1958 Limited Four Door Riviera

[austingta]

I've been trying to strip everything I can to make the body lighter...

I just spent an hour and a half just getting the brake booster off. The infamous "nut" behind the dash was seized solid. I had to cut half of it off, and knock the other side off the other way. I then had to wrestle the booster out of its spot...it was just stuck in place that hard.

I'm out of steam for the night!

I swear, brake boosters are the hardest things to deal with. :Dou:

[Smartin]

Well, that wasn't too bad. The body shell is much lighter than I originally thought.

Calm before the storm...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift001.jpg


People showing up to help...I did some seriouss recruiting.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift002.jpg


We were going to try a test lift, just to see if we needed additional help, but the test ended up being the real deal...so no in-action shots of the initial lift.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift003.jpg


Once the body was up on the posts, we rolled the chassis out into the driveway. I only broke one linkage bracket when we lifted it off. I forgot to remove it from the firewall. OOPS.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift010.jpg


The obligatory goofball shot..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift009.jpg


We had to shift the body over to the wall so I could fit the 71 back in the garage. But we had to maintain the wide stance of the posts to allow the chassis to roll back under the body.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift013.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift016.jpg


Back in the garage it goes!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift022.jpg


It's difficult to steer a car when there's nothing to steer with!!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift023.jpg


Mission complete!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_lift027.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

that is awesome man.. you are doing in months what my Dad has been doing for 14 yrs on his 66 Olds

[EEE]

most impressive! Are you going to roll the chassis out when you work on it, or is that going away to get blasted and that will be it?

[Smartin]

I am going to wait and see how rusty the chassis is when I start disassembling it. It appears that it is in very good shape, from what I've seen so far.

[Smartin]

I'm trying to clean up some of the parts that got ripped off Saturday night before the liftathon on Sunday, before I get tempted to put them in the basement unfinished.

...this looked like fun to reassemble!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/brake_pedal001.jpg


It was...

I took care of the two air door "cages" while I was in the garage tonight.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/brake_pedal002.jpg

[austingta]

I hope you are putting all the bolts in labeled baggies...

[Smartin]

There are already several hundred labeled baggies:laugh:

[69GS400s]

Now that you have the body off, finding a suitable place to weld the 'chute mount shouldn't be an issue ... plus I see that the chasis has a built-in drive-shaft safety loop. That'll save some time and weight :Do No:

[Smartin]

Funny you mention that, Alan...I was envisioning it the other night.:laugh:

[Smartin]

This should look good bolted back on the firewall.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/cowl_vent_cover.jpg

[Smartin]

Since it's not supposed to rain this week (for once), I kicked the 71 out of the garage and moved the chassis into the open spot. Time to start stripping it!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/stripping_frame001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/stripping_frame002.jpg

I pulled the exhaust manifolds off this evening, and all the bolts came out like I just installed them yesterday.....funny, considering all the other bolts on this car have been just the opposite. I had wondered why there was an extra passenger side manifold included with the car when I bought it, but I know why, now. One of the downpipe stud bosses is missing, and the one on the car was cobbled together with a big ball of weld. It just fell apart when I tried to remove it.

I cut the exhaust apart and tossed it aside.

I decided not to reinstall the majority of the the air poise equipment on the frame, mostly due to the horrid condition of those parts and lines. The steel air lines running to the back were just about completely rusted away, and just fell apart when I was pulling them off. I had to sweep them off the floor, they were that bad. I did manage to save a couple pieces, and will be listing them on ebay tonight.

Yesterday, I detailed the air conditioning evaporator box....too many bolts on this thing!!! Also, I'm not going to try to make the foamy coating on the box look any better, because I think I'll just ruin it trying....so it stays a little beat up.:rolleyes:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/ac_box_finished001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/ac_box_finished003.jpg

[Nail-Head]

Adam, Have you been on vacation? :) What's the progress?

[Smartin]

Painfully slow!:laugh:

I have all the brake lines off. I think I'm just going to replace all those...there were only a couple that were nice enough to keep. I pulled all the air poise crap that was rusted away. The levelers are still good, but the lines (for the most part) were a total loss. I pulled the e-brake cable and cleaned it up. That thing looks and feels brand new. $200 saved!

Front sway bar is off, stripped, and ready to be reinstalled.

I have an engine stand, but neede to find someone with a hoist.

How does the rear end stay put when the transmission is removed??

[Caballero3]

I put a short piece of 2" x 4" wood under the nose torque tube, then with a small nylon tie-down strap tied the nose to the frame. It worked that way for me until I had finished my work. This works with the body on also.

Dan

[Smartin]

Thanks Dan! I want to keep the chassis rolling for ease of transport when I have it blasted.

[Smartin]

...and the fun continues!

Looking for a buddy with an engine hoist to pull the engine so I can get the frame to the blaster ASAP.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/starter.jpg

[Smartin]

I started pulling suspension parts off this evening...beginning with the front left wheel. It felt like it was loose, like a bearing was going bad. Everything looks good there, though. I think the castle nut was a bit loose, though.

I found a pretty ugly sight with the shoes and drums, though. Looks like someone never bothered to "mic" the drums and the lining disappeared...digging into the shoes as well. I think the other side is the same way, it has a grinding sound to it when I spin the wheel freely.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/bad_drum.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/brake_shoe.jpg


I did manage to clean a few things up before I gave up for the night, though.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/brake_hardware.jpg


Is there a market for a full set of original shocks?? I'd hate to throw them away if they're worth something as a core.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/shocks.jpg


I about had a heart attack when I pulled the rear shock mounts. I found that the rear end was hanging on the shocks themselves, and it made quite a racket when I zipped off the last bolt! I had no idea the springs had that much of a load on them.

I'll need to get a spring compressor for the front springs, though. The engine doesn't weigh enough for me to be able to use the jack under the lower control arm. All it does is jack the entire frame up.

[Smartin]

Engine and transmission are out! The trans mount and both engine mounts are toast. I'll just add those to the list of 1,000,000 things I need to complete the chassis work.:rolleyes:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_out.jpg


I made an attempt at making my own spring compressor, since the other store bought ones don't work on this car..

I got about halfway through the cranking process and my homemade plate buckled. Looks like I need to reinforce it there a bit more! It looks like my welding is getting a little better:D

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/spring_compressor001.jpg

[poison heart]

Spring compressors don't cost that much, why didn't you just buy one? haha

Keep it coming Adam

[Floydsbuick]

That is a good looking weld! Did you quench that? If not, you've weakened it a bit. Quenching hardens. But, it does make it brittle. So just like a forged tool, it'll break instead of bend. But I still recommend more reinforcement since the load is huge. Your project is looking good:TU:

[Smartin]

Robert: I did buy both internal and external compressors. The way the springs are setup in this car, it's virtually impossible for me to get them installed.

Dan, I did quench, but I did it slowly.

A Centurion forums member recommended using tie-down straps. I'm going to bring some home from work this evening and try them out. Seems like a good idea!

[EEE]

Does anyone have actual numbers on how much force is loaded into a compressed spring?

[65gs76limited]

Adam,I did the same thing when I stripped a 65 Skylark convertable.Bare rolling frame with no weight to it.What I did(maybe not the smartist thing but the safest way I could think of) was drop the front of the frame on the ground.Once it was laying on the ground I took the upper control arm loose from the inside so it was still attached at the ball joint.Slowly pried the arm up and over the frame with the longest cheater bar I had from the oppisite side of the car.I was out of the way and only had to worry about downward motion.Worked well for me but I don't know how your arms bolt up.I still have all my extremities.:TU: Tom

[Smartin]

I thought about the tie strap idea, and I am wondering how I'm going to UNload it. I can crank them down enough, but I won't be able to slowly let them loose. I'm going to reinforce my little metal bracket and try again with it.

