1958 Limited Four Door Riviera

[Smartin]

Since I don't officially have possession of this beast yet, I'll keep it light on the details.

I saw this one a couple years ago in a storage facility that a few of our club members use, and saw that I knew the owner. I inquired at that time if it was for sale, and of course, it wasn't.

Fast forward to yesterday morning, I got an email from his son that it was going up for sale in Flint this week! I immediately called the owner and set up a time to check it out.

After about 30 minutes of inspecting and crawling on the floor, I sealed the deal.

Factory AC, Air Poise suspension (was converted to regular shocks), power windows, brakes, steering, and some other stuff I'm sure I don't understand yet.

What a project car!!:Brow:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new008.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new011.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new012.jpg


Those are NOS drums there...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new013.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new019.jpg


It is actually supposed to be a Blue Mist car...it has had one repaint in a slightly darker color. The underside of the trunk lid has the original paint on it:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new021.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new022.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/new023.jpg

[LAST1987GN]

Adam, nice addition to the stable, it appears to be all there, good luck with it. :beer

[Sergeant Major]

Nice Find!!!! She's a beauty!!!

[sbrmd]

What a cool battleship!

Shade looks like it's on the way to Twilight Turquoise!

Best regards,
Steve.

[Smartin]

What a cool battleship!

Shade looks like it's on the way to Twilight Turquoise!

Best regards,
Steve.



Too bad the twilight turquoise 71 has to leave the garage to make room:Dou:


I love the feeling of buying a car:grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

[austingta]

Adam, that's an awesome car.

Frank

[69GS400s]

tubbed, 8.2:1 572" Tomahawk TwinTurbo with alky injection running pump 87 (or E85) .... Im gonna guess 8.73 @ 158

[Brad Conley]

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

[V8PunkRocket]

That car is awesome! I love 58's. Great find, keep up posted on the progress!

[wildcatsrule]

Boy, you don't even give us Flint area guys a chance, do ya?????? Scooped it up before it even made the trip! Good luck with it......and please put me in line for a ride!!!!:TU:

[Smartin]

tubbed, 8.2:1 572" Tomahawk TwinTurbo with alky injection running pump 87 (or E85) .... Im gonna guess 8.73 @ 158

The car would still weigh 7000 lbs!!:grin:



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

One piece at a time...I don't see myself taking the whole batch in at once. I would need to take out a second mortgage on the house. The car comes with a few nice used chrome parts, too. Some of them will just have to live with the "Smartin Touch" for a while:grin:



That car is awesome! I love 58's. Great find, keep up posted on the progress!

Thanks! I could hardly sleep last night...

[Smartin]

Boy, you don't even give us Flint area guys a chance, do ya?????? Scooped it up before it even made the trip! Good luck with it......and please put me in line for a ride!!!!:TU:



As soon as I heard he was going to advertise it for sale in Flint, I knew I had to scoop it up before tomorrow!!:Brow:

[69GS400s]

The car would still weigh 7000 lbs!!:grin:


SO that makes it what .. 43 lbs heavier than the centurion ?

[Rivman]

Nice score Adam - looks like your gonna be a very busy boy ! :beer :TU:

[waijo355]

Whoa thats mean!!!! Watta beast!:TU:

[TheBuickNut]

sweeeeeeeeeeet !!!!!!!!!

[EEE]

I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE :Comp: I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE:cool: I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE I LIKE

[Smartin]

:laugh::laugh::TU:

[TheBuickNut]

could call it "the Spirit of St. Louis" :)

[Smartin]

I wonder what my license plate could say...

CHROME
58 BARJ
LMITED
SMRTN2 (:grin: )
LONGST


....sigh...I'm bored.

[TheBuickNut]

58 Boat
Ss Adam

[69GS400s]

SS Martin or

SS Martian !! :laugh:

[Smartin]

I think I'll drive this one to Columbus.


I'll need to order a bigger tent:laugh:

[TheBuickNut]

Cruzin

[69GS400s]

I think I'll drive this one to Columbus.



Who's in for an over/under pool ?? I say over 20 seconds e.t. :Do No: :3gears: :idea2:

[Marty]

Adam, Nice score!!! Me Likey. Seeing as how Missouri only allows us so much space on our tags, how about FIN-FAN Regards Marty

[poison heart]

Sweet car Adam but it's still not a '59. haha jk hurry up and get it!

[Smartin]

I wouldn't mind a 59 in the fleet, but the 58 comes first:beer

[Rob_Gray]

Very cool!

[LUCKIN-FOU]

That thing is cool

[TheBuickNut]

another plate idea : BUIKLVR

[Phil Racicot]

Adam,
You got one of my favourite models! And in my favourite color and body style!

I have seen a '58 Limited hardtop coupe which looks quite nice at a few local car shows. It looks good but unfortunately, the owner replaced it's triple turbine with a Dynaflow and he removed the factory a/c instead of repairing it...

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/9206/0001369is6.th.jpg (http://img382.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0001369is6.jpg)
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/7676/0001371au1.th.jpg (http://img382.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0001371au1.jpg)http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3724/0001372bd6.th.jpg (http://img126.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0001372bd6.jpg)

[Floydsbuick]

Its so outta style that its cool!!!!

[Smartin]

Got the car home..

It is a dynaflow - not a triple turbine.

The brakes work...sometimes. I had to keep one foot on the E-brake when I moved it around. It was like driving a stick :grin:

Interior is absolutely rotten. I ripped the carpet out (what was left of it) and vacuumed out the rust and nut shells. :error:

It runs well, though!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home005.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home006.jpg

[austingta]

Got the car home..

It is a dynaflow - not a triple turbine.

The brakes work...sometimes. I had to keep one foot on the E-brake when I moved it around. It was like driving a stick :grin:

Interior is absolutely rotten. I ripped the carpet out (what was left of it) and vacuumed out the rust and nut shells. :error:

It runs well, though!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home005.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/home006.jpg

I like my 63's Dynaflow. It is just fine during regular driving, and Low is like a granny gear.

[Smartin]

I believe the car was supposed to originally have the triple turbine, which is a neat transmission if it works correctly. The twin turbine (dynaflow) seems to work fine, though.

[austingta]

What is your shift pattern?
Is it different from your dashboard pattern?

[Camilla]

It's nice... but couldn't you find something bigger?

[Smartin]

P N D L R

[Aaron65]

What are your plans for it? Clean it up and drive or redo it?

[69SkyInNJ]

I wonder what my license plate could say...

CHROME
58 BARJ
LMITED
SMRTN2 (:grin: )
LONGST


How many letters do you get on your plates? How about...

1Hot58
MyFav58
NotSkinE
LotOBling

Either way, keep posting pictures of the resto and good luck!

[austingta]

P N D L R

That's a dynaflow alright. The triple turbine had a different shift pattern. Unique I think.

[Hector]

Adam,congratulations in the purchase of the '58.I'm too a big fan for the year,lots of factory chrome and unique styling(I'm also a big fan of the '58 Impala).One of the members of the Carolina Chapter(BCA) has a very nice '58 which was featured on the May '08 Bugle,I like staring at that car any time that I get the chance:Brow: .Good luck with it and hoping to see many more pictures of it as you do your thing to it.

[Sergeant Major]

How many letters do you get on your plates? How about...

1Hot58
MyFav58
NotSkinE
LotOBling

Either way, keep posting pictures of the resto and good luck!


Give em something to think about....

MINNOW (as in Gilliagan's Island):laugh:

[oldrocka]

That will be one cool ride.


