Going tomorrow to checkout a 1956 Buick special. Car sat in a barn for 30 years got listed on craigslist a few weeks ago and sold before I could get to it.The guy that bought it must have had second thoughts because it is for sale again. Typical problems on long term stored car.Nailhead is stuck, floor rust, chrome and paint will need work but it is all there and solid. Thinking about taking care of the rust dropping it and hunting for a Riv or Wildcat donor for 425 and rear end.
Scrub it up, throw some new shoes on it and a running nailhead and you're set for summer! That is a nice score, did you buy it?
Toughest job will be converting rear susp to work with open drive. That's going to be a great car. Keep us posted. Frank C
man it's ready for the snow...look at them tires... That is a Great looking Buick. Love the 2 door sedan. Red, Black and Chrome my favorite colors.
"Toughest job will be converting rear susp to work with open drive. That's going to be a great car. Keep us posted. Frank C " Frank C has it right. Converting the rear suspension is the hardest part. With that large engine comp. you can fit another Nailhead in there for sure. I'd suggest a 401 or 425. The later 455's may not squeeze-in as easy. Love dem Buicks'...I've owned 3 different ones. All great cars ! Jonnie King www.legends.thewwbc.net
Well drove several hours in a blizzard driving an OT Car with 225 50 17 tires and bought the car. Found a 69 Riviera donor on craigslist.Think it has a 430 motor and posi rear end.Waiting to hear back from the seller. The car is a little rougher up close but not bad for a 57 year old northern Ohio car. Will need to replace or repair/rechrome the bumpers and spend some quality time with media blaster, grinder and mig welder. All in all pretty happy though if the donor comes through I will still be under $3,000 so far. Scrap and parts from the Riv might help cover some materials.
Nice Buick for sure! Check out my CC brother Deadendcruiser's 56 here... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485358 We are almost neighbors, maybe get to see you around and hang out. Looking forward to seeing updates.
A lot of potential. I love my Buick. Hope to see it around. If you need floor pans, check out classicfabrication.com. I used their panels and they fit pretty good.
Nice!!! A few locals That will be driveway art for awhile but hopefully not long. Bought a 500sl Mercedes for the OL as a winter project and finished it already. So now it is my turn! The oxy/acetylene tanks are full changed the 80/20 argon mix tank Monday. Ready to fire up the compressor and get going.
Found a 425 nailhead and transmission from a 65 Riviera going to pick it up monday. Talked to the 65y/o owner of the machine shop that does my work he has rebuilt a 425 and 401 in the last couple months and is very familiar with the excentricities of the motor. Dragging the car home next weekend. Will tear into the motor/tranny and wait for better weather to start with the rust work. Any advice on rear end upgrade would be appreciated.Search function yeilds a lot of threads to sift through.
Awesome score, will you transfer the drive train from the riviera? having a parts car to get parts a Big plus did you buy the whole car?
Passed on 69 Riviera because the 430 isn't a nailhead.Want to stick with a nailhead but get more torque and a better transmission. If the guy with the 65 Riv has the rear end I might buy that also.The rear end swap I don't know much of anything about and will need to do a lot of research and get it right the first time.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=13189 Here is a good thread on a rear axle swap. I know it's for a 55, but still lots of good info.
Another nice Craigslist find. Great car! All I ever find is junk here on Philly area craigslist. That and Nigerian check scams!!!!
Picked up a 66 425 nailed Riviera motor with switch pitch thm-400 transmission. Included power steering, starter, alternator. carb and some spare parts. Walked the local pull-a-part junk yard and found a few 10 bolt 8.5 position rear ends.
Dragged the 425 nailhead home stopped along the way at the self serve car wash to get rid of some of the grime.Hope to spend a few hours tearing down to see if I have a rebuildable core or scrap.
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