Proud new owner

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by 68special455, Nov 29, 2022.

  1. 68special455

    68special455 Member

    Hey everybody I am the proud new owner of a 68 special deluxe which has been turned into a GS clone with a 455. Unfortunately I could not find any identifying information on the engine when I inspected it so I have to take the owner's word for it that it is a stage 1 motor. I guess a future Dyno test will let me know what I'm really working with. The car has MSD ignition, Holley sniper efi, Turbo 400, hurst shifter and a Ford 9-in rear with 411 gears. It has Hotchkis suspension with Bilstein shocks. Whoever modified this car spent a lot of money on the right parts so I can only hope that they really got a stage 1 motor to work with. But the body is in really good shape with minimal rust. No floor pans, rockers or trunk pans to replace. So a factory A/C car with a 455 that doesn't need a bunch of body work was well worth the $12,000 I paid in my opinion. Been a long time since I was turning wrenches on helicopters in the Marine Corps so I'm excited to get my hands dirty again. Looking forward to absorbing all the information I can from everybody here and sharing what I learn along the way.
     
    3clicks, BUQUICK, Dano and 5 others like this.
  2. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    Welcome aboard from NY.
    Fred
     
  3. rkammer

    rkammer Gold Level Contributor

    Welcome from Mount Dora, Florida. That price for a big block car that runs and shows well is easily worth what you paid. You joined the right forum for the best Buick info and guidance available. Enjoy your new ride.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2022
    FLGS400 and 12lives like this.
  4. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Welcome!
     
  5. FLGS400

    FLGS400 Gold Level Contributor

    Welcome from Florida!

    I was following that car on FB Marketplace and eBay, when it was for sale. Looked really nice and has had a lot of nice updates to it. Sounds like you got a great deal, too. Congratulations! :D
     
    pbr400 likes this.
  6. 68special455

    68special455 Member

    I'm in Wellington where are you? Yeah he was asking $14,500 but we got stuck at a gas station during the test drive due to the hot starter issue and then there was a wiring problem keeping the fans from running continuously. He accepted 12 after all that lol. We got the fans running before taking it home but they failed at some point because it actually overheated on the way and blew a hole in the radiator. I already have a new champion CC161 fan combo for it just trying to figure out how to install it. Got a new high torque starter too with an original style heat shield on order.
     
    FLGS400 and rkammer like this.
  7. JESUPERCAT

    JESUPERCAT No Slow Boat

    Welcome from central Maine. Looks like you are in the south as I see green in that picture:D. Thanks for your service in the Marines.....
    Post up some pictures of your 68
     
  8. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    Wellington? I have a winter home in Royal Palm. There's a few Buick people in the area. Waterboy (John) has a get together for Buick people over the winter.
     
    FLGS400 likes this.
  9. Dano

    Dano Platinum Level Contributor

    Welcome! Sounds like a nice ride. Don't worry too much whether it's a Stage 1. The only that'd really mean at this point is big valve heads h with that suspension a set of Stage 1 aluminum heads/intake would probably make sense just for the weight savings.
     
  10. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Greetings from the northern part of the state. Perhaps I'll see ya in Feb at Johns Buick Bash.
     
  11. FLGS400

    FLGS400 Gold Level Contributor

    Ah, so you aren't too far from where it was for sale. I'm in the Tampa Bay Area, eastern Pasco County.

    I went with a Cold Case radiator, original fan, original fan shroud, new fan clutch, 180 degree thermostat, and standard water pump on my 400. It never gets over 185 now. Just got back from a short drive (30-ish minutes).

    Yeah, me too. He's (Waterboy) a little north of you. I'm sure he'll chime in here soon.
     
  12. Michael_G

    Michael_G Living the Dream... Fast with Class...

    WELCOME! ...and CONGRATS!!! Is this your first classic Buick or the next?
    -MIG
     

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