'55 Special in Poland :) [Archive]

m.kozlowski

12-01-2009, 03:57 AM

Next chapter...
Forgive me such obvious facts, i write my page for people knowing nothing about Buicks :)

18.12.2008
Little step forward - got the pictures, it means that Buick was moved and everything seems to be going forward... That photos will be presented to the moto expert.
The car is Buick Special Riviera advertised as "The SPECIAL -- Buick life, lift and luxury at lowest cost".
This one is two door hardtop - four door was more expensive. Riviera is equal to hardtop. It differs from regular sedan with not having a B-pillar (between door and side window)
Interior has seats for six persons.
And a radio :) Whichever this one is - every one was an option, standard was only a radio delete plate.
155096
Nice face. As I love customs I could imagine a lot of mods... I don't see badges and ornaments here, as well as I see grill built from vertical teeth instead of this one. Big bumper bulges are going to go, front bumper could be altered to look better. I think about frenched lights. Fortunately this side marker lights could be used as a indicator lights... I dream too much.
155097
I will eat You! :)
155106
Booo, side trim is bent :( It could be a problem. Nice hubcaps.<BR>
155098
The seller told me something about missing trim being in trunk, but I'm not sure. And maybe I will remove all side trim? On the other side - i like it, it goes very well with this three tone paint job. A three tone paint job like this one was also an option, standard was single colour.(my later note - side trim stays on, three tone paint job will be white-green metallic-white).
This three holes (portholes) assure that it is Special model indeed. Bigger, more luxurious Buicks Roadmasters had four of them.(my later note - portholes are still ugly to me, as long as i look on them).
155099
I don't know if in customizing madness this rib under side window will disappear (author's later note - definitely not). As a curiosity - that piece of chrome around fuel door is an option too. It would cost $ 1,95 at the dealer.
155100
Looks good :) Interesting - if this white round lenses are backup lights or only a delete? Backup lights were not a standard, but they would be needed. It could be used as a rear indicators... (needed as a separate lights in Europe).
Bumper bent. I don't know if that emblem is going to stay here.
155101
Wow, looks good... But how much work would be needed before I could drive it somewhere...
155102
Booo. No door upholstery (my later note - I found it in the trunk when it arrived). Fortunately it has simple shape, and the handles are in place. What a seat.
155103
Here you can see, that although door upholstery is in place - it is not a reason to be happy, because it is only suitable for trash :) But at least it shows what to fabricate.
And you can see old good friend of old cars lover - rust.
155104
I am worried by this right fender - it seems to have heavy rust. But these old iron is solid and thick, maybe it is not that heavy... (my later note - they are leaves! No rust.)
155105
What we should do with this? Restore or replace with newer one?
155107

m.kozlowski

12-01-2009, 04:12 AM

Now I know that, back then i did know nothing :)
And yes, red indicators are forbidden, as long as i don't want to register this car as a historical wehicle. And i don't :) We have strange law here :/
I think, that i will put in backup lamps some white LEDs for backup and some amber for indicators and it will be fine.

m.kozlowski

12-01-2009, 04:26 AM

To present You my story in a way I have lived it. I know that it may be a little confusing, but at least You know how it looked like to me, when i was new to Buicks, knew nothing and was afraid if this car will be at my home someday at all.
Don't worry, the story isn't that long, 3, maybe 5 posts later i will be writing about current progress :)

m.kozlowski

12-01-2009, 04:42 AM

Yes, not all pages are done yet, for now last one is 11. But don't read yet :) I'm trying to give You Hitchcock-like story here :)

m.kozlowski

12-01-2009, 04:45 AM

Ahh, now i'm able to post photos just the way i want.

12.01.2009
Buick travelled from San Francisco (Vallejo to be accurate), where it was bought, to Los Angeles, from where it will be shipped. Unpleasant surprise - seller called shipping company before about shipping fees, they told him $1450. When he arrived with the car on a trailer and showed it to them, they said it is soooo big it would cost $2400 to ship it :( The difference between these two prices was divided by two of us. Really honest person - he brings the car to the shipping company, he for sure is tired of eight hour drive... He could sell the car to someone from US or tell "ship it yourself".

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_005.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_007.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/003_009.jpg

In next episode: "Buick arrives..." :)

65specialconver

12-01-2009, 11:16 AM

Wow,that's quite a project.What are your motor/transmission plans?

m.kozlowski

12-01-2009, 12:28 PM

When it will be time to move it under it's own power, it will have small block chevy + TH350, just because it is still V8 and cheap. Later, when time and money permits it will be it's original 264 nailhead mated to that TH350. A few posts later You will see frame/suspensions donor... :)

m.kozlowski

12-02-2009, 06:46 AM

Ok, i see that not so many of You are interested, so now it's time to turn up the heat...

31.03.2009
Shipping company had nothing to put to container with my car for a long time. They offered to ship it to Germany or Lithuania even the next day. It happened that I hadn't plans to do such a trip, so i refused :) Then all that crisis thing begun and nobody here wanted a car from US. Fortunately for me they found something to ship and they put everything in container. They even informed me that yesterday the ship flow out. It should arrive to Gdynia May, 10th.
I received an Fedex envelope. Papers. All the time the seller and the shipping company told me that all papers, especially Title, will go with the car; what had I found inside that envelope? Certificate of Title and few others.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/004_001.jpg

20.05.2009
HERE IT IS!
After several phone calls to Gdynia harbour i managed to make an appointment with them on monday, may, 18th, to open the container together.
I booked bed and breakfast in Gdansk, i've borrowed GPS to not get lost, i took all the paperwork... And I set off. In the evening of sunday of course i couldn't sleep. I got up at 6 and after light breakfast i headed to Gdynia harbour. I was there at 7.40. I went first to spedition agency. They billed me the maximal harbour fees even before opening the container - i think due to this f*** crisis.
We went to the harbour storage area...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_001.jpg

...and opened the container.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_005.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_007.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_010.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_011.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_012.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_013.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_013.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_014.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_015.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_016.jpg

After that i spent 6 more hours filling all the paperwork needed in Customs Office. Then - free to go! I made an appointment with my car club friend who has a suitable truck for such occasion. He arrived, we went to harbour storage again (forklift operator got a little money to drop Buick on my friends car) and got out of there finally with marvellous Buick on top. We loaded mine (borrowed) Toyota Yaris on the trailer (i told people it will give to Buick its engine and trans) and headed home. Evening left no memories - i literally touched the bed and fell asleep. Happy of course :)
Summary - i am satisfied. The car is rebuild worthy. It will be good! :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_017.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_018.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_019.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/005_020.jpg

In next episode: "It even runs!"

flynbuick

12-02-2009, 06:52 AM

Great story Marcin.

RATT7

12-02-2009, 10:21 AM

Great story !! Keep us updated on the progress.

