So i went and picked up my grandmothers 59 buick and i was less than impressed with what the guy who purchased it 10 years ago did to it. So basically it has went from a running driving car to this, i will attach a link for you guys so you can see the pics, also i need to find a back window as some ass has smashed it out of it. Oh did i mention that when i showed up at the place to get the car that it was sitting outside with no hood or air cleaner on it, so the nailhead is screwed, however i have another one so lets hope that one is good, so much for numbers matching car, i guess i can paint it any colour i want now....:af: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=276491&id=884970316&l=4588dd6092
Also id be interested in finding the mirrors for this car as well as the guy who had the car has no clue where they are
Hey, your grandmothers Buick can still be numbers matching if you rebuild the original engine, even if the engine is 'weathered' its not a complete loss. But it is a real shame that someone would let that car get in that condition,its almost if they tried to destroy it? I'd start by getting it out of the weather,and start on the exterior first,at least remove all of the rust and get primer on any bare metal. Good luck, and try not to 'hurt' anyone.
this car is the actual car that my grandmother bought new in 59 so a different car isnt a option, i do have lots of good resources where im from, however this is going to have to be a very long term project, seeings as im guessing alot of the rust on the panels is going to have to be fixed with hand made panels
the biggest worry for the nail head for me is just how deep will the rust go into the cylinder walls, i already had that problem with a 455 i rebuilt and i had to have 3 cylinders sleeved and seeing as this has been outside in the rain for over a year by the looks of it im guessing all of them are going to need to be sleeved
The Buick forums from the BCA can be a good source for parts or advice for your car.http://forums.aaca.org/f115/ As you know,'09 is a big celebration for the '59's,there should be plenty of chatter about that year.If you are going to go through the work to fix it one time,I'll say,do with it what you always wanted to build(restoration,mod,etc).Good luck with it
I would pull the engine so that I could tear it down when I was ready, also I'm going to guess that you have a lot of work in the engine compartment to do. I assume that it's going to be out of the weather, so based on that I would just start stripping the car, get a better idea of the rust when everything that isn't car body is removed. At this point I would drive to the liquor store and get a bottle of tequila and start drinking some shots. When the hangover is gone I would probably start shopping for a donor car, after a careful evaluation of what the major components I need were. I would next go buy another bottle.
Looks like a worthwhile project You have there. I agree the rust should be stopped and resolved and the engine is worth rebuilding if you are wanting the matching numbers. Hope for the best on the cylinders! It'll be fun to watch along as you make progress on Granny's Buick! Best of luck to you!
Be prepared to spend 3 times what the car is worth monetarily. That would mean the sentimental value has to be very high. Join the Buick Club of America. They have many technical advisors and some specialize in your exact model. By talking to the right people you will save a ton of money and agony. The membership dues will be a pitance compared to the help you will receive. These cars are not that popular therefore finding someone who knows them inside and out is very difficult. I would pull the original engine apart to see if it can be salvaged within a reasonable cost. If not, finding the same engine and same year will minimize devaluation due to non-matching engine on this model. Good Luck
What is the model of the car? I may have a rear window from a 60 LeSabre. If the rear quarters are the same from 59 to 60 I can do one side, I have to check to see which one is good. Also, where are you located?
Yes, by all means, please join us at www.buick-59.com. We have all of the Buick Club's 1959 Buick Technical Advisors online, as well as parts vendors, etc. If any online resource can help, we can! By the way, your car has lots going for it. The history IS important, and Lido Lavender (original color of your car) is the color that most people seeking '59 Buicks hope to find.
