NC-car-guy Posted September 8, 2020 Share Posted September 8, 2020 (edited) Yes I am out of the Buick business (I'll be putting lots of parts under pay it forward) but I did buy something fun I could drive. The 55s have always been my jam, but I discovered the 57s have equally nice tail fins, but a lower, sportier stance. The grill is like a combo of 54 and 56, but I like the big ornament in the center (mine was removed but I have it and will place it back on). I've hesitated posting it here because the mods done to it will likely be less than popular, but here it goes. Arrival: I've already changed the hubcaps(see video below). Current mods: Electric wipers 1989 GM interior with bucket seats 12 disc changer and 6 speaker sound system True duals Paint (was originally blue and white) Electric fan Security system Dual antennas Planned mods: 4bbl conversion or holley sniper (still deciding) 59 buick oil pump Power brakes A/c Here's a little walk around.... Edited September 8, 2020 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 11, 2020 Author Share Posted September 11, 2020 Going to try to tackle aftermarket oil pressure and temp gauges this weekend and possibly fuel line (P.O. has a rubber line from tank to pump and pump to carb). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 Got the gauges installed. Haven't done the fuel line yet. Maybe this weekend. Need to drop the tank for a new sending unit anyhow... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 @NC-car-guy Like the horn. We should have a horns honking thread...lol.. But the exhaust sounds healthy. Good luck with this one! Now as to the fuel line. Didnt the 57 guys indicate flexible line from tank to pump is correct for 57? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 51 minutes ago, JohnD1956 said: @NC-car-guy Like the horn. We should have a horns honking thread...lol.. But the exhaust sounds healthy. Good luck with this one! Now as to the fuel line. Didnt the 57 guys indicate flexible line from tank to pump is correct for 57? Speaking of horns. There is an ooga horn under the hood but I couldn't find the switch and just haven't traced wires yet. Saturday cruisin' I pulled up to a stop light, grinnin' like a mule eatin briars when this horrid noise starts. I thought maybe the water pump was dying. As it turns out, the ooga horn switch is hidden under the carpet near where I rested my left foot. Since I wasn't depressing it directly or completely, the horn was stuttering and shrieking. 😳 The exhaust does sound healthy. As for the fuel line, I was unaware... Isn't rubber hose more prone to vapor lock? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 39 minutes ago, NC-car-guy said: As for the fuel line, I was unaware... Isn't rubber hose more prone to vapor lock? I don't know about the vapor lock propensity for flexible fuel line. I don't know why it would be any different than the steel line. Once again I believe in the use of that plastic wire loam product to insulate the fuel line. Especially from the fuel pump back past the exhaust manifold. That's a funny story about the ah-ooga- horn activation. Reminds me of the first time I drove my GS to work back in 2003. Just as I was crossing the double railroad track there was an overwhelming clanging sound. My heart dropped to my knees, figuring something blew in the engine and I would have to push the car of the tracks. But turned out to be the train warning. The bells went off before the lights and just as I was astride the two tracks. Scared the be-Jesus out of me! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Drove to work today... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 10, 2020 Author Share Posted December 10, 2020 Cant wait to install... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 2 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: Cant wait to install... You will not be sorry! Is this their "new" series, where the ECM can mount under the hood someplace? Wish we were close. I would be right there to help. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 11, 2020 Author Share Posted December 11, 2020 9 minutes ago, Ben Bruce aka First Born said: You will not be sorry! Is this their "new" series, where the ECM can mount under the hood someplace? Wish we were close. I would be right there to help. Ben Thanks. This ECM is going on my center console. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 16, 2020 Share Posted December 16, 2020 On 12/10/2020 at 7:00 PM, NC-car-guy said: Thanks. This ECM is going on my center console. Progress report! Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 16, 2020 Author Share Posted December 16, 2020 Bit of a delay. My grandma died and I've not been in the mood. Last I worked on it though I installed the pertronix but need to add a spacer to my distributor. This means removing the pin holding the drive gear. This pin is peened on both sides. I don't want to remove it until I'm sure I can find another and am able to reinstall just the same. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Why a spacer? I used a roll pin in mine, just be certain it is a quality one. I had to get one from a machine [engine] shop. To REALLY get the benefit of the FI , I modified my distributor to an "HEI". Then let the ECM control the ignition timing. Sorry about your Grandma. Losing a loved one , at any age, is tough. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 (edited) So the pertronix ignitor II module is a HUGE waste of time. In order to adjust it right, one must remove the drive gear on the distributor. Once that is done, the hole seems a tad off for the correct size spring/roll pin. I'm going to return the $130 part, send the whole thing to centerville, rebuild, recurve, and pertronix III install. Buicks are easily the hardest cars to work on. I do nothing but get myself into more trouble with each one I buy. Next time it WILL be a ford. Edited December 19, 2020 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 5 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: So the pertronix ignitor II module is a HUGE waste of time. In order to adjust it right, one must remove the drive gear on the distributor. Once that is done, the hole seems a tad off for the correct size spring/roll pin. I'm going to return the 130 part, send the whole thing to centerville, rebuild, recurve, and pertronix III install. Buicks are easily the hardest cars to work on. I do nothing but get myself into more trouble with each one I buy. Next time it WILL be a ford. I have a Ford and put a nailhead in it😁. Now it is easier to work on . 