Floydsbuick

12-02-2009, 05:36 PM

This is a very cool thread! Keep us updated.:TU:

RipRohring

12-02-2009, 07:02 PM

Marcin: Congratulations on your "rebirth" of the '55 Buick. You will find her a joy to own and improve over time. Sharing rides with friends is A GAS !

Mine is a '53 (pix at my username RipRohring). It has the 322 C.I. displacement "Nailhead", with automatic transmission. It has no manual choke and has been hard to start and keep running this past month. I am in Buffalo, New York - on the Canadian border. She (my car is an unnamed, as of yet - gal) had 5 inches of wet snow layered on her yesterday morning when I awoke. I pushed it all off with a work rag, freezing my hands in the bargain ;-(((

Some things you might jot down to follow up on.

The transmission is "designed" to leak oil (?) Perhaps a knowledgeable mechanic can explain why ?

Perhaps you might want to "keep" the dual protuberances on the front and rear bumpers. They give EVERYBODY an instant appreciation for your auto as a Buick. They also protect the bumpers from inadvertant errors on the part of other drivers - they are formidable and imposing - and those pesky Fiats and VW's keep their distance.

The "chrome" swoops on the side give you some leeway on the 3 tone paint job. You will have to get rid of the few dents, and polish them up with aluminum polish (mine are all aluminum). . . Also, when you remove the swoops (and don't put them back on) - you leave a long trail of (spring clip holes) holes in the body that need filling and invariably the "shadows" do not go away without a LOT of work.

My door panels, and the sidewall kick panels in front of the door are EXACTLY like yours - trash . . . I do NOT take 'em off and toss 'em for the same reason you don't - they are good guides for tracing to replace them. Also, mine have a few little doo-dad pieces of chrome accent, including the word "Super" with a tiny emblem. I have an upholsterer close by me, who is going to work with me to make panels and cover them and transfer the chrome. Thank goodness. He likes my car and is going to help me at cost -not at retail. I need a whole new interior with headliner - that can wait.

I am estimating $10,000 U.S. to rechrome all my chrome. UGH. I am planning on doing 10% every year starting in 2010.

My car's wiring harness is at best "serviceable". I would recommend consulting with a wiring expert on how and what to replace the harness with ? It is a lot of work, and is a lot easier to do while the engine is out of the bay ?

I have 30 paint flaws - mostly bubbles that burst a few years ago and have expanded over time. A few are surface rusted. I am in the middle (have concrete poured last week) of building a garage 24 ft by 24 ft - total of 576 sq ft - lots of room to store stuff plus the car, plus workspace. I plan to use a dremel tool to remove these flaws during the winter time, and apply only primer paint. One has to be careful and heat the target paint area up to maybe 60 degrees (farenheit) to apply paint in the cold - else it pops off.

I've got an old floor jack - a friend's - that I am worried about using. Have acquired some really heavy duty jack stands to hold the car while I work on it.

Oh yeah - I have one rotted rocker panel - right rear door (mine is a 4 door) - and today I was noticing some bubbling underneath the swoop at the bottom of the "v" on the passenger side.

The radio antennae is on the roof - squarely in the center above the windshield- close to the chrome - and it has a "turning knob" inside on the headliner. It had leaked, but has been sealed with silicone sealer - UGH - gonna have to take off the antennae and buy a new one - another paint area to redo.

My mirrors are all less than desireable - I want to keep the car as original as possible, so am watching for suitable replacements.

Oh well - I also want to tell you how much I ENJOYED your recitations herein. Quite an expedition. Picking up my car was a 24 hour driving Odyssey - I pulled a trailer behind my FORD Expedition at the end of June as I drove to Detroit, Michigan - 550 miles each way. Rained all the way to Detroit. I found the house, got the car on the trailer while the (lucky) rain stopped for half an hour. Then I paid for the car, got the title signed over, and started back towards Buffalo. It started raining again - REALLY HEAVY on the way to Buffalo. Stopped underneath a gasoline station roof to double check the bindings, then kept driving all the way back to Buffalo - a total of about 1,100 miles in one day. Stopped to eat two or three times each way (McDonald's).Took two days for my tiny brain to recover.

I don't know how e-Bay works to ship small purchases to you ? However, many of the little widgets and accessories I need come up every once in a while. There was a set of 53 door panels with kick panels - for a 2 door car a few months ago. I didn't bid - but have been watching for a set for a four door sedan. Likewise for an antennae. There have been a number of used ones and one new one that I passed on - can't tackle everything the first 6 months.

Good Luck with your new car. Over time, you will forget these days of bewilderment - "where do I start ?" . ..Just take your time, get one foot in front of the other. If your car runs - you might not want to put that Chevy crate motor in there ;-(((

And oh yeah - I had a 1978 Ford Fairmont. During my divorce - my ex-wife got the car. I, of course, got the payment book.

Rip Rohring :Comp:

m.kozlowski

12-03-2009, 05:29 AM

Thanks for watching :)
About parts - everything i buy i request sending to my aunt's home, then she sends me big parcels once a few months. It is slow, but very cheap method. But what i can do from such a long distance? :) Some parts for american cars are available new here, in Poland, but they are extremely expensive. For me it is a lot cheaper to buy something on e-bay or in NAPA, let them send it to my aunt and pay for shipping all the goodies to Poland.

Ok, so back to the thrilling story :)

26.05.2009
Customs Office / party
I was knocked off by a message that in order to finish procedure in Customs Office i have to bring them the car. I quickly managed to borrow another car trailer - i had it at 22.00 the day before my appointment with Customs. I loaded the car in the dark and gone to sleep. In the morning i woke up and what do i saw? Buick BARELY fit the trailer... Front bumper bulges touched trailers front wall, rear wheels were on the trailer, but left about 3 inches of space behind them. All of the car's rear were behind the trailer. Not speaking of the trailer being overloaded slightly :) I hook up reflective triangle on the back and called it done. I regret not having pictures of it...
I drove it to the Customs Office - my worst 22km ever. What a load...
In the beginning they even refused any talking - car must go to the customs parking. Period. I requested talking to their principal, especially that i had some issues with paperwork. I talked to him for a while - that the trailer is heavy and i want to drive it not more than necessary, that i don't want to waste his or mine time, or that nevertheless i've paid them provision, so they can be sure thay can let me take the car with me... At last he told me:
- OK, let's see that car, we'll see...
Then he walked into his ofice, and got back with many papers, dressed fully in uniform and a hat. I said
- Uhhh, that's going to be hell of a inspection.
- Why? - he asked glaring at me. - I assume that if You wear your official hat - it must be serious matter. - I said
From then on we checked my car on a loose, 10 minutes after i could drive home with my Buick :) I drove fast in order to return the trailer to my friend. Then quick drive to Antique Keeper's Office for a document stating that mine 1955 Buick Special is a historical vehicle, and back to Customs. An hour later i had a document in my hands stating that i'm clear with them. What a relief!

