Hi-Hello. So couple days ago my father and I bought 54 century hardtop with interesting & same time sad history. According to information I have gathered from 3 previous owners I have found, the car was imported from USA to Soviet Latvia in the late 70s. So it was on the road till begining of 90s, losing some parts on the way, such as side vents and mirrors. But main reason why it was parked, were issues with carburetor. The carb was taken off for rebild, but because of not enough information and no option of getting repair kit from USA (these were hard times for people after USSR broke, and the y had to learn how to live the life new way) it stayed so without carb till now. For that time car has changed couple of owners and now it came to us. We have some experience of restoring soviet and german cars, bikes, but it is first time tuching American classics. I made a lot of research on the model, parts and the car overal, but definately will need some advice from you guys and girls. Some more information about it: -54 century riviera -322 Nailhead with 4bbl (carb is missing) -titian red -with red /black interior Will need some rust repairs, but overal in good shape. interior and technical works, but nothing what we are affraid of. Would much appreciate your spport with advice and leads to some parts( will make a list shortly). Shipping costs to Latvia and customs are killing me and my wallet, but need to move forward. At the moment what we need: - 4bbl carb in working condition - ignition distributor and other stuff, but as said, will make a list, so if you have century for parts, drop me PM.
I'm looking to start the engine and the distributor doesn't look good after all this years. But as said main issue is carburetor. Thanks alot for the manual, saw it, bookmarked.
Yeap, I know, I have also found that : Carter WCFB (1952~1954 and some 1955 and 1956) Holley 2140 and 4000 (all) Rochester 4-GC (1952~1955) Stromberg 4A (1952~1954) will fit directly, but as US cars are realy rare here, the only option I see at the momment is Ebay. Don't want to buy rebuilded one, looking for one to rebuild. so to say safe some money.
A quick search of that Stromberg number brings up two-barrel carburetors. Maybe that’s a misprint in the book? The intake definitely is a four barrel and looks like a square bore; maybe run an AFB or clone like Edelbrock Performer? Patrick
So yes. If somebody have or knows somebody who may have 4bbl carb for nailhead for reasonable price, drop me PM, cause at the moment this is the main aspect I need to go forward with. Before I start disassembly of the car.
Just to let you know ALL "Nail" distributors interchange. The best choice is a '57-'66. Readily available parts is one advantage. May even have cap, rotor, points & condenser in stock at one of your auto parts stores. Very easily converted to electronic ignition by MANY different suppliers. Just FYI. Tom T.
Thanx to all for your comments. While "big"garage is occupied with some other works which can't be finished by one or another reason. Decided not to waste time and started to take some parts out, so if would be easier to get body of the frame. Frame bolts all are out, at the moment only 3 broken bolts ( in fornt), fingers crossed...
You original carb had a vacuum switch incorporated with it that allowed gas-pedal starting. You can bypass that, it's just another obstacle, but you'll also need a new ignition cylinder with a 'start' position (or use a starter button somewhere). Otherwise, or if you want to keep it original, you need a Buick-spec carb.
Yes I do have this vacuum switch, but no wiring to it. also as it is dynaflow, I should have connection rod from carb (gas lever) to gearbox to activate "kickdown"
I would want to keep it original ( gas pedal start, dynaflow, airfilter) , that's why I'm looking for stock one, even if it needs a rebuild.
