64 Buick Lesabre build... [Archive]

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64LeSabre455

09-27-2008, 12:31 AM

Well I have only been a member on this board for a little less than a year, and I wanted to show my work in progress. A little background for ya. I am 31 and I have been in the Army for a little over 10 years. I have always wanted an old car, and after returning from Iraq, I picked up a 1964 Buick Lesabre from my father. He had purchased the car from a salvage yard in Montana about 7 years ago, and just let it sit. The purchase price was $300. My family has always been into buicks. My mothers second car was a 1964 lesabre convertible. (currently waiting for restoration)I hated riding around in that car when I was growing up becasue it was pink. Around that same time my father had a 64 lesabre 4 door. That thing was a beast. My parents also had a 73 lesabre that was bright yellow and had plastic seat covers. and then they had a 94 Lesabre. That is still in the family. Some of the other cars I have are a 64 lesabre 4 dr, and a 63 lesabre convertible(Paid 35 bucks for it)
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=1964bumper.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/1964bumper.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_0299.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_0299.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
A couple pics of the car when I first picked it up. It was missing the front bumper, and the lower radiator support. I guess someone tried to pull it by the bumper.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1007.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The interior was shot. and smelled old.
First thing I had to do was get it home. Towed it on a car dolly 600 miles.
When I got it home my first goal was to buy a front bumper for it.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Picked one up from a wrecking yard in Oregon. Guy was real cool. Sold it to me for cheep and gave me a military discount.
Had to put on The Texas plates to see how it looks.
I also straightened out the mangled lower rad support and had to weld about 4 inches back onto it. No pics of that.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1040.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1040.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Well I got the tank flushed, new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, radiator flushed and leak tested, fresh fluids and went to start it up. My father told me that the car was running and driving. Well it wasn't. I ended up starting it and shooting a connecting rod through the block. :rant: That wasn't good. So i decided to do some shopping I found a used 455 on ebay with trans for $300. Had to drive back to Montana to pick it up.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1044.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1044.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Was on an easy to move cart and everything.
I wanted to see how well it would fit, and how much work I would have to do. It looks like it fits, and it is nice and level.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Now what to do about motor mounts. I decided to call up TA Performance, and see what they had. They didn't have anything that was made to fit my application so I chose a set of their frame pads for a 68-72 lark or gs. and so far they look like they will work. Have yet to weld them in. I am a little nervous about welding something as important as frame pads.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1384.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1384.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Well I thought while i was working on the motor, i would work on a few other upgrades, and get the interior redone.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Front Disc Brake conversion, Caliper brackets goin on.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=000_0002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/000_0002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
All laid out in the living room. Wife is probably not going to be happy if she saw this.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Door panels were pretty shot.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Wanted to keep an original feel, but somewhat updated.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Front seats look good.

64LeSabre455

09-27-2008, 12:48 AM

I then pulled off all the front sheet metal to clean it up, and make it easier to pull out and put the motor back in.(It seems like a thousand times.)
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1090.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1090.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

While I was under the car, I pulled the drive shaft and had to get the center bearing support and u-joints replaced.
I finished tweaking some minor brake issues, and put on my recently purchased wheels and tires.(Not new, paid 50 bucks for them)
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=000_0020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/000_0020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Still have body work to do. I want to keep it the original color, and maybe do a custom treatment to it.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=000_0021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/000_0021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Rust on the rear tail pan. Good thing I have a good replacement piece. I also plan on putting airbags under it to get it low.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=000_0019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/000_0019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
It's always good to have the little man helpin ya out!!

Well enjoy and tell me what ya think.

garys64wildcat

09-27-2008, 09:03 AM

Neil Good luck with her, Im sure you can get all the info you need here on the board. Looks like you are making progress. To bad that 300 blew up, but a good way to get a BBB into her. See you at the meeting sometime:beer
Gary

CameoInvicta

09-28-2008, 09:40 AM

Lookin' good :TU: ! Makes me get motivated to start working on mine...

64LeSabre455

10-04-2008, 10:33 PM

Lookin' good :TU: ! Makes me get motivated to start working on mine...

Ya, get to work on it.:TU:

64LeSabre455

10-04-2008, 10:45 PM

<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=000_0017-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/000_0017-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I finally got the frame pads welded in.
Engine is finally in for good. Just need to wire it all up and find all the missing engine components.

64LeSabre455

10-04-2008, 11:02 PM

Yes, they are cast. That was going to be my original plan, but I was told by the guy that welded them in, that they should be stable. I think I might take your recommendation.
Thanks

CTX-SLPR

10-05-2008, 12:46 AM

I'd double it up and bolt it in aswell. If he's good he got the weld to stick to the frame and the pads but welding cast iron to steel takes skill not just equipment.

'64 LeSabre, unusually one of my favorite full-sized Buicks. Looks good and keep up the good work and good to see you made it back safe. If you are ever interested in selling the TX plate, please hit me up, I'd love to be able to have a real 1964 Texas plate on my '64 Riviera.