And a little anegdote :) In Customs Office there was a guy speaking with a clerk about his just bought used car:
- You know, it is old car, it's from '98...
LOL!

Anyway - let me give you an idea how much it cost me. Prices are in $, although most of them were paid in PLN, so i roughly rounded it.
<table width="380px"> <tbody><tr><td width="80%">- Buick</td><td align="right">2550$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- shipping</td><td align="right">2000$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- moto expert's primary opinion</td><td align="right">70$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- Antique Keeper's Office fee</td><td align="right">6$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- unloading the container</td><td align="right">534$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- Customs Agency - filling the paperwork</td><td align="right">85$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- Customs fee</td><td align="right">395$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- trailing the car from Gdynia to Warsaw</td><td align="right">250$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- moto expert technical opinion</td><td align="right">40$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- trailing the car to the Customs Office and back</td><td align="right">95$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">- Customs Agency - filling the paperwork again</td><td align="right">35$</td></tr> <tr><td width="80%">
- T O T A L</td><td align="right">
6060$</td></tr> </tbody></table>
And... I held a grill party two days ago. It's purpose was to eat, drink and get the Buick started. I invited some of my friends...
In the party also participated: garden hose (cooling system - radiator was empty), one additional battery, post-soviet starting/charging device (lights dimmed in few houses around), three sets of starter cables, gas can, old condensers from Polish Fiat 126 and a grill. I consider party as a success, Buick has started. After 5 hours of wrenching and cursing, but nonetheless.
There were problems with searching for lost sparks. It wasn't under the car, but we finally found it. First starting try we encountered large cloud of rust being sprayed from inside of the exhaust pipe. That was fun! Unfortunately we could't run the engine for a longer time because needle valve was stuck and the carb spilled gas generously all around the engine. The brakes and trans were howewer ok, so the next day i took a short ride around the block :)
The rest will be said by a photos.
That happy guy is me.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_007.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_010.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_011.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_012.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_013.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_014.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_015.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_016.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/006_018.jpg

And a movie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfkRgjC9fU

Bad Boattail

12-03-2009, 05:36 AM

And a movie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfkRgjC9fU

Here's my favourite movie from Poland:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WlC93lTEwBQ&hl=nl_NL&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WlC93lTEwBQ&hl=nl_NL&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

m.kozlowski

12-03-2009, 05:43 AM

It is funny, because that fiat was made by made by my friend from capri.pl club. Rear drivetrain is from honda civic or something like that as long as i remember.

m.kozlowski

12-08-2009, 07:53 AM

10.08.2009
Front clip is removed.
At this time all brightwork is removed, so are lights, interior, much of the wiring... That took some time - every part needs to be labeled and packed. The problem is not in disassembly, but in later cursing "how and where that thing should go?" :)
Anyway, two days ago I wanted to remove some screws and gone crazy...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_003.jpg

Ant that's me again...
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_005.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_007.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_010.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_011.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_012.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_013.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/007_014.jpg

m.kozlowski

12-10-2009, 08:18 AM

22.10.2009
More disassembly
I still haven't got any time. My other car, ford granada (european) lost oil pressure on valve rockers, i had to do it first (granada is my only other car). Short to say, engine had to be disassebled in order to redo ONE bolt holding camshaft gear to camshaft. That bolt came lose, resulting in camshaft being pulled inside the block (by distributor gear). Valve rockers are oiled from camchaft bearings, and if camshaft is not in its place, it's grooves don't match bearings and... You know.
Also, the Buick is under the tarp, but still outdoors. Weather was not very nice, so I hadn't very much will to do something :)
First, photos of new goodies from U.S. e-bay:

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_002.jpg

Such photos need to be done, so i could assemble this few years ahead. This particular shows rear side window rail.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_003.jpg

And empty place, where glass, trim and mechanism resides.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_004.jpg

As one can see, there is a lot of problem area around rear glass.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_005.jpg

Progress not shown on pictures - left door removed, windshield removed (in one piece, thank God!).
Below You can see dash being removed. At last! Who could know how one bolt can be troublesome :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_006.jpg

Dash gone. Defroster vents were also removed.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/008_007.jpg

Buick was dropped on the ground again. Now i have to move it into the garage for engine/trans removal. For now i decided not to separate body from frame. First part of bodywork will be done with body on the frame. It will be easier to work without tubes welded inside for strengh. Frame will be off later. Also frame has one nice feature - it has wheels to move it around :)

m.kozlowski

12-11-2009, 08:47 AM

I've bought donor for the frame, suspensions and floor pieces:

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/caprice_dawca/capr_005.jpg

And cut it - ruthless :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/009_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/009_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/009_003.jpg

Also, i've received some more goodies from U.S.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/009_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/009_005.jpg

m.kozlowski

12-11-2009, 08:50 AM

We had some fun also:

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/caprice_dawca/capr3_007.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/caprice_dawca/capr3_012.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/caprice_dawca/capr3_013.jpg

RipRohring

12-12-2009, 01:00 PM

WOW ! You certainly don't let grass grow under your feet ! (That's American slang for you work fast). You've done more disassembly work in a month than most people would do in a year !

You are right, packing things away so you can find them (keeping a good index of what is where) is the BEST thing you could do, along with labelling boxes. Also, as a suggestion, I would order all new nuts-n-bolts and fasteners and little rubber widgets and hoses for pieces now; and pack them away with the parts they came off with ;-))) That way, when the re-work is completed, the reassembly parts are all together, with the fasteners.

I am totally impressed with your progress. Looks like you have some metalwork to do, but at the rate you are working at it, you'll be driving your NEW CAR by summer. . . All new paint too ?

Hey Marcin - what's your nick name -- the name your friends call you ? Mark ? Joe ? Koz ? Let us know.

Rip Rohring :Comp:

PS: I envy you - being able to assemble those awesome temporary tents; to work in during inclement weather. They are "outlawed" here, the zoning people want us allto build permanent structures. I can't even put them up for a month or two. So, my concrete is poured - since Nov 23 - and the builder of my 2.5 car garage has been sick in hospital with pneumonia - but he says he will be ready to work next week.

m.kozlowski

12-12-2009, 01:40 PM

Yes. But in fact, shipping of that car was so long (6 months altogether), that the most part of disassembly was done in 2-3 MONTHS. Also cutting that caprice classic was a 2 week job :) Thats quick enough? :)
When i have time - i do as much as i can :)

For now i have so much parts in my garage i can barely put my car into it... The tents are allowed, and they are cheap :)
As for parts - new bolts, washers etc. are hard to buy here - we have everything metric :/ I buy small parts mainly on e-bay, suspension stuff in NAPA. But that costs, and right now i'm out of funds for that car.
Bodywork is required, rust removal is tough job, but largest part of it would be making donor frame longer, boxing it; then welding into buick big chunks of caprice floor (rear part mainly - from under the rear seat to the end of the trunk; tunnel also). There is rust around rear window channel (channel is almost entirely gone), rust instead of rocker panels... I was surprised, that trunk lid, front clip and bigger part of the cab has only surface rust.
Right now doors are worked on, soon i will start welding the trunk lid.

