Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Share Posted December 3, 2006 In the midst of a full frame off restoration. This is my 3rd Buick restoation, the goal has been to do a convertible from every century. I certainly wish I had the room and resources to keep them all.this is my latest project which came from an estate sale. The prevoius owner had been picking away at the restoration for about 15 or so years. Much of the plating had been beutifully done as well as the dash woodgraining. I started this in late Jan of 2006.Attached is a picture of the day I brought the car home followed by many more up to it's current state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 stripping down the body Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Body off the frame ready and waiting for the rotiseere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Body mounted to the rotiseere and off to the sand blaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 All blasted and at the body shop for prep and paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 A shot of the bottom after blasting. This car is unbeleivable, almost rust free! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Now while the body and paint is under way, I move onto the chassis and running gear. Everything gets stripped, restored or replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Here is the chassis all completed, i think I have lost several pictures as I cannot find the shots of the chassis after being blasted and during installation of all the drive train components. Trust me, everything has been done, at least once! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Brought the body home today. I had to rent one of those storage lockers to store all of the other sheet metal panels and then bring them home as I need them. this keeps accidents from happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Got the radiator temporarily mounted so I could test run the engine, all seems to be fine for now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted December 3, 2006 Share Posted December 3, 2006 Very nice. I have a different type of car skate - they're the greatest things since sliced bread. Looking forward to the end of the story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Now to get the body back onto the frame, really quite simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 There, all landed and secure, now onto the doors etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 I have skipped (lost) about three months of photos, but as you can see it is taking shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Time to get the dash installed and start installing the new wiring harness. The woodgraining was already complete when I purchased the car, what a beautifull job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 3, 2006 Author Share Posted December 3, 2006 Current picture, interior and top all done, need to sort out a few engine problems and then finish installing the front clip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 4, 2006 Author Share Posted December 4, 2006 Here is a before and after pic of my last project. Boy I wish I could have kept this, what a looker she was! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 4, 2006 Author Share Posted December 4, 2006 And the after pic, another total frame off restoration shown with my proud son. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 4, 2006 Author Share Posted December 4, 2006 Pic of my first project. Unfortunatley I did not have a digital camera at the beginning. This car is for sale by the current owner, it has been on ebay and is now in Hemmings. Real pretty car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glassesguy Posted December 4, 2006 Share Posted December 4, 2006 Glenn:Terriffic post. Love to see projects before, during, and after restoration. That bottom shot on the rotissorie will be invaluable to others trying to restore a rotted floor. The 38 40C is a particular favorite (along with a 39 41C) of mine. Thanks for taking the time to document and post these pics. Please post more as you finish the details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted December 8, 2006 Share Posted December 8, 2006 I agree -- fantastic restoration of a very impressive Buick. I'll be thrilled to see the final project. Thanks for sharing all the great photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 19, 2006 Author Share Posted December 19, 2006 Picture showing this past weekends progress. Both fenders mounted and secure, reworked brackets for the dual side mounts, installed stainless molding on headlamps, assembled parking lamps, installed and wired, all works OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 GlennHow about doing a story for Antique Automobile? (AACA)... when you're finished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted December 27, 2006 Author Share Posted December 27, 2006 Lots of progress over the Christmas Holiday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ZondaC12 Posted December 28, 2006 Share Posted December 28, 2006 oooooh man....i hate you. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> just kidding nice job!!! every time i see a 37/38 with those Trippe lights (and a LOT of em have em) i want them so bad! they add a lot to the look of the front of the car. but i saw ONE once on ebay and i think it was between $100 and $200!!!! no thanks! someday when i can spend that kinda money on extra headlights <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />although its funny, for my 1987 cougar, a set of new OEM headlights (yup ford's still churning them out to some degree) its $500...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Walling Posted December 31, 2006 Share Posted December 31, 2006 Thanks for the picture of the underside of the floor. When I took out my fronr seat from my 38 coupe, the floor, complete with the rockers semiattached, came with it!It is good to know what the floor looks like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Two Roadmasters Posted December 31, 2006 Share Posted December 31, 2006 Just for what it´s worth. The longer part of the bumpers was originally in upper position. It seems as your´s in lower position, would be a pity on an all over top restoration like this if so is the case, my apologif I´m mistaken. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ewing Posted December 31, 2006 Share Posted December 31, 2006 prooves just how much pictures are studied when they are of such a beautiful restoration.I concur, as far as I know, the longer section of the 38 front bumper is on the top.That's they way mine was when I got it in '67. Now that doesn't proove anything, but it was pretty much original when I got it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ZondaC12 Posted January 1, 2007 Share Posted January 1, 2007 guess what i read that and looked back up at my sig picture <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> "oh yes mines right!" LOLi never think about that and then someone brings it up like this discussion, what a small detail! ill bet theres lots of those out there on other cars that really look fine but would cost points in a judging! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />makes me truly appreciate what it takes to make a concours-grade car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glassesguy Posted January 1, 2007 Share Posted January 1, 2007 Glenn:Great to see the new pics. Bet you're anxious to get out and cruise. Regarding the front bumper, I'd have to agree with the other guys. The long part should be on top. I checked my "70 Years of Buick" and my AC "The Buick, A Complete History" The original photos seem to bear out what other other guys spotted. Better now than when a judge catches it if that's what you plan to do down the road.Also enjoyed the photos of your previous projects. I'm Buick Green with envy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 2, 2007 Author Share Posted January 2, 2007 Thanks all for giving me a heads up on the front bumper being upside down (how embarassing), that's what happens when you buy a car in pieces. I looked thru the shop manual trying to find a picture of the bumper arms and bumper but couldn't find one so I just took a guess at it. Now I wonder if I have the rear bumper on upside down as well? I now assume that it mounts like the front bumper?Now I have a question for you 38 guys out there regarding the lovers that mount under the hood on the side panels. When new, how where these louvers finished, where they painted, brushed or polished stainless?Thanks all, for you comments. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Two Roadmasters Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 To my knowledge were the lovers painted with a very light grey colour, almost like silver. I myself painted mine silver. I have not seen any litterature were they had chrome, not even on a convertible, a not too odd thought as the window frame is chromed.The rear bumper mounts in the same position as the front bumber, with its longer part in top position. I will look up in my library to see how exactly the Buick 8 sign in front was painted from factory, from memory I think that the 8 was red as were the letters and with a black background, but I will have a look. I know that there has been an article in the Torque Tube were a still originally painted sign was described. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Two Roadmasters Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Regarding the front bumper emblem: the 8 is red, the background and the straight line is black while the BUICK-letters are chromed, no paint as I previously wrote. Looks very goods with the 8 really glowing towards the chrome and black line. That is a real "straight 8" ain´t it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 4, 2007 Author Share Posted January 4, 2007 Two Roadmasters,I recently emailed a picture of my car to a well know 37/38 Buick guru. He responded to my email (correcting my spelling errors) and also quickly pointed out that I had painted the front bumper emblem "incorrectly". He said the 8 should be black and the Buick and slash should be red. Now I have two opposing opinions. What does everyone think about this? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Two Roadmasters Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 I have been able to locate the Torque Tube. In the January/February 1993 issue there is an article about this. And yes,Glenn, you are right! At the end of the article the editor puts a note where he writes that upon purchase of a well used original emblem, fractions of the original paint showed red bottom and line and black 8. When I bought my car it was the other way around, can be due to that it is custom bodied. The pin striping of the wheels for instance is different from the original 3 stipes. Only one stripe from the body workshop here.But it was good to find out the correct information about the emblem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DaveCorbin Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Dear Glenn: I'm looking at a factory photo from 1938 showing a Model 48 2 door and a self-shifter cowl job. On both cars, the long edge of the bumper is UP.Regards, Dave Corbin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 29, 2007 Author Share Posted January 29, 2007 Here is a pic showing the latest progress. Several people noted that I had the front bumper on upside down which has been corrected. I also corrected the colors on the front bumper badge and I must say I like the new color scheme better. I have also completed the headlamp wiring and installed the wiring for directional signals and 4-way flashers which thanks to the article in the Torque tube was a breeze! The sidemounts are also complete although I am not very happy with the way the covers attach (or at least the way I got them attached), they are only being held on with friction. I am afraid with a little vibration they will drop right off the car and get destroyed. I really need to see a car with sidemounts to see if my method is correct.This project is just about complete. I need to find my next project. Anyone know where I might find a 38 Century Convertible Coupe???? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Glenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ewing Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 My 38 sidemount covers are attached by the pinch action of the tread covers over the edge of the side covers.There is no way the side covers can come loose or fall off.I have driven my car thousands of miles, many highway, across western Canada and sidemount cover restraint has never been an issue.I am curious about one detail I see on your car and that's the red accent on the hood ornament. It that authentic? I had never noticed that detail before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only Buicks Posted January 30, 2007 Author Share Posted January 30, 2007 Hi John,Thanks for the response about the side mounts. At this point that is exactly how mine are being held together. I noticed some holes in mine that looked like a place for rivets but did not have corresponding holes in the mating pieces. Also the front covers had two holes located down low that look like maybe are for a rubber bumper?Regarding the red on the hood ornament, i saw that in a picture and decided it looked good, I would imagine the correct color is black but I like the way it matches the red in front bumper badge. If I catch alot of flack about it I can always repaint it I guess. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />Regards,Glenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ewing Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Yes, those holes are for a rubber rub strip. It laps over the edge ( as I recall, its in winter storage!), and is held on by rivets.I think they are there to prevent metal on metal when you push the cover past the fender well opening. Due to that action, I'm guessing that over the years they actually get pulled off in some cases. Mine are still on, as originally installed.I'm ok with the red ornament highlight, just wondered as I have never seen any highlight color on it before.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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