[Floydsbuick]

Remember, coil springs are not designed to hold the car up, they are designed to kill you! :Dou:

[buick64203]

Remember, coil springs are not designed to hold the car up, they are designed to kill you! :Dou:


Well said!

I take it we're trying to save the coil springs for re use?

[Smartin]

Yep...

[cstanley-gs]

Put a chain though the spring and around the frame.. if it springs out the chain will keep it from hitting you.

[Smartin]

I got the passenger spring out....with a combo of my homemade compressor, and the help of the external spring compressor on the control arm and frame. What a pain in the arse!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm still going to scratch my head about how I'll get these back together. Maybe I can use the tie down strap idea on that, since I won't have the total spring release that time.

[Floydsbuick]

I've heard on this board before that a shop that does that kinda work will compress those springs and strap them for you. Then you install and cut the straps. Or something like that.

[Smartin]

That's a great idea! I'll look into it.

[furiousgoat]

Are the brake shoes gouged, or is that the factory wear indicator groove? My LeSabre had a similar groove on the front shoes. They were the original factory shoes that had that groove in them.

Great work :TU:

[Smartin]

They look gouged, judging from the rivets? in the drums. I'll have to look at the NOS drums I have in the basement to see what they look like...

[Smartin]

I love freshly blasted parts!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/control_arms003.jpg


Adios to Mr. Frame for a few days...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_to_blaster.jpg


This is my "faux" gold cad paint job. I'm too cheap for the real thing...especially on parts that won't really see the light of day, unless you get on the ground with a flashlight.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/backing_plate.jpg


Does anyone hate painting springs as much as I do? Jeez...what a pain!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_springs.jpg

[Aaron65]

Adam, what kind of blaster do you use? Cabinet? Out in the open? What compressor to run it? I'm doing some shopping now, I'm sick of the wire wheel method!

[Smartin]

I have a small blaster, but no cabinet right now. So I took the parts to Blastco, Inc near where I work. They did the upper and lower control arms, 4 springs, and the two front backing plates for $50. They are blasting the frame for $150.

The wire wheel method is great until you have to reach into the little corners and nooks the wheel can't get to. These parts were highly soiled, and I got tired of scraping with a screwdriver around the ball joints and cracks. So I just gave up and took them to the blaster.

www.blastcoinc.com

[Dale]

Does anyone hate painting springs as much as I do? Jeez...what a pain!


Yes, I do!

That faux gold cad paint can look pretty good too once you get the hang of it.

Been great to follow your progress on the beast!

:TU:

[Smartin]

All chassis parts are ordered! I'm gonna go puke, now.

[65gs76limited]

I'll bet that was expensive!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tom

[Smartin]

Just the front end ball joint/bushing/end link, etc "kit" was nearly $500.

Steel brake lines from Right Stuff were $110 (CHEAP!)

I spent $850 on parts from CARS, Inc. this morning. Jeff was the only one working today...poor guy!

I found motor mounts for $70, brand new.

Wheel cylinders were almost $100 for a set of 4.

Hopefully, when I crack the engine open, the heads won't need much work. I will probably take them to the machine shop and have them go through them. The last nailhead I had needed several exhaust valves and a couple new seats. I bought a head gasket kit from CARS so I could put new gaskets everywhere, including the oil pan. I also bought the standard transmission seal kit. There are a couple spots that are seeping....imagine that!

It needs tires. The ones on it are almost brand new, but are dry rotted.

The blaster is charging me $150 for the bare frame, and $5-10 for every other separate part I bring in.

So....expensive? Yes, but I'm into the chassis for less than $1500 so far. Once new tires go on it, I'll be way over. I still think I'm doing ok.

[EEE]

I'll throw up a little here too, just to make sure we're covered :beers2:

[Aaron65]

I know how you feel right now. I drove my '53 off my oil change ramps last month...so insurance is covering that damage to the fender, but I need to get it painted, and now that the trim is off, it needs some weatherstripping, and I really should rechrome a few parts...and on and on. Plus, my Mustang is in primer waiting for me to paint it, and my Corvair needs a new rear wheel bearing. Right now, I am saving no money, that's for sure.

[65gs76limited]

Adam,just look at all the money you have saved by doing so much of the work by yourself.It really adds up,for the re-chrome bill.Now that's gonna be EXPENSIVE! Tom

[JZRIV]

The blaster is charging me $150 for the bare frame, and $5-10 for every other separate part I bring in.



You are a machine. Do you ever sleep?
$150 for the frame blasting is a good price as well as the other parts. You might consider having it epoxy primered while it is there. I had mine blasted and primed for $270 but had other quotes for the work come in at $450. :eek2: Was hesitant to spend the extra money on having them prime but it was well worth it. Fortunately the weather held up and I got it painted black while I could still do it outside. They must have had a special nozzle because they got good primer coverage back into all the caverns. I'm waiting for my axle and Rad support to come back now. Every thing else will fit in the 58" cabinet I'm going to buy today at TP Tools. It pains me to spend the money on a cabinet and compressor but I live out in the sticks and don't have anyone close by thats convenient and cheap. No full payback for this one job but my wife reminded me there will be others. How does she know that.:Do No:

[Ken Mild]

Adam,

I have read this entire thread. Your perserverance is indeed an inspiration (or at least should be) to us ALL!

And the whole while, for some reason, the reader gets the impression you are doing it with a smile. :)

Thanks for posting this and please keep moving forward! I love it. :TU:

[buford owner]

adam,gleen at cars will be smiling all the way to the bank after today.i made him smile a few years back.must have made his day as he gave us a tour of the place. good luck on your restoration, buford owner from ct aka don

[Smartin]

Glenn will be smiling even more when I make the next order! I'm sure there will be a couple more $$$$ spent with him. I talked to Jeff on Friday when I ordered the parts, and he was the only one there. He had to keep putting me on hold to answer the phone:laugh: He said, "Never offer to make a work day optional for employees." Good advice..


I picked up the frame from the blaster this evening. Looks good! No surprises, thank God.:cool:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_blasted.jpg

[Smartin]

It was really great to meet you and Rob last year, Erik! I wish I could've taken you both out for dinner or something, but it was pretty late (for me) by the time you were able to make it out :)

Man, looking at those pictures of the garage and the mess I was working in makes me realize why I had to do some major rearranging. I built several more shelves and sorted all the loose parts and "stuff" ....it's a much better working environment, now.

And it's really cold again tonight!:laugh:

[69GS400s]

you're a Freakin' Machine !!!

.... about this nailhead rebuild - I thought we talked you into a motor swap in Ohio ?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3484689944_60bd012a4c_b.jpg

[Smartin]

The next 58 Limited I buy will be back-halved with a big hunk of aluminum in place of the ol' Nailhead:TU:

[Smartin]

Ok, photo time!

Who ever thought a bare frame could look pretty?:D

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_painted001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_painted002.jpg


Front shock towers installed...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_painted003.jpg


Fuel line clips - check!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_painted004.jpg


Shift linkage bracket installed....

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/frame_painted005.jpg

[EEE]

Where are you hiding the brown car?

[Smartin]

It's at a friend's house sitting in his garage. They are not living there anymore, so the garage is open. I just hope (for my own selfish reasons) they don't sell until I get the frame finished.

[Triarii]

Hey, Erik, really great photos and a nice video !
Thanks for sharing them !!!

[Smartin]

I left for Vegas for 2 days, and when I came back, there were 4 boxes waiting on my porch. It's an early Christmas at the Martin house!

Green engine paint
Transmission seal kit
Head gasket kit
Oil pan gasket
Engine mounts
Trans mount
Brake shoes
Wheel cylinders
Brake hoses
Sway bar bushings
Panhard bar bushings
Rear axle bushings
Dashpot
Carb kit
Coil spring insulators
Front end suspension kit
Plug wire looms
Exhaust manifold french locks
Frame mount pads
Body mount bushings

I think that's it...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/cars_order.jpg

[Smartin]

I replaced the upper and lower ball joints, and replaced the control arm "bushings"....(absolute nightmare!) and painted said control arms. The lower ball joints had been replaced at one point, but the uppers were still riveted to the arms. It took me 2 hours to remove them.

