Elpad Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 (edited) Well, I guess is time for me to start this new thread. Luckily this one won't be as extensive as the restoration threads ion my previous 50 Super & 54 Roadmaster resto since this car is already done thanks to "Old Tank" who did all the dirty work for me, haha. The time came to let go my other cars to obtain this beauty and I'm glad that my cars went to local collectors which gives me the opportunity to keep an eye on them on local shows. I recently aquired Old Tank's 55 Century which he could no longer drive due to heat related health issues. Obtaining this vehicle culminates my desire of owning a ragtop Buick. The odyssey of obtaining and personally bringing the Century from The Lone Star State to The Sunshine State was not pretty but Old Tank promised me that I would be laughing about it someday. What's next? I guess competing and enjoying this classic and start laughing about it. Once again Willie, remember the Allstate jingle. The Century is in good hands and better yet it will hold watermelons! Edited August 13, 2023 by Elpad (see edit history) 15 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosage Chavis Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 Wow, I can't believe you let go of the 54 Roadmaster. But the 55 Century is gorgeous...and it's from @old-tank too. Even better! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avgwarhawk Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 Miami has a new ride in town. It's top will be down. Nice! Enjoy! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 Very cool! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 13, 2023 Author Share Posted August 13, 2023 This is how the trip begin. Originally I was to drive my 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD and my car trailer but the air conditioning was not working a 100%. Due to the heat wave we decided to drive all night, instead we took my friend’s and driving partner 2017 Ford 2500. What a mistake! A 20 hour trip turned into a 26 plus hours one way ordeal since fuel problems quickly arose. On board computer will shut off the truck and sensed a bad fuel pressure sensor. The truck will keep dying while driving and we constantly have to switch to neutral turn off and on the ignition and place in drive to continue driving until it decide to act multiple times again. (To be continued) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 14, 2023 Author Share Posted August 14, 2023 Changed the primary fuel filter in the road and nursed the truck all the way to Seguin, TX where we serviced the truck in Old Tank’s driveway to include secondary fuel filter and oil and filter change.speaking of diesel fuel, $4.49 per gallon the highest I paid in Fl. And found cheaper fuel in LA & TX about $3.65 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted August 14, 2023 Share Posted August 14, 2023 Congratulations, Al! If Old Tank had anything to do with it, it will be a fine Buick... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 14, 2023 Author Share Posted August 14, 2023 Found Old Tank finishing servicing the Century and had a chance to browse his other rides to include the beauty he recently drove to Spokane BCA meet 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 14, 2023 Author Share Posted August 14, 2023 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 14, 2023 Author Share Posted August 14, 2023 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 14, 2023 Share Posted August 14, 2023 You're living the dream! Congrats on the new ride. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 Also paid a visit to Old Tank's bone yard. This reminds me of the Buick Gardens 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 It was hot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 (edited) Still we had to have a true hometown BBQ, where else but in Texas Check out the License Plate collection. Edited August 15, 2023 by Elpad (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 (edited) After a long inefficient FedEx documents delay, the Century was loaded for the return trip Edited August 15, 2023 by Elpad (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 Houston, We have a problem! Just before reaching Houston, my co-driver hit a pothole. I-10 is under construction well into Louisiana and East Texas. The event caused an additional delay, just in case we were carrying 3 spare tires. Drove all night and must of the following day. The car is now sitting at the MIA garage waiting to be insured and properly registered. First outing will be an exhibit In "Memory Lane", an indoor classic car exhibit at the Miami International Auto Show to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Hall on September 1st through the 10th. our local AACA South Florida Region chapter participates in the show every year. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 59 minutes ago, Elpad said: It was hot It's still hot..I thought it was sent with you. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 Glad you finally made it home safely. It was nice to see Willy's collection. That's a nice looking Olds, by the way! Last of the 'big' full-size GM cars... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 13 minutes ago, EmTee said: Glad you finally made it home safely. It was nice to see Willy's collection. That's a nice looking Olds, by the way! Last of the 'big' full-size GM cars... Told me it was for sale, all original, as well as the aqua Century hardtop. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 10 minutes ago, Elpad said: Told me it was for sale, all original... Good thing it's 1800 miles away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 For anyone who might not have seen some of the before on this car, this is on Willie's site: New Page 1 (buickrestorer.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Elpad said: Told me it was for sale, all original, as well as the aqua Century hardtop. Aqua century hardtop also for sale? really thinning the heard, @old-tank Edited August 15, 2023 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 11 hours ago, Elpad said: Also paid a visit to Old Tank's bone yard. This reminds me of the Buick Gardens Georgia has Buick Gardens, Texas has Buick Orchard it looks like. 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 15, 2023 Author Share Posted August 15, 2023 Pecan Orchard 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 16, 2023 Author Share Posted August 16, 2023 10 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: For anyone who might not have seen some of the before on this car, this is on Willie's site: New Page 1 (buickrestorer.com) Matt, it will hold watermelons now 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 16, 2023 Share Posted August 16, 2023 12 minutes ago, Elpad said: Matt, it will hold watermelons now He did a hell of a job! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buicknutty Posted August 16, 2023 Share Posted August 16, 2023 Beautiful car, sorry to hear of your troubles with the Ford! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usnavystgc Posted August 16, 2023 Share Posted August 16, 2023 Wow, what a trip (literally). Glad to see Willie's (now yours) ragtop is in good hands. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 16, 2023 Author Share Posted August 16, 2023 Saw Almendrón recently on the new owners warehouse. Still miss the fiftyfo 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 Congratulations on acquiring what I have always considered to be the nicest, most correct and beautiful '55 CENTURY convertible in existence. But you already know my thoughts on that as I encouraged you to NOT to let it slip by you. I recall the first time I saw the car and met Willie, was in I'm thinking 2004 in Plano Texas at the BCA National. Sat under a shade tree with Willie and he showed me his photo album of the restoration, I was wowed!!! I think later that evening he received an award maybe for it, maybe a Gold Senior or somthin. Not sure about that as I was distracted by the rain blowing sideways outside and thinking dang even storms are bigger in Texas. Again congrats, hope to see it again in person someday. HEY!!!! Here's an idea, why not drive it up to the Buick Gardens shindig in October, you know sorta as her maiden voyage.😉 6 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 and by the way, a wise man named Willie somethin once tode me "always buy the best you can afford"! and it looks like you did. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 I waswowed!!! I think later that evening he received an awardmaybe for it, maybe a Gold Senior or somthin. I think it was a Senior Preservation Award. You know I had to take your input on this one. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 First outing for the Century. At the 2023 Miami International Auto Show, an indoor exhibition called “Memory Lane” within the 2024 vehicle displays. Fire Marshal required all cars to be with less than 1/4 tank of gas on set up date. Guess what, after driving over 20 miles in heavy traffic, I ran out of gas right inside the gate. Manage with other classic owners to push the car into the final display. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 3 hours ago, Elpad said: , I ran out of gas right inside the gate. Are you sure it wasn't vapor lock? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, Elpad said: 2 hours ago, old-tank said: Are you sure it wasn't vapor lock? I thought of that first but I let it sit and cool down inside the AC building. It later turned over but did not fire up Edited September 1, 2023 by Elpad (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted September 1, 2023 Share Posted September 1, 2023 Did you try the electric fuel pump activated by that cheesy switch on the left side of the dash? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elpad Posted September 1, 2023 Author Share Posted September 1, 2023 (edited) I did at first start at home but did not think to do it at the show since the carburetor bowl should had been full. The fuel gauge was reading less than a 1/4 of tank closer to empty that’s why I think it is out of gas. I can’t fool with it until show finish in 10 days, then I will bring my 5 gals can and report then. In the mean time it is sitting besides the feature car (53 Nash-Healy) that was brought back to the states from Colombia. Got great thumbs up from club members about the Century, everybody loves the color combo and the car. They say I’m competing in a different level now, whatever that means Edited September 1, 2023 by Elpad (see edit history) 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 1, 2023 Share Posted September 1, 2023 Looks terrific! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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