jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Share Posted August 21, 2022 Well, might as well start the documentation of this one. I happened upon this by word of mouth at our Scranton Region of the AACA show this year. Has been garaged by the fella I bought it from since 99’ and he never did anything with it. The guy that had it before him, also had it garaged and a lot of front end parts and the engine/transmission were removed. The front end has been rebuilt, along with all of the brakes. The frame is solid and painted and it has new body mounts that were installed lets say 30-40 years ago. All of the glass is good except the drivers vent wing and I have an extra. The car has 4 small rust holes. Two in the doglegs the size of a half dollar and one spot on each of the rear doors. Considering how much repair I had to do on my convertible, this almost seems like cheating starting with a solid car. The interior is pretty much complete, but needs recovering. Already contacted a local guy who is going to tackle that for me. Within the next two weeks, it will be going for dustless blasting and then find it’s home in the garage next to the 47. I hope to make paint fly before winter and start assembly over the winter. Upholstery should be done before end of November or mid December. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 (edited) Edited August 21, 2022 by jackofalltrades70 (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 And today, I made a 8.5 hour round trip run to pick up this low mileage engine and tranny pulled from a wreck many years ago. Yes, that is still original paint on the engine. The PO was going to install it in a Ford rod and age has gotten the best of him, so no more projects. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 So, now I have two complete engines/transmissions, another whole rolling frame from a special. A lot of trim off a special and a solid trunk lid also. Just got a lead on a pretty complete wrecked wagon today that I may be able to acquire the rest of the missing parts 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machine Gun Posted August 22, 2022 Share Posted August 22, 2022 You have some serious work ahead of you. It's going to be so worth it in the end! Looking forward to following the saga. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted August 22, 2022 Share Posted August 22, 2022 woww awesome restoration project !! I love ! I can't wait to see the start of the restoration ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 22, 2022 Share Posted August 22, 2022 The transmission attached to the engine is a Flight Pitch. Also, someone has removed the trim tag and replaced it with incorrect rivets. What does the VIN tag say? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 Isn’t the transmission supposed to be a flight pitch? The “triple turbine” started in 59 and the dynaflow name was dropped from what I have read. I’ve been wrong before……. Adam, you know more about these 58’s than I do. What should it have in it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 22, 2022 Share Posted August 22, 2022 Flight pitch was an option in 58, but it was a pretty rare thing to see in anything but a Roadmaster or Limited. I wanted to make sure you know that's what's attached to the engine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 I will see what is on the other engine when I get it here. Still have to pick up the other frame, extra windshield, bumpers, cowl section, etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 Here is the vin 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireballV8 Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 Hi Matt Nice wagon. Your story of the previous owners scares me. I have had my 1958 Caballero for the last 18 years and have not done anything with it, the previous guy had it for more than 20 years and he did nothing with it. I better start on mine soon, maybe your progress will be motivation for me. As Adam mentioned the data place was removed and reinstalled, also the vin tag looks like someone may have tried to weld it and also the vin tag is for a 1958 Century or Caballero built in South Gate, CA. I don't know if Buick would have done that since the bodies were built in Michigan, but I am not sure. It may be best to get all of this squared away and get a title in your name before you spend too much time and money on the car. The shell of the body may have been changed. Check the engine that came with the car and see what is the vin number stamped on it. My car was sold new in Burbank CA and it is a Flint built car. I am now curious enough to see if there are any non flint built Ionia bodied wagons. Great project as you know and these are beautiful cars. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 Do the door panels have the Century script on them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 Going to be a nice Buick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 I have one of the “Caballero” scripts will probably see if I can sand cast the other. Missing the “estate” on the rear. But, someone on here has one available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 16 hours ago, jackofalltrades70 said: Isn’t the transmission supposed to be a flight pitch? The “triple turbine” started in 59 and the dynaflow name was dropped from what I have read. I’ve been wrong before……. Adam, you know more about these 58’s than I do. What should it have in it? What does the gear indicator in the dashboard show? PNDLR or PNDGR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 PRNDG is flight pitch pattern. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usnavystgc Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 Well, what an awesome find. I'll def be following. I can't wait to see it come back to life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 The gear indicator, I just noticed, is one of the parts missing from the dash. I have the one that came with the engine/tranny I just bought. Adam, The crossmember is missing from the car. But looks to me that the holes in the frame for it, is near the engine, which means it probably had the flight pitch in it. Matt 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NailheadBob Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 (edited) Nice project you found, I will be following your progress and updates. FYI Group # 4.005 Kit, 3T triple turbine, to 2T double turbine for 1958 part # 1396090 and here is the list of conversion parts. Bob Edited August 26, 2022 by NailheadBob Add photo (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusty Caballero Posted August 26, 2022 Share Posted August 26, 2022 Looking forward to seeing this one's journey. And also looking for a favor. When you get a chance, can you measure center to center length of your rear axle radius rod? I'm convinced mine is short at 40 1/4. Thanks, Ed 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted August 27, 2022 Share Posted August 27, 2022 You are a brave man who likes puzzles - I'm in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 27, 2022 Author Share Posted August 27, 2022 Can anyone get me pictures of the transmission mounts for the flight pitch? I found a Limited today that also has the transmission/engine removed and of course, the mounts are missing from it also. Bought a power steering pump and correct dash pad for the a/c. OTOH, I removed the seats from the car today so the interior can soon go to the upholstery shop. Have to start removing stainless around windows and drip edge and get everything taped off for the dustless blasting. The wagon I looked at is almost rusted completely away. Is a 57’, so the trim parts are a little different and/or were already gone. Roof had been cut off the car, so no luggage rack. 😢 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 28, 2022 Share Posted August 28, 2022 Here is a pair of flight pitch mounts I just had vulcanized 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NailheadBob Posted August 28, 2022 Share Posted August 28, 2022 (edited) The wagon I looked at is almost rusted completely away. Is a 57’, so the trim parts are a little different and/or were already gone. Roof had been cut off the car, so no luggage rack @jackofalltrades70 I also looked at a 1957 Buick Wagon about 2 years ago just south of Chicago, and the roof was also cut off but he had another roof to go with the car, we were told the PO cut it off to be used in building his tool shed! Must be a thing I guess to cut roofs off Buick wagons lol 😂 Bob Edited August 28, 2022 by NailheadBob Add photo (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted August 28, 2022 Author Share Posted August 28, 2022 This one was cut off at bottom of windshield pillars and above rear fenders clear to the back 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted September 2, 2022 Author Share Posted September 2, 2022 Update…. Stainless removed from the car and windows are all out, except the windshield. It comes out tomorrow. Removed the heat and air ducting from the cowl section also. Have to remove the wiring harness from the engine compartment and tape off some stuff tomorrow. Also have to tape off the visible wiring hanging out of doors, etc to protect them. We go to the dustless blasting Saturday as long as they are still available. Will get good before and after pictures of the process. Dropped by the upholstery shop and we should be ready to go soon there also. Thanks to Brian DePouli for the color matches for the vinyl. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted September 3, 2022 Author Share Posted September 3, 2022 It’s blasting day! They got started about 9:30. Let’s see how long it takes. before, during and after pics 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 Looks like a pretty good starting point. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buicknutty Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 Awesome car Matt! It will be a great car when it's done, as we all know. You certainly are making quick progress on it. I'll be interested as you post updates. Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted September 3, 2022 Author Share Posted September 3, 2022 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackofalltrades70 Posted September 3, 2022 Author Share Posted September 3, 2022 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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