The race is on...Rochester here I come

June 4, 2006

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, then it's time to get out there, you betcha! </div></div>

John, Guy and anyone else thinking of heading to Rochester. I have reservations at the Holiday Inn that as of now looks like I won't be using. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I think Derek is booked there too. Let me know if maybe I can transfer my registrations or something.

June 4, 2006

I'm disappointed Lamar...this'll be 2 years running, isn't it? Hmmm...do I sense a trend...perhaps this '54 crazy guy is just a myth we are led to believe in online <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It's a shame if you won't be able to make it...I was keen on buying you a fuzzy navel.

June 6, 2006

Well, some slight delays...the car is in colour build and is essentially masked. The goal was to get it into the paint booth today for paint first thing tomorrow morning.

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.

When I pick the car up, I intend to take a photo with the staff. After all is said and done, I'll be making a CD of the photos and giving it to the body shop.

It's getting closer....

JohnD1956 · June 7, 2006

It is looking complete and good. I was surprised to see you put the vinyl top on before the top coats of paint though.

Good luck on your goal of Rochester MN.

JD

55PackardGuy · June 7, 2006

Thanks for the offer, MrEarl (may I call you Speedo?). I won't be staying in Rochester if I go, because it's an easy "day trip" from Mpls. But, anyone have particulars on the meet? Rochester is a fairly big town, so I probably won't be able to just follow the signs tacked to poles (but I might be able to just follow all the cool cars!)

June 7, 2006

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the offer, MrEarl (may I call you Speedo?). I won't be staying in Rochester if I go, because it's an easy "day trip" from Mpls. But, anyone have particulars on the meet? Rochester is a fairly big town, so I probably won't be able to just follow the signs tacked to poles (but I might be able to just follow all the cool cars!) </div></div>

Guy,

City of Rochester won't let us put signs on the poles, so you wouldn't be able to follow those if you wanted to. Basically, the event is held at the Mayo Civic Center, which is in the heart of the downtown area. If you go to the Gopher State Chapter Website on the BCA home page, there is a link to the event with a map. Pretty easy to find. Just go South on Hwy 52 into Rochester. Take 2nd street exit east and it will take you right to the Mayo Civic Center.

55PackardGuy · June 8, 2006

Thanks Tom! (just kidding about the signs--I've found Pow Wows that way, but that was in Mankato) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

imported_buick5563 · June 8, 2006

Gee Whiz Mr. Earl,

What contractor is hosing you this year? I was hoping to buy you some suds. Leinenkugel's, I believe, is the local(ish) brew. (That's right, I know the local beers everywhere dangit).

Mike

June 9, 2006

Sikkens base / clear went on yesterday...today they are putting the car back together. I brought by some NOS park lamp lenses that I've purchased for her to drop off. They expect to have it all done tomorrow for reassembly. However, I can't stop by tomorrow, so Monday I'll make my final payment, go over everything, and then first thing Tuesday morning I'll drive it over to the mechanical shop to complete the dialing in of the carb, to determine why the generator light is on (and fix it) and get everything working so it passes the Manitoba safety inspection. Then I'll be able to put regular license plates on it.

Of course, now the interior looks really shabby...oh well, next phase, which will have to be after Rochester...she's registered for the Driven Class anyway...now I remember what I needed at Canadian Tire - another fire extinguisher...have to add that to the list.

55PackardGuy · June 9, 2006

buick5563,

Somebody told you wrong. Leinie's is from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Closest local brew to Rochester, far as I can tell, is Schell's. Good stuff--Ulmer is their "premium"--brewed in New Ulm MN, a ways West of Rochester. Thought you'd like to know!!! There are also a bunch of St. Paul and Minneapolis brews, too numerous to list. They may actually be brewed closer to Rochester than Schell's is... but New Ulm is similarly "southern" Minnesota. Too much information... but you fellas might be Thirsty when you get here!

55PackardGuy · June 9, 2006

...that might go double for you, Thriller. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

June 9, 2006

LOOKIIIINNNNN GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDD !!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I know you and the family are proud and will be goin for a ride next week end.

Congratulation!!!

