That pedal switch under the brake pedal, just to the right of the dimmer switch, is the button for the signal seeking radio. A very rare option in '57 along with the A/C. The clunking you are getting going from L-R is kinda normal. U-Joints very seldom go bad since they are immersed in oil most of the time. If the idle speed is too high it will make it worse. The idle hot in gear should be about 450-500RPm's. Maybe around 550 with the A/C on. Being hard to shift is from L-R is NOT normal. The coolant leak could be the o-ring under the water manifold. Could also be thermostat housing. The aluminum housings do have a tendency to "Weep". The power brake system on these year cars were a hit & miss deal. Very antiquated & kinda poor. A newer power booster & double master may help tremendously, but that big nut under the dash is a PIA!!!! Other than the power booster & master the brakes themselves are quite adequate. They can be upgraded to the newer finned aluminum drums front & rear along with the wider shoes. Will help the braking tremendously. The plastic on the front seat was to help preserve the fabric from wear. They are hot & stick to your legs when warm out. Leave a towel on the seat to sit on when the car is in the sun or the back of your legs will melt.
Re: Shifting from L to R ; The shifter must be lifted to change from L to R and back. This is to prevent an unintended shift. D to L and back should be on the same plane and an easier shift. Re: Thunk upon shifting; Our Dynaflow did and does this before and after rebuild. Re: Tires ; We have bias ply for originality's sake. At a sacrifice to the quality of ride. You'll be happier with the ride handling of the radial tires. Re: Brakes; Four wheel drum brakes take some getting used to when one is used to front discs or all discs. On long downhill grades (very prevalent here in Birmingham) pumping the brakes, rather than riding the brakes, cuts down on brake fade. Re: A/C; I'm quite jealous. Mine has no A/C. The high in Birmingham has been above 90degrees F for two months and one week above 100degrees F!! Re: Clear Vinyl seat covers; They are an aftermarket addition. Re: Radio; Sonamatic is what most Buicks have. Our 55 has Sonamatic with 5 preset push buttons. For 55 the signal seeking radio (Selectronic?) there was one solid bar in place of the 5 push buttons. And a floor radio tuning button between the steering column and the light dimming switch. I'm not very familiar with 57. But, from your picture my guess is, Sonamatic. These radios can be rebuilt, by a competent electrician. Re: waiting; I don't know how you can stand it. Is your car already on board a ship? Do you have the ability to track the ships progress? I'll be glad to know when it arrives. And your reaction to arrival. Regards, Bulldog
Thanks Bulldog... Yes... the radio has 5 push buttons. I didn't take a close look at the radio when I inspected the car... I was more concerned about the body, chassis and motor and driveline. All those really hard to find and costly repair items. When the car arrives I'll check out the radio situation in detail. The seller said that the foot operated switch didn't work the radio... I wasn't sure what he was refering to at the time. Maybe it had a selectronic originally, and has had a sonomatic fitted later? o No: Lots to look at when it arrives. Car is currently in transit. mmmmm getting restless with the wait. "But all good things come to those that wait...." don't know who said that, but obviously he wasn't a car fanatic. :laugh: :beer