License plate suggestion - OBEASE

[SpecialWagon65]

License plate:

P N D L R


P N D L R

[Smartin]

That'll keep 'em thinking:laugh:

[69SkyInNJ]

License plate:

P N D L R

Very clever! I like it. :TU:

[Phil Racicot]

License plate:

P N D L R

How about P R N D G ?!

[Smartin]

Flite Pitch tranny is gone...

[Phil Racicot]

I know but maybe it will be back in someday!

[Smartin]

I had the whole day to work on the car...for once.

I started by welding in a patch in the passenger side floor. It turned out ok, but I quickly found out I'll have to cut out a lot more to get to good metal. I kept burning through the existing stuff. I gave up and started over after a couple hours of fighting it.

I took the doors off after I figured out my basement storage situation. Everything on this car is just so bulky...I need a lot of room to store all the parts.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/doors_off001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/doors_off002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/doors_off003.jpg

[69GS400s]

thats freaky wierd how the B-pillar just stands there hanging in the breeze

[Smartin]

Yep, that's what my neighbor said. You can stand on the thing and it won't move, though. It's got some MEAT in it.

I'm off to start another thrash session in the garage. Gotta take advantage of these free weekends!

[poison heart]

Nice progress Adam! Gotta love the hard tops.

[Smartin]

The entire interior (sans seats) went to the upholsterer yesterday. I was going to try to tackle it myself, but didn't want to have to do it twice. I remembered that a local BCA member had started getting into the upholstery business, and he sent me a link to his website:

http://www.undercoverupholsteryandpaint.com/

As soon as I can find some $$$$$$, I will get my seats to him. One more piece of the puzzle complete! (or will be, at much less cost than I had imagined)

[GoldBoattail455]

NICE!:bglasses: Keep us updated. It will give me something to drool over during class. :spank:

P.S. Di you get my email?

[austingta]

Lookin' good, Adam.

frank

[Smartin]

Rob - I didn't get any emails from you this weekend...can you resend it?

[Smartin]

This rust issue is starting to get to me here. When do you draw the line and just part something like this out?

I could easily make my money back on it if I parted it...but I'm trying to reason to myself that this is a keeper. Factory AC is a pretty rare option...and it's a Limited.

Check out what I found under the rocker trim today...(drivers side here, the passenger side is almost as bad)

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_holes001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_holes002.jpg


Here is the trunk opening rail...it's like this all the way across the edge. The underside of the lid is completely gone, too.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_holes003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_holes004.jpg

[Sergeant Major]

Siempre Hay Esperanza! THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE!!!! Don't give up now..shessshhhh... ya got an audience on this one... I just gotta find my popcorn...:TU:

[66electrafied]

Looks like the standard rust pattern for one of those late '50s beasts, - keep at it, it'll be a gorgeous car! It's definitely not "part-out" material!
It's when you see the same type rust covered up by bondo after you've given the previous owner a big cheque that you want to cry...

[Aaron65]

It's better that it's out in the open anyway...how good are you at cutting and welding? You seem pretty talented. I'd have a hard time parting it because of rarity; you can fab most of that stuff and the rockers are probably available...that's the one piece of most 50s cars that is!

[quicksabre]

Adam,
I've saved several that were in that catagory. I have 100s of pictures showing these repairs that I go back and look through occasionally. If I had truly seen just how bad some of these were from the start, I wouldn't have gone through with it. But in each case, I already had alot of fab time in on it. Your patches look good, and they will keep looking better and going in faster as you discover various time saving methods. I like seeing that I am not the only crazy one saving stuff like this. Keep at it. Treat each section that you rework as a project of its own so that you are continuously completing smaller projects. For the most part though, a larger patch is less work and provides better results than several smaller ones, even when you are replacing some metal that doesn't need to be. The multilayered repairs are the worst, along with the inner doglegs, at least they were for me because I wanted it to be built just like the factory did it. But the vision of the completed metalwork, even in primer, keeps me going.
Another thing that helps me a ton with these long drawn out fabrication projects is to have a totally fun project going on the side, like a mild 455 buildup or a tranny or something. I even found that taking a complete break from such a project every now and then did some good, as long as I was at a very good stopping point.

[Aaron65]

Agreed David...I've basically replaced or patched 50% of the sheetmetal on my off-brand (family heirloom) and I haven't touched it in weeks. Luckily, I have 3 other oldies to keep me occupied in different ways!

[quicksabre]

Yes, you've got to have some fun stuff going on if possible. I just started on my fourth 4X8 foot piece of body/floorpan sheetmetal. When I bought those several years back, I thought it would last for life. But the fourth piece is my last one! And I've already had to replenish my stash of the thicker stuff that I use for body braces, etc. I keep saying that I'll start with something nicer, but as in your case, one of my most recent was a family heirloom the my dad bought brand new(the 69 Camaro). It was the first car I've done that you could actually buy repro stuff for, but I sent much of it back due to low quality issues and just made my own panels.

[Aaron65]

I hear you on the panels...they're terrible...the quarters I bought for the Mustang basically needed to be reflanged (which sucked getting everything to line up), and I had to section one because it was actually a bit tall. I wish they still stamped reproduction sheetmetal in America...Unfortunately, when you live where we do, rust is generally just part of the deal...I guess we're keeping one more on the road!

[Buick Kid]

Seeing that car makes me happy that my '57 is a Texas car... I hate working with rust, but I think you should keep plugging away on that thing, it will be a sweet ride and you won't regret it.

[poison heart]

Yeah, we got it nice here in Texas especially if you like old trucks. Old trucks sitting on farms all over the state. Buicks are a little harder to come by though.

[Smartin]

Couple little things today..

I (my upholsterer) got fabric samples back from SMS for the interior....everything is exactly correct. Totally floored me to see those swatches of factory fabrics. So, we're off to the races there. Kinda workin' backwards with getting the interior done first:laugh: but I'm in really good hands with that part.

I tackled another section of floor under the rear seat. This is probably one of the most difficult spots on the floor (minus the front where the body mounts are)

It was tough to get that curve right. (you can see where it doesn't exactly match toward the center of the floor)

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/floor_rust013.jpg

[Smartin]

Dug in deep today...lots of cursing and breaking bolts. If I break more than 5 bolts in a day, I must be making progress :puzzled:

Front clip came off today...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_clip_off001.jpg


Ugh...both sides are like this. I think I can repair this pretty easily, though.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_clip_off002.jpg


I have always wondered why these cars didn't have much for a wheel house. The biggest reason for the rust in the photo above is for that reason alone! Look at the crapola built up on the headlight housing!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_clip_off003.jpg


Ta daaaa! Only took me 4 hours. :Dou:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_clip_off004.jpg


Parts is parts..

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_clip_off005.jpg


These are the broken fasteners I could actually find in the piles of dirt and rust under the car. This is all from today. I know I broke more than this.

[Smartin]

Forgot to attach the photo of the broken bolts...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/front_clip_off006.jpg

[Smartin]

Hood came off today...

Can you believe I had to cut off the freakin' hood bolts?? I can't catch a break with these things.

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

[poison heart]

DAMN! How did you cut them off?

[Aaron65]

Actually, the rust in front doesn't look too bad...not too many hole. I HATE broken bolts though...not much to do about that...get out the drill and tap.

[Smartin]

The bolts on the drivers side came out just fine, but the ones on the passenger side started spinning the nuts on the other side of the sheet metal. There is no access point to get to them, so I had to use a cut off wheel on the heads.

[buick64203]

Adam, have you considered sending the car out for soda blasting? Its a little expensive, but it might be worth it in the long run. At least you'll get to see exactly what you have to work with.