June 9, 2006

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">buick5563,

Somebody told you wrong. Leinie's is from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Closest local brew to Rochester, far as I can tell, is Schell's. Good stuff--Ulmer is their "premium"--brewed in New Ulm MN, a ways West of Rochester. Thought you'd like to know!!! There are also a bunch of St. Paul and Minneapolis brews, too numerous to list. They may actually be brewed closer to Rochester than Schell's is... but New Ulm is similarly "southern" Minnesota. Too much information... but you fellas might be Thirsty when you get here! </div></div>

One of my favorite local beers is Grain Belt Premium. Not the regular Grain Belt crap, but the Premium in the clear bottle. Grain Belt is no longer in business, but the Shells brewery in New Ulm bought the Premium brand and is still brewing and bottling it. Good stuff and many of the local bars and restaurants have it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

June 9, 2006

ooh that looks so nice.

And that front bumper is straight again.

Looking forward to seeing it again. The last time I had a ride in it was at the pig barns (or where they chicken barns?) north of town, remember that?

1special66 · June 10, 2006

Look, great. I can't wait to see it in Rochester.

55PackardGuy · June 10, 2006

Tom, yes, this is kind of beer heaven, isn't it? I did not know that Schell's got Grain Belt Premium. Good for them! Premium used to be one of my favorites, too (although keep the clear bottles out of the sunlight or you can get a skunky one). At one time, plain old "Hamm's" had a rep outside the state like Coors used to have outside Colorado. Really wasn't that good; people just liked what they had to work hard to get, I guess. But you know what? I don't even drink any more--these are just fond memories... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> This brewery stuff is quite a ways off-topic, but consider it to be setting up some of the ambiance for Rochester! Maybe it will motivate some to hurry on over. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

June 12, 2006

Yes, I recall the pig barns that were converted to auto storage...ah, the good old days when I didn't have to store so many Buicks....

On the off-topic bit, I really like micro-brewery beers...of course, I had a Heineken earlier tonight...might just have to get that chilled Stella Artois in the fridge now...sigh.

old-tank · June 12, 2006

I'm getting thirsty...

Willie

imported_buick5563 · June 13, 2006

Forgive me Guy,

I just remember when I was making a living as a "rock star" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I played some festival sponsored by Leinie.

I will definitely be thirsty by the time I get up there after the driving the 55 from Texas. I will try the Schell's.

See y'all in a few weeks,

Mike

June 14, 2006

I picked her up and drove her today...she's back at the mechanical shop for carb tuning, a safety inspection, and whatever else comes up. I put $20 in the tank...it almost got up to 1/4 <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Max is so jealous, he had to get in the background of the following shot....

It isn't perfect, but overall it is very nice. Now of course I need to think about the shabby seats...sigh.

It is time for me to dig out the better hood ornament I have and find the 4 nicest hub caps and clean them up, get them on, and then take a few more photos.

She's almost over but for the driving. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

June 14, 2006

wow, that is nice!

those long side panels look good

maybe see you at the pony corral this sunday evening?

John

June 14, 2006

Could be, although I would rather "unveil" her at something a bit more interesting like a club function, but I don't recall any coming up.

I've got to get the miles on her once Dan has done his magic and the vintage plates are replaced with regular ones...what a tough life.

55PackardGuy · June 15, 2006

Thriller,

That car just looks so awesomely "presentable!" You did it! Congratulations. As for the seats, how about some tasteful covers for now? Might be just the ticket--make them cloth and your long drive will be more comforatable, too. Relax and have one of those beers now (but NOT while you're driving!) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

June 15, 2006

Derek,

It really looks good. Looking forward to seeing it in a few weeks.

June 16, 2006

Guy, I think you are on to something. We do have a few thin cushions that my wife had put together a few years ago for when we were renting boats with the plywood seats (gets kind of uncomfortable after a day on the water). Actually, something else I want to do is get a steering wheel cover - the steering wheel is cracked and I think a decent cover might make it a bit more driveable.

Tom, we're looking forward to it as well and seeing your new baby.

