Picked up this '53 Buick Special 40 last spring from CA. The car was finished about 10 years ago, but the engine compartment, some interior details, and trunk were not up to my standards. I started by fabbing new mounts, and installing a new aluminum radiator, with a built in trans cooler, to get rid of the original, with an external cooler. Repainted the engine in "Olds Gold", and replaced everything I could on the engine with chrome parts. It has a SBC/TH350 combo, with rebuilt factory drums, so frame mods, and a power steering setup from a '63 Impala. The factory auto shifter was moved to the floor, and I removed the shifter arm nub from the column, so I could retain it and the original steering wheel. Body mody include: '99 Chrysler Iris Pearl, and custom mix two tone, shaved bumpers, shaved emblems and fender portals, shaved handles, flared front fender bottoms to blend the lake pipes in, and tons of pinstriping. I still plan on making the factory gauges all work, and cleaning up the dash a bit more.
Did it come with the hat? Is the hat holder hinged near the mirror? Is the big chromed trim piece ~OEM for a car?
The hat holder is hinged, and spring loaded. It has oval holes to fit many mirror mounts. I buy them off eBay. The hat holder all comes as one assembly. You can find cheap hats to match your car online as well. I found a near perfect match.
That looks really good with the Mercury side trim. Looks like it was made for the car.... (WINK WINK)
Only just found your thread. Great to get to see your "new" Buick at the Mead NE show. Don't hold your breath, but maybe I can get mine on the road someday and go Buick cruisin' with you.
I can't wait to see your Buford! You should have plenty of time to finish that green monster by next summer, if you start NOW!
Single outlet lakes pipes would have looked good. Always thought the three outlet ones were a bit much
That's an improvement to a really cool car. Triples caps ARE a bit much. Even regular single cap lakepipes can be too much on a car like yours, that retains the stock rocker panel stainless trim.
I totally agree with loosing the "triple" lakes. I think they clashed with the rest of the design. Much better now.
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