Folks Of Interest Visited an elderly rodder

Great story I really enjoyed it!!! You've got a memory for life as well as a new friend. I don't consider I,m that old at 64, but I will throw the old guy card out there on occasion. Thank You!!!!

 

Hey @KingArthursKnight

Hey KAK, thanks for sharing this great story about the journey to see Buffalo.

Indeed, there is nothing that equals great machine work, by a very knowledgeable machinist, in a setting that isn't some spotless, sterile room, with no soul to it!

I figured it would be okay to post a couple of shot's of your Dads very cool 52 Chevy, and its very cool
G.M.C. 6 banger.

I shot these photos year's ago out at the Arlington Airport.
Thanks from Dennis.

 

Oh yeah, it's cool. The car was freshly taken out of mothballs when you took those. I drove up to Arlington on the original whitewall bias plies and fender skirts. The good old days are nice but radials are nicer. Thanks for the pics.

 

I'll agree; 75 ain't old. 80 is old. I've been through both and there was a big difference for me.

Hell, the "young guy" who sometimes helps me started collecting social security last year.

 

AGREE. Could not stop reading

Is there a connection with Buffalo and your car?. I do envy you the visit with him. A good machinist is something else.

Ben

 

My oldest will start SS before years end.

Ben

 

Great story!

 

Great story! Other than I all the sudden I feel old...

 

Wonderful story! I feel the same way about talking with the more experienced guys in our world. They truly are treasures. I kick myself when I think about the few times I’ve passed up the opportunity to talk to a WW-2 veteran.

 

I'm one up on you. When I was 15 in 1957, the local American Legion post recruited me as a ringer to play Baritone Bugle in their Drum & Bugle Corps (there was a real shortage of horn players, as all of the WWII vets were too busy with their families and jobs) We had WWII vets, but the guys who I found interesting were the WWI vets. We had 6 or 7 and when the corps went on a bus trip (to a parade or the state convention), I would sit with them and listen to their stories and occasiionally ask a question or two. The tales of "trenchfoot", "cooties", and the French Mademoiselles were worth the price of admission. Maybe it was the passage of time, but they seemed to be more light-hearted about their war experiences, whereas the WWII guys were rather grim about theirs.

It was time well spent.

 

Yes, he says he supplied a 38 Packard transmission for the 52.
Buffalo said with the side linkage and different rods he could run the column shift. The kicker is Buffalo thinks he has that original transmission somewhere in his collection. He acquired it when Dad quit racing. If something about that combo doesn't sound plausible feel free. I thought at one time he ran a 37 Lasalle but there is no evidence the floor had ever been modified. I probably have this setup confused with the 37 Chevy he raced at the same time.
Honestly, I have a lot more questions for the man. There will be follow up visits. He is just a pleasure. But once he got on a roll I wasn't about to interrupt the master.

 

Thank you.
I like your "jimmy" Bel Air. I don't recall that color in that year. Looks about right for 1955.
I really like a good running inline engine. Reason for mine.

Ben

 

Curious, is this Buffalo Enterprise that did distributor conversions? If so (somewhere) I have one done buy him. As I remember it was a V6 Chevy electronic distributor converted for my 235. I bought it used in the 90’s, but never swapped to an alternator, etc. to run it.

 

Yes sir,
The car is original paint. Never been restored. Wearing kind of thin. My dad bought it new Dec.52 at University Chevrolet here in Seattle. I recall him saying he waited and when the 53s came out he liked the 52 styling better. Paint is called Bittersweet with a Beach White top. Thank you for the comment.

 

Good question. I did notice some engines in his shop with electronic distributors. If I don't attend the American Graffiti 50th reunion in Petaluma, I will see him at the Monroe Swap meet this month. I will ask him.
Thank you

 

Thank you for clearing up that "pretty old'.....50 thing. Now I can go on to really appreciate the details of your visit and other great information on your really nice Chevrolet.........I am 77 and still trying to stay in the game. Thanks again for doing what many of us wish we had done years ago.

 

Great story, enjoyed reading it, almost felt the breeze, I'll be 75 next April.

 

People seem to live longer healthier nowadays.
I know some guys who reached 50 without even needing to use walkers.

 

50?.... Without a walker?.... Say it ain't so. Lol. That tongue in cheek comment I made to be kind to Mr. Buffalo has received as many responses as the trip itself. I myself will be 50+ a 10 spot. thanks for the reply Mr. Beanscoot.

 

Reminds me of a visit I had, with old time sprint racer Gene Novotny, in Casper, WY. He started out with a V 12 Lincoln powered sprinter, but soon went to GMC's, eventually winding up with several 12 ports. One of those is still on a car he "loaned" to Speedy Bill's museum, one went to someone in Idaho, and the Hoy Stevens-built version went someplace he couldn't recall. These guys can go on so long you need to pack a lunch with you, I love talking with them.

 

If your a YBlock guy….Karol Miller is the same way…

 

I have a similar time with some old timers (82+) around me. I like to think my unexpected visits are mutually enjoyed.

 

is karol still around - i remember all the old hot rod articles-drag and bonneville equally!- MISTER ford engine builder!

 

Hello Sir,
I saw Buffalo this weekend at the swap meet. I asked him about your distributor question and yes, he says he machined many electronic 250 and 292 distributors to fit the older 6 cyls. He rattled off exactly what needed to be done to accomplish this like it was yesterday. So yes you could own one of his conversions.

 

So cool. I’d just assumed it was a business in New York.
Thanks for the follow up!

 

Yes, he now lives in his home state of Texas. He replicated his orange and white 56 Ford Victoria. He’s a very close friend of Ted Eaton of Eaton Balancing and builder of many Yblocks. I visit Karol and his wife Barbara when we return from Florida to visit family. He is in his 80’s and still wears his NHRA championship ring from 1960 I believe.

 

JD, the ring was probably from 1959, when Rodney Singer and Karol won the Nationals in AA/D, with a blown 430 Lincoln. Also, you would really like Buffalo, the focus of this thread !

 

I do believe Buffalo is a faceless Hero to many of us who run the old Chevy sixes and have his parts in our cars. I can hear his voice in my head but I've never seen the Man. Too bad you didn't sneak a photo of him. It would be neat to put the person and his image together so we can honor the person and his artistry. If my memory is accurate, he told me he has many pictures of cars he's built parts for up on a wall in his shop? I know I sent him pictures of my 52 many years ago. It could be fitting to return the favor and put a photo of him on our walls.

 

Wow what a great thread, your story of the visit is great, and all the other posts about those great old school guys is wonderful!!

 

thanks!