Tonight I was a bit nervous...I had to take a hammer to the Wildcat <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Actually, I used it with a punch to tap out the broken piece of the hood ornament as it was in there pretty good. I have a better one on, although looking at it, I definitely need to find another...I've seen a few repros on ePay. I put the hub caps on as well and realized I'd neglected to look after the wheels...they really need new paint. Can anyone tell me if they should be semi-gloss or what? I can't really reach the valves through the hub caps anyway, so I may get the tires pulled off to put in longer ones...if we do that, then perhaps they could get a quick scrape and spray while things are off.

There is a lot of detailing to do, particularly of the trim. A little bit of elbow grease will make some of it shine again, although there are some pieces that really ought to be replaced.

Seeing it a bit more in sunshine also meant a closer look at the paint...there are a few flaws that will need to be taken care of...I'll drop by the body shop with it next week and we'll go over it. Depending on their schedule, I hope to be able to get it dealt with before Rochester.

I also need to put another overflow hose on the rad...the old one is gone and if / when it does overflow, it will pretty much spray the battery...sigh.

One thing of note when the safety inspection was done was that one of the rear coil springs was broken...so both were replaced, and the air bags were pumped up to 20 lbs, so the car has a bit of a rake to it now...of course with luggage in the trunk and kids in the back seat, it ought to sit level while driving.

I guess I'll be tinkering all the way through for the next few weeks. There's plenty of stuff to do.

On another note, right now I'm not sure if the '62 Special will make the trip or not. It has developed a driveline clunk that will need to be looked at...it is running much better than it has been, but I have nightmares about driveline failure at highway speed.

Oh well, if it isn't one thing it's another. At any rate, depending on the weather, I hope to take a couple photos Sunday morning at the body shop and the mechanical shop now that it has the caps on.

Smartin · June 16, 2006

Looking really good, Derek! The 66 is definitely on my list of Buicks to own...and this a a nice color combo as well.

Let the final rush begin! I'm right there with ya <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

55PackardGuy · June 16, 2006

Derek,

You may be working too hard! Valve stem extensions that screw on to the short stems won't require removing the tires, and they eliminate the need for caps, too. They're really handy, just make sure your valve stems are good and don't need the regular cap for a seal.

If you're not entirely satisfied with your hood ornament, it's a GOOD one to leave on there for everyday driving. Then if it gets broken or stolen by some @#!#% it won't be such a painful experience. Save the good one for shows. If possible, rig it for a quick on-and-off and leave it off except when you're profilin'. Take a break, man! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

June 17, 2006

Thanks guys...if all goes well, I'll be taking a couple photos early Sunday morning before the rain hits...assuming the current weather prediction holds. Someone else was telling me today about the extensions...I'll probably still need to take the caps off to be able to get the extensions on...at least that won't take too long.

Adam, your car is going to be a lot sharper overall...I don't know how much more I am going to try to do - my priority right now is to get some miles on so that I can get the initial oil change after rebuild done and shake the car down to get my confidence in her up.

It was raining this morning, so I didn't drive it to work and on Monday I start at a different location that is within walking distance for me, so it will have to be weekends and evenings. Looking forward to it.

June 19, 2006

The weather finally brightened at the end of the day today...we had showers on and off all day, so I didn't really want to take it out. I went to the two shops and took photos and went for a bit of a drive. I also wanted to show you how it all looks with hub caps on.

There's still a lot to do in the next three weeks...I don't think any of it is a showstopper. I picked up a steering wheel cover today as the wheel is cracked and somewhat uncomfortable to drive. I wasn't happy with any of the fire extinguishers they had.

Anyway, click away.

June 19, 2006

looking real purdy!

June 23, 2006

I popped by the body shop this morning...while I waited they brought out the polisher and compound...all the spots I could find but one got buffed out - that one will need to be re-shot, but that will have to wait until after we get back from Rochester. One area needs a bit of time with touch up paint (which I of course forgot to bring with me this morning...sigh.

There was a bit of suspension clunk up front - an A arm bushing had gotten loose - it was tightened up and we are ready to roll.

The weather looks decent this weekend, so I think I'll get a few highway miles on her at least <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Glassesguy · June 23, 2006

Derek:

Lookin good! I'm following your progress as our family's first Buick was a new 1966 Wildcat 4 dr post sedan painted in your car's color. Pretty car, lots of power. I learned to drive on it and how to wash,wax,and touch up paint. Dad traded it in 1969 for a new Electra sedan with air. As a high school junior, I thought I was in heaven driving a new "Duece". Still, though, the Wildcat had better power and handling. Good luck on your trip. These cars are hard to hurt.

