View Full Version : I went and did it...
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 02:57 PM
Purchased another Buick....
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/17390684_1436912122996111_7468302604040445775_o_zp smg22waxa.jpg
Schroeder
03-20-17, 03:11 PM
Let me guess: you could stop anytime you want to, right?
That thought is a clear indicator for an addiction....:know:
Buddahaid
03-20-17, 03:15 PM
Nice one. Looks like a four body trunk at least!
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 03:17 PM
Let me guess: you could stop anytime you want to, right?
That thought is a clear indicator for an addiction....:know:
Well, I have a 54 and this is a 60. I need a 70's. Maybe it is a hoarding thing. :hmmm:
Nice one. Looks like a four body trunk at least!
And the kitchen sink. :)
Bilge_Rat
03-20-17, 03:26 PM
nice!
any pics of the interior and engine?
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 03:31 PM
nice!
any pics of the interior and engine?
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/V__867B_zpsdv4qeyfm.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/V__4C63_zpscgtq30f7.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/V__1659_zpskmecgi4b.jpg
The car has 30658 miles original. Engine 401 325 hp and 445 foot lbs torque.
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 03:34 PM
Had to make room in my garage.
https://scontent.fphl2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17349605_10210416657244433_707565917945842719_o.jp g?oh=9a68eb763b6fdccb5b8d4fd4bd90e066&oe=5969CD4C
Catfish
03-20-17, 03:45 PM
They really knew how to build spaceships :)
Congrats :up:
Bilge_Rat
03-20-17, 04:03 PM
is it an original or was it restored?
It looks great for a 57 year old car.
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 04:09 PM
Original unmolested.
Aktungbby
03-20-17, 04:12 PM
The cars are nice but I like the sign collection in the garage too!:Kaleun_Salute:Let me guess: you could stop anytime you want to, right?
That thought is a clear indicator for an addiction....:know: ADDICTION! Oh he'll be stopped alright; but only I see his really big plan!:O: http://www.cartalk.com/blogs/jim-motavalli/buried-cars-who-says-you-cant-take-your-ride-you (http://www.cartalk.com/blogs/jim-motavalli/buried-cars-who-says-you-cant-take-your-ride-you) I mean hey Ol' Tut got buried with his 'hot wheels': Nuthin' good goes outa style BBY! http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/moresmilies6.jpg https://assets.rbl.ms/5131921/980x.jpg http://www.seeker.com/king-tuts-chariots-ferraris-of-ancient-egypt-1766183355.html?slide=bQZJwt (http://www.seeker.com/king-tuts-chariots-ferraris-of-ancient-egypt-1766183355.html?slide=bQZJwt)
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 04:56 PM
The signs are mostly reproductions. 4-5 signs are original. The original sign prices are just ridiculous.
Commander Wallace
03-20-17, 05:52 PM
It is a beautiful car. The paint looks original too. The 401 " Nailhead " engine is legendary and is built strong with forged rods and cranks not to mention being a " torque monster. " Tommy Ivo, raced
twin-Nailhead (placed side-by-side) in dragsters. By the way Chris, Jay Leno and Tim Allen, a.k.a, Tim the tool man Taylor called and said with your second classic car acquisition, you are in now " In the club "
Your membership is pending. :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
Congratulations on your new car purchase.
Oh I am so jealous Chris, what a beauty,:o if you get sick of it and feel generous you can ship it as a gift to me, I will give you the address!:yep:
What's the mechanics like? Are you likely to pull it down or is it fine the way it is?:hmmm:
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 06:16 PM
It is a beautiful car. The paint looks original too. The 401 " Nailhead " engine is legendary and is built strong with forged rods and cranks not to mention being a " torque monster. " Tommy Ivo, raced
twin-Nailhead (placed side-by-side) in dragsters. By the way Chris, Jay Leno and Tim Allen, a.k.a, Tim the tool man Taylor called and said with your second classic car acquisition, you are in now " In the club "
Your membership is pending. :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
Congratulations on your new car purchase.
