Newby, I need best parts resources for 55 Special

[special55]

Hi everyone. I am new to Buicks and this forum. I am picking up a 55 special tomorrow with 43,000 original miles. Interior is exceptional and the body is good (some rust in quarters and front fenders. I have been a GM guy my whole life but this is my first classic car.It runs and drives but it does not have any foundation brakes. Due to the age of the vehicle I was just going to rebuild the entire hydraulic system and replace all linings and spring kits.

Any assistance you guys can provide for dependable parts is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for this and all of the questions I'm sure to have in the future.

Rich

[Guest imported_Bob 55 Special]

Not sure what you need.

General Parts

Cars http://www.buick-parts.com/

Bob's http://www.bobsautomobilia.com/ He also rebuilds heater control valves!

Rubber Products

Steele http://166.82.96.9/homeframes.html

USED Body Parts, Engines etc.

Ken Reeves at Wheatbelt Antique Auto

http://www.wheatbeltbuick.com/index.html

THE CARBURETOR SHOP http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/index.htm

Restoration Specialties & Supply, Inc http://www.restorationspecialties.com/

Hope that helps!

What body style do have?

[special55]

Thanx for the info. I will check out those sites.

For now I am most concerned with rebuilding the brake system so suppliers of brake lines, wheel cylinder kits, brake linings and master cylinder kits are the highest interest.

As far as body style it is a two door hardtop.

Any additional info for brake parts is greatly appreciated as well as any tricks for these brake systems. I was a GM dealership technician for 11 years so I can handle most of the normal stuff. The things I might struggle with are left hand threaded fasteners were you wouldn't expect them etc.

[Guest imported_Bob 55 Special]

Wheel cylinder kits, Master cylinder kit and hoses are available at NAPA auto parts stores.

Forgot Antique Auto Parts Cellar http://www.then-now.com/The_Cellar/cellar.htm Good source for rebuild kit for the dual action fuel pump. They can also rebuild it if you don't have the skills to do it (Time and patience LOTS of Patience)

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Bob, thanks for all the links you've been providing.

Sorry i didn't make it down to see your car at Plano. I was making my way down to the Drivers when the proverbial "Bottom fell out"!!! Man that was a Texas size shower wasn't it. Do you have pictures posted in the Collectible Photo Post? We'd love to see some pictures of the car. I heard it is nice.

[special55]

Bob,

Thanx for all the good parts resources. It's nice to know a general parts store like Napa carries some of the basic parts. Maybe I can get away without paying the classic car premium.

I picked the vehicle up yesterday and the interior is as nice as advertised. The body was rusted a bit more than the seller lead on. Oh well, I've come to expect that when it comes to older vehicles. They are trying to sell them after all.

With this in mind are there any good sources for full rear quarter panels (inner and outer)? I suspect I will need to replace the front fenders with some rust free west coast ones from a salvage yard. I have seen floors and rockers listed but not full quarters.

Thanx again. I'm starting to get excited about this thing. It's been a few years since my last good project car.

Rich

[Guest imported_Bob 55 Special]

Rich,

Contact Ken Reeves at

Wheatbelt Antique Auto

Rt. 2, Box 178

Carrier, OK 73727

Phone: 580-855-2449

Fax : 580-855-2476

Be aware you will probably spend more in shipping than the cost of the items.

I'm in St. Louis MO and have made several trips to Ken's just to save the shipping. All the body parts I bought were solid no rust or just a little surface rust. The paint seems to weather away out west.

Bob