[Elf]

Lookin' Good! It took me many years of chipping away at my '58, and it is worth it.
:TU: 124567

[Smartin]

Jason - as soon as I get the body off the frame, I'll see what it'll take to get the car blasted. I have a neighbor that had it done to his Mopar, and has a contact.

One bolt at a time!

[Hawken]

I check in on this thread periodically to see the progress. I don't know if this car is a little worse than you expected, Adam, but I will give you encouragement by the fact that I have had to deal with a lot worse - not by choice, though. I am surprised that there is not a '58 parts car available somewhere in the southwest, at least to offer some rust-free parts shipped, etc.

I know it is a cliche to acknowledge how cars are not built like this anymore, but it is so true. Man, look at all that chrome. Wow. I bet the suspension came up a few inches with the bumpers and doors off.

[Smartin]

I know there are parts cars out there, but it would require me to shell out some serious $$$ fast. Part of the reason for this being such a long project is the cost involved. And blowing up the engine in my Centurion didn't help any:laugh:

[Camilla]

It's cool and everything, but... can you find something bigger?

[austingta]

And blowing up the engine in my Centurion didn't help any:laugh:


Wha wha wha what?

Did I miss something?

[Smartin]

Ron- I tried to find something a few inches longer, but could only come up with this 227.1" hulk:grin:

Frank - I spun #7 and 8 rod bearings in the Centurion on my way to Columbus in August. I don't remember if I tiold the story on the forums or not...but my wind-bagged version is in the latest BPG newsletter:TU:

[Smartin]

Here's the big "thank you" post:

http://buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7147

...and the abridged version of the story:

http://buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7096

[Smartin]

I took another rust/dirt bath tonight getting the rear bumper off. All 4 bolts promptly twisted right in half.

What a mess!

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

[Aaron65]

Now's probably about the time where you're getting that sinking feeling..."How am I going to get this thing back together?" You'll get there! It's not that bad--I've seen MUCH worse. At least it's a rare car you're working on.

[GoldBoattail455]

If you need a hand let me know, its a short drive away.....3 hours and I'll be there. Keep up the good work. I was at Kevin's on Saturday. Seriously, I have all of December off. :Brow:

[Smartin]

You were at Kevin's?? Damnit...I was duck hunting. I think I had more fun though:grin:

I've seen Kevin's place a couple times now, and it's a neat archive of history there.

[Dale]

Been watching your progress Adam.
After my '72 Electra I swore I would never attempt to fix up a rusty car ever again. Your a brave man.

I see at some point someone thought enough of it to get personalized plates for it.

King of chrome those '58's!

:beer

[GoldBoattail455]

Yup. You probably did have more fun, he has TONS of car literature. And a couple cars. :laugh:

[woodenbuick]

I spent the weekend drooling over this...

[Smartin]

Cool...did you get any interior shots? Does it have AC?

[woodenbuick]

Sorry, no interior shot and it did not have A/C. All I had was my cell phone camera with me.

He did tell me he didn't drive it much in the Texas summer due to lack of A/C.

[Smartin]

I've been just disassembling things one piece at a time, bagging and photographing everything...

I decided to grab the cutoff wheel and welder this afternoon..

This was one of the areas I was concerned about being able to fix myself:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_holes002.jpg


With some patience and a couple hours, it's done!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_fixed001.jpg


I took care of another hole that was about 2" wide on the top of the rocker where the sill plate goes:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_fixed002.jpg

[71GSX455-4SPD]

Looking good, Adam. Boy are you diving into this project! Keep up the enthusiasm and good work, she'll be a beauty when you're done. :TU:

[Smartin]

Couple things today...

I replaced the part of the floor next to the front driver's seat today. I know they make a replacement panel for this, but it looked easy enough just to make myself. I had to replace the strip on the rocker that butts up to the floor pan before I made the floor piece first.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_fixed003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_fixed004.jpg


Remember these nasty dealies on the front end when I pulled the fenders?

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_fixed005.jpg


I decided to tackle one of them today..turned out ok, but I think I will work with it and smooth some things out before they get painted.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rust_fixed006.jpg

[EEE]

Impressive work :TU: :TU: :TU:

[Elf]

You're doin' a great job! Keep at it.:grin:

[Smartin]

Another Saturday, another update..

Rocker panels came early this week, so I started cutting the bad bits out of the driver's side. I could've cut the whole thing out, but I don't have hte doors on as a guide to keep the gaps correct, so I left the "good sections" of the old rockers there and grafted pieces onto it.

As you can barely see in the first photo, the inner rockers are toast, too. I will get the car jacked up tomorrow and finish welding in new metal there. Then the drivers side rocker will be done....

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_rocker001.jpg


Measuring to cut!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_rocker003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_rocker005.jpg


Here is the bad spot in the front. Note the rotted out cowl corner...gotta fix that as soon as I get the rocker done.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_rocker006.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_rocker007.jpg

[Andrew]

its a chevy but there's a buick in the story.

http://www.impalas.net/forums/showthread.php?t=686

[Smartin]

Cool read...

Looks like he's chroming damn near everything!

[Smartin]

The LH rocker itself is done, finally. I got really tired of welding and grinding while laying on my back. I swept up my mess and took a break from metal work, and grabbed a couple parts to clean and paint. This is my favorite part :) Instant gratification!

I took the shift indicator and took it apart to clean and paint/polish each part separately. I had to re-color the letters. The chrome is a so-so candidate for rechroming, but I can live with it for now. I can always do it later.
I also cleaned up the column shift linkage that connects the column to the transmission.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pndlr001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pndlr004.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pndlr005.jpg


My garage is a mess. I've been holding off installing new shelves on the back wall because I want to extend the garage out to the backyard so I can have a 4-car garage. But...I'm having trouble justifying the expense.

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

[Aaron65]

I have a 2x2 4 car garage, but I have the same width issue you do...I'm also doing the same kind of work on my off brand...in fact, I was cutting and patching a rocker panel today too...a little extra garage width would be nice!

[GoldBoattail455]

Nice work. I wanna come down and work on her! :rant: If the county lets you do a 4 car just promise yourself you will commit to two cars. No point in having four cars. Never enough time to finish one. If you extend the garage just offset the cars in opposite corners, or get those skates for the tires. I love the pics of the shift indicator pieces.

[Smartin]

I would use the rear two spaces for a shop area so I could spread this thing out and get the body off the frame without having to store the Centurion somewhere else....or outside. And I know that isn't happening.

[Floydsbuick]

Nice metalworking Adam:TU:

[Smartin]

Nice metalworking Adam:TU:



I'm trying realllllly hard!:spank: :Comp:

Sort of a trial by fire type of deal here...

Hopefully within the next 2 weeks, I'll have the front floor pans delivered. I will need to make the bases of the two braces that come down from the cowl to the floor...they're rotted up pretty good at the floor. Imagine that.:Dou:

I sent Ken Reeves at Wheatbelt an email last night asking about some trunk metal, and maybe a trunk lid....waiting on a reply from him. I might be driving to Oklahoma this Winter if he's got what I need.

[quicksabre]

Haven't checked in on this thread lately. Wow Adam, that's a ton of progress! Sorry to hear about the Centurion engine. I had no idea. I only stopped at the Columbus event for a few hours on Saturday and had to get right back home. What did you do with the blown up engine? I assume it is matching #s.

[Smartin]

I stuck it in the trunk and drove home on the salvage engine:laugh:

That engine is still running in the car. I will be having my original engine rebuilt this Winter, and will have it swapped out pretty quickly...probably within a couple months if everything goes as planned.

