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So I took ownership of my 55 three years ago and for two years it sat in crap shop that did nothing but tear the car to pieces and collect dust. Since I got the car back, I decided to do the work with a good friend of mine as the damage was too much and my trust to have another shop touch my car went out the window.
And where the project started. As much as I would have liked, this is not a frame-off restoration. Stioll, the undercarriage is in great shape and a little black paint will make it look clean.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience. Sadly, it's happened to a lot of us. However, you have been making up for lost time in a spectacular manner.
Keep us posted.
Yes, I have been hearing that alot annoy shops. It truly is sad. I do believe that shop bit off more than it could chew and I ended up paying a heavy price. Thank you for the compliments, I will definitely keep updating as the progress continues.
Some times it's best to do things for yourself if you can .
Your "friend" must have some experience and talent , as it looks like a nice job .
Thank you Charlie! Yes my buddy has many years of bodywork experience and he does not b.s. around when it comes to doing work like this. I basically have been piecing this car back together again since I got it back and its good to have someone else helping me.
Thank you fellas! Its been one heck of a journey with this car. I have a question for you guys. I tried to message one of the guys that I previously bought some parts from, but he has not messaged me back. Do any of you guys know where I can find the front fender braces so the fenders can be aligned? We can make them but I would much rather buy an original pair.
Who was it that you bought parts from in the past? You can either click on a user's name and send them a PM or you can view their public profile and send them a Visitor Message. The public profile will also say when the user was active last. If it's been months or years chances are the user won't know you're trying to reach them.
As far as the fender braces go you'll just have to find some in a salvage yard. I imagine fender braces from an 88 will work as well. I'm sure someone can give you year ranges too.
Who was it that you bought parts from in the past? You can either click on a user's name and send them a PM or you can view their public profile and send them a Visitor Message. The public profile will also say when the user was active last. If it's been months or years chances are the user won't know you're trying to reach them.
As far as the fender braces go you'll just have to find some in a salvage yard. I imagine fender braces from an 88 will work as well. I'm sure someone can give you year ranges too.
Yeah, I sent a PM to the guy but he has not responded. I remember he had a parts car. Had I known at the time when I bought the other parts I would of bought them off of him as well. I have tried looking for 88s and even Buicks, but to no avail. I did not think these braces would be that difficult to find.
Try 2blu442 (John) on this forum he sells parts and he has a 54 and a 55 part cars. For some reason if he doesn't have them Buick of the same years are the same. Old's post car, 88 and super 88 and 98 should all be the same. Keep us informed if you can't find your parts ..... Tedd
Try 2blu442 (John) on this forum he sells parts and he has a 54 and a 55 part cars. For some reason if he doesn't have them Buick of the same years are the same. Old's post car, 88 and super 88 and 98 should all be the same. Keep us informed if you can't find your parts ..... Tedd
Thanks Ted! Actually 2blu442 was the guy I pmed...Haha. He has not replied. Maybe he is on vacation. I found fender braces off of an 88 but I need to make sure it's the right part. It's difficult to know when I was not the one who removed them. I'll keep you guys posted.
call Rohner's Auto Parts: 800-622-0290, they have a couple 55's.
Thank you Doug, I appreciate the tip! 'll give them a call. Just got done ordering all new rubber seals for the doors, hood and trunk.
whew.....Talk about expensive.
Hello friends, I'm back again with an update. So we have now been tackling partial of the interior. The dash pad will also be replaced. We will be doing the floors next. Nothing major, just some patch work in a couple of areas closer to the kick panels. There must have been a leak coming from somewhere between the fender and/ or cowl but we weren't able to trace it back to anywhere. Hoping the new weather stripping will take care of that. Anyways, here are my updated pics.
Last edited by Oldskool98; Jan 11, 2020 at 11:13 AM.
So, I also wanted to add that I picked up my Detroit Steel wheels from my powder coater.... great guy... awesome work. The rims used to be a candy blue but I decided to go with a different color so I had them redone to the color of the car. I cannot believe how close they match in color by just looking at a painted piece of card board with the naked eye. What do you guys think?
Thank you. She is slowly coming back to life. I can't wait to polish up the chrome and change the dash pad. It's going to really pop. The steering wheel is also going to be replaced but im not sure if it should be painted. Im not sure how it will look.
Thank you. She is slowly coming back to life. I can't wait to polish up the chrome and change the dash pad. It's going to really pop. The steering wheel is also going to be replaced but im not sure if it should be painted. Im not sure how it will look.
I don't think it would look good blue with the gray upholstery, maybe black.
That wheel looks like it could be restored from the pictures here..Probably could be redone for less than $50 bucks. The last time I came across a NOS wheel or even one that looked newish they wanted a kings ransom for them, maybe you know of a deal somewhere..... Tedd
I don't think it would look good blue with the gray upholstery, maybe black.
Yeah you are right! Black would actually be perfect since it is a neutral color.
Originally Posted by Tedd Thompson
That wheel looks like it could be restored from the pictures here..Probably could be redone for less than $50 bucks. The last time I came across a NOS wheel or even one that looked newish they wanted a kings ransom for them, maybe you know of a deal somewhere..... Tedd
I've found them before but not much better in condition than mine. Ted, do you know a reputable place or person that can restore them?
Yeah you are right! Black would actually be perfect since it is a neutral color.
I've found them before but not much better in condition than mine. Ted, do you know a reputable place or person that can restore them?
Can't help you much as I have never had one done, hopefully some one will see this reply back. For me it wasn't that hard just time consuming kinda like doing body work on something round...... Tedd
Can't help you much as I have never had one done, hopefully some one will see this reply back. For me it wasn't that hard just time consuming kinda like doing body work on something round...... Tedd
Oh I get what you mean. So I'm guessing a little fiberglass resin and a lot of sanding. If that's the case I can certainly do that. The gears in my head have just started turning...lol.
Ok, so took a break from the interior and now moving to the front. Under hood painted, mounted and ready for first coat of paint. My buddy doesn't waste time.... lolol.