55PackardGuy · June 23, 2006

Yes, they are hard to hurt--and they do stand up to a bit of rain! Derek, waiting for the perfect day is building too much suspense for me... and you might just catch a few showers between there and Rochester, too. Let's have a driving report! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (I know, I know, fresh paint... but gee whiz, you must be getting antsy by now!) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

June 24, 2006

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I've put a few miles on...my plan is to take it out tomorrow morning and get out on the highway a bit. She feels pretty tight and looks pretty good. I just hope the speedo is more accurate than in the '62 if there are any police around...I guess I should take my GPS receiver along to verify.

55PackardGuy · June 24, 2006

Good for you! I bet it drives pretty "new" even if the interior appointments aren't fresh yet. It'll have that new-car smell from the outside, at least. Take 'er easy! Give everyone a chance to look and drool. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Philippe Racicot · June 27, 2006

Hi Derek,

I've been watching your posts since the beginning of the restoration and I'm impressed!

June 27, 2006

Yeah, it's nice and easy to drive...when it runs. With the aid of a friend, I found a vacuum line that has an end in poor shape...could cause a few issues.

A couple times around town, it had almost been like it had shifted into neutral, but without the revs that would have been associated with it...it happened a few times Saturday (got home before the downpour and hail) on the highway...less than half the time it would stall too. Another friend figures it sounds like ignition system / electrical.

It goes back to the shop on Wednesday...hopefully we'll work out these kinks...if all goes well, we'll get the A/C adapted and set up with R134a as well.

We took it to a bit of a local cruise last night as well...the kids thought it was really nice...in the back seat.

One question I have is on seat belts...the rear seat was removed while doing the body work...when they re-installed it, there are seat belts pulled out in the outboard locations...is there supposed to be a lap belt for the middle of the back seat as well? The only time I've seen only 2 seat belts in the rear seat was in a 2+2 type of configuration.

Philippe Racicot · June 27, 2006

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only time I've seen only 2 seat belts in the rear seat was in a 2+2 type of configuration. </div></div>

In 1966-67, there were only 4 seatbelts (lap bets) in standard equipment. The center seatbelts (for both the front and rear seat) were available as an option (at least in 1967) as well as front shoulder belts. The lap belts for all passengers became standard in the 1968 models and the shoulder belts for the outer front passengers were mandatory equipment later in the 1968 model year (january 1968). Shoulder belts for the outer rear passengers were also available starting in 1968 (if I remember correctly) but they were rarely ordered.

My 1965 Wildcat has only two lap belts on the front seat and no rear seat belts... In 1965, it was still possible to delete the front ones and in 1964, I think that even the front seat belts were an option.

June 29, 2006

Thanks for the info Philippe. Since I have the option info for my car from GM Canada, I guess it has four seat belts. Teresa will just have to ride up front with Mom.

I had the car in today (since I was at work and couldn't drive it anyway) to tidy up a few things. They also updated the A/C with R134...it apparently blows cold...although the blower motor screams at the highest setting...something else to deal with...tomorrow will be a good test as I will pick it up in the afternoon and it is predicted to be about 32 C (about 90).

55PackardGuy · June 29, 2006

I hope the blower motor isn't the infamous "behind-the-wheel-well" design like my '65 Electra. They built the car around that one--the r&r procedure called for cutting a hole in the wheel well and patching it after re-install! I never took mine out--just "fogged" it with WD40 through the cowl vent with the fan running. Sure, it smelled for a while but it didn't squeal any more!

One thing you can probably do without removing the motor is drill a small hole on the edge of the "bubble" in the end cap next to where the shaft seats and oil it--if it doesn't have an oiling hole already (most don't, unless someone drilled one at some point). Voila--a "rebuilt" motor. But sometimes it's the "squirrel cage" itself that makes the noise. On one car I had, it turned out the noise was from a large mouse nest inside the fan--apparently they kicked the squirrels out. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The race is on...Rochester here I come

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