[austingta]

I stuck it in the trunk and drove home on the salvage engine:laugh:



Too funny.

[JerseyBob]

Great story you have going on here, I sign on during my lunch hour to see your progress........Keep up the great work!!

[quicksabre]

Stuck it in the trunk. I should have known that, having done it before myself. Glad you got everything back home ok.

[69GS400s]

Whut ?? you changed enjuns in your centrion ?

... Im buying stock in welding wire and tetnus serum :idea2:

[Smartin]

I'm up-to-date on tetanus...no worries there. I just have to worry about keeping diesel fuel in my garage heater this Winter...BRRR! 18 degrees last night and 23 tonight. Gotta love those torpedo heaters!

[Aaron65]

Propane ones aren't much better now...18 dollars for a 17 pound refill of propane...lasts about 10-11 hours in my propane salamander...

[Smartin]

Didn't get very far today...just finished up the inner rocker and rebuilt the lower cowl. I had to guess on what it looked like, since there was literally nothing there to judge from.

Here's the photo I posted above:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_rocker006.jpg


Here is the current condition...it's cleaned up a little more now,though. The piece hanging down is actually going to be used to bolt the front fender to the cowl. That portion of the cowl went with the fender when I pulled it off. Same deal on the other side, too.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/cowl001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/cowl002.jpg


I started hacking out the front floor section that needs to be replaced.

I also removed some of the body mount bolts on the drivers side. How do you remedy a situation where body mount bolts break off and you don't have access to the nuts on the other side?? Cut an access hole?? Or remove the body, cut out a hole and weld in a new nut??

[69GS400s]

I hate those caged nutz ... wish they just welded the nut to the body. I had to ventilate a few area's to get to them myself

SInce I gather this is a "Make it up as I go, but make it look good" deal I'd say do whatever is easiest and repeatable elsewhere

[Floydsbuick]

Are you Migging with flux cored?

[Smartin]

yep...flux core. Care to criticize my welds?:laugh:

[Floydsbuick]

No way.....your metal work looks good! But.........You can only go so thin with flux cored. You using .035? When you start getting into some real thin stuff, a bottle of Argon/Co2 mix and some .023 will help you out greatly, especially if you get to some overhead.

[d2_willys]

Check out this limited on ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buick-Riviera-no-reserve-buick-1958-limited-riviera-serie-750-perfect-project_W0QQitemZ140283875992QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item140283875992&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A64%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[Smartin]

Yes, .035. It seems to want to push through the metal sometimes. I see what you are saying. Maybe I should just try gas/.023 sometime.

In other news, my front floors came today from Classic Fabrication. They are perfect. He sent me some scrap by request so I could finish the toe boards without having to buy the whole part.

[buford owner]

Yes, .035. It seems to want to push through the metal sometimes. I see what you are saying. Maybe I should just try gas/.023 sometime.

In other news, my front floors came today from Classic Fabrication. They are perfect. He sent me some scrap by request so I could finish the toe boards without having to buy the whole part.

adam,nice job your'e doing on that 58. the floors from classic are nice,got some for my 63 but haven't installed them yet ,buford owner from ct aka don

[Smartin]

I managed to get a few hours in the garage this weekend. It snowed about 2" Sunday morning...yuck!

The floors from Classic Fabrication are pretty nice. They are a great template, although they're not perfect reproductions. Definitely something that I can't do!

Measuring to cut:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_floor001.jpg


Easy enough. I had to make a portion of the toe board, since the front floor pan didn't go all the way to the vertical bend. I left the factory seam there.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/lh_floor002.jpg


Here are the right hand floor sections. Both have to be replaced just like the drivers sides. I will also be re-doing one of my patches that didn't work out so well when I first started doing this. :blush:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rh_floor001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rh_floor002.jpg

[GoldBoattail455]

Are you replacing or refurbishing that heater core underneath the front seat?

[Smartin]

I have one that looks like it's NOS that came with the car. Everything on the cooling system leaks on this thing. You should see the radiator! It's one giant green corroded mess.

[GoldBoattail455]

I'm not surprised to hear that a NOS came with the car. :laugh: Are you going to recore the radiator too, I assume it has brass tanks?

[Smartin]

Yep...it has to be recored. Unfortunately, I don't think Auto Zone carries one for a 58:laugh:

It came with NOS front aluminum brake drums, too.

[EEE]

I've found some super strong magnets that are quite handy when it comes to welding in patch panels. They look like little shiny discs and cost a couple of $ each, but they can hold a lot of weight. Something to think about when you need to align that stuff.

[Elf]

You're doin' a great job... Especially for using flux core wire! I see the light gray soot in one of your picures and at first glance I thought you might be welding galvinized material in place...
Anyhow, nice job:TU:

If your comfortable with flux core, stay with flux core. The most important advice I had received from any good welder is "get comfortable".

Keep up the excellent work!

[Smartin]

Back at it..

I located a 57 Super parts car, and harvested the trunk channel from it, since mine is pretty much completely gone. I also grabbed a big chunk of the trunk floor. I have a swiss cheese trunk pan. Surprised??

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/parts_car003.jpg

Test fitting the channel... I have just a little bit of adjusting to do. After I get that installed, I have to reinstall the metal "skirt" that was welded to the channel. (see photo above). The 57 did not have this skirt.

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

[Smartin]

I welded the trunk channel today and patched a few spots just inside and outside of where it connects to either side of the trunk.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/trunk_channel002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/trunk_channel003.jpg

I was hoping I could get away with using the apron I pulled off, but it's more swiss cheese than I thought...and I don't think I can effectively repair it. Does anyone know if all the 58's have this apron that tucks under the rear bumper?

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_apron001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_apron002.jpg


Here I am struggling to hold up the piece while taking a picture - for reference.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/rear_apron003.jpg

[70lesabre455]

My Roadmaster probably has it, but I can't tell :Do No: from the pics I have on my hard drive. :Dou:

Next time I'm out at my dad's place I'll take a look.

--C4

[69GS400s]

I have a swiss cheese trunk pan.



Hey !! BUuWaak factory lightweight go-fast parts just like the thunderbolt

KEWL !!


Keep up the great work Smarty

[Nailhead58]

As far as this apron goes, I'm thinking it may be unique to the Limited. I came to this conclusion after consulting my trusty Master Body Parts Book. It never does show this part specifically in any illustration, but does show the rear end panel, which appears to be the piece behind this apron. The rear end panel is actually the same for all large series Buicks from 1957 and 1958. The panel you need, as near as I can tell, is called the rear end gravel deflector, part number 4726721, and is only used on the '58 Limited. I wish I could offer you better news, and maybe somebody will come on here and tell me I'm all wet, but this is sure how it appears. I've been very interested in the progress you've been making on this project. I'm well into a '58 Special four-door myself, and was feeling pretty sorry for myself with the rust I was dealing with. That is, until I started following your build. If intestinal fortitude were money, you'd be in the Fortune 500.

Eric

[Andrew]

im sure with your skills you could fabricate this part in about an hour. maybe invest in a brake, you definitely would use it tons on your project.

[Smartin]

Eric - that's great news:laugh::Dou:

Andrew - you're probably right. I will need access to a brake...a fairly large one. The only thing I'm worried about is getting it to bend along the slight radius of the trunk edge. Although, if I notch the top flange, it should bend. I'll probably have to cut the lower horizontal portion as well...then reweld it back together. ugh.