Mister T

12-12-2009, 10:39 PM

Great story Marcin. :beer :beer Just goes to show that gearheads live everywhere. That sure is one adventurous project you've begun. Keep the stories coming.:TU:

m.kozlowski

12-15-2009, 04:01 AM

Ok, so back to present time.
I managed to remove left rear brake assembly in order to try it with another Caprice axle i have lying in garage. Also it is necessary to make list of things to buy...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/010_001.jpg

I've unbolted backing plate not touching anything else - i don't want to lose any spring yet. Axle shaft and wheel was bolted back, brake drum was put on the other axle... and it is evident, that 1981 Caprice (frame donor) has different bolt pattern that 1991 Caprice (axle donor). I will propably put older axle shafts in newer axle in order to stay with that bolt pattern; or drill another set of holes in that newer axle. I don't want to change front hubs and wheels, but it's not for sure yet.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/010_007.jpg

As a side note - i do not have imperial socket set - everything i do with metric tools, and i am very surprised how well they work with imperial hardware :)

m.kozlowski

12-15-2009, 04:21 AM

2009-12-15 - from now on i will post only current progress.

I was rather busy lately, so I've made not much progress...
That's my backyard:

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/011_001.jpg

As for Buick - I managed to remove engine mount bolts and exhaust header to exhaust pipe bolts in order to prepare the engine for being removed. Then weather changed and snow has fallen, so it's time to do something else in warm garage, not outdoors :)
Anyway, before snow i was able to remove trunk lid.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/011_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/011_003.jpg

evilbanaan

12-16-2009, 06:57 AM

hey Marcin,

Great car you've got there! I bought the exact same car last weekend, and I'm thrilled to get to work on it!

Keep on doing such a great job, I love your progress so far.

Bye,
Jasper

m.kozlowski

12-22-2009, 04:59 AM

Unfortunately yesterday was a fire in my neigbours home - just above my garage. Garage is flooded with ooze :( Some Buick parts are flooded, today i will see whats lost, whats saved. I hope that windshield is intact, it was very close to the fire. Also larger part of my tools is wet :(

My home is rather intact, thanks God, only few windows are broken and roof pipes (i don't know english word for that) are melted.

So that will slow me down a little. At least no one is hurt.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/images/pozar.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/images/pozar2.jpg

Lucy Fair

12-22-2009, 07:21 AM

Thats a pita.Good no one has been hurt.
Anyway Wesolych Swiat.Mam nadzieje ,ze wszystko bedzie dobrze.

Pozdrowienia z Warszawy:TU:

:beers2:

RATT7

12-22-2009, 10:31 AM

Great start on the car, hope there is no damage from the fire.

m.kozlowski

12-23-2009, 04:14 AM

Tools cleaned, almost nothing is damaged. Entire garage floor is flooded, but i have nothing worthy on the floor, only some scrap metal and some spare parts which i should throw to garbage - now it's good opportunity to do that :)
As for Buick parts - the most important and fragile part - windshield is intact. Bumpers and dasboard with instrument cluster is all wet. I will try to clean it when water stops dropping from the ceiling.
For me that fire made only a little damage fortunately. Now its time to help the neighbours.

I will try to do something productive with Buick parts, but for now I should finish disassembling the body, but it is too cold for that.

Tothna

01-02-2010, 02:36 PM

roof pipes (i don't know english word for that)

To catch the rain? Those are called gutters.

m.kozlowski

01-15-2010, 04:31 AM

Thanks, now i will know :)

As for progress - the weather was ruthless for the project lately:

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/012_001.jpg

Unfortunately my main tent where Buick was stored started to collapse under all that snow. I had to dig Buick out of it and move it to the smaller, safer tent.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/012_002.jpg

On the other hand I was able to do some work in the garage. I have dismantled lights, portholes and entire dash. Everything was prepared either for sandblasting/powder coating, zinc plating or chrome plating. Chrome plating would be expensive...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/012_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/012_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/012_005.jpg

RATT7

01-15-2010, 09:50 AM

Looks good !!

jonahboo

01-16-2010, 10:21 PM

keep up the good work

i too have one

send me an email and i will send you some good pics i have (may come in handy later when you puther back together)

message me fo my email

we got ours last sept - we got a long road ahead as well

m.kozlowski

04-02-2010, 01:51 PM

I haven't done any updates recently, but that doesn't mean that i forgot about my Buick :) Winter is gone, time to start working...
I've started from removing rear glass (another stressing situation). I decided that it is good idea to make rear glass template just in case it breaks. It is not easy either, You can see that on one of the pictures :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_004.jpg

m.kozlowski

04-02-2010, 01:51 PM

Next on the list was long awaited engine removal. Buick moved into the garage.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_005.jpg

I've tried to unbolt exhaust pipes, they wouldn't let the engine up enough.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_007.jpg

But they wouldn't unbolt. I waved them good bye with my grinder :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_010.jpg

Here You can see gearbox joining with torque tube. What should I unbolt? I really had no idea, so...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_011.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_012.jpg

... I've unbolted both connections. My mistake, i had a shower of trans fluid.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_013.jpg

Removing gear selector mechanism. Later i've learned that i forgot to remove speedo cable.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_014.jpg

Put the engine cart under, so the trans won't go too low.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_015.jpg

Up, up, and away!

