As I mentioned on my intro post the other day, I'd really like to get a '60 Invicta (or Electra, or LeSabre) to use as a daily driver. Just how bad of an idea is this? As an example of what I'm thinking about, someone on that thread mentioned that the '59-'60 cars are unique when it comes to suspensions. Unique in what way? Am I not going to be able to get shock absorbers? For that matter, what does parts availability for the Nailhead look like? Are things like alternators and water pumps still available, or is it all rebuilds and junkyard scavenges now? Finally, if maintaining the original engine is impractical (or I get a car without an engine to begin with), how amenable are these cars to swaps? How much power could I put in there if I wanted to go down that path? Educate me, please!
Any old car can be made to be dependable. I put a bunch of miles on my 60 and never had a problem...but I spent 2 months making sure it was up to the task. Engine or driveline swaps are difficult because of the torque tube design, as opposed to an open driveshaft. So if you swap the engine, the transmission won’t work with anything else...so you have to swap that, and as a result the driveshaft and rear end need to be changed. Keep it simple and drive it as it came from the factory. Forget about disc brake swap...the Buick finned aluminum drums are monsters and stop really well when the system is in good condition.
I suspected as much when it comes to swaps. Which is OK, as that's not my preferred direction in any case. I've heard good things about the brakes on these cars. How's the availability of parts for them?
Which parts? I don't recall any standard wear items being hard to find. Lots of specialty vendors out there for reproduction stuff, too. Sheet metal is a different story, though.
One like this would be a bad idea. https://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/d/boynton-beach-1960-buick-electra/7004520337.html Try to find one in as good a condition as you can afford as you'll spend way more restoring ones this far gone.
I've daily driven this since 2013. 1961 Lesabre. I do roughly 15,000 - 18,000 miles per year. Suspension is the same as any 59-64 GM. Mine's air bagged and I love it. My vote. Do it.
I have all the mechanical parts for the 1958 - 1960 Buicks. Brakes, Front End, motor mounts, fuel pumps, water pumps, ignition, electrical and a whoooooooole lot more... U.S.A. made, not Chineseum... That part is solved...
I also drive old stuff everyday. It's a lot more enjoyable than sitting in an appliance with all the other people. I actually look forward to the drive to and from work.
‘59-60 has threaded bushings. By ‘64 they were rubber. Suspension arms don’t interchange with other GMs... there’s a bunch of differences.
Yes that is correct. I should have been more clear. Style and design of suspension is the same (X Frame). But yes many parts, especially Chevy, do not interchange with these Buicks. Some olds and Caddy stuff does.
Cluxford --- Don't know what fake news automotive catalog you can't read -- but NOT one single front end part for 1958 - 1960 Buicks will cross with Oldsmobile or Caddy parts, NOT one. Not Upper & Lower Ball Joints -- 1958 - 1960 Buick ONLY. Not Upper Control Arm Shafts & Bushings, Not Lower Control Arm Bushings, Not Inner & Outer Tie Rods, Not the Center Link & Idler Arm, etc., etc. Have no fear, Dorsai, I have you squared away when you need.....
Well that’s what happens when you believe the so call experts. I was told they did by two Wrecking yards when hunting some parts. Thanks for the correction.
