lancemb Posted April 2, 2023 Share Posted April 2, 2023 I finally am diversifying a bit. I've been wanting another convertible that wasn't a major project, and have also been after something from about 65-72. I nearly had a 65 Impala SS hardtop but the seller flaked on me at the last minute. For Buicks, it was a 68-72 A-body that was top of list. A big block GS would be nice, but I didn't want to spend the money that a good one would cost. My preference was an unrestored car that needed very little work and wasn't modified. It's really hard to find any A-body that's in decent original condition that hasn't been messed with. This car really caught my eye right away as it's nearly totally original. It's had a respray at one point in original color, and the radio has been changed out, but is otherwise untouched as far as I can tell. I also liked the Cortez Gold color and black interior. I flew down to west TX on Friday and closed the deal. I am hoping to have the car home next week. The paint is very faded on top, the convertible top is not very good, and there are a few warts, but the car is really straight and solid and runs great. I would have liked bucket seats, but that was obviously no deal killer for a good car and otherwise I don't at all mind the lack of options. I am hoping with a new top and some buffing, along with a few miscellaneous small things, I can have a pretty nice driver this summer. The mileage is only about 67k. I have the orignal protecto-plate and the car was originally sold in Milwaukee (so it will be returning to within a couple hours of that) on 3/31/71 and I bought it on 3/31/2023 on the seller's birthday. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted April 2, 2023 Share Posted April 2, 2023 Wowww very very nice Buick ! I like ! And it looks in great condition ! I find the landscape very pretty too (I live in France and I'm not used to seeing these beautiful American landscapes ), and it's great fun to see other American cars around! (chevrolet silverado, Corvette C7, chevy red pickup, dodge ram, ...). Congratulations on your purchase! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 2, 2023 Author Share Posted April 2, 2023 50 minutes ago, sebastienbuick said: Wowww very very nice Buick ! I like ! And it looks in great condition ! I find the landscape very pretty too (I live in France and I'm not used to seeing these beautiful American landscapes ), and it's great fun to see other American cars around! (chevrolet silverado, Corvette C7, chevy red pickup, dodge ram, ...). Congratulations on your purchase! Thanks! The color seems to be not far off from your Electra, too... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted April 2, 2023 Share Posted April 2, 2023 37 minutes ago, lancemb said: Thanks! The color seems to be not far off from your Electra, too... Yes it's true that the color is similar to my Electra , the color of my 1969 Electra is " Trumpet Gold Poly " 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted April 3, 2023 Share Posted April 3, 2023 Looks like a nice honest car. You may be able to coax some luster out of the paint; it doesn't look all that bad to me... If the top fabric is sound, you could look into getting it re-dyed. My son had a '67 Cutlass convertible with a white top that was OK, but dingy looking with some minor stains. He had it re-dyed and it came back looking like new. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 3, 2023 Author Share Posted April 3, 2023 3 hours ago, EmTee said: Looks like a nice honest car. You may be able to coax some luster out of the paint; it doesn't look all that bad to me... If the top fabric is sound, you could look into getting it re-dyed. My son had a '67 Cutlass convertible with a white top that was OK, but dingy looking with some minor stains. He had it re-dyed and it came back looking like new. Unfortunately there is a tear in the top on one side, and also in the rear at the window. I think it's shrunken too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted April 4, 2023 Share Posted April 4, 2023 (edited) 71's are my favorite of the 70-72 GS's! Congrats on the acquisition! Edited April 4, 2023 by Smartin (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted April 4, 2023 Share Posted April 4, 2023 This worked well on my '64 GP. It was 'flat white' when I first got it. I used Meguiar's Number 7 Show Car Glaze to restore the shine to the original paint. https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles/100613-7-rub-down-technique-mike-phillips.html?highlight=gold+lincoln+phillips+oxidized+phillips 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 4, 2023 Author Share Posted April 4, 2023 5 hours ago, EmTee said: This worked well on my '64 GP. It was 'flat white' when I first got it. I used Meguiar's Number 7 Show Car Glaze to restore the shine to the original paint. https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles/100613-7-rub-down-technique-mike-phillips.html?highlight=gold+lincoln+phillips+oxidized+phillips Thanks, I think I'll try it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted April 4, 2023 Share Posted April 4, 2023 7 hours ago, EmTee said: This worked well on my '64 GP. It was 'flat white' when I first got it. I used Meguiar's Number 7 Show Car Glaze to restore the shine to the original paint. https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles/100613-7-rub-down-technique-mike-phillips.html?highlight=gold+lincoln+phillips+oxidized+phillips Very beautiful Pontiac 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usnavystgc Posted April 4, 2023 Share Posted April 4, 2023 Love the car Lance, nice find. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 6, 2023 Author Share Posted April 6, 2023 On its way! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 9, 2023 Author Share Posted April 9, 2023 I was able to spend assume time cleaning the exterior up between yesterday and today. The paint is pretty faded and dried out on top surfaces from the TX sun. So far I have only been able to get it to a low gloss. I may be able to impertinent it with more time and patience, but for now there are plenty of other things to work on that are higher priority, but nothing that is urgent. I also replaced the grille emblem, which had holes drilled into it to accept bolts for mounting, and replaced a missing hood bumper, which was causing the hood not to line up well. It will need tires ASAP, and I'll probably spring for a top in the near future. In addition, I was able to get the VIN inspection and applied for title and registration today, so I took it on a couple errands with the top down since we had the nicest day off the year so far and it was in the 60's and sunny! 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 Lookin' good! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 I think you'll find the A bodies to be just the right size. It is one of the reasons I can't choose a favorite car here. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 9, 2023 Author Share Posted April 9, 2023 59 minutes ago, JohnD1956 said: I think you'll find the A bodies to be just the right size. It is one of the reasons I can't choose a favorite car here. I love this car. It brings back memories of driving my dad's 72 Cutlass convertible, and I've wanted my own for some time. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 wow gorgeous ! I like ! And the photo with the two buicks is superb ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 13, 2023 Author Share Posted April 13, 2023 I had a couple hours yesterday and started by changing the oil as a good start to ownership. I then checked the lights and found that I had a tail light out and no headlights. I replaced the tail light bulb and was good there, then found that headlights had a bad connection, but then they would only work on high beam so it looks like I will need new low beam headlights. I think I'm lucky so far with simple basic stuff! The most satisfying part was replacing the steering wheel, though. It had been replaced at some point with a blue one that had been painted black, and the vinyl paint that was used was peeling off. I wanted an OEM one but couldn't find one quickly and was really annoyed by the peeling wheel so I bought a reproduction one. This type of wheel is very easy to change so it was a big upgrade for 10 min work! I should be able to sell the blue one to someone who needs it to pay for the black one. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted April 14, 2023 Share Posted April 14, 2023 22 hours ago, lancemb said: ...but then they would only work on high beam so it looks like I will need new low beam headlights. Did you check the hi/low beam switch on the floor? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 14, 2023 Author Share Posted April 14, 2023 1 hour ago, EmTee said: Did you check the hi/low beam switch on the floor? Not yet but I'll do that next time I have a chance before I change headlights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted April 14, 2023 Share Posted April 14, 2023 Verify voltage at the headlight before tearing into the dimmer switch. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 16, 2023 Author Share Posted April 16, 2023 I had a few hours yesterday, so did a few more things. First, I'd realized that the horn cap was also originally blue so I replaced it with a black one. I also replaced the rear view mirror, which was in poor condition. In addition, I decided it was time to verify that the black top boot I'd been holding on to for 15 years would fit this car. This was my dad's and I'd suspected it was from his 72 Cutlass or possibly his 69 Cutlass. I kept it because it was still soft and in very good condition. Lo and behold, it fits! Finally, I checked the headlights. It was a warm day and I really wanted to take the kids for an evening ride to get ice cream. I confirmed that I just needed to replace the low beam headlights, of which I also have had in inventory for 15 years. I also replaced a rear marker light bulb. Finally, all outside lights work as they should! I got some night pictures upon our return from getting ice cream. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 Congratulations on your new very nice Buick convertible! You've done a lot since bringing it home - you're ready for summer! 😎 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted April 30, 2023 Author Share Posted April 30, 2023 (edited) I finally got my new tires on! I also touched up and cleaned the wheels and installed new and correct center caps as well as lug nuts, which were also in inventory since my dad closed his shop more than 15 years ago, just waiting for a car to put them on. The weather was crappy so this is the best picture I could get at the moment! Edited April 30, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history) 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted April 30, 2023 Share Posted April 30, 2023 Awesome! Some 1/4" pinstripe tape would make those rocker moldings POP. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted May 1, 2023 Share Posted May 1, 2023 Looks great - where did you get the redlines? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted May 1, 2023 Author Share Posted May 1, 2023 16 minutes ago, Smartin said: Awesome! Some 1/4" pinstripe tape would make those rocker moldings POP. I'll put that on the list! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted May 1, 2023 Author Share Posted May 1, 2023 5 minutes ago, EmTee said: Looks great - where did you get the redlines? Diamondback 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted May 2, 2023 Share Posted May 2, 2023 Very good job ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted May 2, 2023 Author Share Posted May 2, 2023 On 4/30/2023 at 6:54 PM, Smartin said: Awesome! Some 1/4" pinstripe tape would make those rocker moldings POP. Done! One of the most satisfying "Easy Buttons" ever. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted May 2, 2023 Share Posted May 2, 2023 Nice! I just did that last night on the brown 70 I'm finishing for the GS nats in a couple weeks. It makes it so easy. No more paint! