approaches. For those who are working on caravan plans, it is clear that if you get the word out, there will be people eager to join up with you along the way.

I'm still eager to hear from more of you about the Buicks you will be bringing to Flint. For those of you who are planning caravans, I invite you to share with us about the response you've received from other Buick drivers in your area or along the road to Flint.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Done! and what am I driving to Flint? since I live there, probably everything I own one day or another, and maybe more! especially if the Brother brings one of his '56s! and our parents and sister will be here, definitely, my '56, both '68s, the race car,'70 Skylark will be going to Milan to race and may show up in a street version with mufflers! the GSX, who knows, it might be torn apart to be restofied, there's a '66 Wildcat or 2 here that need engines,and the '86 GN, Trying to decide whether to get a swap spot or not as I have lots of Buick stuff from '56 to '73! Want to be able to enjoy the show and meet as many of you as possible, Still contemplating 'The Old Guy's' idea of getting all the Forum members together, which would be way cool! How can we do that? We need to pick a time, probably Saturday morning, where we all meet at the Sloan Museum or the Buick Gallery across the way! Let's hear your ideas!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello everyone!! ITS WINTER BUT THE TIME IS GOING FAST! SOON WE'LL ALL BE AT FLINT. WE'LL BE DRIVING OUR 68 LESABRE 4 DR. SEDAN . WE'RE ALSO GOING TO SHOW IT ! CAR # 579 , STOP BY AND SAY HI! THIS WINTER THE CAR GETS A FRAME ON RESTORATION IN OUR GARAGE. ALL NEW SUSPENSION, CARRIAGE DETAIL , NEW BIAS PLY TIRES ON ROAD WHEELS , 68 BUICK AM/FM RADIO+ UNDERDASH 8-TRACK! FULL ENGINE TUNE UP , GASKETS ,CARB , BRAKE LINES ,BRAKES, AND MANY MORE! LOTS OF TIME AND MONEY BUT NOTHING TO GOOD FOR BUICK, RIGHT! THATS ENOUGH WRITING! SEE YA AT FLINT! BRUCE AND SHIRLEY <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Driving my unrestored 1953 Roadmaster to Flint. If I drove her 1,800 miles from Spokane, WA to Kansas City when I bought her in 2001, Flint is an easy hop for her.

Flushing the radiator, oil change, check other fluid levels, kick the tires, turning the key and heading NORTH!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll start out in a Boing 747, doing the first mile or so, on my jouney, at Copenhagen International Airport!!!

I hope to attend this huge event, unfortunatly planes and hotels are almost sold out for that week !!

Anyone knows if there are rentalcompanys that have Buicks in their stock ? and to what prices ? that would make the trip so much more pleasant !!

Johnny B. Goode

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are still planning to drive our 1927 Model 51 to Flint from Albuquerque, about 1700 miles. We have scoped out back roads that look like they can get us there while avoiding most interstates.

We had some friends with a '31 that were going to caravan with us, but they were not able to work it out. When I suggested to my wife that perhaps we should pass on this, it's too risky, that thought was immediately vetoed. She just hates hates to miss any (mis)adventures!

So, we will keep preparations going. We can manage about 300 miles a day under optimum conditions. If it's really hot, that might slow us down a bit. Top speed -- about 45mph.

ps, I drove our '39 90 to Flint in 88 from here and loved the trip. It was extremely hot that year, and the '39 was always on the verge of overheating and vapor locking. But it was still comfortable inside and I never regretted going.

See you in Flint (I hope!!)

Bill

Albuquerque, NM

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Howdy,

Inshallah, I'll be driving the 65 Riviera GS that I'm looking at purchasing and my normally offroading Jeep-loving friend will be driving my overdriven 70 Riviera. Since I'm currently stationed in CO and he's in Central TEXAS, we'll be rendezvousing in Salina, KS on the 20th or 21st. If anyone knows of a convoy passing through KS around that time we'll be happy to join up. It'll be nice to be among people that don't mistake my 70 for an Olds and where Nailhead actually means something.

See Ya'll there,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The wife informed that she was going, and that we were driving the Buick. No trailers for her.So far though she has not replaced the wheel cylinders that are leaking, I'm sure that she will leave that and all other car stuff up to me. I hope she brings her cell phone and some cash as that I may run out at the swap meet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Since I last jumped in here with an update, I have been in contact with additional individuals who intend to drive their Buicks from Seattle to Flint with our caravan. Within the past couple weeks, we have added a majestic 1931 Model 96C, which is a recognized "true classic" Buick. The owner feels confident about driving this car anywhere.

Another individual will be driving the nicest '52 I've ever seen. This is a gorgeous yellow, Super-series convertible with red leather interior and black convertible top.

