Projects Buick number 3

I have always had a long love for buicks... I am now on my 3rd, 1st was a 54 4dr super. That was a creampuff of a car. But my mind and finances needed to sell it to build another car that took front stage. Fast forward 12 years. Bought a 51 Buick 2dr. Was a very good looking car but had some major rust holes hidden. I sold that car but regretted it that same day. Flipped some more iron here and there and found this 53 2dr special. Not a bad car. Has a little rust here and there but all in all pretty dang 95%solid



Image from when I bought it..

Cleaned some flat black off to show the exterior a bit better.

Interior is sparce but ok.

I got the straight 8 running decently car drove well, but she made some noise when warm, (Bottom End). I liked the car, but didn't love it. I tried to sell it as it was. no luck... So woke up one morning and said screw it. Time to make a real deal Buick and do all the **** I have wanted to do to one. Make a real ROAD CAR. Yeah the straight 8 could have been saved, I did sell all the parts out of the existing driveline to save other cars. Even the stock coils went to a good home.

So, some here may have a fit. I am putting it on air suspension(I have never had a 50s car on air and always wanted one).

I had a SBC core motor with 327 heads laying around, so I am building that and had a T5 I had bought for the 36 project that I sold so I have driveline covered.

Locally sourced a G body 10 bolt rear end for her, and some 68 c10 truck arms.

The idea is a car that can be driven anywhere with ease of parts, but Low as we can get.

Stay tuned for more....

 

So you’re saying it’s one piece at a time? Hehe.

 

Buicks work for me. That car would love a good Nail Head!

 

Neat project! Do you still have the straight eight?

Ben

 

Ben, you beat me to the punchline. Good project car, you’re off to a better start than I. This is where I’m at after some intense work.

 

I sold it to a guy locally needing one for his 50.

 

Sing it brother! haha.

 

I echo @Bangingoldtin. Would be great with a nailhead but I get it. Build it like you want it. Just build it!

 

So the mount for the truck arm pivot is bolt in. This is to fine tune alignment if needed on a rack. Then will weld in.

here is all the stuff going in.


And first time on the ground with new rear suspension installed.

 

Outstanding as always.

 

Looks like it's going to be in the weeds. @anthony myrick would be proud. I have a similar idea for the truck arms in my ride.

 

I have a mostly 1953 Buick I bought 52 years ago. You guys are making me want another one. There are a lot of things on the car I've never really touched which still work fine.

 

How low can you go?

 

Little Sunday update while I wait on parts. Dropped the steering arms while I wait for the dropped uprights from Downright Fab. Decided to get some rebuilt shocks for the front as these were very worn out.

 

Had to buy a new rosebud FYI the map gas torch just can't get hot enough.

#6 Oxy Acy rosebud, this thing is EPIC. I have never had a rosebud, now I see why people have em.

 

Looks like you are in business. Keith will fix you up on the uprights. One of the two sets I got.

 

Got the front stuff starting to roll in. Decided to make these bag cups. Funny. I looked back at an inspirational from someone on here bagged a 50 Buick. His bag cup height and mine were exactly the same for the tubing needed. 2.875”. So I guess I’m doing something right.

 

No happy with first holes I drilled for the air line to p*** through. So will chuck it up and drill new ones lower to make getting air line installed tons easier.

 

Little update. Found a worn out eccentric, so waiting on a NOS one to come in so I can put the driver's side together.

Made some short sway bar end links to work with the new travel.

But here is a shot of the p***enger side together. I am looking forward to seeing her on the ground for the first time. The Downright fab uprights are very nice quality. The lower bushing was super tight to get back in was my only complaint.

Drivers side upper eccentric is held in by a wrench but this gives the overview of the complete setup.



My test end link before getting the new bushings.



And now time for the money shots.

 

Looking good! Are you planning on running the factory front drum brakes?

 

Thanks man. And I am actually. No real sense in ditching them, they are completely rebuilt anyways. I don’t mind drums. I may upgrade to disc later when these shoes wear out.

 

I've occasionally thought about Buick headlights like that on my 53 Chevy

 

Ah man, I was excited when I found this thread. I was hoping it'd be longer! I guess I'll have to wait and see how it turns out. Maybe you'll motivate me to drag my '55 Roadmaster out of the yard.

The Special looks great so far--I really like that year. So what are these truck arms you speak of? Is this a common solution borrowed from a commonly available application?