Restoration of a 1933 67 Buick!

[1933gray]

Hello all!. After making my first post about some wiring, some members suggested I start a thread to follow my first restoration project. I am 21 and bought the 33-67 a couple years ago but only got around to starting the project in May of this year due to some unforeseen issues with COVID travel restrictions. I imagine the previous owner of the car had gone through the engine and gotten it running, but past that, they left the rest of the car alone (including the mounds of mice nests in the headliner and seats). First thing on the list was dropping the old gas tank, replacing the sending unit, and fabricating a new one. Luckily, my father works at a chevy dealership so I had access to the tools and expertise of mechanics there to guide me through and help me along. We had a new tank fabricated by a local guy who copied the dimensions and fabrication of the old tank.

At the same time, we soaked the transmission in a chemical bath to free up the grime it had from sitting for so long, and then replaced the old fluid with some new fluid. We also cleaned the valves, ensured oil was coming up and had good pressure, tightened the water pump seal, and I had to have spent three days under the car with a wire wheel brush taking off any dirt, tar, or surface rust that was stuck. I looked like I worked at a coal mine for those couple of days! Some paint/undercoat helped cosmetically and prevent future corrosion.

Following the underneath of the car, we had sent out the original shoes to be redone, and I greased everything up and reinstalled the shoes with their new pads. We also got some new tires.

 

I also discovered the power of electrolysis in helping with rust removal. It can really help!

The carb was another issue. Tons of smoke coming out of the car whenever it ran and it would leak gas like crazy from the air intake after the engine was stopped. I looked online for carb kits but I refused to pay 300 for a new kit. I went to the auto parts store in town and grabbed some gasket material, made new gaskets myself, bought a new float from Bob's automobilia, and now it works like a charm (Kinda, the float sticks at time. Not sure what to do with that).

 

 

Now, I am in the process of working on the interior of the car. That includes wiring, upholstery. I have a sample I like from Hirsh auto, and I have a new headliner that matches the old one from Rock auto. The seats have been removed and I haven't taken the material off, but I have burlap ready to go and I still need to buy some cotton padding. Windlace and upholstery will be coming soon but again, I would like to figure out the wiring first. I also have to replace some of the plywood floors as they are falling apart. Most of the structural wood is still sound so that's a positive. Someone also slapped a coat of black house paint on parts of the body that looks awful. I will be attempting to remove the top layer and save the original paint if I can. There's also some more cosmetic issues.. someone got into a fender-bender with it, so as you can see, part of the low-note horn is broken, part of the grill was broken, and one of the fenders had to be bent back into shape. One of the headlights is also pulled away from the radiator shell. Hopefully I can improve those issues in some way. So I will hopefully update everyone on how each of those mini-projects go.
 

 

[avgwarhawk]

Love the front end of this Buick 

[JohnD1956]

One piece at a time. Looking good. 

[rodneybeauchamp]

Yep, just keep doing one thing every day and it will get there. At times you might have to improvise to keep the project moving until the right part comes along. 
 

BTW there are some excellent posts on here about these and similar Buicks that are worth researching for information.

Enjoy the journey. Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀

[EmTee]

Clearly lots to do, but it looks like a solid starting point.  This will be a really sweet car when it's finished.  Just have to eat the elephant one bite at a time.  Having your father's shop and staff to lean on for assistance is certainly a plus.  This forum will also hopefully be a source of help, information and encouragement.  Can't wait to see the next installment... 

[1939_Buick]

Welcome to the forum & Buick straight 8's

Looks like a good car

 

How is the wood frame in the body & doors?

If the headlights are sealed beams would go back to original style

Where are you located?

Worth the joining the BCA--> https://www.buickclub.org/

 

Just keep working a little each day/week

Edited October 28, 2022 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)

[edinmass]

Great car for a first project. Take you time. You will be fine. Lots of help here if you need it.

[1933gray]

On 10/28/2022 at 7:53 PM, 1939_Buick said:

Welcome to the forum & Buick straight 8's

Looks like a good car

 

How is the wood frame in the body & doors?

If the headlights are sealed beams would go back to original style

Where are you located?

Worth the joining the BCA--> https://www.buickclub.org/

 

Just keep working a little each day/week

The wood frame is fantastic, still lot of strength left. The slats that support the fabric top are a little mangled from the mice living up in their penthouse, but the main supports are still fine. I have not inspected the inside of the doors yet. The only wood I fill be replacing is the plywood flooring towards the front because after so many years, the plywood is peeling and is no longer structurally sound.

The headlights have been converted to sealed beams, although I would have loved to have the original headlights, these sealed beams are brighter and they were converted early enough in this car's lifetime that I would consider them to be part of the car's history (without being a modern modification that detracts badly from originality).

I am located in Windsor Canada but I frequent Detroit Michigan.