The thought of all these incredible Buicks rolling toward Flint in July is keeping me awake (literally) at night!

Keep 'em coming guys! We're eager to hear from the rest of you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest GS70Stage1

This is a great post! I will be driving a 70 GS Stage1 convertible I bought as a factory exec car, in Flint - so I count myself as original owner. Good thing about being an "brass hat" car is it has a lot of options: PS PB(but drum) PW Tilt Cruise A/C PS(bench) RR defog. Car is being put back together now, sorry it was ignored for so long. Still had original exhaust.

I have a post under carravans looking to hook up with others taking I-75 north, Florida to Flint. If nobody has anything started, I am willing to take the first step, ie mapquest. Email me at gs70stage1@yahoo.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
Guest dukeofo

I've been waiting for this event ever since my first (and only sad to say) Buick National in St Louis. That show sold me on Buicks......... well finding my Baybee '90 Maui Blue convertible sealed the love.

I'm not sure how I'll get Baybee2 there..... would love to trailer her there but am not prepared to do that. Don't want to drive her if at all possible but will if I have to.

I'm staying at the Reata hotel also. Am looking forward to meeting all those faces I've talked/written to and see other Baybee's, Maui Blue or not.

If there is a caravan going from KC or St Louis to Flint, I'd like to see if we might join.

This is going to be the first time I've detailed Baybee2 for a show..... but I expect that there will be so many "perfect" Reattas there I don't expect to make the top 15.

God Speed to us all.........

Dennis O'Rourke <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> dorplace@sofnet.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll be PUSHING my '23 if I don't find a rebuildable clutch pretty soon. Joe Taubitz, maybe I could push it as far as your house and then you could lend me a rope and give me a tow?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
Guest COMPACTBC

To JohnnyBgood: There are a lot of car rental companies that have Buicks to rent. They also have websites that you can access for info and reservations. Try Enterprize Rent a Car and/or Dollar Car Rental, both of these companies have good rates. I suggest you contact national chain motels like Comfort Inn or Red Roof Inns for reservations in towns that are about 15 or 20 miles Southwest of Flint (a better neighborhood). Contact the Flint Area Visitors Bureau for assistance in lodging - - - there phone # is (810)232-8900. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello all. I'm new to this forum and I just saw the post way back in December by Keith Bleakney BCA# 11475. If you're reading this Keith, I wanted to ask if you had a source of these Electra parts? I have a 69 Electra Limited( 2 door) which is loaded with all the options. I just found a car I want to buy and thought you might be interested in my Electra for a parts car.

The car has tilt wheel with Cruise Control, dual power seats (six way each side)

Power trunk and power door locks. AM/FM Stereo radio, side cornering lights, posi rear, and the 4 wheel disc brakes.

I had the quadrajet rebuilt and the radiator recored. It also has a full new suspension, springs, shocks tie rod ends etc.

The car runs great, but this other car is the car of my dreams, and have to be realistic. I don't have the space for all my toys.

So, if you're interested, I can be reached via e mail at jld1972@empireone.net

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Still working on my 56 Super. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> already installed new tranny mount and fuel pump. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Still need engine mounts and maybe a brake line. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Had my gas tank repaired and resealed, now the pick-up is leaking, and tried to replace rear springs, but new ones were too weak and had to put the old ones back in.

But hey, It was built to be driven, and that's what I'm plannin to do!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Parm

Hey Jerry,

Where'd you get your interior work done? Was it in Anderson? You don't have to be specific if you'd rather. But, would like to know if there's any place around Central Indiana that does good quality work to original factory specs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I received a telephone call last night from a delightful gentleman in rural Wyoming, who plans to drive his unrestored 1941 Roadmaster sedan to Flint. He'll be joining up with our Seattle caravan in eastern Montana. Here's yet another Buick that has never before been shown at a Buick National (or a local Buick show, for that matter!).

This fellow has long-term experience with straight-8 Buicks, including racing them at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He owns a straight-8 Buick racer that has been clocked at 176-mph. The phone conversation was a good reminder to me that the collective Buick expertise that will be present in Flint next month is truly mind-boggling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a gottin drive some type of a Buick Car to Flint since my Buick Truck is on the blink---has been for awhile and it ain't a Rendevous. Me think of driving a Reatta since I too fat to fit behind the wheel of my Skylark. Me don't type well---they didn't teach me how to type at MIT---only how to research or something like that-----wow---I sure hope the weather's sunny but not too hot. I can't put my top down---does anyone have a roof opener??

HAVE FUN IN THE SUN!!

PJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest sintid58

Well if looks like we are going to get to go to Flint after all. My wife and I have decided to drive the GSX. Dont know how many will be there but look forward to seeing more of them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...