The paint is original. The car is completely original sans the usual muffler, brakes and some deteriorated rubber products. It has a few warts but one does not stop driving a Rolls Royce because there is a dent in the fender. This my second nailhead. My 54 has the 264 nailhead that I had to replace the heads as someone installed hardened seats. No no on a nailhead head. Enough nickel content. I honed and installed new rings. Runs great. The 54 is restored 100%. This 401 is hooked to the Dynaflow. Great transmission as it does not shift. All turbine and fluid drive. Worked well on the Buick tanks and works well for the Buick cars. Fascinating for it's time.
Oh I am so jealous Chris, what a beauty,:o if you get sick of it and feel generous you can ship it as a gift to me, I will give you the address!:yep:
What's the mechanics like? Are you likely to pull it down or is it fine the way it is?:hmmm:
The car runs well. Some oil leaks need attention. Other then that I drove the car 188 miles 65-75 MPH without issue. It is solid. 30000 actual miles and runs like new. Previous owner had a complete brake job done 2014. Everything..master cylinder rebuild, shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware and hose. Then it was driven less than 200 miles until my purchase this past weekend. I need to replace or repair the wing window regulator driver side. Not much else to do but enjoy it.
The best thing with Buick is my 54 is restored and the black paint is flawless. Cost was $10k 11 years ago. It is top notch. I worry about every stinking rock or whatever scratching or denting the body/paint. Black cars...if there is one ding your eye goes right to it. If it is not straight the black paint enhances the ripples in the panels. With the 60 Buick in it's original form I'm not so worry about it. It is what it is.
This is the 54 nailhead when reinstalling the heads. I freshened up the block.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/WP_20160811_001_zpssuxfiovl.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/WP_20160813_004_zpscfjep7yp.jpg
My first Buick was a 1978 LeSabre. I loved that car.
fireftr18
03-20-17, 07:18 PM
Beautiful car.
:Kaleun_Salute:
Acktung, Wolferz, Armistead, and I can take it for a test ride.
:Kaleun_Cheers:
AVGWarhawk
03-20-17, 08:30 PM
My first Buick was a 1978 LeSabre. I loved that car.
My first was a 78 Regal 2 door 3.8 V6. Loved that car.
GoldenRivet
03-20-17, 09:09 PM
In wonderful condition. well done :Kaleun_Salute:
Castout
03-20-17, 09:46 PM
What a gorgeous car!
Aktungbby
03-21-17, 02:04 AM
Beautiful car.
:Kaleun_Salute:
Acktung, Wolferz, Armistead, and I can take it for a test ride.
:Kaleun_Cheers:U guys can ride up front; I'll be in the back seat with this chick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oizl5KF0e2E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oizl5KF0e2E) :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
Jimbuna
03-21-17, 07:25 AM
Looks rather special Chris....very nice indeed my friend :sunny:
Rockin Robbins
03-21-17, 07:37 AM
What a find! Not the usual collector's car (of course who knows at the time of manufacture and for at least 10 years after what will be collectible) so it's amazing that it's been preserved so perfectly. It is better than most of its sisters were in 1961.
Hows the availability of non-alcohol fuel? And how does it tolerate unleaded fuel? Must be some nice stories about dealing with all that. In my area non-alcohol fuel doesn't command the hideous prices it did a year ago and is fairly available.
Great find and now we know at least one piece of history that will be properly preserved!:up:
Catfish
03-21-17, 07:43 AM
Well, I have a 54 and this is a 60. I need a 70's. Maybe it is a hoarding thing. :hmmm:
I think the Buick Rivieras up to 1963 are still good looking, but after that ...
AVGWarhawk
03-21-17, 08:27 AM
What a find! Not the usual collector's car (of course who knows at the time of manufacture and for at least 10 years after what will be collectible) so it's amazing that it's been preserved so perfectly. It is better than most of its sisters were in 1961.
Hows the availability of non-alcohol fuel? And how does it tolerate unleaded fuel? Must be some nice stories about dealing with all that. In my area non-alcohol fuel doesn't command the hideous prices it did a year ago and is fairly available.
Great find and now we know at least one piece of history that will be properly preserved!:up:
Right off the bat it's a 4 door. Everyone wants 2 doors. But, these are getting hard to find and are expensive when found. So the Buick sedan is not on the top of the list for collector cars. But, it gets the nod, thumbs up, horn honking and waving. It's a sled. :D
The car has had 3 owners and lived it's life in Altoona PA. A majority of it as a garage queen. The previous owners did not drive it much as all. From the looks of it just around Altoona that is no bigger than a postage stamp. This accounts for the low mileage. The brake pedal wear(of which there is none) is a sure indicator the 30,000 miles is legit.
