Hey all, I'm coming on board with my 57 Buick. It's a 2 door post car in primer black and blue scallops with the nailhead 364. I'm in kinda custom/hot rod mode with it but it's still really in the project phase now, as it needs a good bit done to get it road worthy. I will post up some pics when I figure out how. TC
Went to the 2015 NSRA Nats in Louisville where they had over 10,000 cars registered. The car that turned me on the most was a black 57 Buick Special 2 door post from Texas that was completely stock bodied but perfectly restored with shiny paint and a wine colored leather interior. The nailhead had three two barrels. If I were you I'd leave all the chrome and stainless just the way it came from the factory.
Lowering that 57 Buick and a good set of wheels and tires will make a world of difference. I like what that did for the 64 Biscayne in my avatar which s otherwise stock bodied. Gary.
I believe you are correct on the lowering and wheels.... its right now just one thing at a time since I have such a long way to go still.
I like your car.I agree with lowering it a bit,just pulling the rear end down a few inches would make a big difference.
If you DON'T think lowering and wheels are better, you're probably on the wrong forum! Take off the excess emblems, handles, and gee-gaws, as well. Then you're on your way!
Putting carpeting in as a first step is a dead give-away that you're a newbie. PLEASE hang around here for a while before doing ANYTHING to that Buick. It's a relatively rare car - stick shift, radio delete - and deserves only the best treatment. Take time to LEARN from the older guys before you ruin it by making bad decisions and modifications.
LOL judging from the dash the guy that painted that car used a broom. the '57 is a nice car and a one year only roof to boot. I probably wouldn't put myself in a box with hot rod or custom on it I would just build it the way I wanted to and drive it like I stole it. Any buick I have ever owned got built that way, performance oriented enough to not be classed as low and slow and custom enough to not be classed as a street freak.
Do not pull any emblems. chrome, stainless, handles or whatever someone else perceives to be gee-gaws off that car. Look how good two chops 57 looks with everything still on it.
Thanks for all the advice yall....I'm not an expert in anything and reviving this old car sure ain't no exception. I'm just doing it as I can with very limited resources and know-how. I like the old car though and desire to enjoy it on the road one day. You all are steering me in the right direction I'm sure and I'm appreciative
Uhhh, I believe the car is chopped, so I guess it's ruined?????? This IS a rod and custom forum, not for the faint of heart. While that Buick is a good looking car, even though it is unusually optioned (or not optioned), just being low in numbers doesn't make it Barret Jackson material. Not so rare AND desirable, that you can't do a few things to it to improve it. There ARE cars I wouldn't change from stock, but this one I'd have fun with and make it a better, more interesting custom.
I love the '57 Buicks and yes it is relatively rare with the 3 speed. I agree the body and chrome should be left stock but I disagree that the new black carpeting is a mistake- Missysdad1 can you explain whats wrong with new black carpeting?