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_016.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_017.jpg

Very old weed or something? :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_018.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_019.jpg

I always lift the engine by the seat belts wrapped around exhaust. They are strong and easy to remove. I made educated guess where to put them and bingo - i managed to get engine and trans perfectly level.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_020.jpg

So empty here. What surprised me, is that engine and trans are so HEAVY. They weight MUCH. My engine lift had very big trouble lifting that weight. Buick itself is now so light...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_021.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_022.jpg

Dynaflow. Original...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_023.jpg

m.kozlowski

04-02-2010, 01:52 PM

And out again. I've received a lot of attention :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_024.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_025.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_026.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_027.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_028.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_029.jpg

On its place again. On the right - Caprice frame.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_030.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_031.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_032.jpg

Temporary secured, till new tent is made.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/013_033.jpg

m.kozlowski

04-16-2010, 08:03 AM

I will put here some old photos of dismantling the headlights, but there was nothing in them to be proud of... Now i am putting them together.
Anyway, that is the lamp. I removed that chromed ring.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_001.jpg

Then i've removed sealed beam.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_002.jpg

It was sandwiched between stainless steel ring (seen on photo) and a zinc-plated "plate". I set them apart.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_003.jpg

Inside is not pretty, but it has 55 years of service...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_004.jpg

But I've just received some of my bolts and other stuff from zinc plating (done for a bottle of something :) )

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_005.jpg

I've also received a few thinghs from sandblating and powder coating. So I could assemble such looking headlight (there is also new rubber grommet):

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_006.jpg

New lamp, european beam.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_007.jpg

You can see what holds it inside.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_008.jpg

And completed headlamp assembly. This is actually first completed thing on my Buick...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/014_009.jpg

tumminello123

05-02-2010, 08:46 PM

I didn't even know Poland got Buicks in the 50's......nice.

m.kozlowski

05-04-2010, 12:13 PM

Usually we didn't. One's only chance to have such a car in the 50's was to be a very important communist :/

m.kozlowski

05-12-2010, 04:53 AM

I had enough stumbling by that big hunk of steel, i mean Buick engine and trans. Unfortunately it is so heavy, that in order to move it i had to use engine lift and two other persons... I had to do something with this. It happened that i had spare shelving donated by my friend. I borrowed a welder from another friend and started making sparks. Frame for the beginning.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_001.jpg

Then i invented using what was left of original engine mounts as a new mount, with new rubber.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_002.jpg

Thats how it looks put on the frame.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_004.jpg

Unfortunately in order to run this engine on the stand i have to do something with this... Carb should be level...
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_005.jpg

But it wasn't because of trans laying on the frame. I could make longer front mounts, but i wanted the engine to sit quite low.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_006.jpg

So i used remains of trans mount as a template.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_007.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_008.jpg

Making that:
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_009.jpg

Oil filter persuaded to me that he has too tight space to be in when engine runs. Check.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_010.jpg

That welds are making me proud - i am welding second time in my life :)
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_011.jpg

Thats how it looks finished. Sadly, that wheels are too weak, i have to put stronger ones on. But at least i can move the engine around by myself.
http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/015_012.jpg

m.kozlowski

06-02-2010, 07:44 AM

I had to entertein myself and get a little bit motivated. Time to run this engine :)
I have made very simple ignition and used old thinner bottle as a gas tank.
During first try I suddenly remembered that i removed oil pressure sender pipe :) Since it was very annoying lying by the engine, i moved to the development department of my garage and managed to fabricate block off pipe. Remember, in Poland it is quite difficult to find imperial screws, so I have stolen pneumatic connector from my compressor and added to it laser-cut circle (out of old can). You can see result on photos :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/016_001.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/016_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/016_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/016_004.jpg

After that came time to fully enjoy V8 sound :)
Voice comments are from my friend.
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m.kozlowski

08-17-2010, 07:18 AM

Something has moved forward. Let's start from the frame preparation.
Chevrolet caprice frame has 116" wheelbase, my Buick has 122". It needs to be lenghtened 6" in order to be used under Buick...
Thats how that caprice frame looks like. I managed to get station wagon frame, which is stronger than sedan's. It has also additional supports in rear part. It should be strong enough.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_001.jpg

You can see here sedan's frame rear. It has open profile and no supports between longitudinal and transversal parts. We will use it's front longitudinal parts.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_002.jpg

Now it's time to start (with a little fear) cutting. My friend who has workshop we are doing this said that there are two stupid persons - one that imagined such a project, second that agreed to do that... :)
For starters (apart from measuring, measuring and once again measuring) we need to remove rear part of the frame at the factory connection.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_003.jpg

Now it's time to use sedan's analogic longitudinal parts in original places. They will be longer and will allow us to have frame lenghtened.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_004.jpg

Several hundred times measuring. Frame is in fact leveled despite it looks tweaked.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_005.jpg

After grafting sedan's frame parts we set their proper width and welded them to that grey thing. Now we need to make sure they are leveled, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transverse part of the frame. Measuring again and again, until diagonals are equal.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_006.jpg

After measuring and welding that connections we can remove excess material.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_007.jpg

Front part of the frame.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_008.jpg

That part was cut lengthwise in order to allow narrowing its profile. That way we can insert front part of the frame into the rear part and weld it on much wider area.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_009.jpg

Just like this. Measuring again, of course...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_010.jpg

After several hundreds of measures we can weld it for good!

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_011.jpg

Ready.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_012.jpg

You can see in background newly finished inner part of the frame connection.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/017_013.jpg

In next update - floor.

m.kozlowski

08-17-2010, 07:45 AM

As the frame is ready, we can move to floor preparation. Rear part of the floor...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_001.jpg

Peel not needed metal...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_002.jpg

And put it back on the frame.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_003.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_004.jpg

Similar with front part of the floor.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_005.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_006.jpg

It is missing few inches...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_007.jpg

Fear not. We're going to fill it.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_008.jpg

Slowly, but surely forward.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_010.jpg

Inner doorsill.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_011.jpg

Almost there.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/018_012.jpg

bhambulldog

08-18-2010, 12:35 AM

Wow! you are on your way to a nice car. Keep up the good work.:TU:

m.kozlowski

08-19-2010, 04:52 AM

Now it's time for the real work to begin.
Comparison photo of both chassis.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_001.jpg

Let's start cutting... What's that doubtful face? :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_002.jpg

Cutting.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_003.jpg

Good looking flames.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_005.jpg

Angle grinder may be more convenient?

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_006.jpg

Front is cut.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_007.jpg

And the trunk.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_009.jpg

Here should be the photo of lifting off the body, but i had to help lifting it:)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_010.jpg

Shell is ready to go.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_011.jpg

On the right is hopefully my car, on the left chassis no one knows what to do with right now.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_012.jpg

Take it home :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_013.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/019_014.jpg

Looks terryfying, but it will be ok.

m.kozlowski

08-19-2010, 04:53 AM

Now it's time to post some photos to cheer You up after cutting such a nice car :)
First we put the body on the floor to see what fits and what doesn't.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_001.jpg

Rear looks rather good, front was left with too much metal in order to clearly see what had to be cut. Measuring of course continues...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_003.jpg

After making necessary cuts. Looks good. In front it would be difficult to join everything, as there are a lot of things to care about. The firewall happened to be about 4" forward than original one, so is front seat. That was not expected, so i was worried if the front seat would not be too forward. After measuring and comparing to previous position we agreed that it would be ok. On the other hand rear legroom has been greatly improved :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_004.jpg

Passenger area fits very well, everything aligns good.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_005.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_006.jpg

That's how it looks.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_007.jpg

Rear inner fenders in Buick were closer to each other than in Caprice, but it also aligned well. Question is should we leave the trunk floor as it is, or lower it (along with rear part of the frame) as it was in Buick originally.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_010.jpg