The uppers are mounted on the frame, but have left the lowers off until tomorrow when I hope to tackle the springs.

I realized this evening when I tried to fit the new brake lines to the frame that they sent me the wrong front lines! It's not worth sending them back, so I used one of the old lines that is still good, and altered the new one to fit where it should go. I have to go to the parts store in the morning to flare the end I cut. I bought the lines from Right Stuff. Everything else appears to be correct.

Sigh...tomorrow's another day!

[SportWagonGS]

Adam,
Do you have new emblems for the car? or more importantly do you have some old emblems I could get for Gigantor? I'm sort of Rat Rodding it up and want to use some 50s stuff on it....and it is a Limited....

[flynbuick]

Get a new Line. It is the corrosion on the on the inside from hygroscopic brake fluid that you cannot see in the remaining old line that matters. You have so much left to do that this will not slow down the end game. Otherwise it may cause your brake seals to leak.

[Smartin]

I should be able to make a new line with what I have left of the hack job I did on the new one last night. Good point, Jim.

[Smartin]

I ended up using all new lines on the front, as opposed to using one of the old ones that LOOKED good. It gave me a reason to buy another tool (double flare tool!). So, some decent progress was made today.

I used a combination of 3 compression methods to get the front springs in. Ratchet strap wrapped around the control arms, my homemade spring compressor, and the store-bought compressor. At any given time, I had at least 2 of those items on the chassis to prevent sudden explosion of the control arms. The drivers side was simple, but the passenger side spring didn't want to seat in the lower arm correctly. It kept spinning out of the sweet spot. I finally got it done, though.

I was able to get the passenger side backing plate, wheel cylinder, and brake hose hooked up before I had to go to dinner tonight. It's starting to look like something, now!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_susp001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_susp002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_susp004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_susp007.jpg

[breakinbuick11]

Looks great Adam, this is one of my most checked threads.

keep us posted.

Louie

[Smartin]

The rear end is going to be a pain. I started on it this evening, and gave up after I pulled the drums and realized I (think) I installed the rear shoes on the front. I have yet to confirm this, but I'm fairly certain that's the case. So....it was a good quitting point, rather than lodge a box end wrench into the wall.

The front suspension is virtually complete, with the exception of the brake shoes and drums. :rolleyes: Tomrrow, I am picking up one front drum, and I believe I have one good drum in the basement. I just need to blast it clean.

Pay no attention to the wrong shoes..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/shocks_installed.jpg


I've been dreading this job...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_end.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

Im lovin this thread! Keep it up man!

[furiousgoat]

Great work Adam!!

It has always been my experience that the longer,larger, or simply "shoe with the most surface area" (the primary shoe) is installed on the back of the drum. As this is the shoe that does the majority of the braking.

Reading your thread always reminds me to quit spending time on the computer and to go out in the garage to work on my own car!

[Smartin]

Ok, now the only thing left before I can all 4 wheels back on this chassis, is to get the two front aluminum drums blasted and turned! All of the brake lines are installed, as well as the hoses, and the emergency brake cables.

Those upper rear shock mounts are a TERRIBLE design. I spent quite a bit of time massaging them to get the holes to line back up where they should be.

The rear drums fit really tight on the new brake shoes...hopefully they will loosen up when I roll it around a bit.

Shiny brake bits..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_installed001.jpg


It looks like I have some dusting to do. I had hte whole chassis covered the entire time I was working on the rear end...I guess dust has a way of getting everywhere. Nothing a little compressed air won't fix! I had to wrap a small towel around the torque tube so it didn't rub on the frame. I really hate that design. The only thing that is holding the rear end from moving forward or backward is the transmission:Dou: so it's just swingin' in the breeze...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_installed002.jpg


One more shot for fun...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_installed005.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

you're really making progress! excellent work

[Ken Mild]

Adam,

I also seeked out this thread to see what you've been up to. You are doing a fabulous job. You'll be turning heads everywhere with this thing. If you can still afford gas when you're done! :error: :beers2:

[Smartin]

Thanks guys!

I picked up the front aluminum drums from the blaster today. They look awesome. I love freshly blasted aluminum.

The temps this week are anywhere between -1 and 19 degrees, so I think I'll wait until I crank the heater up for a couple hours before I go back out there.

[64Electra]

I've followed your restoration off and on, here and the '59 site. I'm sure you've been asked and it may seem obvious, but you are going for a 400 point car, right? It looks SAAAWEEEEEEET!

[Smartin]

400 points would be nice, yes:grin:

I'm sure someone will unknowingly take points off for something they think is wrong, though.:rolleyes:

[mini rant]

I had points taken off my FRESH 71 LeSabre engine bay because they thought there was overspray on the heads from the exhaust manifolds. Could they not tell burned paint from overspray? It cost me a silver award. NOT happy!

Hopefully, I won't see anything like that happen again...especially on something I've spent several years and tens of thousands of $$ on...only to be picked apart by someone who isn't educated enough to be judging on the 400 point system. What's the saying? "Don't kill the car."

[/mini rant]

[Smartin]

Front drums are finally finished and installed!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_drums001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_drums002.jpg

[EEE]

Sweet, what's next in line?

[poison heart]

Damn, that's looking good.

[65gs76limited]

Very,very nice.

[Smartin]

Thanks!

Engine and transmission are next....time to get greasy again.

[71GSX455-4SPD]

Adam-

It's hard to believe that front end is the same rusty looking mess we saw in post #269. Excellent work! I imagine the feeling of satisfaction as you complete sections of the car and detail parts must be pretty high.

Keep it going! :TU:

[poison heart]

need a parts car?

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/1651545882.html

any progress?

[Smartin]

Hi Robert, no real progress. I pulled the engine apart, and it's ugly.

Needs pistons, rings, bored.....and might as well do everything while I'm in there. I don't have the money right now, though. The heads have a couple burnt valves, too.

Stuck in a rut right now!

I got my 71 home yesterday...forgot how much I love to drive that car. I need to install the new ported exhaust manifolds and get the big fuel pump put in, so I don't nose over when I hit 2nd gear.

RE: Parts car - It needs to be a Super, Roadmaster, or Limited for me to be able to use the majority of the parts. Special/Century is a small series.

[RipRohring]

Not knowing what might fit or not - there is a '53 local to me - whole car - 12V - V8 - in pretty good "shape" - but the owner is in CA and his brother is here in Buffalo and wants to get this car off his transmission lot. . .
.
It's a RoadMaster, w/PS, PB, PW - and best of all A/C. interior no good, paint not any good, although rust isn't bad. :bglasses:
.
Parted out correctly, you could pay for what you strip off ? :dollar:
.
PM me if you want more info. I have NO VESTED interest, just saw this RM last summer while cruising. . .
Rip Rohring :Comp:

[Smartin]

Is it a 53 or a 58?

[austrian455]

Always a pleasure to check out the new pics in your thread. That´s going to be a real nice car.
What about the engine parts? Complete rebuild kit from EGGE ? or Kanter ?
I´m curios about the pics of the engine and tranny rebuild. I always love to see a fresh motor come together ;)
Are you going to send the transmission somewhere to get it done, or will you do it you self?

[Floydsbuick]

Any updates? Or did they finally come take you away haha??:rolleyes:

[Smartin]

Still in a rut...

I'm not sure which direction I'm going to next...maybe will stick the engine in the corner for now, and get the underside of the body cleaned up and painted, so it will be ready to drop back on the frame when I can actually afford to rebuild the engine.

[64Electra]

Good Plan!!!! Hang in there Adam!!! I'm just getting back to my LeSabre since the money started rolling in again..

[m.kozlowski]

Have You considered another engine instead of rebuild?
What about transmission? Maybe put the trans with bare engine block in, do the rest and put good or rebuilt engine when the opportunity comes?