[72lark350]

Im a lil late on this project, but that is a really awesome looking car!! :TU:

[Smartin]

Thanks Brian!:beer

That's the only thing that keeps me going on this project...just keep looking at photos of the car when it was still together:shock: :bglasses:

[Smartin]

Ok, I hacked at the apron and managed to save it. I had to make the entire left side, basically. It turned out nice. The seam where the apron is welded to the trunk channel gets filled with seam sealer and smoothed, so all you see is a crease.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/apron002.jpg


Look below the apron and check out the rust mess that's hanging there. I completely removed that lower "pan" brace and am in the process of making a new one to replace it. That should be interesting. It also has braces welded into it for the rear two body mounts.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/apron003.jpg


Here's the rear body mount brace...UGLY!! I really got myself into a pickle with this car. This brace was packed with mouse nest fluff, just like the rocker panels.

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


If I didn't already have almost $2k into the interior already, I'd be seriously thinking about unloading this thing. BUT, that won't be the case at this point.

[flynbuick]

Brother you are tuff. One you touch the old tar baby it is difficult to extricate oneself.

[Smartin]

Another thrash session in the garage this morning, and almost completed the rear body mount brace. It's not perfect, but it won't be something everyone sees. The only thing that will show, is the flat part underneath the car.

The top flanges are still rough...I'll beat those out when I'm finished making it fit right. It goes into place pretty well now, but I have a couple little spots to trim.

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

[71GSX455-4SPD]

Adam, I am completely impressed with your fabrication abilities. Very nice work. I'm sure when you're done that car will be not only a beauty, but something you can be really proud of too! Nice work, buddy!

[austrian455]

58 was one of the best years of design. It doesn´t matter if you look at a 58 cadillac, buick, oldsmobile or chevy. They built beautyful cars that year.
But this Buick is going to be a real beauty.
Very impressiv how you fabricate all the sheet metal. good job.
But wouldn´t it save time and hard work if you would disassamble the car completely (frame off) and get everything sandblasted. That´s the way I did on my 57 Bel Air before we started with the body work. Or don´t you want to disassamble this far?

BTW: It´s a funny thing to see the Centurion parking side to side with the riv.
The Centurion is such a huge car, but looks small on the pic. unbelieveable.

[Smartin]

I'm repairing all I can before the body comes off the frame to eliminate body flex...especially in the rockers. After it comes off the frame, I'll repair what is left.

[TheBuickNut]

very nice metalworking! I always liked the '58 styling. as for your rust issues,I know how you feel,as I'm having to make some trunk floor braces,and fix a couple
of other holes in the trunk floor of my '68 Imperial, best of luck on your resto!

[poison heart]

Keep on truckin Adam!

[64LeSabre455]

Lookin good. Been watchin your progress.
How much experience do you have workin sheet metal?
I look forward to the updates.

[Smartin]

Experience? About 6 months:laugh:

I should be able to get some stuff done tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have that rear brace welded back into the body.

[Floydsbuick]

Adam,

You are one dedicated dude!!! I wish we lived closer, I'd throw my mig in the trunk and come over for a weekend.

[Smartin]

Yeah, come on Dan! What's the deal??:laugh:

I can't wait until I get this thing onto a set of dollies so I can roll it to the other side of the garage. There's probably an inch of rust and dirt under that car from me pounding and beating on it.

[Smartin]

No, I have found some of the things I need locally...

I have a feeling he will want some big $$ (which I have absolutely no extra right now). I could use the rear portion of the trunk pan, but I'll make do without it. I would love to drag the whole car home from him.

The other bad parts on the car - passenger side rocker, passenger side floors, lower door corners. I have yet to dive into the doors, but I can tell the corners have a little bit of perforation in them. Of course, they're all coated in Bondo, so I can't see the extent of the damage.

[EEE]

Cool pics..

I'll think of that project and that convertible that was mentioned earlier from another forum when things look uphill here.

[Floydsbuick]

Yeah, come on Dan! What's the deal??:laugh:


you really wanna know? about two hours ago I found out that I've been financially wiped out. I don't even want to get into this. Lets continue talking about 58 Buicks that need metalwork. :Dou:

[Smartin]

Fair enough, Dan. I'm tapped out at the moment as well. Ok, back to the 58...


I picked up the stainless trim from the door panels at the upholsterer's today so I could polish them before he reinstalls them on the panels. These things were a real mess. I'm probably going to have to find a better one for the drivers' side, since this one is dented and bent up pretty good. It's also missing a bunch of the nails on the back that hold it to the panel.

They're polishing up nicely, though!

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/door_panel_stainless001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/door_panel_stainless003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/door_panel_stainless005.jpg

[69GS400s]

imspiration I just spotted online

http://static.racingjunk.com/63/ui/7/53/1269034877182-1958-BUICK-SUPER-RESTORED.jpg

[Smartin]

Nice!

Here is the progress on the door panels...

http://www.undercoverupholsteryandpaint.com/1958Buick.html

[Smartin]

I emailed the guy at the yard with the white Limited parts car, and he wants $500 plus shipping for the trunk lid. I think I'll pass.

Moving right along...

I started plugging the giant hole in the trunk this evening. I worked on the drivers side today, and will finish the passenger side tomorrow. Lots of bends and manipulating to be done to get the right contours of the trunk pan! It's much better than it looks in the photos.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/trunk_pan001.jpg


I just have a couple pieces to make on the passenger side...hopefully it won't take me 5 hours like the drivers side did today.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/trunk_pan002.jpg

[EEE]

Good work!

[Smartin]

Thanks for the photos of the Belgian Limited!

Looking again at the photo of the white Limited, that car seems like a much better candidate to restore, than my car:laugh: Although it looks like someone might have harvested the rockers on that one.

In other news:

Trunk pan's done!!! Finally.

As you can see, I've been using the spare tire well as a trash can. It ACTUALLY isn't rusted through like the rest of the car. I thought that was odd.

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


As soon as I was done with the trunk, my plan was to "slide" the car over to the right side of the garage so I could work on the passenger side floors and rocker. About a month ago, I bought 2 pairs of AC Delco wheel dollies (2000 lb cap.). I pulled them out of hte box today and put them together, noting that one of the pairs had different wheels than the other. Nothing too drastic, just a cosmetic thing....so it seemed.

So I get the car on all 4 dollies and make an attempt to push the car to one side. I layed into the front side and BOOM!!! I look down, and see a couple wheels sitting next to my foot. One of the dollies had broken all 4 wheels off at once. At this point, I was pissed because I figured all 4 of them were like this. I continued to struggle with 3 dollies, and realized that one of the back ones was losing 2 of the wheels, and the other two were hanging by a thread.

Long story short, someone (in China) had packaged the wrong wheels with one of the sets of dollies. So I had one good set and one trashed set.

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


I took the dead pair back to O'Reilly's to get a new set. The (really cute) girl working the counter gave me a funny look when I set down a bag of wheels and two big blue plates on the counter and asked for another set. I got them switched out, but we checked the wheels in the new box and they were the right ones this time.

I managed to get the car over to the other side of the garage with just two dollies on the back wheels and a floor jack on the front. What a pain!!!

I had some cleanup to do this afternoon when I moved the car.

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


But the car is tucked in its new home for another few months. As soon as I get the rocker and floor done, I can lift it off the frame...woo hoo!!!!

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

[EEE]

oh man........

We're watching, and we're impressed!

[64LeSabre455]

I was just thinkin to my self, "I can't wait to see a pic of the car, without all the chrome!"

Now that I see it I hope you get all the rust repairs done so you can put it all back on!!:grin:

[Floydsbuick]

Saw this. Dunno if theres anything usefull??