Rear part of the floor in Chevrolet had also lower part for trunk passengers legroom, it needs to be modified to meet Buick's rear panel in original connection point.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_011.jpg

Initial welding of two firewalls together.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_012.jpg

If measuring will assure me it fits, it is a chance to use Chevrolet's air conditioning.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_013.jpg

Rear seat will go here. Fits real good.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_014.jpg

Drivers seat position. I think it will be ok :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/020_015.jpg

bhambulldog

08-19-2010, 06:31 PM

Looking good.

m.kozlowski

09-01-2010, 04:30 AM

Welding continues... and it will be continued for quite some time.
Front of the frame is ready - here can be seen connection between Buick's front profile and caprice's frame. I can't make better photo because front sheetmetal is mounted on the frame. It is welded for good anyway :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_001.jpg

Initial welding of 'B' pillars and under the rear seat.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_002.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_003.jpg

And welded ready. 'B' pillar.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_004.jpg

Under the rear seat.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_005.jpg

And side view.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_006.jpg

Rear seat mounting location; rear seatbelt mounting hole

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_007.jpg

And left side, not ready yet.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_008.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_009.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_010.jpg

The trunk is almost ready. It looks very well, only rear part and connection with rear sheetmetal is not yet ready.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_011.jpg

And detailed view - rear left wheeltub just behind the rear seat.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_012.jpg

Rear tub again.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_013.jpg

We have now recessed areas on the sides, as a result of keeping original Buick's floor level, as well as original caprice's floor level. The upper part from caprice's floor is where frame goes.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_014.jpg

That's how it looks.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_015.jpg

And right part of the trunk.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_016.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_017.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_018.jpg

m.kozlowski

09-01-2010, 04:30 AM

Rear part of caprice floor had a recess for third row seat passengers legs. We kept that part to have more room under 'official' trunk floor level (it will be about the level of the lower trunk opening). That part however has been shortened. It looks very well.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_019.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_020.jpg

Here can be seen remains of original floor. We have to invent something clever here :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_021.jpg

And my priceless assistants, who could not wait for their first ride in our 'new' Buick :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_022.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_023.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_024.jpg

We were also on the junkyard, searching something, and the kids found that car the most interesting :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/021_025.jpg

BillyJack111

09-01-2010, 09:50 AM

Marcin,
Great photos. Thanks!!

Niech cię Bóg błogosławi

m.kozlowski

09-01-2010, 09:54 AM

Thanks :)
I thought that almost no one reads this thread...

bhambulldog

09-01-2010, 02:03 PM

55 Buick is my favorite car of all time!! Nice work!
I enjoy reading and seeing the photos of your progress.
It's most interesting to me. Keep up the good the good work:TU:

I look forward to your next post.

m.kozlowski

09-02-2010, 02:11 AM

bhambulldog

09-04-2010, 12:16 AM

Thanks. I need a lot of cheering up from You, because sometimes it is hard to keep faith in what i'm doing... Especially when it comes to paying for metalwork for example :)
News for today - i have to pay part of the welders bill :) and the trunk is ready for good, rear part of the frame is finished and we are waiting for a complete heating/A/C/defrost system. I will visit Buick on saturday and take photos, and off to the junkyard looking for ventilation system from something. First thoughts are peugeot 206 (which may have too small A/C evaporator) or honda accord.
It's good to see an old Buick resurrected. As I said before, 1955 Buick is my favorite Buick, of all. Are you going to re-install the Buick engine? If you are not, I would understand. But, I think it would well represent Buick with an original type nailhead.

Re: A/C; I don't know any specifics about Peugeot or Honda. But, comparing cabin volume, 55 Buick vs, Peugeot or Honda; I would guess that there may be an issue with the size of the evaporator(s).:Do No:

I'll eagerly look for your updates.
Keep up the good work:TU:.

m.kozlowski

09-06-2010, 04:52 AM

As for Buick engine - reinstalling it was my original idea, either wit new pistons with 10:1 compression and mechanical fuel injection, either with old pistons and a blower; unfortunately frame swap is so deep modification i think it would be very difficult. We'll see, for now power will deliver caprice's engine, buick's one needs overhaul...
But when caprice's engine will stay for good, i have an idea :) Vintage style dragster with nailhead, hauled behind my Buick :) I like this engine, so it will stay at my garage here or there...

Buick will be back at my garage this week - frame/floor swap is done, for the rest of the metalwork i simply don't have the money right now. I will however do some things i can do without paying too much - i have to remove rear fenders, install complete interior to see what needs modification, redo all the wires, modify '56 oldsmobile wiper motor to fit Buick (it 'almost' fits) and so on. Also the frame is ready enough to think about sandblasting and powder coating it. Then i can build entire chasis ready...
I will post few more photos soon.

hackery

09-06-2010, 01:08 PM

Great work and dedication! I am working on my 56 Buick and I know what you mean, we all need to motivation to keep going. You're building this 55 from the ground up and that is awesome! :gp:

m.kozlowski

09-07-2010, 04:11 AM

Thanks, i need that kind of comments :)

Frame and floor swap is basically done. Bodywork will be paused at this point since i need to earn some more money to continue... Left to do is right part of the firewall (when i will find fitting A/C and stuff), rear window opening, inventing what to do with front sheetmetal in order to fit everything what is needed inside the engine bay, sandblasting and priming everything and some little things.
For now a few detailed photos. Let's start from the rear panel (which is left unwelded since it needs to be removed for rear fenders removal).
Rear panel:

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_001.jpg

And removed. Cable hole is in wrong place, it will be welded shut. Underneath it can be seen rear crossmember, there will be also towing hook mount.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_002.jpg

And side view.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_003.jpg

And the firewall is a little modified, hood opening spring can be seen. It's mount has been cut from Buick's front body mount and grafted into caprice's firewall. I can't say if I will leave that square hole here, it depends of the fit of the fuse box which goes 'into' that hole.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_004.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_005.jpg

And hood opening spring mount.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_006.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/022_007.jpg

And of course I invite everyone to my homepage (in Polish mainly, but Buick section is in English also, but it is a copy of my posts here) - http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl (http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/)

Mister T

09-07-2010, 08:54 AM

Thanks :)
I thought that almost no one reads this thread...