There is no corn free gas were I live. I did a quick check under the hood(will tidy it up later) and it appears the rubber fuel line has been replaced with hose that can handle the corn gas. I will check the other rubber lines to the tank. I will rebuild the carb with a newer rubber produced kit. She needs the high octane for the 10:1 compression. I run the 1954 on low octane for the 8:1 compression. Both run fine on corn fuel but the 54 vapor locked once from the corn fuel. Knock on wood because some guys experience vapor lock all the time.
Concerning how she runs on corn, for a 2 ton car she squats and goes when the pedal is mashed. The 401 325 hp is a strong motor. The Dynaflow transmission(many call DynaSlow) is very responsive IMO.
She will remain as you see her with exception of replacing the parts that normally wear or deteriorate.
True survivor.
AVGWarhawk
03-21-17, 08:29 AM
I think the Buick Rivieras up to 1963 are still good looking, but after that ...
I like the Riveras but I'm always drawn to the odd ball or obscure vehicles.
A lot of gas stations up in Maine are starting to offer ethanol free gas as a safer alternative fuel for snowmobiles and other small engine vehicles.
AVGWarhawk
03-21-17, 12:31 PM
A lot of gas stations up in Maine are starting to offer ethanol free gas as a safer alternative fuel for snowmobiles and other small engine vehicles.
The ethanol free gas can be had on the eastern shore of MD. Farm equipment, etc. The ride to get it would burn 1/2 a tank each way! Plus a toll over the Bay Bridge.
Both cars run well on the corn fuel. Could they run better on ethanol free...absolutely.
Commander Wallace
03-21-17, 02:09 PM
I'm betting your new Buick will be very popular at the next car show Chris, provided you take it there. I like the fact that it's as original as the day it rolled off the show room floor.
It always saddens me to go to car shows and see that someone has chopped the roof or tubbed a classic car. These people then think they have improved the looks of their car. I always thought these people had more dollars than sense.
The older or more mature crowd seem to restore or keep their car as close to original as when it was built. Just keep your eye on your car at the shows as jealous people like to intentionally damage them and careless people let their dogs jump up on cars or run strollers or wagons into these cars.
You also mentioned removing the hardened valve seats. I'm thinking the original owners did so to be able to run unleaded gas. Why remove them ? If you like oddball cars, I have pictures of one sitting in the garage which most will know what it is.
AVGWarhawk
03-21-17, 02:25 PM
I'm betting your new Buick will be very popular at the next car show Chris, provided you take it there. I like the fact that it's as original as the day it rolled off the show room floor.
It always saddens me to go to car shows and see that someone has chopped the roof or tubbed a classic car. These people then think they have improved the looks of their car. I always thought these people had more dollars than sense.
The older or more mature crowd seem to restore or keep their car as close to original as when it was built. Just keep your eye on your car at the shows as jealous people like to intentionally damage them and careless people let their dogs jump up on cars or run strollers or wagons into these cars.
You also mentioned removing the hardened seats. I'm thinking the original owners did so to be able to run unleaded gas. Why remove them ? If you like oddball cars, I have pictures of one sitting in the garage which most will know what it is.
I have not experienced careless patrons at shows but once. It was a kid who liked banging on the cars. I'm very selective of what shows I attend.
The hardened seats are not necessary in Buick nailhead heads. There is enough nickel content the metal is hard enough to withstand unleaded gas. Also, most who cut the Buick heads for seats cut into the water jacket. Heads are ruined. In my case, the hardened seat cause a loud tap and I was blowing oil out the tail. I did not remove the seats. The seats destroyed the heads. Back then Chevy, Caddy, Olds and Buick did their own thing. Engines were different and not shared. Today, everyone rebuilds Buick like a Chevy. No good. Not sure if the previous owner who had the engine rebuilt approved the seats or not.
