55 Special runs, drives, and stops... what next?

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by dadavis, Nov 26, 2022.

  1. dadavis

    dadavis Member

    Hi all. I've posted a few times previously about my '55 Special. Long story short, it was my grandfather's, hasn't been regularly driven since the 1980s, hadn't been started since 2001. I've done a lot to get it started: replaced pretty much all ignition components (spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, points, condenser, rotor, ballast resistor, ignition coil). I've changed oil and filter, rebuilt the carburetor, rebuilt the fuel pump, run new fuel lines, installed new gas tank. I've run new brake lines, rebuilt the master cylinder, rebuilt or replaced all 4 wheel cylinders, cleaned shoes and drums, new brake hardware, cleaned and repacked wheel bearings, and put it all back together . I've installed a new radiator, new thermostat, new water pump, new rad hoses and heater hoses, and installed a new paper air filter (9x2). I've taken it for 2 short drives in my neighborhood and I'm happy to report that it runs, drives, and stops.


    It DOES have a transmission leak that needs to be addressed, and I have not checked gear lube on the differential. I know the rear passenger backing plate looked oil soaked, so I think I'll need to get new rear oil seals.


    Now I'm looking for suggestions and input on next steps beyond the above mentioned. I'm trying to keep the stock look as much as possible but modifying where it makes sense or to make it more reliable or comfortable. For example, the center of the oil bath air cleaner had a horsehair like element that was shedding on my fingers every time I touched it. Instead of looking for a new one or having mine rebuilt, I hit the easy button and bought a modern air filter. Also, the old radiator had a crack; a new aluminum rad was most cost effective and cools better. My goal is to make this a weekend driver and feel comfortable driving it an hour away if I want to.


    So what else should I be thinking or doing so I can feel comfortable taking my family out of our neighborhood?


    1. The engine seems to idle and run fine but I haven't gone more than about 20 mph. Take short trips and see how it does? Same with transmission after the leak is addressed?

    2. I tried to have brake drums turned at a local shop but they said all the drums are warped beyond what they can do. The shoes still had a good amount of pad, so I cleaned them and the drums and put them back. I don't feel any pulsing when I hit the brakes, but manual brakes feel way different than anything else I've driven. I looked into relining the brake drums and shoes but that was crazy expensive. Some of the ebay sellers have new drums for about 100 a piece. Some new drums and shoes seem to make sense. I know some have suggested looking for roadmaster drums and shoes since they're a little bigger. Somebody suggested looking for a 63 Riviera in a junkyard and steal all the brake stuff for aluminum drums and self adjusting brakes. Someone on a previous post said disc brake conversion wouldn't be worth it unless I was doing some really aggressive driving (I won't be). I just want to feel comfortable getting on the brakes if I'm going 55 or 60 mph.

    3. What should I look to replace or mod in the suspension?

    4. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

    I'm a relatively young guy (35) and I've done everything so far in my garage. I'm not opposed to taking it to a professional as my experience is very limited. This is my first time really learning about and working on old cars. If something sounds out of my league, say so. I won't be offended. Plus, my time moving forward will be limited. We have 2 biological children and just took in 2 foster kiddos, one being a newborn. 4 kids under 6? I'm TIRED! Thanks in advance for your input!


    P.S. I've attached some photos.

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  2. PGSS

    PGSS Gold Level Contributor

    No pics:(
     
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  3. Waterboy

    Waterboy Mullet Mafia since 6/20

    I would get the kids in the car and drive it around the neighborhood more. Your car sounds like a blast! Too cool that it was your grandfather’s also.
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2022
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  4. dadavis

    dadavis Member

    Sorry for the photo error. I thought I remember having issues trying to post pictures a while ago; thought I did it right this time. I've tried again. IMG_20221119_143505910.jpg FB_IMG_1669524844033.jpg IMG_20221126_225455547_HDR.jpg buick.jpg
     
  5. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Since I had a total of 13 '55 Buick's, mostly Special's & a couple Century's, Changing over to the newer big car brakes is a no brainer.
    The original wheel cylinders can be re-used. Just need to shim them out 1/2 the added width of the shoes. Using '63-70 full size car brakes will give you self adjusters. Will need to make an adapter for the front wheel grease seal. You will go from 2"x12"front to 2 1/4" & 1 3/4" rear to 2".
    No need for power brakes as it will stop so much better as the vehicle doesn't weigh as much as the newer vehicles.
    The old drums have enough "Meat" on them to remove a 1/4" of material & still have more than enough left for the proper amount of safety thickness.
    So the guy stating what he said is talking out his you know what.
    Problem is 1/4" thicker shoes are no longer available for MANY years.
    I never did a dual master as at the time they weren't available yet. On this you will need to do some research, but I'm sure it can be done without any major problems.

    Try adding a couple pints of dot3 brake fluid to the trans. as it will help swell the seals & may just stop the leaks.

    IF the rear is overfull with fluid it's because the forward seal in the torque tube is bad & leaking trans fluid into the rear. Just a matter of replacing the forward seal.

    Most of this I can walk you through as I've done it myself MANY times.

    Good luck.

    Tom T.
     
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  6. dadavis

    dadavis Member

    Thanks for the insight and advice, Tom. I'll definitely try the brake fluid first. Do I need to let out some of the trans fluid before adding brake fluid? Wasn't sure how concerned I should be with overfilling it.

    Also thanks for the insight on brakes. I'll look to call around to junkyards to see who has some older Buicks in their lots. I have no idea how easy or hard it will be to find a 63-70 Buick here in the area.
     
  7. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    dadavis,

    You'll only be adding a couple pints not enough to be worried about.

    Too bad you live in Ill. as I have all the brake parts you'd need.

    Tom T.
     
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  8. Tomahawk

    Tomahawk Platinum Level Contributor

    Welcome from Peoria, ILL!
     
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  9. dadavis

    dadavis Member

    That is a shame. I think I saw you live in Connecticut? I'd suggest a weekend trip for my wife and I since we've never been, but we just took in 2 foster kiddos so travel is a no go.

    I have a friend who works for the Secretary of State office who inspects junkyards; he was just at one yesterday and asked about 63-70 Buicks. The owner said everyone around here has been scrapping anything that old since the price of scrap is up.

    Just so I'm weighing out my options, would a disc brake conversion require a new master cylinder and brake booster? I'd still be able to use all the lines I've run, right?
     
  10. dadavis

    dadavis Member

    I guess another question is, if I buy new 55 roadmaster drums and shoes, can I just add self adjusters?
     
  11. RustyFuryIII

    RustyFuryIII Well-Known Member

    She’s a beaut. Sure, looks like it needs some work on the outside. But nice looking car. Not that my 2 cents means much, but I’m glad to see you’re working on her to keep her running. Your grandpa, if that’s who is in the picture with you, sure looks happy you’ve taken in interest in his ol gal.

    For someone who says they’re not very mechanically inclined, you’ve certainly accomplished quite a bit to get her up to snuff to kick her around some.

    Again, great looking car. If you keep going, you’ll learn quite a bit about her. Shoot, probably have more fun working this ol gal than you would the new modern, plastic Easter eggs they sell these days.

    As you’ve probably already read the responses to some of your posts. Lots of knowledgeable, willing folks here that’d be willing to provide answers and tips as you go along. Never look at something as beyond your current skillset. Take your time, plan accordingly, you’ll be amazed at what you can do.

    Enjoy,

    Paul
     
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