[Smartin]

It's the original engine...I'd like to keep it if I can. The transmission is fine...just needs to be cleaned up and a couple new seals.

[poison heart]

What would be better and cooler than a nailhead anyway???

[m.kozlowski]

Another, healthy nailhead.

I would clean and inspect transmission and hook it to the empty block or another (same) nailhead. Or that one, just cleaned and painted. When time comes You can always remove and rebuild that engine.

[fatboybuick]

adam this thing is a beast, I was thinking of a frame off resto also on my 72, but I don't have a garage, and I just can't trust the people around me like that. I'll just have to see what all I can do frame on. I'm now addicted to this post. Keep us up to date. thanks much

[EEE]

Show us some pictures of some wire wheeled bolts or a polished ash tray, I know you're up to something.. Waxed the copper car for summer?

[Smartin]

Aside from work completely draining my will to live this season, I've been trying to make a couple extra bucks doing some stainless steel and aluminum polishing. A former BCA member and friend Crin (our51super) runs an upholstery and painting business, so he's been throwing some work my way. The first project was a 55 Chevy. If I didn't know better, I'd think the stainless trim was run through a garbage disposal, and then run over...twice. Everything came out ok, though. I also repainted the accents on all the trim. I'm not sure why I didn't get a finished photo of the spears...oh well.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crin/55_belair004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crin/55_belair011.jpg


The next project was a 67 Barracuda convertible. He is only doing the interior on this car, so he gave me all the bucket seat trim (which is not stainless....hmm) and some other random stainless trim. There was one piece that was aluminum and was anodized. Anyone ever have to remove that stuff? What a pain! I don't think he was real careful when he removed it...lots of grind marks where he ground the heads off the screws to get it off...and bent to hell. Check it out. I found out that it's the convertible boot retainer that goes along the back seat...soooo I had to make it look good.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crin/67_barracuda001.jpg


Hours and hours later.....(can't get a good shot of it)

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crin/67_barracuda005.jpg


Here's the rest of the stuff from that car..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crin/67_barracuda008.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/crin/67_barracuda009.jpg


Needless to say, I'm getting lots of practice for the 58. Anyone have any stainless they need done?:bglasses:

[flynbuick]

Eastwood makes a spray that takes the anodization off . But instead send the aluminum pieces here for the entire job:

http://www.kingoftrim.com/

Marcos does great work. But ship it in plastic pipe or double box it.

[bhambulldog]

That's a dynaflow alright. The triple turbine had a different shift pattern. Unique I think.
P N D G R
G is for downhill grades ONLY to provide engine braking. NOT to be used for acceleration.

[d2_willys]

P N D G R
G is for downhill grades ONLY to provide engine braking. NOT to be used for acceleration.

It should read P R N D G for the flight pitch/triple turbine. P N D L R is variable pitch dynaflow.

[bhambulldog]

It should read P R N D G for the flight pitch/triple turbine. P N D L R is variable pitch dynaflow.
P R N D G :error:

You sir are correct.
:TU:P R N D G is correct for triple turbine

Thank you d2_willys

and at Smartin; very nice work on the stainless.

[Smartin]

Ahhhhhhhh.....progress. Feels good.

I'm on vacation this week (staycation, I hate that word) so I've been putzing in the garage most of the week. I took the heads, valve covers, valley cover, oil pan, intake, and rockers to the machine shop on Monday. They told me they had to boil the parts twice to get the sludge off...I'm not surprised.

Good news - I knew at least one exhaust valve was bad, so I was prepared for a whole laundry list of crap to be wrong with the heads. He called yesterday and told me everything was pristine:puzzled: with the exception of the one valve. He also said this is the nicest set of nailhead heads he's seen go through that shop. I reminded him of Hank's 401 heads that needed a boatload of work, and those were supposed to be good running heads. I called Jeff at CARS and he overnighted a valve. I wanted them done this week so I could pick them up today. Once I go back to work, it would be virtually impossible for me to get back there in good time. Hindsight says I should've just ordered the damn valve ahead of time.

Next on the list is engine disassembly, (is that a word?) then another mass purchase of engine parts. I know it's going to need to be bored, so new pistons and rings, rod and main bearings, cam bearings for sure. Gaskets...I only ordered a head gasket kit from CARS, so I'll need to get a timing cover gasket, front and rear main seals...etc. I already have an oil pan gasket and freeze plugs. Oh yeah, oil pump kit...:Dou:

I'll still need to have the exhaust manifolds milled flat and cleaned up. That's $85 each.

I'm glad I love this hobby.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/heads_rebuilt001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/heads_rebuilt002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/heads_rebuilt003.jpg

[Aaron65]

Adam, just remind yourself that if you had back all the money that you spent on the thing, you'd most likely spend it on a car. Keep plugging away!

[EEE]

How can it be $85 to mill an exhaust manifold flat.. Don't they just put it in the mill and run it over once?

[bhambulldog]

How can it be $85 to mill an exhaust manifold flat.. Don't they just put it in the mill and run it over once?
It's not how long it takes to do it. It's how long it takes to learn to do it right.

[Smartin]

They actually clean up the manifolds and check for cracks, hot tank and blast.

[Hector]

How can it be $85 to mill an exhaust manifold flat.. Don't they just put it in the mill and run it over once?

The set up requires some skill and the equipment in most competent shops tends to be pricey.Ideally they will remove the least amount needed to make the surface flat,it may take at least a couple of passes to sneak up on that figure.I think that would be a decent price for the job,can't wait to see them bolted to this particular engine.:beer

[ozzytom]

Wow!
What a project!

I know there must be times you feel like this: :Dou:

You certainly are passionate about what you do... keep it up.
You're doing an absolutely fantastic job.


Great thread. I've only just come on board recently.
It certainly makes me more comfortable in tackling some minor work on my '57 when I see the amount of work you have tackled.
Looking forward to following your current task of engine and trans buildup.

cheers,
from down under Australia.
:beer

[Smartin]

The block is completely disassembled now. All pistons look good, but I'm still unsure of the possibility of having the bore the block to get rid of the ridges. I will need to bring it to the machine shop sometime (whenever I can find time, ha!) and see what he says. All the rod and main bearings looked decent with only some minor scratches and wear. With the exception of the ridge in the cylinders and the horrid sludge, this engine was in good shape. I was halfway tempted to just put it back together when I checked out all the bearings. But I have to keep torturing myself somehow...

Crank looks good.

I started to clean up a couple things that came off the engine tonight, but ran out of steam about an hour into it. The downdraft tube and steel vacuum line from the oil pump are clean and painted.

I drove the Centurion for the first time in a few weeks today, and it felt good! I've been working on the paint of my daily driver 95 Yukon (black!)...looks like a brand new truck again. I had to give the Smartin touch to the paint. It was looking sad after 15 years of scratches and bumps.

[austrian455]

I think a short hone to get the oil stickin on the cylinders again is never a mistake.
I also would get the crank polished a bit and put new rod and main bearings in.
I don´t have to tell you that this won´t cost big $
What about the cam bearings?
Camshaft and lifters?
To hone the cylinders a bit would also make sure that you´ll get a good seal again with a set of new piston rings.

If it was my motor and the guy from the shop says you don´t have to bore oversize I would do it that way:

hone cylinders, polish crank, mill heads true, valve job

Parts: piston rings, rod and main bearings, cam, lifters, timing set, oil pump gears, maybe rocker arms?, and new valve springs.

And if you´ve got some time to spend you could pick up some flow in the intake, heads and exhaust manifolds :Brow:
I wouldn´t go crazy on this. But a little "porting" and getting every port matching was never a mistake.

[Smartin]

I planned on doing all of that to the block. Especially, now that I have it apart.

I won't be porting anything on this engine...I don't think it will ever see over 4k RPM's:laugh:

[Stampy]

Just found this thread. Read it in one sitting, straight through. You sir, have got a good thing going on here. Keep it up.

