Projects 1953 Buick Roadmaster Riviera from Indiana

My 53 Buick Roadmaster Riviera started its life in Terre Haute Indiana. It was owned by Claude "Bruiser" Bandy and his wife Nell. From what I've been told and can dig up the two were heavily involved in running bootleg liquor and a well known cat house in Terre Hautes red light district. This car was used to haul money to Chicago on a regular basis, per the oil change records it racked up 61k miles in under 4 years!
If any of you know more I would love to hear.

Their long term paperboy purchased the car from them in 1983 when he was graduating high-school and heading off to Perdue University. From 1987 on it had been kept indoors, never having been completely restored. The car is very solid with zero rust, wearing bumps and bruises its earned and I think it will keep.

It is getting the following
Nosed
Decked
NOS trim to replace any thats rougher looking
Skirts, I'm looking for them if you have any.
Rear lowered 2 inches
53 Cadillac hubcaps
Bias ply wide whites
Porter muffler run as far forward as possible
Hellings air cleaner, I'm looking for one if you have any
Chrome Valve covers
Re dyed upholstery and leather repair
Its shell grey and seamist roof, black and red gut.
I'm thinking of red carpet to brighten the interior.

 

Good looking Buick and history.

 

Nice car......I had a '52 Mordoor straight 8 ran like a top. These are very heavy but very comfortable cars to drive.
You're gunna enjoy it!

 

Any suggestions on what to fill the lever action shocks with? Its like a cloud in heavy seas right now.

 

Cool, I tried to buy one of those a guy had sitting at a friend of mine's business a number of years back and the guy wanted more than I could spend, ended up that some kids broke the windows out of it and he pretty well gave it away. It was just as straight as that one too.

 

Cool car. Yeah they look heavy as all get out but Wiki says curb weight of around 4,000, I was thinking 5-6. Is that correct?

 

Is it by any chance a stick shift car? And are those feminine intimates hanging on the fence?

 

Hydraulic Jack oil or motor cycle fork oil are the two that are most recommended. Add oil and “exercise” the shock then top off. Be careful to clean rust and dirt away from the opening before removing the plug. If they show signs of leaking they can be and should be rebuilt.

 

No, its my understanding that the Roadmaster was strictly automatic. The smaller or Junior cars got the stick.
I'm not seeing the intimates!

 

Nice car.. I like your plan.. Get busy.... PS I like tacos too......

 

My Gramp would own nothing but a Roadmaster, yours is a beauty. Love the story, too!

 

Cool car and neat story of the history behind it. Looks to be a great condition survivor. Best type to find, since you have it all there and know what is not hidden.

 

Nice Buick ! It deserves nothing less than dual pipes. A pair of 30'' Porters would land you 4 feet shy of Heaven's door.
The engine will run better with the stock air cleaner.
If you want some insurance on the engine, pull the pan & make sure the oil pump pickup hasn't started to come loose - over the last few years, I've seen several untouched 322s that had the pickup literally fall off.

 

The engine has been completely rebuilt. Please explain about the air cleaner?

 

I dont see your reply?

 

I started my life in Terre Haute, In also. And coincidentally, I owned a green 52 Buick Riviera while I lived there. But back to the history of the car: there is a Facebook group called "If you grew up in Terre Haute, you remember..." and there are a lot of people on there with access to historical information. They might be able to help you out.

 

The interior of the oil bath is designed to direct the air flow through the carb in the most efficient way. Aftermarket air cleaners don't have that capability designed into them ..

 

Nice Buick! My family had a 53 Special 4-door with 263/8 and Dynaflow for a few years when I was a kid. 53 is my favorite year Buicks.

 

The ‘Bordello Red’ interior would be a nice ‘ tip of the hat’ to the car’s rumored early history..

I love old Buick’s.....great acquisition...Congrats!

Ray

 

The history is 100% confirmed!

 

The polishing begins this weekend on the 53 Caddy caps, Goodyear Super Cushions arrive and get mounted Tuesday!

 

Tim, I'm not seeing a reply?

 

I love tacos, I have info about the 53 buick. I was a driver for Nell Bandy in 1970-1971 and iI drove that car to take her to Cherry st., Dr. appt and such,also took ladies to doctor. call me at 850-596-2495 my name is Tim

 

That was an absolutely awesome conversation I just had with Mr. Tim King. Thank you for reaching out