1958 buick

[wwenzel]

I am looking to buy a 1958 Buick Century 4dr hardtop, good original condition, runs and drives fine, a few things, has an arm rest in the center of the back seat which I haven't seen in other cars, also it looks like it has the air poise system, as there is the compressor under the hood by the power steering unit.

If I buy this car, how much does it cost and what has to be done to get this air system working or is it better not to get it working. What has to be done if I want to remove the air poise system.

This is the first time I have had anything to do with the air system on a vintage car.

Any help would be appreciated

The car needs to have the hood painted, there is a dent in the trunk, weather stripping needs to be changed, otherwise runs and drives fine, good original interior. Any idea what I should pay for this car.

Once again any help would be appreciated.

Thx in advance Wayne.

[John Codman]

GM had major problems with the air-ride system that appeared in 1958 across their entire car line. The basic problem was that the system leaked air. You would park your car in the evening, and the next morning you had a low-rider. You would have to start the car and wait for it to pump itself up before you could drive it. Most of the air-ride cars were converted to conventional springs. I am surprised that your '58 has survived with the original air suspension. As a collector car, I would think that the rare original air suspension would greatly increase the value of the car. If you want a driver, I would probably (very carefully) photograph, remove, save, preserve, and catalog the air ride equipment and replace it with factory coil springs. It was a major PIA, but the air-equipped cars rode beautifully. The 1958 Buick is an interesting year - there are those who love the big chrome-kings, and also those who regard this first post-Harley Earl era Buick as one of the ugliest cars ever built. There is no doubt that you either love the big, square Buicks (and Oldsmobiles) or you hate them. It is definately a niche car. Personally, I would pay less for a 1958 then either a 1957 or a 1959. As a collector car however, that factory air suspension would make this car a prize for someone who wanted a 1958 Buick.

[richopp]

I totally agree with John and would only add that 1958 was the year that all the GM cars celebrated with excessive use of chrome and exterior design elements that set these cars off from all other years. I would personally purchase a '58 GM car before any '59 car. Of course, the '57 Chevy is in a category by itself, but I would buy a '58 Chevy WAY before I would a '57 or '59 simply because of its unique look and relative rarity.

Clearly personal taste forms a huge part of this opinion as I slightly disagee with John here. Mecum prices will usually bear out my opinion ('57 and '59 Buicks are not very popular at this time) but a '58 in good shape typically attracts people like me who appreciate the relative "craziness/uniqueness" of the cars from the '58 model year as it represented a clear peak in GM design history.

Cheers!

Richard

[John Codman]

I can't disagree with Richard. I am in the camp that is not wild about the '58s. They are unique. Please do remember that the air suspension was a one-year only option. There has to be a reason why. I cannot resist mentioning that about 35 years later, Ford put air suspension under the Lincoln Town cars. it was not a significant problem - the air springs needed replacement about every 125,000 miles, and the cars rode beautifully. Technology is a wonderful thing...

[wwenzel]

Thx a lot for all the info you guys have sent me, I am looking for a good 1950's cruising car, I have driven the 58 Buick and is a great car to drive, although these are not the most popular car, I do like all the chrome. If I had my choice I would probably pick a 59 Chev 2dr hardtop, however this Buick is available, it is not a show car but very nice original, which needs a little help. If I get this car I will be happy with it.

Thx again for all the info. Wayne.

[Smartin]

The B-59's had air poise as an option as well. Not a one-year wonder, but close.

[John Codman]

I was wondering if someone would prove me wrong on my one-year option comment. I have never seen a '59 with the air suspension. The word had gotten out at that point, and my guess is that dealers didn't want to sell it.