Hey Marcin, I read your updates regularly. Keep up the good work!:beer You seem to have great vision for what you want to accomplish.

bhambulldog

09-07-2010, 11:24 PM

modify '56 oldsmobile wiper motor to fit Buick (it 'almost' fits)
Have you thought about electric wipers? Here is a conversion that I am thinking of doing on my car;

http://www.cmwauto.com./MainMenu/WindshieldMenu/Windshield.htm

What is on my car now, is rebuilt vacuum system;

http://www.wiperman.com/

Although, the rebuild of the vacuum motor is as good as could be hoped for. I am not satisfied with the performance of my vacuum system during rain. The best vacuum system is not as good as electric. (in my opinion) This is why I am thinking of converting to electric.

m.kozlowski

09-08-2010, 03:18 AM

Thanks, Mister T :)

I have bought '56 (or so) oldsmobile electric wiper motor, which unfortunately has only one speed, but is almost straight fit into buick's wiper mechanism. Just unbolt vacuum motor, re-weld oldsmobile's motor bracket (two small welds), bolt in new motor. It has even integrated electric switch, which fits onto original buick's cable.
(edited) Ah, as for new, aftermarket motor - i found it way too expensive. (/edited)

I have to leave something that is almost original on that car :)

bhambulldog

09-08-2010, 06:43 PM

m.kozlowski

09-09-2010, 02:35 AM

bhambulldog

09-10-2010, 12:55 AM

I searched my ebay history and found that wiper motor i've bought was described as "55 56 57 pontiac buick chevrolet wiper motor".
Tomorrow i will try to dig through my pile of boxes of parts to find it and i will post a photo of it.

As for expense it was not too cheap either, i have fought for it on ebay up to $100 :)
Ah, I see. Perhaps, it similar to the replacement kits that I am thinking of using?:Do No:
Yes, during these times I have to watch every dollar. My father suggested we sell our 55 Buick. He offered to give me half the money. I said; No. If, he sold the car, I would have the money. But, we would not have the car. What, fun is there, with no car?:confused:

I have looked at your Polish language site. The pictures are interesting.
I don't speak or, read or, understand the Polish language. Spanish, :idea2:I can speak, read, and understand, okay. German and French:(, I can read and understand, only a little. But, Polish, :shock:I don't know one word. My Boss, at work, is Polish born. Maybe, I will print out your site. And, maybe, she might translate into English for me.
It is good, for those of us interested in your car, that, your English is very good. I enjoy seeing and reading about your car. Thank you for taking the time to post the pictures and write the narrative.
:TU:

m.kozlowski

09-10-2010, 02:23 AM

Hey, I can translate it for You :) Buick section is both in English and Polish, just click the US flag, but the rest of the pages i wrote in Polish only just because i'm lazy :) If You like them, i can translate them.
And thanks for motivating me for further updates :) And please correct my bugs or wrong used words.

As for your question What, fun is there, with no car? - You are sooooo right :)

And promised photos of wiper motor. Here is seen mounting tab, when mounted to Buicks mechanism it is about 3/8 of an inch short to move anything, but you have two ways - modyfying it's mount (i'll go that route) or making some kind of tab to make that moving part longer.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/img_misc/wip_mot1.jpg

And other side - my switch has broken piece which i haven't glued back in yet, but it is straight fit to Buick's cable going to the switch in the dash.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/img_misc/wip_mot2.jpg

And i forgot - that is old motor, not replacement. Maybe it will help You in searching another.

Caballero3

09-10-2010, 09:34 AM

The attached thumbnail is probably what you are talking about except the photo is of a '57 Buick. It requires some adaption. A 3/8 inch (9.5mm) square spacer between the driver and driven. Also a 1/8 inch adapter and a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) thick washer on the mounting holes.

m.kozlowski

09-10-2010, 09:40 AM

Looks very, very similar to what i have. And Your description of spacer required for it to work in '55 Buick seems like it's the same thing. I haven't noticed any need for adapter and washer, but i haven't got that far into fitting that wiper motor in place. It's good to know what i have.

JohnD1956

09-10-2010, 08:45 PM

Just wanted to post a reply to let you know your story is being viewed. You have a lot of vision to be able to blend those two cars. Keep up the good work. It's fun to watch what you've done.

bhambulldog

09-11-2010, 01:58 AM

As for your question What, fun is there, with no car? - You are sooooo right :)

And promised photos of wiper motor. Here is seen mounting tab, when mounted to Buicks mechanism it is about 3/8 of an inch short to move anything, but you have two ways - modyfying it's mount (i'll go that route) or making some kind of tab to make that moving part longer.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/img_misc/wip_mot1.jpg

And other side - my switch has broken piece which i haven't glued back in yet, but it is straight fit to Buick's cable going to the switch in the dash.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/img_misc/wip_mot2.jpg

And i forgot - that is old motor, not replacement. Maybe it will help You in searching another.

The attached thumbnail is probably what you are talking about except the photo is of a '57 Buick. It requires some adaption. A 3/8 inch (9.5mm) square spacer between the driver and driven. Also a 1/8 inch adapter and a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) thick washer on the mounting holes.
Yes, this is very helpful. Am, I understanding correctly that, the existing cable to the original vacuum motor can be used for the replacement electric?

bhambulldog

09-11-2010, 02:21 AM

bhambulldog

09-11-2010, 03:05 AM

Czy mowisz po angeielsku? (spelling?)

Now, I am ready to visit Poland. No?:laugh:

I brought up youtube and leaned to say some phrases in Polish. I will surprise my Polish Boss next week when I greet her with;
Dzien dobry

Caballero3

09-11-2010, 09:14 AM

I thought that you might find this useful. It does apply to a '57-'58 though.

Dan

m.kozlowski

09-13-2010, 03:50 AM

JohnD1956 - Thanks :)
Caballero3 - thanks, in '55 Buick that looks slightly different, but it is so sipmle it should not be a problem.
Bhambulldog - Czy mówisz po angielsku (ó is same as u, we have many tricks like that :) ) and yes, you are ready to visit Poland :)
I will translate my page as soon as i will find some time (winter maybe? :) )
As for wiper motor - as i see it, original cable can be reused and it will fit.

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 07:00 AM

Bhambulldog - Czy mówisz po angielsku (ó is same as u, we have many tricks like that :) ) and yes, you are ready to visit Poland :)
I will translate my page as soon as i will find some time (winter maybe? :) )
As for wiper motor - as i see it, original cable can be reused and it will fit.

I must get a new key board for languages other than English.

Using an original cable will be a good thing for me. I didn't like the idea of changing the dashboard wiper switch on my Roadmaster.

I have looked again at your page. I understand from reading about your Buick that the lights on American cars must be modified to comply with law. And, I have noticed something. For example, on the Chevrolet Station wagon; The marker lights at the front and the amber tun indicators at the rear; Are those cars manufactured that way? Or, are those cars modified after the sale?