Video of burning blue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYg9RLn5btE
Cracked open the heads and found this mess:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/WP_20160612_029_zpsqaocgnrg.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e182/Warhawk1-avg/WP_20160612_023_zps89vxuc2z.jpg
Replaced the rings and valve job while in frame. The clown who installed the seats and did the rebuild did a host things wrong. The rocker arm shafts were installed upside down. The rings...does not appear the cylinders were honed. Hardened seats.
2 months out of service and $3000.00 later....
Smoke and noise free:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWBZw2YLUkA&feature=youtu.be
I expect that we in the near future will see a huge sign on AVGWarhawk's CP or what they call it.
"No comments today, I'm cruising in my Buick. Will be back very very later folks"
Markus
Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just get die-cast model cars?... :D
<O>
AVGWarhawk
03-21-17, 05:59 PM
Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just get die-cast model cars?... :D
<O>
I have die cast as well. ��
Commander Wallace
03-21-17, 06:47 PM
I expect that we in the near future will see a huge sign on AVGWarhawk's CP or what they call it.
"No comments today, I'm cruising in my Buick. Will be back very very later folks"
Markus
:haha:
Buddahaid
03-21-17, 07:41 PM
I expect that we in the near future will see a huge sign on AVGWarhawk's CP or what they call it.
"No comments today, I'm cruising in my Buick. Will be back very very later folks"
Markus
They got holes in the sides like subs.
There is enough nickel content the metal is hard enough to withstand unleaded gas.
I would still use upper cylinder oil like Morey's in old lead cars, I don't have one now but I used to use an upper cylinder drip.:yep:
Commander Wallace
03-22-17, 06:53 AM
I would still use upper cylinder oil like Morey's in old lead cars, I don't have one now but I used to use an upper cylinder drip.:yep:
Either that or Marvel Mystery oil. In the oil, it helps clean the engine internally. Added to the fuel, it keeps the valves and combustion chamber from experiencing carbon buildup. Chris maintains his cars properly so he has less if anything to worry about. The only bad thing about Marvel in the fuel is that it has a detrimental effect on catalytic converters. The older cars that Chris has doesn't have to worry about that.
AVGWarhawk
03-22-17, 07:51 AM
I would still use upper cylinder oil like Morey's in old lead cars, I don't have one now but I used to use an upper cylinder drip.:yep:
I could use it as a precaution but the metallurgy of Buick heads does not really require it. I do run a cleaner for the valves through the fuel tank once in a while. By and large, the issues with the 264 nailhead were completely created by the rebuilder. Further, the thermostat installed let the engine run much to cool and allowed incomplete burn of fuels and other crap the previous owner was dumping in the tank. As you can see from the pictures, the carbon and oil in every cylinder looks like the La Brea Tar Pits. Since my repairs I driven the car 1000 miles. The piston rings have seated well. No oil loss. I pulled the plugs and all look as they should with complete burn of fuel. She pulls like a freight train.
AVGWarhawk
03-22-17, 08:04 AM
Either that or Marvel Mystery oil. In the oil, it helps clean the engine internally. Added to the fuel, it keeps the valves and combustion chamber from experiencing carbon buildup. Chris maintains his cars properly so he has less if anything to worry about. The only bad thing about Marvel in the fuel is that it has a detrimental effect on catalytic converters. The older cars that Chris has doesn't have to worry about that.
The nailhead 54-57 are wet valves. There are no valve stem seals. When starting the engine there is a puff of oil smoke which is inherent to the design. Buick added valve stem seals later. Marvels would be of some use here because these valves have been know to stick from sitting to long thus bending a push rod. Since I drive my cars once a week weather permitting I do not worry about stuck valves much. I do use Lucas Classic Car oil as it is rich in zinc that the tappets require. Zinc is all but removed from today's oils.
The upkeep of these older cars is fairly easy. The after market support is quite good for Buick and other manufacturers. It is growing every day. Plenty of clubs and folks with parts. There are a few parts we call "unobtainium" as you ain't going to find it, period.
I can say since driving these older vehicles I appreciate my daily driver much more. Sometimes driving the 54 is a chore and like wrestling a gorilla. Bias ply tires track and grab inconsistencies in the road. The 60 I just purchased is much more pleasurable to drive. The leaps and bounds of improvements in engineering from 54 to 60 is remarkable.