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted May 30, 2023 Author Share Posted May 30, 2023 (edited) The old carb needed a rebuild, and I wanted to do a basic tune-up as I had no idea how old stuff was. The wires looked good, but when I do it I do it all. I bought a rebuilt carb off Ebay so I wouldn't have to take the car out of commission for too long and can rebuild original later. The plugs were fouled a bit and one was mismatched. Cap and rotor looked good but inspection door for was missing from cap. I also replaced valve cover gaskets and did a quickie repaint on the covers, slapped some new decals on the air cleaner, and replaced the foams. Did a couple other miscellaneous things like replace fuel line from pump to carb ( PO hacked it up and installed a filter and hose segments), radiator cap (changed coolant previously), and replaced a couple broken hose/loom straps. After starting it up; I noticed clearly a sound which previously seemed only faint, but standing right in front of the running engine it sounds like the water pump is noisy. This seems strange since it's not leaking or overheating, but certainly sounds like water pump, so that's coming up soon next time I get the time. I'll still need to make adjustments to the carb; I was already running late for dinner when I got everything back together. Looks a little brighter, but now the rest looks worse! Eventually I'll probably want to take the car to the next level cosmetically and can make it nicer at that time. Edited May 30, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history) 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted May 31, 2023 Share Posted May 31, 2023 22 hours ago, lancemb said: This seems strange since it's not leaking or overheating, but certainly sounds like water pump... Might be the alternator. I have heard a couple of those that made quite a racket... Use a big screwdriver or stethoscope to localize. If the alternator belt can be removed without disabling the water pump I'd try that. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 6, 2023 Author Share Posted July 6, 2023 (edited) Well, I finally got around to replacing the water pump. While I was at it I replaced the balancer, because I'd thought it had spun since the timing was so far off and yet the car seemed to run better than I'd expect if it was true. After doing that I confirmed that the distributor had been installed incorrectly and was clocked wrong, so I fixed that. The photo shows me pointing where the #1 cylinder fires on the distributor vs. where the rotor was at TDC. In addition, the carburetor I'd installed started performing progressively worse quickly, and actually ran worse once I fixed the timing. I reinstalled the original carburetor as-is for now, and it runs much better, and no more noisy water pump! Plus, the heater hose outlet on the old pump was completely crusted shut inside, and now I have heat in the car, which I did not before (not that I need that right now). I also procured and installed the correct air cleaner support bracket which was missing, and it definitely helped the air cleaner fit better against the hood intakes with the added support. While I had stuff apart I was able to do a little more cleaning up. I was also able to confirm that the engine is original to the car after cleaning some gunk off the front of the engine and having better access to the number stamped in it. It's still just a driver-class engine compartment but at least it looks respectably cared-for now. Edited July 6, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted July 6, 2023 Share Posted July 6, 2023 Love progress! Now let Rob massage that qjet for you! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 11, 2023 Author Share Posted July 11, 2023 (edited) Two steps forward, 1 step back A relative wanted to come over and borrow the lift for a quick fix, so I backed the convertible out. It started fine and ran well. Then I parked it and as I was about to shut it off, it instantly shut itself off. It died instantly, as if it ceased to get spark and as far bas I can tell it's squirting fuel. The ignition wire to the cap seemed loose, so I thought for sure that was it, but upon securing it better it still wouldn't start. Pretty much all of the consumable ignition parts are new. I'll have to now find time to dig into this further, but time is scarce! I'm thinking it's the spark pump... Edited July 11, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Try putting the old condenser back in... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 12, 2023 Author Share Posted July 12, 2023 (edited) 4 hours ago, EmTee said: Try putting the old condenser back in... That's one thing I hadn't replaced yet, and based on my initial findings in a short time it's suspect. When I did tune up it looked pretty new as did points so I left them Edited July 12, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted July 12, 2023 Share Posted July 12, 2023 I just had a one year-old (~2K mi.) condenser fail in my '38 Century. It was a no-name piece. I replaced it with one from NAPA which was made in Mexico. We'll see how long this one lasts... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted July 15, 2023 Author Share Posted July 15, 2023 (edited) Well, the condenser did indeed fail. This seemed like a perfect time to install Pertronix, which I was going to do anyway. The instant failure of the condenser is no less worrisome than the instant failure of a Pertronix module. I've put them in all my old Buicks and I've loved them. After I installed the Pertronix module, the car fired right up and after choking on all of the excess fuel from trying to start it last week, it smoothed out nicely. The car now runs even better and smoother than before! I took it for a short errand and it drove like a dream. Edited July 15, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history) 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now