201260mark

10-31-2008, 02:21 AM

64LeSabre455

10-31-2008, 02:45 PM

Hello, just want ask a few questions. I have the same car and was wondering if you were going to sell the intake and carb and also some linkage ? Where did you get the front disk conversion kitt ? :grin:

Sorry, I am not selling the 4bl intake and carb. I have another 64 lesabre that I am using that on. I have an extra 2bl intake minus the carb. I purchased the disk conversion off of e-bay, but I now know that all you need is the bracket from scarebird, and you can get the rest of the parts from a junkyard or auto parts store. I believe the rotors and calipers are off of a late 70's riviera, and the booster and master cylinder are gm units.Link to a good post on another board. Good information.

http://www.teambuick.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13565&highlight=disc+brake+conversion

201260mark

11-01-2008, 01:00 AM

Thanks very much for your time and help !:TU:

64LeSabre455

11-10-2008, 02:49 PM

Well, I finally planted the motor in place and began the daunting task of wiring, and all of the little minor tasks.

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=163668

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=163670

One of my buddies is gonna come over tomorrow, and we are going to see if we can finally get it to fire.
I should have it all back together by next weekend, then I have to take it back to Montana to get it titled (:rant:Washington DMV :rant:)

Still need to find a fan for a non A/C 455, an Air cleaner, and power steering pump. Was trying to find them used at the pick and pull but still lookin.
Any comments send them my way.

64LeSabre455

11-13-2008, 07:29 PM

Well, Got to work on it over the long weekend, and Found out that my starter is shot. All it wants to do is spin when the key is turned over.
Checked the wires, and had my friend turn the key while I tapped with a hammer. Still nothin.:blast:

I thought I was gonna have to run down to the parts store and get a new one. Well I had a couple of old starters layin around, and we took the solenoid off of one, and put it back together and now it works. Sweet. First time rebuilding a starter!! :laugh:

That was all I got done. because I had to change motor mounts on my buddies jeep.

Almost ready to fire it up though.

BamaWildcat

11-13-2008, 09:19 PM

Neil,

Great work.

64LeSabre455

11-14-2008, 06:50 PM

Neil,

Great work.

Thank You. I have spent hours looking at your site. I never really thought about the drive shaft and the center bearing before, but after seeing your site, I looked at mine and found out it was shot. I also have an air conditioner off a 64 wildcat I want to put in sometime. So you have been a huge help without you knowing.
Thanks

64LeSabre455

12-03-2008, 10:20 PM

Well, I haven't been able to get a lot of work done lately. Work has really put a damper on my plans to have it all back together and hauled back over to Montana before the snow flies. I have done all the little tasks that I had planned, even a few more.
I replaced fuel line, and have slowly been putting it back together. I purchased some much needed parts from a couple board members.(Thanks Guys!!) Still have not tried to start it up yet. Friends have been less than willing to help a guy out.:af: I think i need some new friends.

Here are a couple pics of most of the front end back on. It kind of sucks not having a garage. I have to do all of my work in the dark.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1539.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1539.jpg)
I also have been trying my hand at a little body work.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1540.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/?action=view&current=100_1540.jpg)
Quarter has a couple of pretty deep creases that were full of bondo.

Stevos64

12-06-2008, 06:39 PM

The car is looking great I love the disk brake conversion! I also have a 64 lesabre and I would like to update the rear brakes does anyone have any suggestions on where to start? Thanks!

Woodsters

12-18-2008, 02:04 PM

Neil,

Looks great! Keep up the good work. Make a Christmas present to yourself and fire it up this weekend.

David

64LeSabre455

03-14-2009, 08:04 PM

Update!! Finally!
Well, I finally got around to workin on the car. It has been a good 3 months since I have turned a wrench on her. Have been swamped with work, family, house work, and everything else.:mad:

Well I decided to take the day and see if I could get her started. Hooked up the battery and found out it was dead. (Trip #1)It was still under warranty so I got a new one.
Hooked the batt up, and the starter was crankin real slow and makin some horrible grinding. So I pulled the starter, (Trip #2) went back to the parts store and had them test it. It was good, but I didn't trust it because of the frankenstein rebuild that was done to it a few months back. So I bought a new one instead.
Hooked it up, and tried again. Crankin hard, but nothin. So I pulled #1 plug and checked for spark. We have spark!
Then I checked for fuel. Nothin, Bone dry. Checked the lines, dry.
Pulled the fuel pump and went back to the parts store.(Trip #3) Purchased a new one.
Put the fuel pump on, hooked the lines up, and tried her again. Crankin good, and it had a leak. So stopped crankin checked to see if lines were tight, and they were. So we took off the inlet on the carb, and noticed it was missing the crush washer.
(Trip #4) went back to the store, and picked up a o-ring for the inlet.
Put it on and tried again.
So now we have spark, have fuel, and we tried again. Cranking, and it started backfiring out of the carb. So we checked to see if we were 180 degrees out. We were good, then we checked out the cap and noticed I had some of the plug wires in the wrong position.
So we tried it again and 5 seconds after cranking she STARTED!!
I am psyched. Let her idle for about 15 seconds, sounds awesome, and ran great.
Now all I need to do is finish the brakes, exhaust, and of course body work. I finally got over a huge hurdle and this will give me more motivation to jump back on the project:beers2:

Bad Boattail

03-14-2009, 08:20 PM

Nice project, Niel :TU: !