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1039868231.html

[Smartin]

I would say that car is worth the price for parting out...but I would need a Super, Roadmaster, or Limited parts car for sheet metal and most of the goodies.

[Smartin]

This door panel isn't totally finished, but this is really cool. All fabrics are original material...and very expensive!:ball:

Before:

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


After:

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

[austingta]

Man, that's a lot of work. Is this your dream car to keep, or will you sell it when you are finished?

[Smartin]

I've wanted a 58 for a long time...and from the looks of things, I will have enough sweat equity in this thing to WANT to keep it:laugh: I just have to be careful and watch how I spend the $$ to get it done, especially if I ever want to break even on the sale (if that ever happens). The problem with this one is that it's a 4 door, and price guides put it in the $40k range for a trailer queen. I am hoping to spend no more than $25k to get it done. That's not including my labor. At $25/hr, I'm probably close to $3k into it just for labor. And that's CHEAP labor!

I probably wouldn't have bought it knowing I had to dump $5k into my Centurion this year to get it running again...but I'll manage.

[Elf]

Thanks for keepin' us posted and keep up the good work! :TU:

[Smartin]

I know I already posted a photo of this....but I find myself going to the basement just to look at these :rolleyes: :Brow: :cool:
They really turned out awesome. Thanks to my friend who also happens to be in the upholstery business!

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

[Floydsbuick]

Those door panels look great!

[Bad Boattail]

Amazing :TU: !!!

[austrian455]

Wow, they look great. Like you are back in 58.

[Phil Racicot]

I know I already posted a photo of this....but I find myself going to the basement just to look at these :rolleyes: :Brow: :cool:
They really turned out awesome. Thanks to my friend who also happens to be in the upholstery business!

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

Really nice! This car will be awesome!

[buford owner]

Really nice! This car will be awesome!

looks great,wish i knew someone who could help my 57 super interior niiice buford ownerfrom ct

[JerseyBob]

I've wanted a 58 for a long time...and from the looks of things, I will have enough sweat equity in this thing to WANT to keep it:laugh: I just have to be careful and watch how I spend the $$ to get it done, especially if I ever want to break even on the sale (if that ever happens). The problem with this one is that it's a 4 door, and price guides put it in the $40k range for a trailer queen. I am hoping to spend no more than $25k to get it done. That's not including my labor. At $25/hr, I'm probably close to $3k into it just for labor. And that's CHEAP labor!

I probably wouldn't have bought it knowing I had to dump $5k into my Centurion this year to get it running again...but I'll manage.

Saw two 58's at a car show here in Atlantic City Jersey last weekend. As I recall one was a Limited, White and in Great Shape......the owner was asking 48k

[Smartin]

I believe I know the Limited you're talking about, assuming it was a 4 door.

This car was on ebay a few months ago for $40k. (I only saved the detail shots so I could get my car together properly)...

[Hawken]

Adam:

Check out the latest Collectible Automobile (no link found) and Hemmings Classic Car ( LINK (http://www.hemmings.com/subscribe/current_issue.html?publication=HCC) ) magazines for post-war Buicks including up to the late 50's and early 60's. Heck of a job your doing.

[wildcat4]

Nice job your doing Adam.
I thought these shots of my Dads 58 and a couple of my cars at the race track may inspire you. What's great about the Limited is it does NOT EVER blend in with the rest of the group!
Keep going!!!!!

[69GS400s]

Man, that thing is gonna fly with the new 732" TA motor in it :beers2:

[Smartin]

Nice job your doing Adam.
I thought these shots of my Dads 58 and a couple of my cars at the race track may inspire you. What's great about the Limited is it does NOT EVER blend in with the rest of the group!
Keep going!!!!!

That car is in the 13's?? wow...maybe I should be doing a stock-appearing build on mine:laugh:



Man, that thing is gonna fly with the new 732" TA motor in it :beers2:

Alan, I thought I told you not to let the cat outta the bag.:rant:

[69GS400s]

my bad

... sorrrrrry:Do No:

[Smartin]

Today, I took a stick of dynamite to the car. Some parts came off without a struggle, others...didn't.

Ya think the radiator had a leak? I hope my guy can at least use the tanks to recore it.

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


I talked to a glass guy a few days ago, and he gave me some pointers on how the front and rear windows come out. So...I took the plunge and went for it. The front windshield was already cracked, so I did it first to get an idea of how exactly they are installed. Of course, I made a mess of it. The garbage man now owns it. It's only $500, right?

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


I cut the rubber gasket out around the outside of the rear window, and it came out pretty easily. Thank God..

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


Question 1: Is this insulation in the balancer pulley supposed to be there??

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


Question 2: What is the AC box made of? It appears to be some sort of plastic/styrofoam/crap. I will need to figure out how to repair it, since it's nicked up pretty good.

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


Question 3: Are all heater boxes covered in this worthless fiberglass insulation shell??

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

[buick64203]

You kind of have to wonder if that fiberglass is really asbestos. Back then they insulated everything with it.

Dont feel bad about the front shield. Once they're cracked, its imposssible to remove them intact. The rear glass should be tempered, so its way harder to break it!

[austingta]

O the humanity!

It's a good thing us sprinkler men make so much money we can afford projects like that! You, my friend, are a brave man.

Frank

[Smartin]

Hopefully, the industrial and government/school projects will keep the money flowing, because the residential install market has vaporized here as of last August. :shock:

Lots of ball fields and right-of-ways getting irrigated this year:laugh:

[Smartin]

After what seems like forever, I was able to get in the garage today. I rejetted the carburetor for the Centurion and tuned it before I did any work on the 58. I'm close to being happy with that car now:D

I started pulling a few random parts off the engine and cleaned/painted them before I stored them in the basement.

I made some decent progress, although looking at the car as it sits, I've only scratched the "complete" surface.

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

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

[Brad Conley]

So Adam...started saving for your chrome bill yet????:laugh:

[Smartin]

Unfortunately, no. I am currently trying to find someone local I can become good buddies with:laugh:

One of the few "Mr. 58"'s, Gene Reynolds, has guided me through some areas with this car that will help me out with managing such a project. He was gracious enough to find the best taillight louvers in his stash and send them to me for a VERY reasonable price. So I actually have something decent to work with now, instead of the horrible pot metal this car came with. He's also trying to hunt down a couple nice rear door panel ashtrays, as mine are really bad.

I have come to expect that just the bumpers alone will run close to $2k. If I can polish my own stainless, I think I can keep the chrome bill around the $5-7k mark.

Maybe it's time to put the 71 on ebay:laugh:


I forgot to say:

Since I managed to save my rear winshield and put it safely in the basement on a carpeted floor...somehow, it just spontaneously exploded. I wnet downstairs early last week, and walked into a pile of tempered glass, shaped in the curve of a back window. There is no indication of why it broke, but I have to imagine it was in a bind on the carpet or something. I'm really bummed about that.

[flynbuick]

Adam repeat after me, "Lord if you will just get me through this, I promise I will never do this again!!!"

[Smartin]

It's all about the experience....







Right?

[EEE]

I have come to expect that just the bumpers alone will run close to $2k. If I can polish my own stainless, I think I can keep the chrome bill around the $5-7k mark.



:shock: :eek2: You need to shop around...

[Smartin]

Ask anyone who has had to chrome a 58, and they'll tell you the same thing:laugh:

I got a trunk lid, speedometer, and a power steering reservoir cap today. But I didn't get anywhere with the car itself.