[Smartin]

Thanks Mike! It's painfully slow, but I'm learning patience :laugh:

[bhambulldog]

It is very interesting to watch your progress. Keep up the good work.

[64Electra]

Adam,

I met a guy tonight with a '58 Limited 4-dr and wondered how your progress was coming...Keep up the good work.

[NFP]

Wow, this is an amazing project and it's awesome to see thru the time line just how you yourself have improved (welding skills)

I would love to take on a project car and actually have my eyes on a '57 Roadmaster, but with a young family including two young daughter I dunno where I'd find the time just to get things roadworthy. Keep up the good work, it was well worth reading thru all your past progress, lookin forward to your work on the underbody

[EEE]

Parts?

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/2047459146.html

[69GS400s]

How are your seats ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Carbon-Fiber-Cloth-Racing-Seats-Black-Grey-Silver-Car-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZMakeQ3aBuickQ7cYearQ3a1958 QQhashZitem43a24161d1QQitemZ290485002705QQptZMotor sQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

... sez they're for a '58 buick :idea2: :Do No:

actually, on a more serious side, several '58 cars listed for parts ? on Ebay right now for cheeeep that prolly won't sell - I'd be messaging them with your "needs list" and see if the're willing to pick the meat off the bones a bit - its worked for me in the past

[Smartin]

Thanks for the leads, guys. I've been in contact with a few guys like that who are picking other 58's. Right now, I'm not putting any funds in it that I don't need to. Plus, it seems I don't have any extra time lately...my 71 has been sitting on jack stands for 2 weeks waiting for me to reinstall the drivers side exhaust manifold.:Dou:

[Smartin]

The machine shop gave me the verbal for only needing a cleanup on the cylinders, so he will be finishing that after the 1st of the year. I just ordered everything I need to finish the engine assembly. Too bad I won't have everything in the next few days...I have the whole week of between Christmas and the new year. Oh well, progress is being made again!

[EEE]

Good news, nice nice,,,,

[Smartin]

I took a bunch of the front end sheet metal (wheel houses, splash pan, fan shroud, etc) to the blaster today...I envision some major metal patching in my near future. A couple of those pieces are pretty eaten up.

I found a good match to the metallic blue in the interior parts. There are 2 shades, this is the darker one. I still need to find a match for the lighter shade. I shot paint on the lower steering column cover to see how it would turn out. I'm pleasantly surprised.

All of the relays were still attached to the front wheel house, so I had to pull all of those before I took them to the blaster today. I ended up cleaning and detailing all of them, as well as the clock, and hood latch.

Lots of random stuff done this week...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/relays_before.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/clock_before.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/relays.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

I love updates to this thread!
Nice job man.

[Caballero3]

Keep pluggin,
Just a note, I am not hawkin for this guy, but I have used him three times and had clocks converted to quartz and the faces redone. The clocks really work well.

http://www.autoclock.com/

Dan
'57 - 79C
'57 - 56R

[Smartin]

First coat...:cool:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_painted001.jpg


I upgraded my welder last week to a gas MIG. Ready to do some more welding:Brow:

[Aaron65]

First coat...:cool:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_painted001.jpg


I upgraded my welder last week to a gas MIG. Ready to do some more welding:Brow:

Good choice on the MIG! I upgraded to gas partway through my Mustang project and it's hard to believe I ever got along without it. Sooooo much nicer.

[Smartin]

I welded with it for the first time yesterday, and it's sooooo much smoother! :laugh:

I bolted some stuff on the engine yesterday...have to get a new vac advance can for the distributor. I sold my NOS one on ebay a month ago (oops), thought I had another one in the basement. I searched for it for an hour. Tomorrow, I'm going to pick one off a buddy's parts car, and hope it holds vacuum.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_painted003.jpg

[EEE]

Good to see the updates!!!

[r0ckstarr]

Subscribed. I just read this entire thread from page 1 to here. Cannot wait to see what comes next.

Did you ever crack open the rear axle and change the oil, or are you leaving it as is? I ask because I didn't see any comment about the horrid smell of 50+yr old gear oil. :TU:

[Caballero3]

I was once told that it was whale oil. This ought to get the "save the whale" types going.

[69GS400s]

i thought it was the posi additive that was whale sperm ?

... dont think I'd want to smell it if its 50 yrs old or ... er... freshly bottled ?

Nice to see foward movement. I thought entropy took over like in my garage

[Smartin]

I just changed the gear oil. I hate that smell....and it lingers in the garage for days afterward.

[EEE]

I just changed the gear oil. I hate that smell....and it lingers in the garage for days afterward.

It's manly...

[Smartin]

More engine photogzzzz! Exhaust manifolds, fuel filter, distributor, plug wires, and choke tube installed...

Engine oil filled and primed. Great pressure, even when I forget to install the gauge and it shoots clean oil all over the garage floor :laugh:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_painted004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_painted005.jpg

[bhambulldog]

Very Nice!:bglasses:

[EEE]

What did you use on those manifolds?

[Smartin]

Eastwood manidold cast iron grey. It has worked really well for me.

[Smartin]

Big day today...the engine and transmission are back in their home!

I had a heck of a time fitting the splines of the driveshaft back into the tailshaft of the transmission until I read the manual, and saw that there are blind splines that need to be lined up to go in. After I lined them up, it only took some wiggling of the driveshaft, and it popped right in. That only killed an hour of the day.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_installed001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_installed003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/engine_installed006.jpg

[bhambulldog]

:TU: Hooray! :grin:

[Smartin]

With the help of a couple neighbors, I rolled the chassis into the other garage spot today, in anticipation of cleaning up the underside of the car body. Instead of working on that today, I decided to throw some parts at the engine. This is my favorite part!!

The poor body ready for more surgery...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/eng_brackets_installed001.jpg


AC compressor, generator, and power steering pump made their way onto the engine today. I have some major dust buildup on the frame...ugh. I'm not happy with the finish of the air cleaner, either. I will need to repaint the lid.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/eng_brackets_installed002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/eng_brackets_installed003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/eng_brackets_installed004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/eng_brackets_installed005.jpg


I thought this would be interesting to compare the before and after shots...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/eng_brackets_installed006.jpg

[buford owner]

looks bettet than new adam,wish i had your jewells to tackle a big project like that my 57 super wont will be an amature half ass rest.4 buford from ct

[bhambulldog]

You're getting there :TU: And, it's looking good! The air cleaner looks OK in the pics. The engine, with the; steering/air pump, the generator and, the A/C compressor , look like a million dollars!

[56buickboy]

Fantastic project Adam,
thanks for sharing it with us all. Is the compressor in front of the power steer pump for the air suspension?

Ross

[Smartin]

Yes, but I will not be restoring the air suspension. It was converted to coil springs when it was nearly new, but there were several air poise parts left on the car.

[austingta]

That power steering pump is amazing. What did you have to do to it?

[Smartin]

I had to clean it with a toothbrush, q-tips, and a can of brake clean :laugh:

[John Codman]

Fantastic project Adam,
thanks for sharing it with us all. Is the compressor in front of the power steer pump for the air suspension?

Ross

I would guess that 99% of the 1958 GMs that had air suspension were converted to coil springs. The other 1% were junked. This was a major troublesome setup. You would go out to your car in the morning and find that you had a low-rider. You would then start the car and wait for it to pump itself up. GM got a bit ahead of the technology. The air suspension in my '90s Town Cars was awesome!

[Radlark]

WOW I was about to go eat breakfast and saw this thread and I read it from the start to here and all I have to say is that you have dedication and patience and it was very inspiring to read this thread!!

Keep up the great work I can't wait to see the finished looked.

Oh....my breakfast is cold but DAMN....it sure was worth it:TU:

[JZRIV]

Looks outstanding Adam. You do very fine work. :beer That has to make you feel good having the chassis nearly complete.