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 29, 2020 Author Share Posted December 29, 2020 Distributor is on its way back from centerville. All my wiring is ready and computer is tucked away into the console. I've ordered a blue tooth radio to fit the dash so I eliminated the radio slot in the console. Also covered the wood grain bits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 29, 2020 Author Share Posted December 29, 2020 All wiring is "add on" so the original harness remains unharmed. I'll clean it up with some wire looms soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted December 29, 2020 Author Share Posted December 29, 2020 Biggest challenge was the new temp sensor, its just a hair bigger than the plug in the water galley... So I retapped the hole. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 3, 2021 Author Share Posted January 3, 2021 (edited) Wiring done. Distributor rebuilt by centerville with new pertronix ignitor III. Pretronix flame thrower .3ohm coil, flame thrower wires, new spark plugs, rotor, and cap. Just need to get the O2 sensor installed and the fuel return line run. Once I test and debug I'll come back and clean up the wiring a bit. Edited January 3, 2021 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 Way ta go, Matt. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted January 5, 2021 Share Posted January 5, 2021 Hope the investment was worth it Matt. But I do miss seeing the ole Rochester on top. 🤫 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted January 5, 2021 Share Posted January 5, 2021 On 1/3/2021 at 5:10 PM, NC-car-guy said: Once I test and debug I'll come back and clean up the wiring a bit. Maybe try to run them under, but not touching the manifold. Really hard to make that contemporary loom look good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 5, 2021 Author Share Posted January 5, 2021 1 minute ago, old-tank said: Maybe try to run them under, but not touching the manifold. Really hard to make that contemporary loom look good. "Under" what? Between the manifold and the valley cover? As far as the look of the looms.... meh. This car will never look original again so I'm not too worried. Wait till you see the aluminum radiator 😉😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted January 6, 2021 Share Posted January 6, 2021 3 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: aluminum radiator Oh man! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 18, 2021 Author Share Posted January 18, 2021 Exhaust is done. Waiting on parts to finish the fuel return line. Today I finished the sound system (sorry my phone recording sucks) and installing my rebuilt clock. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 26, 2021 Author Share Posted January 26, 2021 She lives! https://youtube.com/shorts/VfaTrLFdE1Y 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Matt, I almost missed this! Sounds GOOD. Happy for you. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 (edited) 8 hours ago, Ben Bruce aka First Born said: Matt, I almost missed this! Sounds GOOD. Happy for you. Ben Admittedly a holley sniper would be easier but this was cheaper and it's GM so parts are readily available. OBD1 plug and I can diagnose what I need. Edited January 28, 2021 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Looks like it's pouring gas down the throat and I know it's supposed to look like that. Good luck. I am anxious to hear how it does out on the road. And I am also anxious to drive my own cars again too. Freaking winter weather bites! lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Matt, is that a Retrosound radio ? I just put one in my Cadillac and I love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 20 minutes ago, Bill Stoneberg said: Matt, is that a Retrosound radio ? I just put one in my Cadillac and I love it. This is from custom auto sound. Its nice. Looks like an AM dial until turned on. Bluetooth etc... And fits the stock hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Sounds like the same radio as I put in with a different name. probably manufactured by the same overseas company. thanks.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Nice! I guess I haven't logged onto the Performance/Modified forum in a while. A friend of mine had an odd issue with his. He found out that there was some sort of electrical interference when they air cleaner was installed. He ended up installing a non-ferrous/non-conductive air cleaner stud on the FI unit. cleared up the issue. I'll read up a little more on his problem and let you know in case you end up with gremlins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted February 8, 2021 Author Share Posted February 8, 2021 (edited) Installed the dynaflow linkage adapter from centerville and made my own throttle linkage adapter. Got her up to temp, Idle and timing set. Missing a throttle linkage retainer clip, and a couple vacuum caps then its test drive time Edited February 8, 2021 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted February 15, 2021 Author Share Posted February 15, 2021 Got my 401/425 oil pump and G/S rear sump pickup. Should be a fun install.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 (edited) Did a social distance drive by parade for a friend's birthday. 1st trip with new fuel injection and ignition. Great acceleration and cruises at 80 easy! Edited February 20, 2021 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted February 23, 2021 Author Share Posted February 23, 2021 (edited) About 100 miles into my new systems. Running good for a 99k mile, 64 year old car. Front end rebuild is next... There's a bit of bump steer and the P.O. already added a shock absorber to the linkage. Edited February 23, 2021 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted March 4, 2021 Author Share Posted March 4, 2021 43 degree morning, cold start with the new TBI. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted March 4, 2021 Author Share Posted March 4, 2021 Cold start exhaust 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted March 14, 2021 Author Share Posted March 14, 2021 61-66 401/425 oil pump installed. 35psi at warm idle. Yea! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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