Commander Wallace
03-22-17, 08:41 AM
The nailhead 54-57 are wet valves. There are no valve stem seals. When starting the engine there is a puff of oil smoke which is inherent to the design. Buick added valve stem seals later. Marvels would be of some use here because these valves have been know to stick from sitting to long thus bending a push rod. Since I drive my cars once a week weather permitting I do not worry about stuck valves much. I do use Lucas Classic Car oil as it is rich in zinc that the tappets require. Zinc is all but removed from today's oils.
The upkeep of these older cars is fairly easy. The after market support is quite good for Buick and other manufacturers. It is growing every day. Plenty of clubs and folks with parts. There are a few parts we call "unobtainium" as you ain't going to find it, period.
I can say since driving these older vehicles I appreciate my daily driver much more. Sometimes driving the 54 is a chore and like wrestling a gorilla. Bias ply tires track and grab inconsistencies in the road. The 60 I just purchased is much more pleasurable to drive. The leaps and bounds of improvements in engineering from 54 to 60 is remarkable.
The upkeep would be easier not having to deal with oxygen, map and other sensors or computers. Points, condensers and the like and you're good to go. I know guys with early 70's G.M classic vehicles and they upgraded the distributors to Hei systems. Silicon grease on the underside of the module once a year as part of routine maintenance and they are fool proof. One other thing with marvel, my understanding was it helped lubricate the valves in fuels without a lead content in older classic cars without hardened valve seats.
Modern cars today encompass incredible engineering. 300hp is now common in basic " grocery getter " vehicles. A friend's basic 2007 Ford Mustang with a 3.7 liter 6 cylinder engine pumps out 305 horsepower and gets an honest 30+ miles per gallon. With a tuned dual exhaust and the use of an X pipe, I'm sure it could get 35 MPG or better and increase the torque and flatten the curve. I have driven various sports cars and yet I know someone with a 2000 something Toyota Prius that will out turn and out handle most if not all of them if not outpower and outrun them . :doh: The newer cars may have the engineering but they rust out in a couple years and devalue faster than most people can make payments on them. The older cars like your 60 Buick have character and much nicer lines and don't look like a shoe box on 4 wheels either.
AVGWarhawk
03-22-17, 09:43 AM
The upkeep would be easier not having to deal with oxygen, map and other sensors or computers. Points, condensers and the like and you're good to go. I know guys with early 70's G.M classic vehicles and they upgraded the distributors to Hei systems. Silicon grease on the underside of the module once a year as part of routine maintenance and they are fool proof. One other thing with marvel, my understanding was it helped lubricate the valves in fuels without a lead content in older classic cars without hardened valve seats.
Modern cars today encompass incredible engineering. 300hp is now common in basic " grocery getter " vehicles. A friend's basic 2007 Ford Mustang with a 3.7 liter 6 cylinder engine pumps out 305 horsepower and gets an honest 30+ miles per gallon. With a tuned dual exhaust and the use of an X pipe, I'm sure it could get 35 MPG or better and increase the torque and flatten the curve. I have driven various sports cars and yet I know someone with a 2000 something Toyota Prius that will out turn and out handle most if not all of them if not outpower and outrun them . :doh: The newer cars may have the engineering but they rust out in a couple years and devalue faster than most people can make payments on them. The older cars like your 60 Buick have character and much nicer lines and don't look like a shoe box on 4 wheels either.
Reliability of today's vehicles is quite good. I worked on cars in the 1980's when O2, MAP, MAF, coolent sensors were in it's infancy. ROM computers with little more than a code chart and digital volt meter to diagnose and repair. Chilton manual at my side.
I was considering a Pertronix but the mixed reviews I chose not to change the ignition. I did not want to go to a complete HEI set up either. Originality is my desire. I have no issues with points. The Buick has never stranded me. Tow truck provided by Hagerty is but a phone call away.
I have not heard that Marvels helps with the unleaded gas issue. Lead additive are available. I do not much worry about the nailhead valve train and wear. Unless of course someone installs hardened seats. :doh:
I pulled the plugs and all look as they should with complete burn of fuel. She pulls like a freight train.
Excellent news Chris! Should be good for another 150,000 mls.:up:
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