Dang, I need to keep up the pace. Your project is pretty even with mine now. :shock:. My body is gutted, mostly paint stripped, and ready for soda blasting. I enjoyed doing the chassis but not enjoyimg the body so far. I need to learn to use a MIG soon. I suck at bodywork. :ball: I already have a lot of hours into the body and don't have much to show for it.

Keep up the great work!

[wildcat4]

Lookin Great! I wish I had your patience.
One question, is the fuel pump supposed to be grey or green, when I did my Dads I left it grey?
Yours is way beyond the level I could do:TU:

[Smartin]

The fuel pump was on the engine when it was painted, but it typically was half-ass masked...so it would be similar to a distributor where there is paint on it, but no one seemed to care whether it looked good or not. Bare cast or painted, should be fine for judging purposes (at least in the BCA).

[69GS400s]

That doesn't look like the new TA block in there - you disguised it well :beers2:

[Elf]

Dude, you are doing an awesome job!:TU: Keep up the great work!

[Smartin]

:grin: :grin:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/firewall_painted.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

Beauty!

[Smartin]

Today was a VERY productive day! I had some help from everyone, it seemed. Family, club members, and friends from several different worlds came out and gave me a hand in the body drop festivities :D

The entire setup had to be scooted over to the center of the garage about 2 feet, so out came the chassis. The body was nearly touching the wall on one side, and there wasn't any way we could squeeze over there.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_on008.jpg


Body scooted over...chassis goes back in.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_on007.jpg


Steering is always a challenge.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_on005.jpg


No action shots...it took everyone we had to maneuver the braces out of the way and carefully lower the body to line up the front mount holes. The firewall is obnoxiously close to the engine in some spots, so we had to be careful not to break the throttle linkage (again).

Woot!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_on002.jpg


...another obligatory goofball shot...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_on004.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

That is awesome! If I was close I would have been there too:TU:

[breakinbuick11]

Adam, your work is beautiful. Even though this car is 120% different than mine, it inspires me.

Thank you,
Louie

[EEE]

Looking good!!! What's next in the pipeline?

[Smartin]

I'm going to get the interior sheet metal cleaned up and painted, then move to....body work. Oh the humanity!

[gabe]

Looks great Adam!!

[Dale]

Really coming along Adam!
Getting the body back on is a big milestone, and I am sure a big motivator too!

:TU:

[69GS400s]

no Midas shirts ?

Looking better and better :beers2:

[Smartin]

The Monroe pit crew didn't show up yesterday...but the Cuervo rep did:laugh:

[GoldBoattail455]

Looking good! Looks good enough to put in the Easter show. :beer :bglasses:

[Smartin]

Hah! I'm driving Paul Meyer's 63 Wildcat convertible to the Easter show. I had already paid for a spot, but since then, have been carless.

[bhambulldog]

Way to Go!!! :TU:

[68 LeSabre 4dr]

Adam , It is looking great bud !!!

:bglasses: :bglasses:

[Smartin]

I haven't had much time to work on the car lately...those 60+ hour weeks are not conducive to progress here. Over the last couple days, I've done a few things...

I pulled out the chrome dash control cluster to see if it would clean up without having a rechrome. I believe I succeeded. This piece looks good enough without $$$ in rechroming. I had to disassemble those parts with the plastic inserts so I could clean up and polish the plastic. There was a lot of dust and old chrome polish in the cracks of these dealies. Same story with the A/C control.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/dash_controls001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/dash_controls002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/dash_controls003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/dash_controls004.jpg


I've had the gas tank sitting in the back of my Yukon for 2 weeks in an attempt to get it to the blaster, and finally got it there on Saturday. I picked it back up this afternoon and cleaned it out, and mounted it. Turned out nice. Pictures don't do it justice.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/gas_tank001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/gas_tank002.jpg

[6769RIV]

Car's really nice coming together Adam. That dash piece looks great. Just curious what you use for chrome and/or plastic polish?

[RJBT]

I'm curious (as I'm doing mine)...
On your tank, what finish is that silver looking paint ? Clear coat ?

[Smartin]

It is "chrome" paint. It's the only finish that looked right on the tank.

[John Codman]

I love the air suspension compressor. A very rare surviving option.

[wolf64]

Hi Adam,

Congratulation, you are doing a awesome job on your beauty.

I am doing a 58' Special I 've got in parts and cut up. Now there are some parts missing. My biggest headache at the moment is a missing bracket for the steering column to dashboard mount. Do you have a chance, to make a picture of that?
Thanks and keep up your real good work.

Wolf

[DinoBob]

Smartin, I am guessing that you are not married, by your amazing progress on the car and the lack of any discernible furrowed brow in any of your people shots. All smiles.

I love my Mrs. more than the world but family life really does force you to make certain trade-offs in the level of detail that you put into your project. :-) . Your project shows an absolutely amazing work ethic and attention to detail. You should be extremely proud.

[Smartin]

I'm as single as they get:grin:

I feel like I'm married to my job, though. This time of year doesn't allow me much free time to get any good work done.

[Smartin]

It's alive!!!!!!!!

Sort of...

The exhaust system came on Thursday, so I bolted it on past the mufflers. I cobbled some wiring together so I could try and start it. Surprisingly, there were no crossed plug wires or major timing issues. It started right up as soon as the fuel hit the carburetor. There is still some tuning to do, but I'm satisfied with the fact that it will actually idle. I shot a quick video of the last time I ran it...didn't want to push it too hard, since I didn't have a radiator hooked up. Only ran it for a few seconds 3 times and packed everything back up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrtiESd9Mk8

I really needed to know if the engine would run before I started assembling everything else around it, just in case something went terribly wrong.

[bhambulldog]

Hooray, she has life!

[Bad Boattail]

That's quite a difference compared to 2008, when I saw the Limited in your garage:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/E-B-M-P/160/RoadTrip2008-0285.jpg

:TU:

[Smartin]

haha!! Looks like my organizational skills have improved since then.:laugh:

[tufbuick]

Adam, I've got to hand it to you, you probably picked the hardest, most expensive Buick on the planet to restore.

If you re-chromed everything on that car you could probably spend as much as a nice house on a lake.

Having witnessed your resto skills on your other cars I'm sure this Limited will be a showstopper when it completed.

See you in Oh-High-Yoo soon !

Your Boyeeeee,
:moonu: MOON' :moonu:

[Smartin]

Thanks! You bringing Biggest Red??

[bill lagna]

Looking GREAT Adam !
I look back at the time when I would do something like your doing, but not anymore. Again Great job
Bill

[tufbuick]

Thanks! You bringing Biggest Red??

Enie-Meanie-Mynie-Moe :Dou: .........

Larry told me it's my turn to bring a car this year.

I think the only car no one has seen is GrandNasty.
But if I bring that one Alan will be sniffing around for a race.
I really don't want to spank him in front of the club.

He already owes me $50.00 and I don't race for free ! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[gabe]

Awesome work Adam!!!

[Smartin]

I tackled the booster/master cylinder today. All went well. Interesting series of seals and other "stuff" on that beastie!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/booster_installed001.jpg

[bhambulldog]

Very Nice. :TU:

[BUICK 57]

Adam Looking better!

Are you re-plating the nuts, bolts, brake booster and brake lines as it looks in the photos or are you polishing everything, spraying silver, then spraying clear over the parts? If not re-plating might I ask what your using especially on the brake booster? Perhaps Eastman's Cad paint?

David


Thanks

[Smartin]

No, I have not plated any parts. The booster is my own home made concoction of paint. "Chrome" paint as a base, gold anodizing paint on top, more dusting of chrome on top of that to get it dialed in, then a coat of clear on top of that.

[r0ckstarr]

I tackled the booster/master cylinder today. All went well. Interesting series of seals and other "stuff" on that beastie!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/booster_installed001.jpg

Where did the roof go?

[Dale]

Where did the roof go?

http://foolstown.com/sm/wow.gif
The windshield pillar is there. It just kind of blends in with the background.