Board member "austingta" (Frank) told me that he could use an old Texas plate for the 1966 Riviera GS we drove from NY state to Austin for him.

If I remember well:
When the year on the plate is the same year for the car, you can register that plate to use on the car ?
So is that also what you are planning to do ?

I will follow your posts about the LeSabre from now on, for some reason I never read the previous posts.

64LeSabre455

03-22-2009, 06:58 PM

Well, I knew I was gonna have some clearance issues when I test fit the radiator. So I decided to use electric fans. I picked up a pair of electric fans from a 98 riviera, at the local pick and pull. I wanted to run both of the fans, so I could have one setup to come on at 180, and the other one to come on if the temp got over 200. Well it wasn't going to work because of the way the inner fenders are set up. It would work if I hacked out part of the inner fenders, but I don't want to cut up the car to much. So I decided on running one fan. I will test it out and see if it can cool it enough. If it won't then I will have to run the 2 fans. The shroud I am using is a stock 64 LeSabre shroud.
Tell me what ya think.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1753.jpg (http://photobucket.com)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1754.jpg (http://photobucket.com)
I am using a 3 core radiator out of a 64 Electra, it is a lot bigger than the 2 core rad that was in it.
Hopefully it will be adequate to cool this beast.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1756.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

64LeSabre455

03-29-2009, 08:01 PM

I had a pretty eventful weekend!
Got up early Sat Morning to go pick up my New project a 64 Wildcat. I drove the hour to get there, and the weather was absolute crap. I got the car started and drove it up a hill to get to a flat spot so I could load it on the tow dolly. The car died as soon as I was gonna load it up, and the rear brakes locked up because I was using the parking brake to stop it. Well anyway I couldn't get it loaded, and I was soaked so I so screw it and went home. Gott ago back on Tues to try and get it again.

Sunday.
I got to spend some good time working on the 64. I need to get it all put back together so I can take it and get the title for it. I spent a good four hours putting on the front and rear bumpers, some trim and running the wires for the headlights. It is starting to look like a real car again. I still need to finish the cooling system, and exhaust. I was testing out some rattle can paint to see how close I could match the paint. It looks like crap, but hopefully this summer I can get her painted. It is a pain in the a*@ to put on the front bumper by yourself. :af:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/kimb82/100_1785.jpg (http://photobucket.com)

SKYLARK66'

03-29-2009, 10:51 PM

Hey Neil, the ole' Lesabre is lookin' good! Thats one good thing about being out west is the condition of the cars. I've got a few from North and South Dakota. Hope everything goes good with the licensing of the Buick! :TU:

64LeSabre455

05-17-2009, 09:29 PM

Update!!
Well I towed the car to Montana, so I could finally get the Title stuff squared away. Towed the beast over 4 mountain passes, in my 07 Silverado. I got a flat on the truck in Eastern Washington. That was the only eventful part of the trip. The entire trip took about 13 hours.
I arrived there, and I had to get the car inspected by the county Sherrif, So he could verify the VIN. Took him 5 Minutes. I then had to go over to the County Courthouse to file for the title and register the Car. I thought I was going to have to get a Bonded Title, but Nope!! The car is now MINE!!:TU: and the best thing about it, It cost $21.00.
Plates and all!!! Good thing I'm in the Military.

LOW MOTION

06-02-2009, 12:26 PM

looks like it getting there....good job :TU:

p.s. do you know where i can find quarter trim for the 64 the skinny one the comes to a point?

64LeSabre455

06-02-2009, 11:22 PM

I do have some trim off of a 64 4 dr, the skinny kind. If ya need it?

Sergeant Major

06-02-2009, 11:50 PM

LOW MOTION

07-01-2009, 07:16 PM

wat is the wheel bolt pattern on these cars...anyone know?

CameoInvicta

07-01-2009, 07:33 PM

wat is the wheel bolt pattern on these cars...anyone know?

5x5in

64LeSabre455

07-01-2009, 10:22 PM

Well, if anyone is interested, this project is on hold! Until I return! Hopefully I can save up enough cash to have it completed while I am away.

Bad Boattail

07-01-2009, 11:17 PM

wat is the wheel bolt pattern on these cars...anyone know?

Andy already answered your question, but here is a handy chart:

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w166/V8BuickRides/TechPhotos/BuickWheels.jpg

CTX-SLPR

07-03-2009, 09:08 AM

That chart isn't entirely accurate. There were 77-85 LeSabres with the 7.5in 10 bolt rear axles with the 5x4.75in bolt pattern. These would be the base level cars and not very common but they did exist.

thjensen72

08-22-2009, 04:35 PM

i've got a 64 buick lasabra, I'm using to get to work (800.00 bucks) I like the heck out of it. its a 300 hi-comp 355 torque. fascinated with your build and lusting after some of your throw away parts. keep up the progress, you know i'm watching