just wondering what to look for at swap meets. my car is automatic on the column with factory buckets.
Here is what a center console for a column shift bucket seat car looks like. Unfortunately,this console is the rarer of the two consoles (the other has the shifter in it), and as such, commands a premium. It is for sale on eBay right now (I have no connection to the seller): http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7949016354.
Another option would be to buy a console made for a floor shift car, and just cover the shift quadrant. I hate to keep referring to fleaBay, but attached is a picture of a console that ended without a winning bid. The seller did just as I described; he covered the shift quadrant and tach area. Auction was at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=794751950. To me, this would be the least expensive option. I also like it because it breaks up the space between the driver and passenger seats, giving a more "compartmentalized" feeling. Some people might not like that though. While these consoles are less rare than the exact console for your setup, if they have the factory tach in them they will go for a mint as well. Hope this has helped you in your swap meet travels!
here's a couple pics. the front clip has a 63 fender and hood. I have 2 grills and no front bumper. the car had no engine, but I got lucky and horse traded for a donor 401/st400 with 50k, at least that's the story.
2 door, that is nice. Both my Wildcat's are four doors. I have one parts car and one project car. I have that red interior in my parts car, but it is a bench car so I have no seats or console to offer you :ball: That will look really good one day. I hope to get mine fixed up soon. It does run, but the body is in worse shape than yours. Attached is a picture of my project car. Pictures of both of them can be found in http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=45649.
Thanks, so you have 12 doors. huh? Right on, the more buicks the merrier. It looks like you won't need to go parts shopping. all I'm missing is the front trim spears and rocker trim, one 1/4 sail cat emblem, and the front bumper. And of course the console. almost forgot the 63 hood and fender, too. The worst part of the whole car is the rusty tail light buckets and surrounding metal. The tail lights fell inside the trunk while towing it home.I found some bondo in the rear rockers and accidentally tapped a silver dollar sized hole in one side. By the way, I liked the way your white one looked in the pics.
I actually only have 8 doors. The two Wildcats in my signature are my parts car and my project car. By project car, I mean the one I am working on. Regarding your tail light area, that is a common place that Buick's rust. I had a LeSabre I purchased from Saint Louis, and the metal was gone there. It'll take a lot of work, but that can be fixed. Another place these cars like to rust is at the bottom of the front fenders. Two door cars are great. I would like one, but I have the four door for sentimental reasons. How soon will you be getting the motor and trans in so you can tear down the road? :3gears:
the motor and trans should be installed and running within 1 month. I purchased the front and rear seals for the trans, filter and gasket. set me back $28. next, I'll be replacing the easy to reach gaskets on the engine, though they are all in decent shape, well except for the intake that a previous owner painted and didn't clean the surface. according to the previous owner, the distributor needs to be replaced, but I'm thinking they were over looking some vacuum leaks at the intake and carb. For the drivetrain, I need engine mount bolts and was thinking of trying to put racing style coolant lines for the trans. As far as the tail lights, I have a theory that when something needs major repair , then customizing is a good idea. So I was thinking of slightly frenching the tail lights. Not sure of all that would be involved, so opinions are welcome.
You may want to look at converting the back of the car to look like a '63 full size Buick or a '64 Electra. Those body styles put the tail lights where we have quarter panels extenders. If you were to move the tail lights to the side, then you could just cut a large hole around the bad tail light holes and patch them, or just cover them it with the extra long decorative panel found on all '63s and the '64 Electra. Here is a picture of the rear of a 63 from The Old Car Manual Project
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4530029924&category=34206 Here is a console just like you need, and if I remember right, it is the right color.