[bhambulldog]

http://foolstown.com/sm/wow.gif
The windshield pillar is there. It just kind of blends in with the background.
Its way around the corner!!! (wrap around!)

[Smartin]

Hah! It does just look like a cowl sitting there...

[Smartin]

I finally cleaned up all the AC lines and mufflers and that big ugly valve on top of the compressor today.

The radiator is being recored in the next week or so, and I found that the heater core I got out of the parts car Super I bought is basically new...so that was nice to know.

I installed the parking brake pedal assembly...although it seems that I can't get the pedal to come back up all the way by itself when I release it. I played with the brake adjustments and the spring at the rear end, but eventually gave up on it to look at it another day. I don't need it right now, anyway:rolleyes:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/ac_hoses_installed001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/ac_hoses_installed002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/ac_hoses_installed003.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

beautiful:beer

[jjaguars84]

...you're going to get to know your chrome plater real well!:eek2:

HAAHAHAHAHA! Wow. Can't believe I haven't subscribed to this thread. Can't wait to see what she looks like when she's done Adam! :beer

[GoldBoattail455]

You could always leave the car as-is in your living room, makes a great conversation piece.

Great work as always! :bglasses: :beer

[bhambulldog]

I installed the parking brake pedal assembly...although it seems that I can't get the pedal to come back up all the way by itself when I release it. I played with the brake adjustments and the spring at the rear end, but eventually gave up on it to look at it another day. I don't need it right now, anyway:rolleyes:


That's, the way my parking brake is. Sometimes, I have to hold the release and, nudge the pedal off (up); with my toe. :(

your car is; looking better and, better !!!!

[r0ckstarr]

http://foolstown.com/sm/wow.gif
The windshield pillar is there. It just kind of blends in with the background.

Ah! I see it now. Thanks for that. I kept going back and forth through the thread trying to find the post where he removed the roof. I kept thinking to myself, "how the heck did he take it off? and why?"

[Smartin]

Heater box is installed...with a shiny new heater core.


http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/heater_core_installed.jpg


Shiny new radiator ready for install! I got the core support blasted today. It was a mess. I have a little bit of metal work to do at the bottom of it, but it's not a real important area.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/radiator_recored.jpg

[flynbuick]

Will it be coming to the 2012 BCA event in NC?

[Smartin]

If somehow I can get it done by then, I will absolutely get it there. But I think 2013 or 14 will be more realistic :)

[Junkman]

It's looking pretty awesome.Good job so far! A buddy brought me a complete running rebuilt '70 455 today for my '72 Stage 1 car today. He has been telling me about a late 50's "Olds" convertible near his house ,sitting under a carport for years. Turns out it is a '58 Roadmaster convertible. I think I will be taking a ride over to his place when he gets back from the road (trucker). A little 'ole lady owns it.:laugh:

[58limited]

Wow!
what a great job Adam!
Just went through the entire thread.
Being that we just bought a 1958 limited just like this one, your build thread will be referenced quite often.
Hope to see some more progress as soon as you can!

[Smartin]

Thanks! Hopefully this Fall I can get some more work done. It's been a busy Summer for me.

I see you are a chrome shop....can I buy you a beer?:laugh:

[LowFlyLark]

FANTASTIC!!!

Keep up the great work.

[Ohighway]

I've not seen this thread before. This is one of the best threads on V8Buick :TU: Can't wait to see the finished masterpiece !

[Brad Conley]

I see you are a chrome shop....can I buy you a beer?:laugh:

Yea, you better kiss up to him!!!:laugh:

[58limited]

Thanks! Hopefully this Fall I can get some more work done. It's been a busy Summer for me.

I see you are a chrome shop....can I buy you a beer?:laugh:


Jimmy will take a Coke, Josh will take a Vernors, and Jim isn't here, lol.

Seriously though, it looks like you have the skills to save yourself a lot of the cost of rechroming by doing your own prep work. If you can restore stainless trim and patch bodywork, you should be able to transition that knowledge over to polishing/repairing steel and pot metal for plating prep. I can help you with any specific questions along the way.

The rusted out rear bumper sections can be patched up just like bodywork. TIG welding typically makes the cleaest welds for plating puposes, but any welding works. The welding pits need to be drilled out and filled, usually with brass via oxygen/acetylene. The only real difference here is you cannot use bondo to hide anything.

Sandblasting is great for most parts to clean up backsides. One of many diferent acid baths can clean out rust without blasting

Keep up the good work!

[64LeSabre455]

Jimmy will take a Coke, Josh will take a Vernors, and Jim isn't here, lol.

Seriously though, it looks like you have the skills to save yourself a lot of the cost of rechroming by doing your own prep work. If you can restore stainless trim and patch bodywork, you should be able to transition that knowledge over to polishing/repairing steel and pot metal for plating prep. I can help you with any specific questions along the way.

The rusted out rear bumper sections can be patched up just like bodywork. TIG welding typically makes the cleaest welds for plating puposes, but any welding works. The welding pits need to be drilled out and filled, usually with brass via oxygen/acetylene. The only real difference here is you cannot use bondo to hide anything.

Sandblasting is great for most parts to clean up backsides. One of many diferent acid baths can clean out rust without blasting

Keep up the good work!

I saw your thread on that other board! I was going to point you to this thread, but I see you have found it already!

My work here is done!

[Smartin]

Good news guys...

I went into the garage tonight and made sure the car is still there.

Yep, still there:grin:

[Smartin]

I decided to try to resurrect the splash pan from the dead this evening...I think I succeeded. Tomorrow is the bottom mounting area of the core support. I just want to get the radiator mounted so I can get the car started!!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com//58limited/splash_pan001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com//58limited/splash_pan002.jpg

[Smartin]

I had all this stuff done before the weekend started, but ran out of time to update.

I had a wedding rehearsal on Thursday after opening day of dove hunting season. Friday was a day spent with my family from CA. Saturday, my friend got married, and the evening was spent in good company at the party. Sunday, my sister got married to the coolest guy I know. This was one of the best weeks I've ever had. So many good people and memories.


Ok, sorry...back to the car. Couldn't help it:)

Here is the finished splash pan. I thought about smoothing the pits out, but it's a freakin splash pan, and it will never be seen. I have enough time in reconstructing it, anyway. Good enough!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/splash_pan003.jpg


Here is the finished core support...the bottom flange with the 3 holes is where the splash pan mounts, so it was almost completely gone... that was a fun fix.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/core_support.jpg


I'm currently working on the other side of the front wheel house. I repaired the other one almost 3 years ago:laugh: but left this one for a later time...I have the triangle part welded in, but had to walk away from it when I got to the contoured part. I'll hit it again sometime in the near future...I have a 2-day golf tournament out of town this weekend, so no more progress for a couple weeks.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_wheelhouse_rust.jpg

[batcar]

Looks GREAT....but watch it, Women will cloud your mind. :moonu:

[69GS400s]

... does she know which end of the pry bar to hold ? :Do No: :Dou: :grin:

[EEE]

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Junkyard.jpg

from this site: http://atomkabeeh.blogspot.com/2011/07/fender-vintage-hot-rod-stratocaster.html

[Smartin]

ugh...and it's a Roadmaster! That hurts... Look at those nice rust free bumper bars and ends. That bumper alone is worth $500 as it sits.

[Caballero3]

Adam:
Check this out in Oklahoma.
http://www.vanderbrinkauctions.com/auctions_details2.php?photosel=auction_images/86/fullsize/142W_2.JPG

Dan


ugh...and it's a Roadmaster! That hurts... Look at those nice rust free bumper bars and ends. That bumper alone is worth $500 as it sits.