[Caballero3]

On eaby now with three days left check;
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-Buick-Rear-Armrest-Chrome-Ashtrayw-Lighter-Pr_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a3Q7c3 9Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhash Zitem400004375579QQitemZ400004375579QQptZMotorsQ5f CarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Smartin]

I have seen these...

I can't pay $175 for a pair of ashtrays. I'll sand and paint mine before I pay that:laugh:

Thanks for the lead, though. I always have my eyes open!

[64Electra]

Lookin good, Adam!

[poison heart]

Alex, glad to see you aboard!

Adam, keep up the good work. You can't turn back now so just keep going!!!

[Shaffer]

Adam, I am glad you finally got your dream car project! Looks like its coming along nicely! I cant wait to see the finished results! Keep up the good work!

Those door panels are amazing too!


I know I already posted a photo of this....but I find myself going to the basement just to look at these :rolleyes: :Brow: :cool:
They really turned out awesome. Thanks to my friend who also happens to be in the upholstery business!

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

[Shaffer]

Well, at least you got the good glass out without breakage! Great job!

I have to have the front windshield removed in my '72 Caprice wagon (same window as your '71 Centurion) to have it resealed and I am afraid that even the glass shop may crack it... I am hoping to save the original windshield.





I talked to a glass guy a few days ago, and he gave me some pointers on how the front and rear windows come out. So...I took the plunge and went for it. The front windshield was already cracked, so I did it first to get an idea of how exactly they are installed. Of course, I made a mess of it. The garbage man now owns it. It's only $500, right?
http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/old_windshield.jpg

[Smartin]

Shaffer, the rear windshield broke when it was sitting in the basement, so I no longer have any good front or rear glass.

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted an update. I've been working some insane hours lately.

I'm trying to get the body ready to come off the frame, so I've been cutting an welding today. I got the rear passenger side rocker panel repaired, but the front is going to be another fun job. I also need to get the passenger side floors repaired. Then I'll be ready to pull it off the frame.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_rocker001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_rocker003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_rocker002.jpg

[cstanley-gs]

How did I miss this thread?? I love to see picture after picture of progress!
Great work man. :beer B E A Utiful car!

[Smartin]

I needed to get away from the rust, so I went for the greasy part!

I pulled the A/C compressor (all 400 lbs of it) and took it apart to detail and paint it. I also cleaned up the generator.

I've been working on the air cleaner lid for a couple days due to the pitting that was present...quite a bit of "body work" to do on such a small part...but it turned out smooth. I'm a little disappointed in the level of gloss on the air cleaner itself. I think the humidity messed with the paint today.

The other parts look nice, as I actually used a semigloss on them.

Here's a shot of the compressor after I knocked off all the heavy chunks of grease and dirt:

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


These 3 parts took me about 6 hours to complete (not counting the air cleaner lid!)

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

[austingta]

Does the compressor work?

Or can it?

[Smartin]

It spins free, and the clutch looks good. The system was in terrible shape when I bought the car. At this point, I don't plan on trying to make it work. I will clean out all the hoses and replace what has to be replaced, but I won't go crazy $$$ wise restoring some of the unobtainable parts.

[EEE]

Good to see some of your restoration magic...

[superbuick58]

Hello Riviera owner:
I'm in Austin TX and I'm finishing up an engine rebuild job on my 58 super which is a lot like yours (a/c and all powers). Would you tell me if the oil dip stick hole has an extension tube of some kind that fits into the dip stick hole. Better still could you send a photo? Thanks, David Childs

[Smartin]

Yes, it does have an extension. I will try to get a photo posted soon.

[Smartin]

Yes, it does have an extension. I will try to get a photo posted soon.

David, here is a photo of the dipstick and extension. Better late than never, right?:Dou:

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

I cleaned up a few more parts this weekend. Not much visible progress made, but these things were absolutely caked in grease and dirt.

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

[cstanley-gs]

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

Damn they cleaned up nice!
I'm loving the progress you're making.

[Smartin]

This was an interesting little part I pulled off the car this evening. It looks to be some sort of proportioning valve for the air poise setup. There was a cable connected to it at one point, but I can't imagine what it would hook to. I was thinking it might've gone to a spot on the suspension that would move the cable back and forth depending on load condition.

I dunno....but it's clean now. I'm going to install it like it was, I think. Either that, or completely hook up the air poise suspension to look like it's actually there. I like the idea of leaving it the way I found it (pinched off cable and hoses) to preserve the fact that the factory system was abandoned, but they left the majority of the mechanical parts on the car.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/air_poise_valve001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/air_poise_valve003.jpg

[Smartin]

Thanks Erik! Those manual photos are great. I guess I could've looked it up myself, but my wild guess was more fun to think about:laugh:

[gnx396]

Adam

Your resto work on parts is amazing. What do you use to clean everything including the nuts and bolts and what kind of paint do you use to paint the engine compartment part?

[Smartin]

Adam

Your resto work on parts is amazing. What do you use to clean everything including the nuts and bolts and what kind of paint do you use to paint the engine compartment part?

90% of my nut, bolt, and part cleaning is on a bench grinder with a wire wheel.

Some of the smaller parts like that goofy air suspension override block had to be done with thinner and a toothbrush.

I use a variety of paints for the engine compartment. The engine green is from CARS. All the other rattle can stuff is Duplicolor DE 1635 semigloss black and the same brand gloss black. I also clearcoat the bare metal parts (and nuts & bolts).

[Smartin]

I rolled the car into the driveway today and power washed the front end. I've never seen so much crud in my life!

I think I liked the greasy look better :D

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/power_washed002.jpg

[Smartin]

This thing was a several-hour extravaganza. The air pump alone was a major PITA to get all the dried on grease and dirt out of the fins of the aluminum. And the fluid never seems to drain 100% out of these things. :Dou:

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

[cstanley-gs]

man you're amazing....

[Floydsbuick]

man you're amazing....

Either that or completely insane!:TU:

[Steve Reynolds]

Hi Adam,
I saw this post for the first time today and I had to start from the beginning! MAN, I give you tons of credit!!!! A job like this is only possible with an unlimited amount of passion and motivation...... and you apparently have both! I thought that building my race car in my fully equipped shop was overwhelming at times, but looking at your dedication and the progress you've made in a little garage with basic tools has definitely added to MY MOTIVATION!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! You should have quite the piece of "Americana" there when you're finished!

Again, excellent work and thanks for the motivation!! See you in Ohio!!

Steve

[Smartin]

I think Dan has it half right! I am insane for continuing a project that easily could've become a parts car when I pulled the rocker trim off, but I hate the fact that it is a LIMITED, and has factory AC...so I stuck with it. Plus, I have several thousand dollars into this on TOP of the pruchase price.

Steve, thanks for the kind words! I'm sure with a fully equipped shop, I could make shorter work of this, but I have to do with what I have. Someday, my garage will evolve into a full shop with every tool I need.

I can't wait for Columbus!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dale]

I think some of the old timers in this hobby often started out with cars worse that this.

(edit: I'm not implying this is an easy one by any means! Just that a lot of restorable cars are passed over.)

I commend Adam for saving this beast!

