Just thought I'd introduce myself. I bought a 1955 Buick Special a few years ago. I don't have a lot of auto repair knowledge. I never grew up around anyone who did. I was always nervous about buying a classic car since I didn't know anything about them, but I've wanted a classic car for as long as I can remember. I was never interested in new cars or sports cars. If it didn't have fins and a lot of chrome, it wasn't for me. I work on helicopters in the Navy and one day I was changing out a part on the engine and it hit me, if I can learn to work on an aircraft engine, why not the old car I've always wanted. So far, I've been winging it and learning how to do things as required by my particular car. So, I'll probably be bugging everyone with questions. I think this website can be a good resource for me. Looking forward to learning and meeting everyone.
Welcome, as former owner of a 56, I know what you're going through. First thing to do is get a shop manual, I always find them on ebay. These oldies are quirkie so that manual will explain a lot. How do you like those vacuum operated windshield wipers? They work good going down hill.:TU:
I actually did get the shop manual and the owners manual off of Ebay and that has helped a lot. There were a few owner modifications over the years that weren't in the book, but that's to be expected. My windshield wipers don't work quite right anyways. I'm thinking of changing over to the electric motor, not that I plan on driving it in the rain much, but you never know.
One thing I did with my old 56 wiper vacuum lines was to by pass the vacuum pump attached to the fuel pump if your's still has it. See pic for line direct from manifold to vacuum motor. Also eliminated the wide / narrow vacuum controls. All this reduced leaks and made the wipers work better and engine run better too I think. As you say I never drove it in the rain anyway. Something to think about. An old time mechanic suggested I put a little brake fluid in the wiper motor to lubricate and soften up the seals. Never had to on mine, don't know if it works, sounds good, I might try a little WD40 in there though. Good luck.
I may give your wiper suggestion a try. I posted pics of my car in the classic section titled "lucille".