Oh, and here is link that you may be interested in. If, you haven't already seen it;

http://www.55buick.com/

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 07:12 AM

Just wanted to post a reply to let you know your story is being viewed. You have a lot of vision to be able to blend those two cars. Keep up the good work. It's fun to watch what you've done.
I agree, it is a good story. I enjoy reading and looking at the pictures of the work, as the story unfolds. The work they are doing is amazing, the stretching of the Chevrolet frame and fitting of the Buick to the frame/firewall, was especially masterful.

m.kozlowski

09-13-2010, 07:18 AM

Yes, i know 55buick.com page :)
As for marker and indicator lights - that chevrolet had modified (by hand, saw and glue) indicator lights at the rear, in front they were added. In Poland marker lights are legal, but they are very rare. Indicator lights should be amber, not white (You can have clear lens, but amber bulb). Also rear stop lights must be independent from turn signals. Headlights must be assymetric. Some US manufacturers are selling here their models with approtiate modifications, but used cars are modified by hand, and sometimes in terrible way ;)

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 07:28 AM

[quote=m.kozlowski;1542001]
155099
I don't know if in customizing madness this rib under side window will disappear (author's later note - definitely not). As a curiosity - that piece of chrome around fuel door is an option too. It would cost $ 1,95 at the dealer.
155100

It is interesting, to me that, on the Century and the Special the rib appears. And, on the Super and Roadmaster , the rib does not appear. Also, our car has the gas door guard. But the holes don't line up. I have broken 2 guards trying to mount them.

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 07:37 AM

Headlights must be assymetric. Some US manufacturers are selling here their models with approtiate modifications, but used cars are modified by hand, and sometimes in terrible way ;)

Good Morning (here it is 6:37) That is very interesting. It seems it is similar to British cars. ( Dad had a 1967 Triumph that was, as you describe.) I would like to know more about what you call asymmetric headlights. I will read the answer later. It is time for me go to work now.

m.kozlowski

09-13-2010, 07:39 AM

It is interesting, to me that, on the Century and the Special the rib appears. And, on the Super and Roadmaster , the rib does not appear. Also, our car has the gas door guard. But the holes don't line up. I have broken 2 guards trying to mount them.

Well, Super/Roadmaster is quite different body style and size than Special/Century... It has another styling "rib" - bodyline just below windows. Maybe that's the reason.

As for gas door guard - i don't like it :) And for now i even don't know where gas door itself will be - in original place or moved forward about 5 inches to reach caprice's tank...

m.kozlowski

09-13-2010, 07:55 AM

Good Morning (here it is 6:37) That is very interesting. It seems it is similar to British cars. ( Dad had a 1967 Triumph that was, as you describe.) I would like to know more about what you call asymmetric headlights. I will read the answer later. It is time for me go to work now.

Here it is 1:55 PM :)
Symmetric headlights are symmetric :)
Asymmetric means that passenger side is lighten (word?) better than driver's in order to provide longer distance to view in the dark (You know, drunk people, bicycles and trees on the side of the road) and driver's side must not blind drivers coming from the front (correct my words, i can feel that i am writing weird stuff).
British cars had the same system as the rest of Europe.
Here is an example.
http://www.infosamochody.pl/p/o/Hella_nowy_system_oswietleniowy_2.jpg

bostonbuick

09-13-2010, 01:59 PM

what a massive undertaking, but wow impressive work so far. good luck, it'll be amazing when it's done!

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 11:07 PM

Here it is 1:55 PM :)
Symmetric headlights are symmetric :)
Asymmetric means that passenger side is lighten (word?) better than driver's in order to provide longer distance to view in the dark (You know, drunk people, bicycles and trees on the side of the road) and driver's side must not blind drivers coming from the front (correct my words, i can feel that i am writing weird stuff).
British cars had the same system as the rest of Europe.
Here is an example.
http://www.infosamochody.pl/p/o/Hella_nowy_system_oswietleniowy_2.jpg
I was guessing you were 7 hours ahead. But in a few weeks will move our clocks one hour back (I have never heard a good explanation of why we do this, do y'all do this in Poland?). Rather than lighten, maybe you should say; lighting. lighten means to take away weight. Lighting is to illuminate. But I understand. The European headlights are side specific. It does seem to have safety in mind. Thank you, for explaining. It is clear to me now.

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 11:14 PM

Well, Super/Roadmaster is quite different body style and size than Special/Century... It has another styling "rib" - bodyline just below windows. Maybe that's the reason.

As for gas door guard - i don't like it :) And for now i even don't know where gas door itself will be - in original place or moved forward about 5 inches to reach caprice's tank...
Yes, this is the point I wanted to make (the difference). Perhaps, it was a compromise for the designers? Two models with the rib, And two models without. (?) I like them both.

I will be interested to see your solution to the gas filler location.

bhambulldog

09-13-2010, 11:16 PM

Here it is 1:55 PM :)
A question: In Poland; Do you say, 1:55pm? Or, do you say 13:55?

m.kozlowski

09-14-2010, 02:28 AM

Bostonbuick - thanks :)
Bhambulldog - "I will be interested to see your solution to the gas filler location." - me too :)
"A question: In Poland; Do you say, 1:55pm? Or, do you say 13:55?" - we say rather 13:55, but i will PM You to continue that :)

m.kozlowski

10-04-2010, 06:22 AM

Buick is in my garage at the moment, and it will stay here for some time. First i had to do some room for it, so i made new, bigger tent. Then i put the engine and trans back into the frame, also front seat is back on the old floor. My daughter likes it :)

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_001.jpg

And off to work... Original seams were flooded with lead, so I needed to get rid of it first. My torch decided to retire, so i had to use simple heat gun, but it proved to be efficient. On the photo can be seen rear panel to rear fender seam.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_002.jpg

Rear fender to rear taillight panel joining seam, lead is in place here.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_003.jpg

Melt and pick...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_004.jpg

Now on to drilling. Sometimes I need to drill through, because there are few layers of steel.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_005.jpg

Over the rear light.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_006.jpg

And side of the rear light.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_007.jpg

And separated pieces.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_008.jpg

Here You can see the seam between rear fender and door sill, almost everything has rusted away, but it has to be made new some day, so i managed to save as much as i could for reference.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_009.jpg

Joining with B pillar.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_010.jpg

Joining with inner fender along the trunk opening.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_011.jpg

Separated.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_012.jpg

In front.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_013.jpg

Ready.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_014.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_015.jpg

Now it's time for rear panel under the rear window, which is one piece with rear shelf. It should be easier to remove other fender, because that part goes over the rear fenders. So much welds to drill...

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_016.jpg

Inside.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_017.jpg

Other side.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_018.jpg

View from above, there are rear hinge mounts welded from below here.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_019.jpg

Lead again, and seam below it.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_020.jpg

Removed.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_021.jpg

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_022.jpg

From beneath it looks rather healthy, but it has some holes though.

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_023.jpg

You can see here my new tent, now i have a lot of room to work and store stuff (garage is full at the moment...).

http://www.garazmarcina.waw.pl/buick/img/023_024.jpg