:beer

[EEE]

Lots of $$,$$$

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/1230101117.html

[Triarii]

Oh, what a great restoration, Adam ! It´s worth to bring that old big Buick back to his former beauty. I found 2 of such Limited currently advertised for sale in Germany - really beautiful cars and high priced (!):

- a 4-door unrestaured :
//suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/showDetails.html?lang=en&id=117024570&pageNumber=2&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&makeModelVariant1.makeId=4400&makeModelVariant1.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant2.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant3.searchInFreetext=false&vehicleCategory=Car&segment=Car&minFirstRegistrationDate=1900-01-01&maxFirstRegistrationDate=1960-12-31&siteId=GERMANY&damageUnrepaired=ALSO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&export=ALSO_EXPORT&customerIdsAsString=&tabNumber=2
- a very nice convertible (after total restoration):
//suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/showDetails.html?lang=en&id=116724488&pageNumber=1&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&makeModelVariant1.makeId=4400&makeModelVariant1.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant2.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant3.searchInFreetext=false&vehicleCategory=Car&segment=Car&minFirstRegistrationDate=1900-01-01&maxFirstRegistrationDate=1960-12-31&siteId=GERMANY&damageUnrepaired=ALSO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&export=ALSO_EXPORT&customerIdsAsString=&categories=Cabrio&tabNumber=2

(These are no links because I´m not allowed to post links until I would have posted 10 posts here; up to know this one is my 2nd one. Therefore only copy the line, paste it into the search field of your browser, add http: in front of the line and press the enter-button ... !)

Compared with 2 years ago it seems to me as if the price level of these cars went upwards in spite of high oil prices and the finacial crisis. So also from this point of view the restoration is worth your effort, Adam !

Rolf

[Triarii]

Rolf,
Be inventive and add that URL to your signature if you can't put links in your posts..... ... ...
(You really should come over to the Netherlands to visit this place)

Thanks for your advice and thanks for the pictures ! What a very nice place - a hall filled with automobile treasures ! - You are right, I should drive over there to visit that hall. Perhaps I could combine it with some others (?).
I´ve been to the NL very often ca.25 years ago when I lived at the border between Germany and the Netherlands and so I know that the rate of vintage American cars per inhabitant is much higher there as it is in Germany. But how always - one never have time enough for all those lovely places in our world... .

Rolf

[Smartin]

Thanks for the links guys! That red Limited convertible is gorgeous.

[Hawken]

O.K., Adam, this may be a little random, but here it is. I thought about you and your '58 resto project last week when pulled my '70 out of storage and went through the trunk contents (lots of things I had collected & stored over the years). Here is a vintage Durkee Atwood drive belt that shows "Buick ...... 1958" in the package application chart. Interested? If so, just consider it a little contribution to your project. The belt looks original ... not sure it is of functional benefit other than period correct window dressing ...

[Smartin]

Ken, that would be awesome! Let me know how much I owe you for getting it over here...sending shipping information...

[breakinbuick11]

just read the entire thread...

great work!!

question though
How did you clean up the engine componets? (ac compressor, fan, etc)

did they have rust on them?

they came out great.

[Smartin]

I just wiped the grease off and wire wheeled as much paint and rust off as I could...then did the rest by hand. I wiped the parts clean with acetone and then shot paint on them.

[breakinbuick11]

thanks :beer

[EEE]

Need a parts car / another project?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/1361139088.html

[Smartin]

If it's a parts car, I would need a Super, Roadmaster, or Limited. Thanks for looking out, though:beer

I've not done a thing to the car since June, but Winter is coming, and my heater works very well.

[Smartin]

I was selfish today and turned off my phone so I could work in the garage...

I tackled the front passenger floor. I also removed my first attempt at welding:rolleyes: ...it wasn't pretty.

I didn't get finished with it, but I made some good progress.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/fr_floor001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/fr_floor003.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/fr_floor006.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/fr_floor009.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/fr_floor011.jpg

[poison heart]

Any more progress Adam?

[Smartin]

Nothing since last weekend. I haven't even had a chance to mow the lawn. That should be fun on Saturday afternoon...ugh.

[Smartin]

I finished the passenger front floor yesterday. I was going to work on finishing the rocker today, but my 99 Tahoe needed some help. I changed the oil, transmission fluid and filter, distributor cap and rotor, fuel filter, serpentine belt, and tenshioner pulley. That pretty much took all day, so no real progress on the 58. But now my Tahoe runs right again!

[poison heart]

Well keep at it Adam!

[Smartin]

I finished the rear passenger floor this evening, as well as part of the wheel house that butts up to the rear floor pan. I was dreading this section...for good reason! What a pain in the arse.

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_floors001.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_floors002.jpg

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_floors003.jpg

[EEE]

Keep up the good work! Soon there will be a light at the end of the tunnel!

[Smartin]

I'm just glad I'm getting all my welding and fabricating practice over with before I start on body panels! I have a couple corners to repair in the doors, a bit on the front fenders below the head lights, and the trunk lid is a total cluster f*ck. So, the big rust is about 50% finished. I have a few little spots still remaining on the body shell, but nothing major. I do have to finish the front passenger rocker, though. Maybe I'll tackle that tomorrow.

[Nail-Head]

What a great thread. Keep up the good work and thanks for keeping us updated! :TU:

[breakinbuick11]

Progress again! I was getting nervous...

[cstanley-gs]

Im loving this thread! Keep it up! :beer

[Smartin]

ALMOST FINISHED!

I finished the rocker and the front cowl where the fender gets bolted to...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_rocker004.jpg


That's a lot of dead metal that came out of the front corner of this car...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/pass_rocker005.jpg



One last thing that I want to do before liftoff: The car had been in an accident sometime in the las 51 years, and the right quarter panel was replaced, but they did a crummy job of repairing the inner wheel house, so it rusted out in a couple spots. The other side is spotless in this area.

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


As soon as I get the body off the frame, I will button up any welds that need to be done from the underside. I have a couple spots on the inner rockers and some of the body braces that need to be touched up.

Then I'll really have to figure out what the heck I'm going to do about space in the garage!

[Smartin]

That idea has been put on hold. I don't think I could ever recouperate the money I spend on the garage expansion if I sell the house, and I don't plan on being here for that long.

[Nail-Head]

Any more work planned for this weekend???

[Smartin]

Hey Ed,

I worked until 5:30 today, so I'm not sure I will get anything else done tonight. But tomorrow, I'm going to thrash hard.

[Smartin]

Ok so I lied...I've been in the garage for the last 4 hours:laugh:

..and I only have this to show for it.:Dou:

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/58limited/parking_brake_pedal007.jpg


I did finish patching the last big hole in the rear passenger wheelhouse, though. I also removed all cables and lines that are attached to the body, so I can finally pull the body off. I hope to get this accomplished tomorrow!!!!!

[Smartin]

so close..

I couldn't round up enough people today to get liftoff. Most of the morning was spent cleaning the garage and vacuuming the 58 shell out so I have a clean work area. I have to do this once every couple months, or I will drown in dirt and rust. I had to quit at 2pm today so I could go work at my parents' house for the afternoon.

I got up early and went to Home Depot to get materials to build the posts and cross braces to hold the body. I'll have the body lifted 40" off the ground so the chassis will be able to roll underneath it while I'm not working on it. That will cure my space issue for a while. In about a month, I will have access to an empty garage where I'll store the 71. It should make work on the chassis much easier over the Winter. I just hope my "extra" garage storage doesn't get sold before I get most of the chassis restoration done.

I have a goal of this coming Spring to have the chassis done. We'll see how that actually goes, considering the fact that I'm 6 months behind on getting the body and frame separated!

[66electrafied]

If it's any consolation, a buddy of mine just lifted a body off of a 53 Olds by himself using two engine cranes and a couple of slings; - he did leave the doors on, but the body lifted cleanly and didn't warp...so if you can't find anyone to help, - it can be done by oneself, it just takes a bit longer...

Great job done with the resto so far; - I've enjoyed reading about it and am envious of your skills, - wish I had the chutzpah to do what you're doing!

[Smartin]

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!