Ill just copy the post I made in the Newby "wet behind ears" forum. Hello from Vancouver, BC. Just picked up a 1975 Buick Century. Its all stock except paint which stands to be done again. 70,000 original miles on the stock 350. Leaky T-tops as usual which I will probably silicone shut. The interior was an eye catcher for sure which is the main reason I bought it. The price was $275 Canadian. What are things I can do to make this car move, its a boat. Looking to put a cowl on it or scoop, whats the best way? Color, what should I paint it. (No dents and small amount of rust) Just general information is apreciated. Thanks. Peace.
Welcome aboard. :beer We're all friendly here, how about putting your first name at least in your signature. :TU: Looks like you got a killer deal, except I'm not sure about those leaky T-tops being easily fixed. I seem to recall that car being offered here several months ago, and was surprised that it didn't get snapped up immediately. I was even considering it, but I'm 1400 miles away. Check out the small block sub forum for more performance info. There's also some savvy small block people here who I'm certain will chime in to help perk up that smog motor of yours. :TU:
Boy, that was a flash down memory lane! I had a 1976 Century Custom, back in '76. I loved that car, it was cranberry red with white buckets and landau roof, 350 and drove great. I went to see Elvis Presley in his last concert in the northern states at the Buffalo Aud. Fell asleep on the way home, hit a curb coming over the Burlington Skyway and flattened both left-side tires, used one spare and got on my CB radio at 3 am (notice the trunk-mount CB antenna in the pic) and someone stopped and gave me their spare so I could get home to Toronto.
'75 Century (from the other post) The original colour looks nice - just needs a little bit more gloss. . . . but I'm a little partial too metallic grey finishes ! :beer :TU:
dont cowl hood it nice car dad had 77 regal brown and saddle top it was awesome only had a 3.8 in it slow but would go places in snow a 4x4 wouldnt
Welcome to the board from a fellow Vancouverite! Nice car and seriously, any car you can drive and only costs $250 is a fantastic deal.
There are places out there, you just have to check around. The guy I use for issues I can't solve in my garage is in the process of moving shops and he generally works on older straight eights, but he's a big buick guy, but I wouldn't necessarily bring any performance upgrading to him. When I know where he's moving to I can let you know. Most of the other performance guys I knew & trusted are retired now. A friend of mine with a hot camaro has been using Ultimate Performance 604.536.6444 in South Surrey and was impressed. You might try them, but ask if they know Buick engines first. Good luck.
Welcome WELCOME ABOARD! I would keep her as stock as possible, I am sure that you can get new rubber for the T Tops to stop the leaking. Very nice score :TU: Don
Great find Welcome aboard, Great find. I agree that you should keep the car as stock looking as possible. A cowl induction would poıssibly detract from the sleeper look. Let people think its an old grandpa car and then show them your taillights. :3gears: If I were you, I would try to keep the car the same color but with a little more gloss. Maybe try some buffing and polishing before you paint if the paint is only dull but otherwise in good shape. Anyhow, just a few suggestions but it's your car and you should do it the way you want it. Also, I would try to find rubber for the T-Tops so they would still be functional for summer cruising. :TU:
Want to sell it? I'll be glad to take those leaky t-tops off your hands! Awesome score. New gaskets on the t-tops and a good buffing will do wonders. Otherwise, I'd also keep it Charcoal. I had a 75 Regal that was silver with red interior. I repainted it Charcoal grey with a matching burgandy top and stripes. It was an awesome car. Congrats.
It looks alot like the regal S/R they had back then. a nice 455 and a 200 r4 trans that baby would be SWEET. lots of :3gears: and good gas mileage. i like the silver too.
The paint is going to go gloss black. I finally got the car in my hands and in my name. The grey is a really shitty job and the original color was gloss black. The trunk, engine bay, door jams, etc, all shiny black. So back to original it gos.
The 3 D's Dante, Remember the 3 D's Dings,Dimples and Dents With a *GLOSS BLACK * they will show up more then just about any other color. :eek2: But I am sure it will look good! Don
The first thing to do is throw out all the smog components and rebuild that 350 with better flowing heads, bigger cam, carb, intake and why not throw some headers on it to top it off. That will make the boat go. Plus a little more gearing in the rear.