[Smartin]

Interesting...here is the verbage for the auction...

you are bidding on a 1958 Buick 4dr Hard Top. It is pink in color. Glass is broke. The interior is rough. V8 and automatic. Lots of cool trim for a 1 year model. This vehicle is for project or parts or rod. It is part of the Whitely collection auctino 10-22-2011 in WEstville, OK. You may strip your parts and leave the body. Buying AS IS and all sales are final. REmoval within 15 days. No loading available, please prepare accordingly. Payment due in full immediately after winning bid. Bill of Sale. For more information on this vehicle and more auctions www.vanderbrinkauctions.com or call 605-201-7005.

[bhambulldog]

Does that mean that one is not allowed to buy the entire car and haul away?
:confused:

[Bad Boattail]

From what I understand:


You may strip your parts and leave the body.

No loading available, please prepare accordingly.


You are welcome to either strip the car and leave the body shell with the seller, or to pick up the entire car.
He just warns that there are no loading facilities available.

[Caballero3]

Adam:
One more time, Pete Phillips on AACA forum...

http://forums.aaca.org/f115/older-buicks-auction-oklahoma-sat-oct-314136.html

Dan


Interesting...here is the verbage for the auction...

you are bidding on a 1958 Buick 4dr Hard Top. It is pink in color. Glass is broke. The interior is rough. V8 and automatic. Lots of cool trim for a 1 year model. This vehicle is for project or parts or rod. It is part of the Whitely collection auctino 10-22-2011 in WEstville, OK. You may strip your parts and leave the body. Buying AS IS and all sales are final. REmoval within 15 days. No loading available, please prepare accordingly. Payment due in full immediately after winning bid. Bill of Sale. For more information on this vehicle and more auctions www.vanderbrinkauctions.com (http://www.vanderbrinkauctions.com) or call 605-201-7005.

[EEE]

Let's bump this one...

[Smartin]

Well, since I last posted on this thread, I've had the engine running...and it runs very well!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBkTKWTXFwk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Other than that, I haven't done much of anything to the car itself. I have been able to get my garage fully insulated and drywalled, though. :beer :beer :beer :beer


I have also been polishing stainless trim for a few folks. Currently working on some trim for a 55 Special 2 door hardtop. I hope to have all of that done by the end of this weekend so I can get started on stripping the exterior body shell on the 58.

[gabe]

Awesome job Adam!!

[bhambulldog]

Very Nice :TU:

[Smartin]

No need for the heater today...it was nearly 60 degrees outside!

I started stripping the body shell this week, and today was able to get the majority of the passenger side done. I have some spots to touch up, but this is good enough to move on to the top tomorrow.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_stripped.jpg


I realized that I never posted the underside of the car before it was put back on the chassis...so, here ya go.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/underside.jpg

[EEE]

Looking good!!!

You are tackling such a monster, does it ever (or ever not) feel overwhelming?

:beers2:

[Smartin]

It can get overwhelming, and it does nearly every time I do any substantial project on the car. I just have to keep remembering that it's just one step at a time...no need to hurry.

I am halfway through stripping the drivers side quarter panel, and I have half of the roof stripped. I've buzzed through two wire wheels now...time to hit Home Depot again.

[bhambulldog]

Nice!! :TU: Keep up the good work Adam

[Dale]

Really coming along nicely Adam.
A big :TU: to you!

[BUICK 57]

Regarding the youtube startup video: Do you have the complete exhaust system installed or just running a pipe to the outside? I ask this because it sure sounds quiet. If you do have the exhaust system installed, then who did you end up going with for the system? NOS or completely stock look-a-like? Or?

[Smartin]

I have the exhaust installed just past the mufflers...it is fitting nicely. I didn't go any further because I was trying to locate the rear bumper exhaust hangers...which I have now.

I bought it from Kepich Exhaust...as it was half the price of the competition.

[Smartin]

The body shell is stripped and nearly ready for primer. Some small corners and edges I'll need to do by hand. Then seam sealer and primer!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_stripped.jpg

[68 LeSabre 4dr]

WOW !!! Looks great Adam ! :beers2:

[Smartin]

Epoxy primer applied!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_primed.jpg

[68 LeSabre 4dr]

Your getting there Adam ! :TU: Looking good ..:beers2:

[Smartin]

Some minor bumps and pits smoothed out, seam sealed, then 2 coats of high build primer!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/body_primed002.jpg

[58sled]

Adam, can you give me some guidance on how to remove the dimmer switch controls and blower fan controls on the dash? Its got me stumped. by the way your car is coming along great. keep it up.

[Smartin]

Are you referring to removing the large dial-looking covers from the dash bar, or the parts that you turn by hand?

[58sled]

Are you referring to removing the large dial-looking covers from the dash bar, or the parts that you turn by hand?

Actually both parts

[Smartin]

Ok...the headlight dimmer pull knob comes out when you press a button located on the backside of the switch behind the dash. Pull the knob all the way out, then push the button in. You should be able to pull the knob completely out of the switch when the small button is pressed.

To remove the circular bezel from the dash bar, look into the center of the bezel. There is a circular nut with two slots in it that unscrews to allow the bezel to be removed.

As for the heater control knob, I can't remember...don't have access to the parts right now. I believe there is an allen screw hidden on the side of the knob that holds it on. And the same thing applies to the bezel on that side, too, as far as the center nut removal.

[58sled]

Ok...the headlight dimmer pull knob comes out when you press a button located on the backside of the switch behind the dash. Pull the knob all the way out, then push the button in. You should be able to pull the knob completely out of the switch when the small button is pressed.

To remove the circular bezel from the dash bar, look into the center of the bezel. There is a circular nut with two slots in it that unscrews to allow the bezel to be removed.

As for the heater control knob, I can't remember...don't have access to the parts right now. I believe there is an allen screw hidden on the side of the knob that holds it on. And the same thing applies to the bezel on that side, too, as far as the center nut removal.

Thanks Adam I really appreciate it.

[Smartin]

Ok boys and girls...

We have a white top. The paint was surprisingly difficult to get. The PPG guy told me I was out of luck unless I had a part with the old paint on it that they could match. Since nothing but the top itself was white, I had nothing to give him. With the help of a v8buick board member, I was able to cross reference the code to a Spectramaster code from DuPont.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/top_painted001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/top_painted002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/top_painted003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/top_painted004.jpg

[SportWagonGS]

Adam,
Looks great! What clear are you using?

[Smartin]

Thanks, Kurt...

DuPont Nason SelectClear 2K 496-00

I have a feeling I'm going to need you to get the code for the Blue Mist just like you did for Polar Mist.

[bhambulldog]

Very Nice!!

[cstanley-gs]

very nice
Damn I love this thread.. Just wish you'd hurry up! :laugh:

[Smartin]

LOL me too!!

[SportWagonGS]

Thanks, Kurt...

DuPont Nason SelectClear 2K 496-00

I have a feeling I'm going to need you to get the code for the Blue Mist just like you did for Polar Mist.

are you gong to use 498-00 to do the rest of the car? 496 will flash too fast for an overall clear (496 was perfect for the roof though) I like the look of the 498 and 496, they are a "production clear" and have great manners, I really like the flow out and self leveling of them and the price point can not be beat! I'm going to try out the 465-00 high solid/high glamor clear very soon.
Let me know on the blue and I'll see what I can do

[Smartin]

I don't think I'll be using that clear for the rest of the car. I mentioned that all I was doing was the top, and he gave me the corresponding paint for that application. I'll make sure I get one with a slower flash point when I do the body.

I did notice that it lays really nicely. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looked once finished. I had somewhat expected an overspray line down the center of the roof, but there is nothing.

EDIT: How long do you think I'll have to wait to sand and buff the top?

[SportWagonGS]

I like to give it a day or so but you can sand and buff 496 in as little as 4-6 hours
So I take it you got the white in DuPont Chromabase?

[Smartin]

Nason...

Good to hear I can sand and buff so quickly!

[Flambart]

I really like this thread. You have done a great job on the car. Look foreward to more pic.
Mike.

[SportWagonGS]

Adam,
I always try to give 3-5 days of cure time just in case but I have sanded and buffed the 496 in 8 hours, I always give the 498 24 hours at least