My 58’ Century Caballero Estate Wagon Build

[drhach]

2 day turnaround? Did you blackmail the machinist? 

[jackofalltrades70]

No.  Very busy engine shop.  They are assembling and installing a few motors this week and just so happens, the owner decided to knock the heads out quick while everyone else was busy.

Lucky I guess.  

[TexRiv_63]

Those heads look great - and fast service!

[kingrudy]

On 9/29/2023 at 1:57 PM, roadmaster_56 said:

Agreed, costly but when they sparkle....mmmmmmm.  Unfortunately, to get the best quality, I've heard one must search outside of my state (CA) due to environmental restrictions...if anyone has has had good CA results please share.

I had my chrome plated and any pitting repaired by Van Nuys Plating in Van Nuys, Ca. This was about 10 years ago, but all of their work still looks great. My first chrome plating was done by Astro Plating and they suck. When plating pot metal the pits looked worse than before it was plated. Van Nuys Plating is located in the San Fernando Valley just North of Los Angeles.

[Buicknutty]

 That's awesome fast service, great for you!

[jackofalltrades70]

Progress is progress. Another coat of paint and hook the tranny back up.  Then stab it in the car again

[roadmaster_56]

Looks nice....always liked the look of a nailhead and those upright valve covers.  What are you plans for the Dynaflow?  Torque ball rebuild?  If so, plz share the process w/lots of pictures.

[jackofalltrades70]

Have everything cleaned up and new seals ready to install. Installing a flight pitch. Pictures to come soon and detailed descriptions

[roadmaster_56]

The Flight Pitch is a rare beast.....while you're at it, don't forget to check your Rotoflow.....

[roadmaster_56]

Look familiar?..... from an episode of "Perry Mason" c. 1958.

http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_205152-Buick-Special-Estate-Wagon-49-1958.html

[jackofalltrades70]

Have to cut the old vulcanized rubber off the torque ball.  Then clean up the torque ball surface.

[jackofalltrades70]

Install new o rings. Making sure to use plenty o vaseline to lubricate the seals

[jackofalltrades70]

Install the first retainer over the u joint. Then install the torque ball with the end retainer over the entire assembly.  Install the bolts and leave them loose so the torque ball can move. The seal is for the end of the torque ball and goes over the torque tube.  Have to make a .030 paper gasket to go between the torque ball and torque tube.

[jackofalltrades70]

First time car has had an engine and transmission in over 50 years.

[38Buick 80C]

Big milestone!!! congrats!

[roadmaster_56]

Thanks for the detailed torque ball repair shots. 

 

When I did my t/b repair, despite following the procedure to the letter, it still leaks at the universal joint/tail shaft (see your pic w/detail below). 

 

Shop manual photos of early 50's Dynaflows suggest a sleeve over the tip of the shaft....but it's hard to tell and I can't recall if this is so - wish I had taken some pics of my tear down.

 

Wondering if corrosion/pitting of the shaft caused my new seal to weep? If/when I tear into it again, maybe I'll try a Speedi-sleeve

[Smartin]

No

[jackofalltrades70]

Great news from my plater.  They have already got the parts in the stripping tank.  Gonna be sooner than I thought.  

[jackofalltrades70]

Back to bodywork. Gotta get the front passenger fender straightened out.  Was dented and pinched in the wheel well.  Want to get this as straight as possible before I media blast it. The hood has a dent a little off center from the hood ornament, bit the drivers fender is almost perfect. 

[sebastienbuick]

Good job !  

[jackofalltrades70]

Didn’t realize the drivers fender is bent in the same place. Paint on passenger fender was flaking off, so sanded down the whole fender to bare metal. Made some good progress yesterday. Removed the undercoating someone had brushed on the underside of the fender.

May not seem like I got far, but progress is progress and puts me one step closer to more assembly

[jackofalltrades70]

Got some more done this morning.  Last I will do before Christmas.  All alignments looking pretty good. Will hit it hard again before New years and see if I can get the front end ready for paint.

[jackofalltrades70]

[Buick1958]

Hello nice to meet you I have a 1958 Buick riviera estate wagon I am trying to find the vin stamped in the chassis do you now where it is? 

[roadmaster_56]

Funny, I was just thinking about your project today....somehow I missed the few months of posts.  The short answer is I don't know where it's located.   But, I have a 50 Super, and its frame number is located on the rail, on the driver's side, where I've indicated on the 2 pics.....the 57/58 might also be there....but could be hard to see....if it's on the top of one of the support frame rails rather than the bottom..... so you'd need a light and mirror. 

If I find the answer, I'll post it.

[sebastienbuick]

On 6/8/2024 at 9:17 PM, Buick1958 said:

Hello nice to meet you I have a 1958 Buick riviera estate wagon I am trying to find the vin stamped in the chassis do you now where it is? 

 

Your Buick is magnificent , I love it !  

[Buick1958]

Thank you 🙏🏻 

[roadmaster_56]

On 6/8/2024 at 12:17 PM, Buick1958 said:

Hello nice to meet you I have a 1958 Buick riviera estate wagon I am trying to find the vin stamped in the chassis do you now where it is? 

Buick1958: Whoops, I had you confused with "jackofalltrades70", thought your '58 was his - completed.   My '57 is similar in color to your '58 (Dresden Blue/Dover White), nice combo.