1942 Buick Need thoughts and opinions

[1941g506]

All, I am the new owner of a 1942 Buick series 40 2 door. Overall the body of this car is in great original shape. As far as I can tell this car sat for years and years and was never restored. When the previous owner bought it at an estate it was 100% original. Unfortunately, this gentleman did away with the old front suspension and grafted in a crown vic subframe. Personally, I like cars all original so I was able to locate a 1946 series 40 front clip and suspension. I will be restoring the front end to original. I still have the original straight 8, transmission, and torque tube axle. I am in a dilemma, let me be clear im not into street rods. I appreciate the history of this car and would like to keep her original. The straight 8 does need a rebuild. My problem lies in parts availability for restoration, I don't see many parts made for the torque tube, or the transmission. What is parts availability like for these cars? Would I be better off to swap a more modern drivetrain while retaining the original look on the outside of the car? Thanks for all your help.

[michealbernal]

I applaud your decision to return the car to original condition.  There are more than enough street rods out there already.  This is the place to find the parts and expertise you need to build this into a beautiful car.  

[1939_Buick]

1 hour ago, 1941g506 said:

All, I am the new owner of a 1942 Buick series 40 2 door. Overall the body of this car is in great original shape. As far as I can tell this car sat for years and years and was never restored. When the previous owner bought it at an estate it was 100% original. Unfortunately, this gentleman did away with the old front suspension and grafted in a crown vic subframe. Personally, I like cars all original so I was able to locate a 1946 series 40 front clip and suspension. I will be restoring the front end to original. I still have the original straight 8, transmission, and torque tube axle. I am in a dilemma, let me be clear im not into street rods. I appreciate the history of this car and would like to keep her original. The straight 8 does need a rebuild. My problem lies in parts availability for restoration, I don't see many parts made for the torque tube, or the transmission. What is parts availability like for these cars? Would I be better off to swap a more modern drivetrain while retaining the original look on the outside of the car? Thanks for all your help.

 

Welcome to Buick world

Where are you located?

We like photos

 

You can join  the BCA:--    https://www.buickclub.org/

 

Parts

Parts for engine, transmission and diff are available.  Many parts fit other years

Please do not put in a "modern drive line" Any way it is a lot of engineering work and $$$$. 

For parts look here (some links may be out of date, but a good start}

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/272878-pre-war-links/?tab=comments#comment-2148598

 

Documentation

Download the 1942 Buick shop manual for free. All of it section by section.

Or click the pdf link to pay.

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

 

Buying a Buick Master Parts book worth the cost

 

Also (this forum)

• https://forums.aaca.org/topic/124104-buick-books-etc/
• https://forums.aaca.org/topic/218241-found-cheap-master-parts-books-on-cd/

 

 

Look at the links in this thread

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/207201-39-buick-team-membership/

 

 

Dave T

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 June 25, 2021 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)

[1941g506]

Thanks guys I have another truck to finish first, but have been gathering parts for this build. I have been tearing down the old straight 8 to have it cracked checked. Hopefully it is not cracked and still has enough meat to be re bored. 

[1941g506]

I'm also needing the parking light trim for the 42 if anyone has a source. Thanks